Getting started with VATSIM again...

[Travis Johnson 898224]

I have a question for anyone with an answer. I joined VATSIM quite awhile ago (first part of 2004) and took the initial test to receive my student rating, which I appear to still hold. I then joined an ARTCC but never started training due to work and school demands and as such was understandably removed from the ARTCC's roster. I have recently found myself with a renewed interest in controlling (as well as some additional free time) and was wondering how I should proceed next.

 

Should I simply fill out a transfer request to the ARTCC of my choice or do I need to attend the Training Academy?

 

Also, even if it is possible for me to simply transfer into an ARTCC at my current status, would attending the Academy be a recommended choice anyway?

 

Should I contact the head of the ARTCC ahead of time?

 

I'm a pilot in the real world so I probably have a little leg up compared to your average flight simmer, but then again, having toured several ATC facilities, I know that controlling via radar is whole different animal than sitting in the cockpit. I've read over the study guide material in the training section and while I'm quite familiar with phraseology and basics, items such as coordination and separation standards will undoubtedly require some study either way.

[Cornell Lloyd 952716]

Travis,

 

First off, welcome back! We're glad to have ya. Since you are an S1 you do not have to attend the academy, although I'd recommend it. The academy would be the refresher that you said you needed. If you are to go straight back to the ARTCC all you have to do is contact the Air Traffic Manager, if you're not on the VATUSA roster anymore you'll need to go through the process of joining an ARTCC over again. Should you decide to come to the academy you'll need to go to http://www.vatusa.org/training/academy_enroll.html to begin the enrollment process. Hope I could be of help to you. Cheers!