Multiplayer Flying - Air Traffic Control
The OTHER reason I’ve been quiet here lately is that I’ve taken the plunge into becoming a virtual air traffic controller! (This is actually the fulfillment of a childhood dream – I’ve always thought it would be beyond awesome to be the cool, precise voice on the radio helping to guide pilots to and from their destinations.) One reason I chose the BVATCC as my home region is that their ATC training program is considered the best in VATUSA – because it’s modeled on the FAA’s own training (simplified somewhat and modified as required for the simulator environment, of course). To become rated and certified for all the available positions (clearance delivery/ground, tower, approach/departure, and center) at Class B, C, & D airports takes 18-24 months, on average!
I’m at the very beginning of the process – I’m currently rated as an observer (meaning I don’t actually have a rating ), and I’ve passed the 3 exams required to start training for the clearance delivery/ground position at Class C + D airports. As soon as I’m assigned a mentor/instructor, I’ll start training in a simulated environment called “the Sweatbox” – only after I earn my Class C + D ground certification and S1 (student 1) rating will I be allowed to train on the live network.
If, like me, you’ve been fascinated by air traffic controllers are doing up there in the tower cabs, here’s a look at what the virtual radar scope for the ground controller at Boston Logan Airport looks like:
The display is VERY similar to the real thing, and communications work very much the same as well. It’s hard for me to believe that all this is not only possible but is in use all over the world – without a single real aircraft or radio involved!