Q. I'm confused with this whole "non-Major" and "Major" thing, can you help me understand it?
On Jan 1, 2008, VATUSA implemented a new operational scheme that fits better with the whole of VATSIM. It's helping make a truly worldwide organization out of VATSIM. In short, if you are a Student (S1) you are allowed to control up to Tower, if you are a Senior Student (S3), you are allowed to control up to Approach, and if you are a Controller (C1), you are allowed to control up to Center; however, this applies to "non-Major" facilities only. Each ARTCC (like ZNY) was allowed to set aside certain facilities as "Major". These are high traffic airports that require specialized knowledge in order for them to work and it's not knowledge that is easily gained. Plus, missing a piece of the puzzle can create havoc on other pilots, facilites, and even ARTCC's.
What this all means is that when you come to ZNY, you'll be given quite a bit of training material that deal with operations as Clearance Delivery, Ground, and Tower as general ATC positions. After you read and understand the material, you should take the ZNY Non-Major Local. After passing that test you will be able to work any ZNY non-Major facility.You can download the Training SOP from the SOP's page to see a list of Major and Non-Major Facilities. Go to your Controller Panel, and click on "Testing Center" to take the test.
You were assigned a primary facility when you joined ZNY out of KEWR, KJFK, KLGA, and KPHL. This is your "Major" facility. The decision to work there is entirely up to you; however, if you do decide to work there, you will be tested at each level (Delivery, Ground, Tower, Departure, and Approach) and the training is more specialized. You are not premitted to work at that facility unless you have been given certification to do so. You can view your certifications on the roster page.
More information can be found on the VATUSA Website under the "Policies" section as "Policy 07/05"
Q. What is the "Training Request" Forum?
All formal training sessions must be scheduled/coordinated. This is the SOLE place to do this. You essentially put your name down, what you want to learn, and when you are available and instructor will respond. It is VERY important you read the "How To Use This Forum" as the proper format for the thread you will create must be as specified.
Q. How do I get help with training?
You have been assigned a facility that counts as your Major. Each facility has Instructors and Mentors assigned to it. They are the specialist for that facility so if you see one of them online, feel free to ask them questions and for help. However, ANY ZNY Instructor or Mentor is able to answer 99% of your questions. Also, feel free to post questios in the Forums. Some of us live there and answers sometimes appear in minutes.
You may schedule a formal session though the"Training Request" forum. Any requests for a formal training session, should go through this forum.
Q. I'm a Visitor/Transfer from another area with an XX rating. What about me?
If you are a Transfer to ZNY, you will NOT lose your rating unless you are a C3, I1, or I3. C3, I1, and I3 ratings are "ARTCC dependent"; however, since a C1 can control Center, you aren't losing any "controlling privileges". However, if you are a Transfer, you MUST still receive a check out from a ZNY Instructor or Mentor before you can control anywhere inside ZNY ARTCC. Once that check out is passed, you can control up to your level at non-Major facilities. For your assigned Major facility, you will start at Clearance Delivery and work your way up as every Member does.
If you're a Visitor, again, you will need a check out before controlling at ZNY just like a transfer or new member. You will also be allowed to control at non-Major facilities up to your rating once you pass the ZNY Minor Test. You will not lose a C3, I1, or I3 rating upon becoming a Visitor at ZNY.
NOTE: In order to control New York Center, you must progress along the Major training scheme at your assigned facility and others at ZNY. If you are a Visiting I1 or I3, your I1/I3 rating applies to your home ARTCC ONLY. While you are free to pass on tips, knowledge, etc. that you have gained, you are not automatically a member of the ZNY Training Staff and cannot promote or issue exams to ANY ZNY ATC.
Q. How do I get promoted?
First, learn the material and how to apply it to ATC. Second, be online. Our Instructors and Mentors are regular people with regular jobs, families, etc. We need to catch you online to observe how you do. The best way for this to happen is to be online. You can also request a training session through the "Training Request" forum.
Q. What is Sweatbox?
The Sweatbox is an interface where the Instructors and Mentors can add aircraft for you to control into "scenarios" to show you things, teach you principles, airspace, etc. It can also be used to test your limits and push you until you sweat, hence, Sweatbox! It's actually quite fun to do and good practice. Training Staff will ask you into sessions when they can. If you would like to schedule a session, go to "Training Request" forum and sign up there. Make sure you read the "How To Use This Forum," as there are specific rules/formating to use when posting in there.
Q. OK, I'm good so far. What next?
Login to your Controller Panel and click on "Training Classes" and start your training. Take the classes that are available to you for the non-Major facilities and for your Major Facility, if you desire to progress along that path. Learn the material, ask questions, practice, and have a good time at ZNY!!!
