VATCAR Policies

All VATCAR members are subject to VATSIM’s code of conduct and the code of regulations.

 

Manning an ATC position:

It is very unsusual that the Caribbean airspace be crowded enough to be a burden to a controller, therefore, VATCAR will not set any restrictions on specific control positions.  Nonetheless, an ARTCC/FIR chief has the option of shifting controllers to specific positions during Fly In events in order to assure the best and most efficient service for the event. 

 

ATC positions will be taken on a “first come/first serve” basis, unless the position has been reserved for a Fly In event.  In that case, any person online at the moment should concede his position to the controller who had reserved the position for the Fly In event.

 

Promotions:

Until written exams are developed, all promotions are subject to a practical (over the shoulder) exam.  All controllers are encouraged to read and understand reference and study guides.  Further details in the training and promotions page.

 

 

Voice:

Controllers of senior student and above ratings are allowed to control using voice once they have passed an over the shoulder exam using voice.

 

ALL voice use must be in Push-to-Talk mode. Any user continuing to use VOX (voice activated talk) will be disconnected from the voice server after a single warning.

 

It is preferred that all ATC use the Roger Wilco Voice Server List to establish voice channels (also called "rooms") when possible. Any server may be used however, and in that case, the current IP address should be listed in the controller's ATIS.

 

Emergencies:

ATC may deny an emergency, particularly to prevent delays to other pilots or during heavy traffic periods. Emergencies are usually not welcome during fly-ins. If an emergency is denied (and the pilot is unable to resume normal flight), the pilot should immediately log off the network in order to prevent his emergency from creating problems to the other users.

 

Use of Guard Frequency (121.5)

The use of guard channel within VATCAR is discouraged. This is a VATSIM policy defined in the "CODE OF CONDUCT" and it applies to any guard transmission, including announcements of position openings and closings. This restriction is the result of misuse and excessive transmissions heard by all pilots and ATC. Guard has commonly been used as a way to make announcements in the past, and it has been determined by VATSIM HQ that other resources are available which make such announcements unwarranted. When necessary, broadcasts will be made by supervisory personnel using the privileged ".WALLOP" function. If you cannot reach a pilot by the use of a private message, it is unlikely that guard will work either. If you feel you must use the guard frequency, contact a VATSIM staff member or supervisor before transmitting on 121.5.