Rev. 10 — Revised: 2024-09-22
Dear New Member,
Welcome to New York ARTCC! Here you will have an opportunity to work with an outstanding team of individuals; these individuals make New York ARTCC a great place to control and a great place to develop your skills. The knowledge you gain, along with a positive attitude and self-motivation, will make you a highly regarded addition to our team. While New York ARTCC is one of the best ARTCCs VATSIM-wide, it is also one of the most difficult. This difficulty stems from a demand for high standards and the complexity of New York’s airspace. It is very important that you understand what you are getting yourself into. New York ARTCC demands a large amount of self-discipline and self-motivation. You are required to do a large amount of reading and self-learning to prepare you for the advanced and fast-paced one-on-one training sessions.
The New York ARTCC training program is both challenging and rewarding. The primary point of contact throughout your various stages of training will be your assigned Instructor or Mentor. They will assist you with any questions, ideas, and/or concerns that you might have. New York ARTCC has four primary major facilities: John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), and Philadelphia (PHL). A new controller is assigned to one of these facilities based upon the facility’s staffing needs. Altogether, New York ARTCC has jurisdiction over 3.27 million square miles of airspace, of which, 17,000 square miles are comprised of mainland airspace, and the remaining 3.25 million square miles are Oceanic airspace. Each primary facility has its own training team comprised of Instructors and Mentors, under the leadership of a Facility Coordinator. All of us want to make your tenure at this facility as enjoyable, educating, and rewarding as possible.
New York ARTCC is proud to be one of the largest and busiest ARTCCs within VATUSA and VATSIM, and represents the first en route control facility in the world. We have a rich and accomplished legacy, and a long and continuing line of dedicated controllers. I look forward to working with you, and would like to welcome you again to our team!
Sincerely,
New York ARTCC
Air Traffic Manager
Characteristics of an Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are super humans. Well, almost. How else are these professionals able to maintain safety and order in the increasingly busy skies above us? Sure enough, there are tools to help get the job done, but the human element is an important piece of the puzzle and cannot be ignored. Here are a handful of characteristics that air traffic controllers must possess [like the stripes on a tiger] in order to succeed at what they do:
- Spatial awareness – the ability to mentally build a three dimensional picture of where each aircraft is relative to the others and to foresee any potential conflicts is one of many characteristics an air traffic controller must possess.
- Simultaneous capacity – multitasking ranks in the top tier of characteristics that air traffic controllers must possess. Reading instruments, transmitting or receiving and writing simultaneously are just part of the routine of controllers on duty. [Can you rub your tummy and pat your head?]
- Excellent memory – the task of controlling aircraft requires air traffic controllers to remember both distant and recent events, even thought these may be aided by memory joggers. The multiplicity of air traffic control tasks competing for attention can easily interfere with one’s ability to remember. [Controllers are the elephants of the human race]
- Respect for authority and the rules – aviation is a highly regulated industry, which requires adherence to maintain safety. Regulations are the products of many years of industry experience and conventional wisdom and are undoubtedly superior to any single person’s judgment. Having respect for these will be a controller’s greatest asset. [I can almost hear someone saying “that” is a stupid rule]
- Making decisions under pressure – air traffic controllers must think faster than an aircraft can fly if they are to keep safety in the air. Decisions cannot be postponed when working live traffic traveling at speeds as much as 8 miles a minute. Every wasted minute brings conflicting aircraft dangerously close to one another.
- Exercising effective personal authority – the word “control” can only have meaning if air traffic controllers exercise their authority effectively. Being resolute earns a controller respect and gives pilots confidence in his/her ability. [This is not an excuse to exclaim “shut up”]
- Paying attention to details – “never assume, determine” is a phrase that air traffic controllers have repeatedly heard, and is synonymous with getting the details right. Like making quick decisions, the lack or wrong assumption of some detail can lead to dire consequences.
- Visual-motor coordination – try playing a video game without this ability… the result will be a resounding defeat. Controlling air traffic is like a complex video game, except that real lives and millions of dollars worth of aircraft are involved. Radar controllers and aerodrome controllers particularly must rely of visual-motor coordination for observing traffic and issuing instructions accordingly.
- Teamwork skills – a chain is as strong as it’s weakest link. That said, air traffic controllers must work together like the proverbial chain to maintain the safe and orderly flow of traffic. One blunder in the order can replicate itself throughout the chain. The defense mechanism in place, however, is often sufficient to stymie the development of any problems.
- Tolerance to frustration – this is easier said than done, but controllers cannot allow extraneous issues to interfere with their performance. When a controller enters an ATC unit, he must check all annoyances at the door if he is to carry out the exacting tasks ahead on his watch.
- Emotional stability – emotions almost always clouds one’s judgment, and air traffic controllers must keep these at bay. Like frustrations, emotions must be checked at the door.
- Willingness to accept criticism – an observer on the outside looking in is likely to be at an advantage, and criticism of from him/her should be accepted. It is likely that controllers can achieve the same objective using different methods, so it is wise to accept other points of view [hmmm…controllers are gods unto themselves]
- Resistance to boredom – boredom leads to complacency. [no more explanation needed here]
Facility Information
New York ARTCC (ZNY) is one of the largest and busiest control facilities in VATUSA with an average roster of 170 controllers. Controller administration is managed by the state-of-the-art New York ARTCC website. Despite such a large roster we maintain a training staff of around 17 Instructors and Mentors to facilitate a 10:1 student to teacher ratio.
Upon joining the New York ARTCC, you will be assigned to one of our primary major facilities – John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR) – based on the facility’s staffing needs. If you strongly desire a specific field, please reach out to the TA and they will switch it for you. The amount of time it takes to certify on all cab positions is generally consistent among the major facilities and averages between 1-3 months. Once you reach the TRACON, you will be able to begin training at other major facilities. The amount of time it takes to become fully certified at ZNY, and eligible to work New York Center, varies from controller to controller but on average takes 1-3 years.
New York Center (ZNY) owns 3.27 million square miles of airspace which is divided between mainland and Oceanic sectors. Sector shelves start as low as 0 AGL (ground level) and top out as high as Flight Level 600 (60,000 ft) AGL. ZNY handles a total of 28 sectors, excluding those that are Oceanic. These are broken down into 16 low altitude, 12 high altitude, and 2 super high altitude sectors. Incorporated within the Center, although worked as a separate position, are two Oceanic areas – collectively designated New York Oceanic (ZWY) – one of which one has control over Bermuda (BDA). Generally the mainland sectors are combined into 1 or 2 operational positions.
New York TRACON (N90), widely considered to have the most complex airspace in the world is a large, consolidated facility that has the primary responsibility for arrivals and departures at three major airports (the New York Metros) – John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA). Additionally, N90 is responsible for satellite general aviation fields that provide much of the area’s Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic, including Long Island MacArthur (ISP), Teterboro (TEB), Westchester County (HPN), and Republic (FRG). The TRACON is divided into 5 areas, Newark, LaGuardia, Kennedy, Islip, and Liberty. The Newark Area covers EWR along with satellite airports including TEB, Essex County (CDW), and Morristown Municipal (MMU). The LaGuardia Area controls LaGuardia and two satellites, HPN and Danbury Municipal (DXR), and is known to many as the world's hardest area due to airspace less than 6 miles wide and bordering Kennedy and Newark on either side. The Kennedy Area controls JFK and its only satellite FRG, and controls many international flights from Europe. The Islip Area controls all low altitude flights along Long Island in addition to ISP. The Liberty Area controls high altitude departures from the all Areas as well as aircraft in the north portion of the airspace, the Catskills. New York TRACON is one of the busiest facilities in the nation and handles an average of 300 operations per day.
Philadelphia TRACON is not a stand-alone facility but rather an up/down facility, meaning it includes both a TRACON and ATCT (Air Traffic Control Tower) in the same facility. The primary responsibility of the Philadelphia ATCT and TRACON are arrivals and departures at Philadelphia International (PHL) and satellites including Northeast Philadelphia (PNE), New Castle (ILG), Trenton Mercer (TTN), and several smaller general aviation fields. The TRACON's airspace overlies a total of three states including New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, and is bordered by both New York Center (ZNY) and Washington Center (ZDC).
New York ARTCC is one of the only facilities in the nation to have a fully operational Traffic Management Unit (TMU) and a traffic management training program. The TMU’s mission is to balance air traffic demand with system capacity to ensure the maximum efficient utilization of ZNY’s airspace. A safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic, while minimizing delays, is fostered through continued analysis, coordination, and dynamic utilization of traffic management initiatives and programs.
New York ARTCC Leadership Team
The following organizational chart depicts the structure of the New York ARTCC Management Team.
Please refer to https://www.nyartcc.org/roster/staff for an up to date staff roster.
Getting Started
“So I joined the New York ARTCC, now what?”
Your journey here at the New York ARTCC begins with gaining a general understanding of the procedures used here to guide you to Level 8 certification (the end of the training program). The following steps should be completed first:
Check out the ZNY Discord
Check out the New York ARTCC Discord to gain access to a great deal of information that we strongly encourage you to take advantage of. Feel free to introduce yourself in a new post, and read the questions and answers of your fellow students.
Configure the ZNY TeamSpeak Server
New York ARTCC uses a TeamSpeak server for operational coordination and all live instruction. Using TeamSpeak is also a required part of getting started at ZNY. Here you can speak with other controllers in the ARTCC, ask any questions you may have and meet new people with common interests. You may download a copy of the TeamSpeak 3 client by clicking here. Use the following information to connect to the ZNY TeamSpeak Server.
- Set-up TeamSpeak
- Go to http://www.teamspeak.com and download and install TeamSpeak 3 Client. Click here for the Teamspeak FAQ.
- Install and run the application
- When the TeamSpeak3 application is downloaded to your computer, navigate to "Connections" > "Connect"
- Enter the following information:
- Server Address: ts3.nyartcc.org
- Nickname: Controllers must logon using only their full names.
- Password: No password is required.
- Click "Connect"
- New Members
- TS Privilege Keys can be found in the welcome email that all controllers get when joining the ARTCC. In order to receive this email, you cannot be using AOL or other legacy email addresses. If you can't find the email, and have a modern address such as Gmail, then it means it the welcome email was sent to spam. If you have a legacy email address on file with ZNY, email [email protected] and we will change it and resend the welcome email so that you will receive your TS Privilege Key.
- Take the TS Privilege Key from the email and open TS. Go to "Permissions" > "Use Privilege Key" and enter the key. If you are unable to enter the key, that means you have privileges already of some sort. In order to first use this key, you cannot have any privileges at all such as S1 tags, Visitor tags, etc. If you do, a staff member must remove these tags first before they key is entered.
- Old Members
- Your previous TeamSpeak Server accounts are no longer being used. Please see the instructions above to connect to the TeamSpeak Server.
- Using Multiple Computers on the TeamSpeak Server
- In order to use the New York ARTCC Teamspeak Server on another computer, do the following:
- Export your original token with by press
CTRL + Ithen click "Export" and save the .ini file. - Move the file (e-mail it to yourself, sent it over your WAN, use a USB stick, I can name 1000 different ways) to the other device(s) you want to run Teamspeak on.
CTRL + Ithen click "Import" - You're done. Yeah it's THAT easy. Keep a copy of the file somewhere for backup.
- For Android FAQ, click here.
- For iOS FAQ, click here.
- Export your original token with by press
- In order to use the New York ARTCC Teamspeak Server on another computer, do the following:
Required Reading
The next step is to read and understand all of the documents required to begin training at ZNY. There are several documents that must be carefully understood prior to moving on. Reading the following documents is mandatory!
- New Controller Orientation Guide (this document)
- New York ARTCC Regulations and Policies
- New York ARTCC Training Procedure
- Clearance Delivery and Ground sections of YOUR assigned major facility’s SOP
- All General SOPs
Additionally, FAA Order JO 7110.65 should be used as the reference for proper phraseology and procedures. Controllers providing Clearance Delivery and Ground service should read chapters 1-4, controllers providing TRACON and Center service should also read chapters 4-7, and controllers providing Oceanic service should read chapter 8.
The Training Process
The exact training process can be found in the New York ARTCC Training Procedure document. Below is a basic overview of the first few steps in the overall training flow:
- Computer-Based Training Classes
Once you have read the required documents and have become familiar with the information therein, you will be ready to begin taking our Computer-Based Training (CBT) Modules. While the Instructors and Mentors are here to help you understand the material, it is entirely your responsibility to gain a complete working knowledge of all of the material contained within these classes. The ZNY training program is based upon self-study; you may complete these classes at your own pace. The more time you spend studying and learning the material, the better the controller you will be.
These CBTs are designed to teach you the basic fundamentals of air traffic control and the knowledge required to perform air traffic control functions. The training staff is there to teach you how to apply this knowledge. Take your time reviewing each CBT and study them carefully. It is a good practice to watch them several times and write down any questions you may have.
- Complete the ZNY S1 Examination
After completing all of the above steps you will have the opportunity to take the ZNY S1 Examination. This exam tests you on all of the knowledge necessary to work Clearance Delivery and Ground. The exam will only have questions based on the material in the CBT modules. If you do not pass the ZNY S1 Examination, the test will automatically be reassigned in 3 days. It is unnecessary to inform the training staff that you have failed, we are notified automatically.
- Facility Specific Practice Clearances
Once you have passed both the ZNY S1 and VATUSA S1 Examinations, you will be eligible to complete a set of Practice Clearances. You should use your knowledge from the CBT modules as well as the facility SOP to complete this test. These Practice Clearances will be automatically graded. Once passed, make a training appointment for your "Level 1 (S1) Training"
Remember, the more time and effort you put into studying, the more you will learn and the better the controller you will become. The training staff is here to help you along the way, but the majority of the work is up to you and to be completed at your own pace. If you have any questions let us know. Good luck!
- Level Specific and Facility Specific Training Criteria
For each level of training at New York ARTCC, the training program aims to teach a specific set of topics to the trainee and eventually evaluate the trainee on the same topics. These topics are listed in the Level Specific Training Criteria. Additionally, for each major facility at the ARTCC, a set of Facility Specific Training Criteria exists; this includes Kennedy (JFK), Newark (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), New York Center (ZNY), and New York Oceanic (ZWY).
Although the training staff will evaluate the trainees to ensure they meet these criteria, trainees should also refer to these criteria to identify their areas of deficiency, and receive directions about where to find the relevant information.
Learning Stages and Assessment
Assessment Milestones: You will be provided every opportunity to become fully successful. You are expected to have a satisfactory working knowledge of the subject areas contained within the computer-based training modules. Failure to a have satisfactory understanding of these classes will adversely affect the learning process.
Early Stage of Learning: (examples)
- Phraseology
- Airspace
- SOPs/LOAs
- Position relief briefings
- Clearance Delivery, Ground and Local Control operations
Intermediate Stage of Learning: (examples)
- Vectoring techniques
- Airspace sectorization
- Adjacent sector operations
- Effective coordination and communication
- Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) operations
Late Stage of Learning: (examples)
- Multi-tasking
- Controlling vs. putting-out fires
- Timely execution
- Combining transmissions
- Traffic awareness in other sectors
- Not thinking while transmitting over the frequency
- Ability to filter out superfluous conversation
- Ability to adapt to changing situations/traffic scenarios
- Full realization of priority of duties from adjacent positions
- Offshore/Oceanic procedures
Best Operating Practices
Overall Guidelines for Tower Cab Positions:
- SCAN, SCAN, SCAN. Be vigilant!
- Do not overload the departure controller.
- Consider aircraft performance for successive departures.
- Be aware of aircraft performance, language problems, etc. when arriving and departing from the same or intersecting runways with minimal separation.
- If you intend to change an assigned departure runway, inform the pilot as soon as possible so they can make computer changes in time to be ready upon reaching the runway.
- Use “Memory Aids.”
- Ground Control should scan the appropriate final and runway prior to asking Local Control for permission to cross the runway.
- Local control should always check for ground traffic before exiting or crossing runways.
- Be alert for aircraft pushing-back on to a movement area without authorization.
Overall Guidelines for Radar Positions:
- Anticipate sector capacity (including adjacent areas) when high volume is likely.
- Request assistance early during periods of high traffic density such as events.
- Restrict traffic appropriately so that your ability to provide separation is not compromised.
- Ensure that instructions are read back correctly.
- Consider aircraft performance characteristics as you work.
- Coordinate early and often with adjacent sectors.
- Don’t be complacent during periods of light traffic.
- Use positive control, issue control instructions early enough to be effective.
- Be cautious immediately after assuming position responsibilities.
- Avoid vectoring too close to adjacent airspace when it is not necessary.
- Use available diagrams to meet Class B airspace and MVA requirements.
- Set/coordinate aircraft sequences as soon as possible.
- Sequence slow arriving traffic by vectoring to the shortest possible final.
- Be cognizant of wind direction and speed when conducting Land and Hold Shot Operations (LAHSO).
- Consider compression on final and assign speeds as necessary.
- Ensure that VFR aircraft receiving advisories remain in your airspace.
Terms of Reference
Students should be familiar with the following terms:
- Training Team – Designated individuals who facilitate a facility’s training program
- Mentor (MTR)
- Instructor (INS)
- Facility Coordinator (FC)
- Training Administrator (TA)
- Computer-Based Training (CBT) – Instructional delivery method using interactive computer technology.
- Classroom/Seminar Training – Instructional presentations administered away from operational positions.
- SweatBox Training – Training conducted by an Instructor or Mentor that provides direct experience in a dynamically simulated operational environment.
- Over-the-Job Training (OJT) – Training conducted by an Instructor or Mentor that provides direct experience in the operations environment.
- Consolidation of Learning – A period of time after certification where the student uses the new skills he or she has just learned to control live online traffic.
- Observation – When an Instructor or Mentor critiques the student and assesses the student's understanding of the material for the appropriate level and preparedness to move on.
- Signed Off – When an Instructor or Mentor mark's the student "developmental" for the next level.
- Checkout – An assessment used to determine if a student demonstrates the knowledge and skill level necessary to certify on an operational position.
- Practical Assessment – An operational assessment of proficiency and mastery in the operational procedures and phraseology required of the position under assessment, with an Instructor or Mentor observing over-the-shoulder.
- Oral Assessment – An oral assessment of the operational procedures and phraseology required for the position under assessment, any time before, during, or after the Practical Verification.
- Certification – An ARTCC assigned endorsement of a controller’s proficiency.
- Developmental – A student who has passed a level-specific examination but is not yet certified to work the level operationally.
- Early Stage of Learning – The period in which the student relies heavily on referencing facility SOPs. The student should begin to have a clear understanding of what is to be learned.
- Intermediate Stage of Learning – In this stage of learning, the student knows the expectation and skill but still requires practice to eliminate excess verbiage and apply the proper procedure.
- Late Stage of Learning – In the late stage of learning, a skill set becomes habit or second nature. The developmental executes because he or she knows this is the correct action for the situation without thinking or hesitation.
- Proficiency – Knowing, understanding, and applying air traffic procedures in a safe and efficient manner.
- Proficiency Training – Training conducted to maintain and update the knowledge and skills necessary to apply air traffic procedures in a safe and efficient manner.
- Refresher training – Training conducted to maintain and update previously learned knowledge and skills.
- Remedial Training – Training provided to correct specific identified operational deficiencies.
- Skill Enhancement Training – Training used to improve knowledge level or skill performance.
- Supplemental Training – Training conducted when changes occur pertaining to new/revised procedures, regulations, or equipment.
- Self-Study – Training situation wherein the study/learning is accomplished by the individual.
- Major Facility – A designation for an airport or facility that has significantly high traffic levels or airspace complexity that requires additional training and certification to be effectively managed.
- Non-Major Facility – Any controlled airport within the lateral boundaries of the New York ARTCC that is not designated as a Major Facility.
- Consolidated Positions – Operational positions of the same nature which are routinely combined.
- Continuing Qualification Training (CQT) – A way for the New York ARTCC Training Department to ensure controllers keep current on changes to policies and procedures as well as ensure controllers are adequately prepared to handle event traffic. Often referred to as recurrent training, CQT is a quarterly training program that applies to all New York ARTCC members wishing to staff local or ZNY sponsored events.
- Special Purpose Operational Training (SPOT) – This refers to scenario based training that is done in Sweatbox.
Our Expectations of All Members
The New York ARTCC expects all members to:
- Come to training sessions, be on time.
- Be prepared – mentally and physically.
- Understand facilities policies and manage your conduct appropriately.
- Be cooperative and professional.
- Treat people with respect and dignity.
- Respect the contributions of others.
- Take initiative.
- Be accountable.
- Lead by example – be a good role model.
- Do not tolerate or engage in any form of harassment or discrimination.
- Actively participate in training.
- Seek the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences required to stay productive and to continue progressing forward.
- Participate fully in training and developmental activities by applying what is learned to the operational environment.
- Know your airspace, procedures, and equipment.
- Use prescribed phraseology/correct facility and equipment names.
- Follow rules and procedures.
- Be open to feedback – provide honest information.
- Be an effective team member.
Management Roles and Responsibilities
- Create an environment that supports and encourages the contributions of all members and is free of inappropriate and prohibited behavior.
- Communicate openly and honestly your expectations for behavior in the facility and accept nothing less.
- Treat all members with dignity and respect.
- Create and maintain a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes participation by all members in activities for the benefit of the individual and the organization.
- Communicate promotional and developmental opportunities to members in a timely manner.
- Identify, eliminate, and prevent discrimination and harassment.
- Discipline those who create, foster, condone, or tolerate an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or abusive environment.
- Serve as a role model for the behavior that fosters a productive and hospitable learning environment.
- Identify and eliminate conditions and non-merit factors that contribute to under representation at all organizational levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I'm confused with the "non-major" and "major" designations, what do they mean?
On January 1st, 2008, VATUSA implemented a new operational scheme that better fits VATSIM as a whole. It's helping to make VATSIM a truly worldwide organization. In short, if you are a Student 1 (S1) you are allowed to control up to Clearance Delivery/Ground, if you are a Student 2 (S2), 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. Additionally, each ARTCC was allowed to designate certain facilities as “major”; these are high traffic airports that require specialized knowledge in order to work them and it's not knowledge that is easily gained. In an airspace as complex as ZNY, missing a piece of the puzzle can create havoc on other pilots, facilities, and even ARTCCs.
The ZNY training program will provide you with training material on general ATC operations at the Clearance Delivery, Ground Control, and Local Control positions. Only after you read, study, and possess a working understanding of the material, should you take the ZNY S1 Test. After passing that test you will be able to work Clearance Delivery and Ground at any ZNY non-major facility. A list of major and non-major facilities can be found in the NYARTCC Regulations and Policies. To take the ZNY S1 Test, go to your Controller Panel and click on “Test Center.”
You were assigned a primary facility when you joined. Major facility training is more specialized, and you are not permitted to work at that facility unless you have been given certification to do so. You can view your certifications on your roster profile page.
- What is the Book Training Page?
All formal training sessions must be scheduled and coordinated. The Book Training page is the sole place to do this. You essentially put in your position, date, and time, and your session will be booked with a MTR/INS.
- How do I get help with training?
Each major facility has its own training team comprised of Instructors and Mentors under the leadership of the Facility Coordinator. They are the specialists for that facility. Feel free to contact them with questions or to ask for help. However, any ZNY Instructor or Mentor is able to answer the majority of your questions. Also, feel free to post any questions in the New York ARTCC Discord.
- I'm a visitor/transfer from another area with a(n) XX rating. How does this affect my training at ZNY?
If you are a Transfer to ZNY, you will NOT lose your rating unless you are an I1 or I3. I1 and I3 ratings are ARTCC assigned. However, if you are a transferring controller, then you must still pass the exams before you can control anywhere inside ZNY. Once that exam is passed, you can control up to your level at non-major facilities. For the assigned major facility, any member regardless of rating, must start at Clearance Delivery and work their way up.
If you're a visiting controller, you will need to pass the exams before controlling at ZNY just like a transfer or new member. Visiting controllers will not lose an I1 or I3 rating upon becoming a visitor at ZNY.
Note that 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 does not apply within ZNY. While you are free to pass on tips, knowledge, etc. that you have gained, you are not authorized to function in a teaching capacity without the explicit permission of the TA. Additionally, visiting controllers who possess a rating of C1 or higher are eligible for certification on New York Oceanic (ZWY) and Minor New York Center (ZNY) Sectors.
If you are a highly experienced controlled, the Training Administrator has flexibility to tailor a program suited to your needs. Please contact the TA and set up a meeting for evaluation.
- How do I get promoted?
First, learn the material and how to apply it operationally. Second, demonstrate your understanding of the CBTs and SOPs by controlling on the network. You can request checkouts, but do not request promotion to a "Developmental" level. The Developmental level adjustments are awarded for observed proficiency and understanding at the sole discretion of the training staff. Our Instructors and Mentors are regular individuals with jobs, school, families, etc. We need to catch you online or watch your videos in order to observe you. See the Training Procedure for more information on observations.
- What is a SweatBox?
The SweatBox is a dynamic simulator interface where Instructors and Mentors can add simulated aircraft for you to control in scenarios used to demonstrate technique, operational 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. If you would like to schedule a session, go to the Book Training Page and make a request.
- How do I become a member of the training staff?
Instructors and Mentors are appointed at the sole authority of the Administrator. Please do not solicit staff members about becoming an Instructor or Mentor. To be considered for a training staff position controllers must be at least ZNY Level 3 certified, in good standing with the instructional staff, demonstrate considerable skill and ability at working their certified positions, express eagerness and willingness to learn new material, accept criticism and show desire to improve upon preexisting abilities, have excellent oral and written communication skills, show great patience during adverse and difficult situations, be well respected among peers, express leadership qualities, follow directions, and respect the rules that govern teaching positions.
- Okay, I'm good so far. What’s next?
Go back to Getting Started and follow the steps. Also, login to your Controller Panel and get acquainted with the New York ARTCC website. Learn the material, ask questions, practice, and have a good time at ZNY!
Testimonials
This section of our New Controller Orientation Guide is dedicated to telling the stories of those controllers who have made it all the way to Level 6: Center.
I didn't join as an OBS so my point of view is different than what a normal student would see. Here is my story.
I have been a part of VATSIM since 2008 but I only joined VATUSA in September 2013. So you may be asking yourself why I chose ZNY? Well, let me say that I initially thought it was going to be a hard decision but in reality, it was a quick and easy one. Here's why:
When looking around for which ARTCC I was going to join, there were a few things I would look at to make my selection:
- Controller activity: I would look on each ARTCC's website to see first of all how many controllers they had. And then I would see the top 5-10 most active controllers of that month, and how many hours they had compared to other ARTCC's top 5-10. ZNY blew other ARTCC's out of the water with those stats.
- Website quality: I feel that a clean website that is properly maintained and up-to-date says a lot about an ARTCC. It shows that they are active and take pride in what they do. After all, the website is the very first glimpse you'll get of the ARTCC.
- Website content: More particularly, ATC Training Material. This was a big thing for me. I joined ZNY already being a C3 controller, so I knew exactly what I was looking for. Good quality, good quantity, easy to comprehend, and mainly the desire to simulate real-world procedures. There again, ZNY was on top by a mile.
- Sector files: How frequently are the sector files updated? Do they look good?.. When I downloaded the sector file, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it had been updated to the current AIRAC, and that it had realistic video maps and other features which I did not see elsewhere. You'd be surprised... other ARTCC's don't have quality sector files like ZNY has.
When I started training, I was greeted with very friendly people who were also very accommodating in my largely offset time zone. Like stated above, the training material was readily available and easy to comprehend, so writing my tests was a breeze.
However, New York is a very complex airspace, and takes lots of self-study and can be very challenging at times. But with the help of the staff, it was made a lot easier.
So if you want to simulate realistic procedures, challenge yourself with complex airspace, be the best of the best, and more importantly have fun, then join ZNY