Document Information
Version 2
Created 12/02/2015 03:42
Last Updated 11/24/2020 22:07
by Finn Hutter

Visiting Controller Policy

 

APS-002

Version 2

ZSE Senior Staff

Amended 2018-10-25, changes noted in bold font.

 

  1. PURPOSE:

 

This ARTCC Policy Statement (APS) describes the Visiting Controller Policy for VATUSA Seattle ARTCC.

 

  1. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

This APS shall be maintained, revised, updated, or canceled by the ZSE Senior Staff and shall be effective unless there is a conflict with the VATSIM/VATUSA policies in which case they shall supersede these policies.

 

  1. DISTRIBUTION:

 

This APS is applicable to all VATSIM controllers and those who are not a member of the VATUSA Seattle ARTCC that wish to operate VATUSA Seattle positions.

 

  1. CANCELLATION:

APS-005 v1.00 dated 06/01/2009 is canceled

APS-005 v1.50 dated 09/07/2013 is canceled

APS-005 v1.51 dated 10/01/2013 is canceled

APS-005 v1.51 dated 10/01/2013 renamed APS-002 v1.51 effective 10/01/2013

APS-002 v1.51 is canceled

 

  1. BACKGROUND:

 

Controllers from outside ARTCCs/FIRs are welcomed and encouraged to control in VATUSA Seattle ARTCC. However, to provide consistent service to pilots, those controllers will be required to adhere to the policies set forth in this document.

 

  1. VISITING CONTROLLER POLICY:

a. In general, visiting controllers must meet identical requirements as local controllers. The Facility and Equipment Rating Requirements Policy (APS-006) shall apply to all visiting controllers.

b. All visiting controllers, upon completion of the application process, agree to abide by all home ARTCC and ZSE policies. Visiting controllers who are unable to meet the ZSE activity requirements due to home ARTCC commitments should request to be removed from the roster in good standing by writing to the ATM, DATM, or his designee. Visiting controllers unable to meet the ZSE activity requirements for other reasons (i.e. real-world commitments), should request an LOA via the process outlined in APS_001(c).

c. Per VATUSA policy, visiting controllers must complete at least 50% of their total online controlling time for their home ARTCC. Visiting controllers at ZSE found in violation of this policy will be warned via email, and then referred to VATUSA management and the ATM of their home ARTCC for evaluation. Controllers violating this policy are subject to removal from the Seattle ARTCC roster at the discretion of the ATM, DATM, or his designee.

d. The process to become authorized VATUSA Seattle ARTCC visiting controller is as follows:

 

i. Review all applicable documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures(SOP), Letters of Agreement, ARTCC Policy Statements (APS), and NOTAMs the apply to the facilities of intended operation.

 

ii. Set up an account on the VATUSA Seattle ARTCC webpage by following the instructions at https://zseartcc.org/signup/ If you were previously a visitor and would like to be restored as a visitor at ZSE, simply email [email protected] with your request to be restored to the visitor roster as you will not be able to sign up on the website again.

 

 iii. The Air Traffic Manager (ATM)/Deputy Air Traffic Manager (DATM) will then accept your sign up and create your account on the website. They will then send a welcoming letter with the next steps to be followed.

 

 iv. The ATM/DATM will then assign you the Seattle SOP Written Exam on the VATUSA website (https://www.vatusa.net/) where the exam should be taken and passed. The controller has 14 days to complete this exam.

 

 v. Upon passing the exam, the visiting controller must request a required local procedures checkout prior to controlling any position and any written exams required by the Facility Certification and Equipment Rating Policy (APS_006), as given by a VATUSA Seattle ARTCC Training Staff Member.

 

 vi. Upon successful completion of the needed exams, the instructor will forward the results onto the roster showing the visiting controller's certification level.

 

 vii. Visiting controller privileges may be revoked for any cause at the discretion of the Air Traffic Manager (ATM) or Deputy Air Traffic Manager (DATM). The ATM/DATM reserve the right to waive visitor checkout requirements.