How To Become a VATSIM Controller

By Roland Collins & Ruth McTighe

Controller Introduction

Welcome to VATSIM, the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network
The following information tells you how to become an on-line controller with VATSIM.net.

Contents:

1. The role of the controller
2. Joining VATSIM
3. Selecting a Division
4. Controller software
5. Controller training
6. Controller ratings
7. Controller rules
8. Helpful tips

1: The Role of the Controller

As in the real world, the role of the Air Traffic Controller is to:

• expedite and maintain an orderly flow of traffic, and;
• prevent collisions between aircraft in the air, and;
• assist in preventing collisions between aircraft on the ground, and;
• provide assistance to pilots.

As ATC you provide a service to others so you are expected to be competent and display a standard appropriate for your ATC rating or position. Training will be provided by VATSIM, and you will be encouraged to participate and to progress through the ratings as far as you wish.

You can begin by simply observing, watching and listening only, as preparation for your training.

2: Joining VATSIM

The first step is to register and join VATSIM. You will receive a VATSIM ID and password, which allow you to log on to the VATSIM network.
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VATSIM is divided into seven Regions, and you must initially select one of these Regions when you first register. Typically a person selects the Region that corresponds to where they live. The Regions each consist of a number of Divisions, and a Division is responsible for controller training within its own airspace.

To become a controller you must join a VATSIM Division.

Click here∞ to check the Region/Division to which you are currently assigned.

3: Selecting a Division

Which Division should I join?
There is generally no restriction on which VATSIM Division you should join but it is best to join the one that covers the real world airspace where you live. As ATC you should know your airspace well so there will be lots to learn about procedures, rules, terrain, locations, navaids, routes, etc, and it is easiest to learn in your local airspace. Learning in your local airspace provides you with the best opportunities to study the real world ATC counterparts and listen to them in operation. It also provides the best access to real world maps/chart etc to support your studies.

To help you find a VATSIM Division you can use the world map and links on the right hand side of the VATSIM.net homepage∞.

If you are NOT already in the correct Region then you should first change Region by clicking here∞.

Note: A Region Transfer is performed manually and may take a few days.

You will NOT be able to join the Division of your choice until you are in the correct Region.

Once you are in the correct Region you can join the Division of your choice by clicking here∞.

4: Controller Software

To get started you will need a program that connects to the VATSIM network and simulates an ATC radar screen. As soon as you are able you should log on and observe controllers in action.

VATSIM uses the following ATC client software:

• ASRC, the Advanced Simulated Radar Client, which is based on real world ATC systems in use at many ATC facilities around the world.

The current version of ASRC 1.1 can be downloaded from the "Controller Resources" link on the left hand side of the VATSIM.net homepage∞. At the same link you will also find some support tutorials to help you get started with ASRC. Other ASRC tutorials and resource material can be found at the Avsim File Library∞, or though local training departments.


A full list of all VATSIM approved controller software can be found here∞.

You will also need a sector file for the area you want to observe.


What are sector files?
Sector files contain the controller maps, airspace and aerodrome information for the area a controller is looking at on their screen

Visit the website of your chosen Division and obtain the latest local sector files.

Website links for each Division are shown on the world map on the right hand side of the VATSIM.net homepage∞.

You can also access other useful resources such as the maps and charts that a pilot uses. A central store of these can be found here∞.

5: Controller Training

The Division you have selected will provide your training and assessment.

You should contact the Training Department of the Division you have selected and follow instructions and guidelines from the Division/Training staff that will be looking after you. Your Division may assign you to work in a sub-section of the Division, such as an ARTCC, FIR, or vACC, so that you can focus your study on a much smaller area, and here you will work with local staff that will assist in looking after your training needs.

Once you have joined a Division, you should visit their website and read about the local procedures for training and assessment. This may be delivered in a variety of methods in order to cater for individual needs, and allows for a complete beginner NEW to aviation, as well as a person with real world qualifications within the aviation industry.

You can generally access all of the study material that you need free of charge from on-line sources listed by your local Division. You may want to print on-line maps, charts, airport diagrams, etc since the printed form makes your study easier. If you have current real world aviation material then you can use that on-line, in fact most Divisions encourage it.

6: Controller ratings

The ATC rating system is a simple scheme to mark the achievement of specific skills in ATC. At the beginning you will be an observer while you complete your basic study.

In order to start controlling you will be expected to take a simple assessment to show you have understood the basic concepts of controlling, and you will then be awarded a Student rating. In most cases a Student rating will allow you to perform only certain operations and you must check the details of these with your local Division.

To progress to a higher rating you will need to receive further training and an assessment of competence. Participating in any ATC assessment activity is purely optional, however, the award of higher ratings is dependent on achieving the standards set within the program. The VATSIM rating structure for controllers is listed below.


How will my rating change?
Your rating can only be changed by your local VATSIM Division, those looking after your training and assessment.

Any inquiry you have about your rating, training or assessment should be directed to your local Division and those responsible for looking after you as ATC.

7: Controller rules

Which rules will apply to me?
On-line users must obey all VATSIM rules at all times.

You should click here∞ to check those parts of the VATSIM Code of Conduct that deal with Controller behaviour.

There are also Global Rules issued by the VATSIM Executive Committee and you should click here∞ to check these.

As well as all VATSIM rules, you must also obey any Local Rules formulated by your Region/Division. Check with your Division to find out more about these.


Can I be totally realistic?
Generally on-line airspace rules and procedures are the same as those found in the real world.

Whilst VATSIM tries to make the on-line simulation close to real world behaviour there are situations where this is not possible and some rationalisation must be applied.

You should check with your Division about how local airspace is being implemented, and find out about any local deviation from real world practice.

8: Some helpful tips

• Always be willing to learn and ask questions.
• Study carefully and don?t rush your study.
• Choose your early attempts carefully and don?t take on too much.
• Seek help from experienced senior people around you.
• Make sure that you understand any VATSIM rules that apply to controllers.
• Make sure you learn any local rules that apply in your airspace.
• Take time to consolidate your ATC experiences before taking the next step.
• Stick to one location initially and become competent before attempting to perform ATC in another location/area.
• Take into account any time difference when considering operating at a location in another timezone.
• Don?t forget to re-check the local rules in any NEW area.

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