VATSIM Virtual Special Operation Administration - Partner Policy Update.

[Sean Peterson]

Dean VSOA Partner/Associates,

There have been a few small changes made to the VSOA PPM. You can find the updated version of the VSOA PPM here.

All the changes and updates have been listed below:

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Links added to related documents:

1.3 Related Documents

The four following links have been added to the Related Documents Table.

 

VATSIM Code of Conduct	https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/code-of-conduct
VATSIM Code of Regulations	https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/code-of-regulations
ATO Policies and Procedures Handbook v1.4	https://vatsim-my.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/ptd-documents/ato-policies-and-procedures-handbook-v14.pdf
Pilot Training Department Policy	https://vatsim-my.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/ptd-documents/ptd-1000-pilot-training-department-policy.pdf

 

 

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Partnership Requirements:

3.4.1 Critical Requirements

3.4.1.5   Display VATSIM & Vatsim Special Operations logos on their website with a link to www.vatsim.net. Both logos must be featured either on the VA website homepage or in a clearly marked Partners section. Vatsim doesn’t allow the use of free websites for their VA/VSOA partners therefore a paid hosting site is required.

The requirement of having a paid website has been added back to the VSOA PPM to reflect the same requirements as the VA side of things. This was  a previous requirement that was left out of the last updated PPM.

 

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Restricted Special Operations Activities

2.1.7    Activities Restricted to Special Operations Partners

Aeromedical evacuations has been removed as VSOA activity as it's been determined that all members should be permitted to do these types of activities.  These types of activities don't fall under the Virtual/simulated civilian, military, paramilitary, and other government agency restrictions.

VSOA organizations are permitted to engage in the following activities:

• Conducting joint training exercises with other approved VSO organizations
• War games
• Air to air refueling
• Carrier operations
• Flying low level military routes
• Flying escort missions
• Executing air combat maneuvers
• Interception/scramble of other aircraft #
• Having access to special use airspace.
• Search & Rescue Operations**
• Firefighting Operations**
• Aeromedical Evacuations**
• Launch and Recovery of Space Vehicles
• Air Displays (Flying Displays, Races) ***

 

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Training Requirements:

3.4.3 Training Requirements

3.4.3.1    Due to the unique nature of operations and the degree of control required, all Special Operation Partners (categorized as Active or Active – Restricted) are required by this policy to meet the requirements and hold an active Membership status if they choose to issue a Military Pilot Rating. (eg. have Instructors and Training Program Complaint with the Special Operations ATO). Special Operations doesn’t necessarily mean military therefore participation in this Military Pilot rating is optional for all VSOA types.

3.4.3.3   The following minimum training requirements are required for all VSOA’s:

• One hour of aircraft familiarization in VFR conditions verifying that a pilot can maintain control of an aircraft on the ground and in the air. Training must include the following:  ATC communication, ground handling, and pattern work. 
• Two hours of navigation exercises involving the use of one or more of the following: VOR/NDB/DME/GPS radio systems as well as flight planning, runway selection, executing a radial, overhead breaks, and simulated stall and recovery in VFR conditions both day and night.
• Three hours of navigation exercises involving the use of the following: VOR/NDB/DME/GPS radio systems in IFR conditions to include flight instruments and navigation training, flight planning to include cross country flight, holding procedures, completing precision and non- precision approaches (VOR, DME, GPS, TACAN, & ILS) and missed approaches in day and night conditions.
• Four hours of advanced online flight training experience in utilizing aircraft for their designed purpose, such as, fighter, bomber, tanker, cargo, surveillance, carrier operations, etc. to include the following: engine failure at take-off and in-flight, overhead breaks, low level, aerial refueling, airdrops, ACM, weapons deployment, and formation flying based on aircraft.
• Pilots must Demonstrate a general knowledge of Military Training Routes, rules/limitations in Restricted Areas, and Military Operating Areas. Demonstrate required knowledge regarding locating the proper Air to Air Refueling Route and how to enter same. Demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing special military maneuvers and operations.

This section has been added to give those VSOA's who elect not to participate in the Military Pilot Rating, a brief overview of the minimum training requirements to become a VSOA member. If at a later date said member chooses to issue the Military rating their curriculum will have to meet the standards required to do so.

 

 

Edited October 19, 2022 at 02:27 PM by Sean Peterson
Added Aeromedical Evacuations Removal.