VX Flight Network - ATC Rating Policy

For procedures on transferring a rating from another network, visit here: (not yet complete)

Introduction

This policy provides clarity on how ATC ratings are given out and how air traffic controllers can become certified for certain air traffic controlling positions on the VX Flight Network. This policy does not override any policies outlined in the VX Controller Code of Conduct.

DISCLAIMER: Ratings on the VX Flight Network are inspired by the ratings given to VATSIM's Air Traffic Controllers.

A. VX Air Traffic Controller Ratings

• Air Traffic Controllers on the VX Flight Network progress through the ratings.

  • • • Beginner Trainee (T1): Delivery and Ground Control

      • Junior Trainee (T2): Local (Tower) Control

      • Senior Trainee (T3): Approach/Departure (TRACON) Control

      • Certified Controller (C1): Center (Enroute) Control

      • Experienced Controller (C3): Award given for the best VX controllers. Award is issued by the VX ATC Division Director.

      • Certified Instructor (I1): VX Flight Network certified ATC instructor. (NOT A MENTOR)

      • Experienced Instructor (I3): Award given to VX's best instructors. Awarded by the VX Director of Training Services

      • VX Center: Grants controllers to a network-wide position. (Read more in Section C below).

• Each management team of each of the three Air Route Traffic Control Centers must ensure that their system of training within the ARTCC is correctly in line with the VX Air Traffic Controller ratings outlined in the paragraph above. Deviations from this controller rating policy are not allowed.

B. Certifying Controllers and Types of Certifications

• B1: How controllers may be certified

  • • • Controllers may be certified on the VX Flight Network through the use of Over the Shoulder (OTS) sessions and/or checkout sessions given by an instructor. It is important to note that only certified instructors (I1 or I3's), may conduct OTS sessions with a VX Air Traffic Controller.

      • After an OTS session is concluded, and the instructor deems the controller worthy of obtaining the controller rating in question, the instructor must first get the promotion approved by the VX ATC Division Director. Once the promotion is approved, the instructor may certify the trainee in VX for the rating in question.

      • A controller may be assessed by an instructor using the following methods:

        • • • ARTCC Exams, Theory Tests, Practical Exams, or Written Exams.

            • Over the Shoulder (OTS) sessions, using the live VX network, or a simulation.

            • Checkout sessions, similar to OTS sessions, that may re-certify a controller for a rating.

            • Any efficient training methods that may deem a controller worthy of the next rating.

• B2. Certification Requirements

  • • • In order for a controller to be certified for the next rating, they must meet all requirements listed:

        • • • The controller demonstrates a high level of competency for the position that the controller will be certified for.

            • The controller has fully completed the highlighted chapter in their ARTCCs training flow. This includes any required sessions, requested sessions, etc.

            • The controller has been properly recommended for the OTS session by an ARTCC mentor and/or instructor.

            • The controller has completed at least one (1) online monitoring session OR simulation with an instructor to demonstrate competency within the subject matter.

            • The controller has completed any and all VX academy material, including Check for Understanding assignments, and any applicable theory exams in the VX academy.

            • The controller has been certified for the previous rating. Example: A controller obtaining the S2 rating must have completed and been certified for the S1 rating.

      • Unless otherwise noted by ARTCC or Division Staff, major certifications are NOT a default requirement to obtain the next rating. ARTCC staff may make a major endorsement required in order to progress and begin training for the next controller rating.

• B3. Solo Certifications

  • • Solo certifications are key for trainees to accel in their air traffic controller training in VX. Solo certifications may be given to trainees who demonstrate a high level of competency, but need work in general control, or who require more training.

    • Solo certifications only grant the controller to operate ONE position. For example, a controller who obtained a solo certification on Tokyo Approach (TKO_APP) in the T10 TRACON, may only operate TKO_APP, and no other approach position on the network.

      • • • A solo certification for a controlling position that has one or more position splits automatically grants the controller to control multiple sectors/positions of the facility. For example, a controller who obtains a solo certification on ICT_APP combined, may also split the TRACON and control any sector within the ICT TRACON with another user who is also certified for the position, unless otherwise noted by ARTCC or Division staff.

    • Solo certifications may only last one month. (30 days).

• B4. Major Endorsements

  • • Apart from obtaining the regular controller rating outlined in "A. VX Controller Ratings", controllers may earn a major endorsement specifically to control the major fields in each ARTCC.

    • Major fields are separate from minor fields primarily because of their complex nature, and need for a separate order of training. An additional academy in VX for major fields is not required.

    • The three fields that require a major endorsement recognized by VX are:

      • • • IRFD

          • IPPH

          • ITKO

• B5. Oceanic Controlling

  • • Oceanic controlling is NOT simulated on the VX Flight Network. Use of the oceanic track system implemented by other servers such as ATC24 are strictly prohibited, and violate the VX Code of Conduct. The VX Flight Network National Airspace System was made to not implement oceanic tracks

• B6. Recognized Complex Airspaces

  • • Complex airspaces in VX require an additional checkout prior to gaining another certification. The complex airspaces/positions/airports include:

      • • Ocean Consolidated TRACON (OCT_APP)

        • Rockford Tower Cab (RFD_TWR/RFD_GND/RFD_DEL)

    • These recognized complex airspaces require an additional checkout or OTS given by the ARTCC and are required to be given. For example, for ZPH controllers, prior to gaining center certifications, controllers are required to undergo a checkout session for the OCT TRACON.

C. VX_CTR Procedures

• C1. VX_CTR Delegation

  • • VX_CTR is a position that covers all 3 ARTCCs on the VX Flight Network. VX_CTR may only be operated by those certified to control the position.

    • Position name: "V-X Center"

• C2. VX_CTR Application

  • • Any and all applicants wishing to apply for the VX_CTR position must do so in writing to the ATC Division Director of VX (VX2).

    • The Experienced Controller (C3) rating is required, and the applicant must be certified on all three VX center positions (ZGR, ZPH, and ZTK) prior to applying for the position.

      • • Equivalents to the Experienced Controller rating in this case include:

          • • Experienced Instructor (I3)

        • The applicant must also be certified for all major ratings including the two complex airspaces on VX.

• C3. Signing on and De-combining

  • • Signing onto network:

      • • VX_CTR may be opened anytime on the network by those who are certified to control it, using the normal sign on procedures for VX.

        • In the event more than two ARTCCs are online, the VX_CTR position may not be opened.

        • VX_CTR may NOT forcibly takeover for another controller on a center position, and instead shall control any other uncontrolled airspaces.

        • The VX_CTR frequency shall always remain as 134.425.

    • De-combining airspace:

      • • Normal de-combining procedures shall be used if a controller takes over a part of VX_CTRs jurisdiction.

        • If two separate ARTCC positions sign on and relief VX CTR, the VX_CTR frequency shall be renamed to the remaining center frequency's name.

          • • EXAMPLE: ZGR and ZTK sign on leaving VX_CTR with ZPH. VX_CTR will then be renamed to the ZPH combined frequency, in this case "PPH_56_CTR", and will then identify as "Perth Center".