ATTENTION:

These policies will become out of date at 0000 EST on 20 April 2008.
Please review the new procedures at 
http://www.zjxartcc.org/module-Downloads-view-cid-2-start-0.html.

 

ZJX ARTCC Operations Policy

 

Chapter 1.  Facility Administration

 

Section 1.  Policy Information

1-1-1.  Scope of ZJX ARTCC Operations Policy

 

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governs all operations within the Virtual Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center (vZJXARTCC) to include local operating control procedures, controller training, event administration, general administration, and other policies not directly outlined or administered by VATSIM or VATUSA.  For the purpose of this document, the use of "vZJXARTCC, "vZJX", and  "ZJX" all refer to this orginization.  vZJXARTCC falls under VATSIM, VATNA, VATUSA, Southern Region and complies with all policies set forth therein.

 

Section 2.  Staff Duty Positions

1-2-1.  Staff Duty Overview

 

There are two categories of staff personnel: Administration and Facility Staff.  Administration is defined as the Air Traffic Manager (ATM), Deputy Air Traffic Manager (DATM), and Training Administrator (TA).  Facility Staff are defined as any other member of the center with an assigned additonal duty aside from being an active rostered controller.

 

1-2-2.  Air Traffic Manager

 

A.  Air Traffic Manager (ATM) is the top of the center chain of command and is responsible for the overall successful operation of the facility.  The ATM has the ultimate authority over the operation of the center and may initiate and implement policy that is in accordance with all applicable organizational procedures as set by VATSIM, VATNA, and VATUSA.

B.  Any duty within the facility not delegated to a subordinate staff office is under the authority of the ATM.  Duties shall include:

1.   Approve transfer requests.

2.   Select for recommendation and approval the Deputy Air Traffic Manager (DATM) and the Training Administrator (TA).

3.   Create and manage a facility staff to accomplish all tasks deemed necessary by facility policy or higher headquarters directive.

4.   Manage facility SOP and ensure all policies remain effective and compliant with VATSIM policy.

5.   Submit to the Southern Region Director a detailed facility report based on the time period directed by the director.  Reports shall include at a minimum:

a.   Management update to include performance of DATM and TA, new ideas for the ARTCC, and the overall health of the orginization.

b.   Policy Updates.  Draft all proposed policy changes and submit for approval to VATUSA.  Maintain and create Letter of Agreement (LOA's).

c.   Summary of events activities for the specified time period.

d.   Training department status updates.

e.   Any additional information or issues that are deemed important for the regional director to be aware of.

6.   Ensure that hosting for the facility's website is maintained.  Upon resignation of the ATM, the site registration should be transferred to a mutually agreed upon individual, ideally the incoming ATM.

7.   Monitor the message forum.

8.   Forward new controller information to the TA for instructor assignment.

9.   Any additional task that effects the operation of the center will be addressed and either directly handled by the ATM or delegated to a capable authority.

10. Ensure compliance with VATSIM and VATUSA policies by the ARTCC.  Address issues concerning non-compliance with these policies.

 

1-2-3.  Deputy Air Traffic Manager

 

A.   The Duputy Air Traffic Manager (DATM) is the second in command of the center.  The DATM will fulfill all duties of the ATM during his abscense.  The primary function of the DATM is to manage the support staff and administrative functions of the facility.

B.   All support functions not staffed become additional duties to the DATM.  The DATM may open and close the staffing of any position under his span of control.  Duties shall include:

1.   Fulfill all duties unassigned under the support staff chain.

2.   Oversee all crew assignments and ensure each crew maintains a balanced roster.

3.   Manage all support staff personel.  Recommend to the ATM the addition or removal of a support duty position or the hiring or dismissal of a support staff member.

4.   Inform the ATM of any problems or controller issues that need to be addressed.

 

1-2-4.  Training  Administrator

 

A.  The Training Administrator (TA) is the focal person for all training and currency standards.  The TA is responsible for administering the training department and ensuring all standards of the SOP are complied with.

B.   In addition to overall administration of the training department, specific attention is required in administering the mentor program and providing currency training to instructors and mentors to ensure all teaching is consistent across the training staff.

C.   Assignments related to this duty assignment are:

1.   Create proficiency tests as directed by the ATM or as deemed necessary.

2.   Administer the mentor program.  This includes selection of personnel, publishing guidance to mentors explaining teaching techniques and what is expected in thier teaching students at the mentor level.

3.   Develop and maintain Sweatbox and Tower Trainer scenarios for use in training at all positions available at ZJX.

4.   Submit a monthly report to the ATM.  This report will include a list of all monthly promotions, summary of mentor and instructor hours and current status of the training department.  Also included will be any problem areas and or changes to the training department.

5.   Establishing an Assistant Training Administrator.

 

1-2-5.  Events Coordinator

 

A.   The Events Coordinator (EC) is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, evaluating, and managing all events conducted at ZJX.  Duties include:

1.   Manage the center events master list.  The list should reflect ARTCC generated events as well as customer requested events.

2.   Generate sign up forms for all major events and/or assign controllers to positions as needed for the best operation of the event.  For guidance on selecting the most qualified controllers, the EC shall consult with the ATM or TA as needed.

3.   Create event related documentation to supplement this SOP when operational necessity dictates.  Additional procedures may not take away or alter any procedure described within this document without the written apporval of the ATM.

4.   Submit a monthly report as required by the DATM.  As a general guideline, the report should include the following:

 a.   Summary of all events conducted in the report month.  Specific items to note are problems that develop during events and any other unusual activity.

b.   List of projected events and any special requirements to be met.

c.   Any request for staffing by a customer that was not able to be fulfilled due to either a staffing shortage or overlap of another event.

d.   Any other information as directed by the DATM.

 

1-2-6.  Facility Engineer

 

A.   ZJX Facilities Engineer (FE) is responsible for the development and upkeep of all sector files and position files.  The FE will ensure sector files are updated to reflect the current publication of any and all real world changes.

B.   Assist the TA in the creation of Sweat box and Tower Trainer scenario files.

C.   Assist in maintaining and upgrading the website to better serve the controllers and our customers.

 

1-2-7.  Staff Instructor

 

A.   Staff Instructors (INS) are one of the most critical groups of people in the facility.  The assignment of instructor is also one of the most demanding duty assignments at ZJX.

B.   The following are the minimum required duties of instructors:

1.   Learn to administer Sweat box and Tower Trainer simulator sessions.

2.   Maintain communications with all assigned students at least once weekly.

3.   Work with students to conduct training sessions as often as possible.  Sweat box and Tower Trainer scenarios are highly encouraged for all students.

4.   Submit training evaluations under the roster listing for each student after a training session.

5.   Assign tests to students through the VATUSA "CERT CENTER" as needed.

6.   Notify the TA when students are ready for certification.

7.   Administer OTS certifications when required.  Certifications for TWR must be done using the Tower Trainer simulator.  Certification at APP must be done by two instructors using the Sweat box simulator for KJAX and KMCO.  CTR certification will be conducted by the TA and either the ATM or DATM.

8.   A monthly report is to be made to the TA listing all students and instructor hours with them for each month.  This shall include a student progress report and any problems that you have encountered.

9.   Maintain an on line presence as much as possible for training.  Instructors should use the instructor availability area of our website to list their times for instruction.

1-2-8.  Crew Chief

 

A.   The Crew Chief (CC) is the first person in the controller's chain of command within the facility.  The crew chief is not an instructor.  The crew chief's primary purpose is to take care of the controllers assigned to them.

B.   Duties of a crew chief will include:

1.   Keep track of when a controller's certification expires.  Assist those controllers with coordinating with an instructor for an evaluation.

2.   Assist controllers with finding a mentor/instructor within his assigned crew to assist them in receiving their training.  Keep a record of where each controller is in their training and encourage controllers to complete their training.

3.   Foster a team environment for all controllers on a crew.  Crew chiefs should be in contact with all controllers assigned to them and will make every attempt to involve as many controllers as possible in events and other facility or crew activities.

4.   Submit controller awards nominations to the ATM.

C.   All crew staffing will be kept as even as possible as the roster count allows.  A crew shall have at a minimum; one crew chief, one instructor, and one mentor in addition to the controllers assigned.  Depending on the number of crews, each crew will be given a name starting with Alpha, Bravo, etc...

 

1-2-9.  Mentor

 

A.   Mentors (M) are assigned to crews and are under the direction of the crew chief and TA.  Mentors are certified by the TA and thier credentials are maintained by the training department.

B.   The purpose of the mentor program is to allow controllers the ability to assist training less experienced controllers.  Thier duties shall include:

1.   Train controllers assigned to them using either live traffic or the Sweat box/Tower Trainer simulators.

2.   Help controllers study for written examinations.

3.   Assist all controllers in the facility with any questions or problems to the best extent possible.

4.   Report to the crew chief the status of assigned controllers.  This can be waived by the crew chief if it's determined to be unwanted.

 

1-2-10.  Authorized Functional Callsigns

 

A.   The following positions are authorized functional callsigns.  These callsigns will be used any time the controller is logged on the VATSIM server in a capacity other than controlling and/or instructing.

1.   ZJX_ATM - Reserved for the ATM

2.   ZJX_DATM - Reserved for the DATM

3.   ZJX_TA - Reserved for the TA

B.   The following callsigns may be used during event times only:

1.   ZJX_EC - Reserved for the EC

2.   ZJX_CIC - Reserved for the Controller in Charge of an Event

3.   ZJX_TMU - Reserved for members of the Traffic Management Unit

 

Section 3.  Position Certification

 

1-3-1.  Position Certification Categories

 

A.   ZJX recognizes five positions:  clearance delivery (DEL); ground control (GND); local tower (TWR); approach/departure (APP/DEP); and enroute center (CTR).  A certification in one position certifies the controller to work that position at all airports within the ARTCC.

B.   Because of this "blanket" certification, controllers are expected to display to the evaluator a strong working knowledge of the position as well as basic information about other facilities and how to obtain the requested information.

 

1-3-2.  Position Certification Revocation

 

A.   A controller may have their certification at a position revoked regardless of their rank if any of the folllowing events transpire.  An attempt to retrain the controller will first be offered before any certifications are revoked.  The decision to revoke a controller's certification may only be made by the ATM.

1.   Multiple negative feedback's from our customers (Pilots), received in a short period of time.

2.   Observed and documented to not be using proper procedures while staffing a position at ZJX.

3.   Failure to take and pass a bi-annual re-certification test provided when and as required by the training department.  This test may be administered on line or by using the Sweat box/Tower Trainer simulators.

 

1-3-3.  Clearance Delivery (DEL)

 

A.   The clearance delivery position is the fundamental building block for other positions.  Outside major events, this position is rarely split off and is usually combined at either ground or local control.

B.   Prerequisites:

1.   Becoming a member in good standing on the ZJX roster and approval of the TA.

C.   Knowledge and Practical Requirements.

1.   Demonstrate the ability to read an abbreviated clearance.

2.   Demonstrate the abiltiy to read a full route clearance.

3.   Make amendments to a flight plan and issue the amendment to the pilot.

4.   Assign departure procedures based on local procedures and in concurrence with the pilot.

5.   Use VRC/ASRC auto squawk assign function to assing a squawk code.

6.   Demonstrate the ability to read a METAR consistently with the correct phraseology.

 

1-3-4.  Ground Control (GND)

 

A.   Prerequisites:

1.   Clearance Delivery position certification.

B.   Knowledge and Practical Requirements:

1.   Ability to issue hold short instructions; complex taxi instructions; runway crossing instructions, and ensure proper pilot readback.

2.   Coordinate runway crossing with local control.

3.   Demonstrate proper phraseology, including VFR traffic knowledge.

 

1-3-5.  Local Control (TWR)

 

A.   Local Control is the controller's first introduction to airborne aircraft and the complex situations that they may present.  Local controllers must sequence airborne aircraft in the pattern with IFR arrivals and departures and coordinate with the ground controller for surface movements across active runways.  They must also coordinate with the on line APP or CTR controller for the safe arrival and departure of aircraft from their airport.

B.   Prerequisites.

1.   Must have the Ground Control position certification.

2.   Ten (10) hours of active controlling time logged at a ZJX controlled facility and in either the GND or DEL position and fifteen (15) days on the ZJX roster.

C.   Knowledge and Practical Requirements.

1.   Demonstrate sequencing of VFR pattern traffic with IFR arrival and departures.

2.   Issue departure instructions in conjunction with take off clearance.

3.   Issue and apply wake turbulence advisories and separation.

4.   Define the overhead pattern to include altitudes; reporting points; and segments of the pattern.

5.   Describe appropriate phraseology for accomplishing sequencing within the traffic pattern.

6.   Determine runway configuration based on weather conditions and local procedures.

7.   Explain the departure release procedure for the airport being controlled and describe where to find the procedures for all ZJX airports.

8.   Demonstrate proper knowledge and phraseology for VFR and Helo operations.

9.   Successfully complete and pass a Tower Trainer seesion with an instructor in addition to an on line OTS.

 

 

1-3-6.  Approach/Departure Control (APP/DEP)

10. Coordinate with TWR for approval of departures.

11. Understanding of holding instructions.

12. Issue Instrument Approaches and Visual Approaches for IFR aircraft.

13. Amend routes as needed and properly communicate the amendments to the pilot.

14. Proper procedures for VFR and HELO operations.

15. Understanding of all military procedures.

16. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the various APP airspaces within ZJX.

D.   Practical requirements:

1.   Work consistantly six to ten aircraft for a period of no less than one hour on the VATSIM network.

2.   Complete and pass a sweat box simulator session under the supervision of two instructors.  This shall use at least two approach airspaces.  Both instructors must approve the controller prior to certification.  At least one othe instructors administering the test shall be the TA or ATM.

 

1-3-7.  Enroute Control (CTR)

 

A.   Center is the foundation for air traffic control on VATSIM.  The center controller's virtual role versus real world role is more different than any other position on the network.  In the virtual environment, the majority of center's work come in the form of serving as multiple approach controls and towers for airports across a vast area.  During peak event times, centers are tasked with initial sequencing on arrivals, and proper sequencing of aircraft departing ZJX airspace to our neighboring ARTCC's.

B.  Prerequisites.

1.   Must have the Approach/Departure control position certification.

2.   Must have logged prior to the start of center training a minimum of thirty (30) hours of active control time at an approach/departure control position.  Additionally, controllers must have sixty (60) hours of total active controlling experience before earning the center certification.  Controllers will have a minimum of forty-five (45) days as a rated approach/departure controller before being certified at center.

3.   Must be an active member of ZJX and participated in ZJX events.  A recommendation form an Instructor to the TA is also required.

C.   Knowledge Requirements.

1.   Describe the requirements of all facility Letters of Agreement (LOA).

2.   Control of Special Use Airspace and required separation requirements.

3.   RVSM Operations.

4.   Assignment and use of Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR).

5.   Understand the concept of sectors to include all sectors available to the CTR position at ZJX.

6.   Thorough understanding of all Approach/Departure areas in ZJX.

7.   Thorough understanding of all military procedures.

D.   Practical Requirements

1.   Complete and pass a Sweat box session administered by two instructors, one of which is the TA or ATM.  Use of two airports required.

2.   Pass an on line OTS under the direction of the TA or ATM.

 

Section 4.  Rating Restrictions

 

1-4-1.  Rating Definition

 

A.   Ratings are the rank within VATSIM.  The ranks in use on the VATSIM network are S1, S3, C1, C3, I1, I3, SUP, and ADM.  S1 through C3 are attainable by all controllers.  I1 through ADM are ranks issued in concurrence with a duty assignment either within the facility or on the network.

 

1-4-2.  Student

 

Student controllers (S1) are authorized to complete position certification through tower.  After completion of the tower certification, the student will be assigned the VATUSA S3 written examination.  Upon successful completion of this test, the controller will be promoted to the VATSIM S3 rank.

 

1-4-3.  Senior Student

 

Senior students (S3) are allowed to complete the approach/departure control position certification.  After completion of the approach/departure control certification, S3's will be assigned the VATUSA C1 written examination.  Upon successful completion of this exam and sixty (60) days as an S3, controllers will be promoted to the C1 rank.

 

1-4-4.  Controller

 

Controller is the initial goal of all controllers and is an accomplishment once reached.  C1's are certified through approach/departure and eligible for recommendation for center training.

 

1-4-5.  Senior Controller

 

The senior controller rating (C3) is reserved for controllers who display great dedication to the facility and demonstrate an exceptional level of knowledge and skill in air traffic control.  The rating is a statement of accomplishment and should be the ultimate goal of all controllers.  The training administrator is the only person authorized to promote controllers to C3.  The following are minimum guidelines for C3:

1.   Minimum 200 hours active control time.

2.   Certification in all ZJX positions.

3.   Serve as a mentor for at least three months.

4.   Demonstrate dedication, commitment, and respect to the facility and fellow controllers at all times.

 

1-4-6.  Instructor.

The instructor rating (I1) is reserved for those members serving as staff instructors.  The I1 rating is held only during the time the member is serving as an instructor.  After serving as instructors, members are returned to C3.

 

1-4-7.  Senior Instructor

 The senior instructor rating (I3) is reserved only for members serving as the center's Training Administrator.

 

 Section 5.  Airspace Configuration Procedures

 

1-5-1.  Requirement to Preview Airspace

All controllers shall, prior to logging into an active control position, first log on using the authorized observer call sign and view all control positions currently filled.  Controllers should check in with the senior controller present to determine the best position to open next.

 

1-5-2.  Opening a Position

 

A.   While connected as an observer, configure the radar client in use so that it satifies all requirements of the position that will be opened.  All configuarations should be made before logging in as the actual control position.

B.   Connect using the appropriate call sign for the position being staffed.  Designate the primary frequency and ensure the voice channel in use is connected and working properly.

C.   Set your ATIS appropriate to the position being filled.

D.   Get a traffic brief from the position currently working traffic in your position's airspace.  All traffic should be switched to the appropriate sector frequency.

E.   Announce using the ATC Chat function that the position is open.

F.   If taking a position in which there were no prior facilty providing control service, use the "contact me" function to message each pilot to contact your position.  This function should only be used on those aircraft not in a critical phase of thier flight.

 

1-5-3.  Closing a Position

A.   At least five minutes prior to closing a position, set your status to "requesting break" and send an ATC Chat message stating the time the position will be closed.  Also transmit via text and voice on the position frequency the estimated closing time.  If there are any controllers certified to work that position, offer it to them.  If a relief controller is found, see paragraph 1-5-4 for relief instructions.

B.   If no relief is found at the advertised closing time, initiate any necessary handoff's and disconnect.

 

1-5-4.  Relieving a Controller

 

A.   Configure the radar client and radio's while logged in as an observer.  After all configurations have been made, disconnect, and reconnect as the relief control position call sign.

B.   Get the relief briefing from the outgoing controller.  At a minimum, the following information should be included:

1.   General weather briefing for the airspace.  All airports being serviced below minimums for vectoring for a visual approach should be noted as well as all airports being currently serviced IFR only.

2.   Traffic briefing to include all aircraft on the frequency and any unique information for an aircraft.

3.   Airspace briefing to include any active special use airspace, and all sectors/facilities currently opened.

C.   Any questions should be asked after the position briefing.  If there are no questions, the relief controller will take over the position and the relieved controller shall remain present for at least one minute to ensure smooth transition.

 

1-5-5.  Combining Airspace

 

A.   The controller working the airspace that is to be split will provide the gaining sector's controller a standard briefing.

B.   After the briefing is complete, all targets will be handed off to the gaining sector.

 

1-5-6.  Splitting Airspace

 

A.   When a sector will be split, the controller taking the airspace will login and configure the appropriate frequency.  Once the controller is fully setup, a position briefing will be given by the loosing controller to the gaining controller.

B.   After the briefing, any aircraft that need to be switched to the opened sector should be handed off.

 

Section 6.  Monthly Activity Requirements

 

1-6-1.  Hour Requirements for Controllers

 

All ZJX Rostered controllers are required to log a minimum of three hours per month of active controlling.

 

1-6-2.  Probationary Status

 

A.   Controllers failing to meet the required monthly time requirement of three minimum hours online, will be placed in a probationary status and listed as inactive.  This status is a warning period for the member to let them know that they have one month to meet the hour requirement and return to active status or they will be removed from the Roster.

B.   After the month of probationary status, controllers still showing less than three hours logged, will be removed from the ZJX roster and placed on the VATUSA Removed Roster.

C.   Members placed on probationary status may not request a leave of absence until they have returned to active status.

 

1-6-3.  Removal from Active Roster

 

A.   Members removed fromt he Active Roster may appeal the removal to the ATM, regional director, or VATUSA conflict resolution.

B.   If removed for being inactive, members must wait 180 days before being allowed to reapply for membership at ZJX.

 

1-6-4.  Position Proficiency

 

While the minimum time required online to remain in active status is three hours, controllers should log additional time to retain proficiency in thier certifications.  ZJX recommends fully rated controllers log at least two hours at CTR and at least one hour in each major TRACON each month.

 

 

Section 7.  Crew System

 

1-7-1.  Purpose

 

The purpose of the crew system is to provide a better span of control, promote a team environment, and reduce the adminstrative workload by dividing up administrative functions to a larger staff. 

 

1-7-2.  Assignments

 

A.   All crew assignments and transfers will be made by the DATM.

B.   New and Transferring controllers, will be assigned to a crew by the DATM.

 

1-7-3.  Crew Responsibilities

 

A.   Each crew will ensure that an appropriate number of mentors are made available for students.

B.   Establish quarterly training review sessions that cover a single topic related to air traffic control.  These sessions should be led by either the crew chief or a qualified instructor.  Meetings may be held more often, however, controllers should be asked to attend only one per quarter.

C.   Controllers are required to attend at least two crew meetings per year to retain thier certifications.

 

 

Chapter 2.  Events

 

Section 1.  Events Management

 

2-1-1.  ZJX Initiated Event Scheduling

 

A.   ZJX initiated events are defined as those events that are planned, advertised, and executed by the ZJX Events Staff.  ZJX initiated events must be scheduled on the VATUSA calander in accordance with the VATUSA Events Policy no later than 30 dyas prior ot the proposed event date.

B.   The EC will submit request for an event ot the ATM and copy the DATM.  The ATM is the approving authority for all events.  The ATM will submit within 48 hours of the EC's request a reason for denial if needed along with an explanation.

 

2-1-2.  Customer Requested Event Scheduling

 

A.   Customer Requested Events are defined as those events that are hosted by a customer of the VATSIM network; ie..Virtual Airlines.

B.   Organizations shall provide a minimum of 15 days notice to the ZJX EC of an event impacting ZJX airspace.  Notifications received prior to the 15 day period shall be afforded maximum support possible.  Notifications of events received less than 15 days, should be announced as required in paragraph 2-1-3.

C.   Event notifications received more than 30 days in advance should be coordinated on the VATSIM/VATUSA calander as much as possible to help attract a more diverse traffic base for the event.

 

2-1-3.  Catagory of Event and Notification.

 

A.   ZJX classifies both ZJX initiated and Customer Requested events into three catagories:

1.   Major.  Major events are described as those events projecting more than 50 participants.  These events require a pre-event briefing be held for all controller participating.

2.   Large.  Large events are described as those events projecting more than twenty but no more than fifty participants.

3.   Standard.  Standard events project less than twenty participants.

B.   Notification:

1.   Major events will be announced via email to all rostered controllers, the events section of the ZJX website; and via the ZJX forums at least 30 days prior to the event.  Sign ups for the event will be made available no later than 14 days prior to the event.  Announcements will also be made on the VATUSA and VATSIM websites.

2.   Large events will be announced via the ZJX fourms and the website events page.  Sign ups for the event will be made available no later than 14 days prior to the event.  Emails to rostered controllers are encouraged.

3.   Standard events will be announced via the ZJX forums and website events page.  Sign ups for the event will be made available no later than 7 days prior to the event.  Emails to rostered controllers are encouraged.

4.   Request for controller services made on short notice will be posted in the ZJX forum.  There will be no event sign ups for these events.

 

2-1-4.  Events Staffing

 

A.   Event assignments will be made from the request received using the events sign ups function.  The final assinging of positions will be left to the discretion of the EC after consulting with the ATM.  Most assignments will be made on a first come, first served basis according to a controller's certifications and skill level.  Visiting controllers will be served in the same manner as rostered controllers per VATUSA policy.

B.   If an ARTCC member edits their request, it changes the date and time of the request to the date and time that the edited request is saved.  This means that the new request is moved to the bottom of the list and their original place in line is lost.  Only the controller is able to edit their request, staff members may not edit request.

C.   The intent of the events staff is to staff positions in the order of thier importance to the successful running of that event.  Therefore, if a controller is not assigned to their first choice, or is assigned to a position not on thier request list, this was done to fulfill the requirements needed to properly staff the event.

D.   New and/or experimental positions may from time to time be used during events.  These positions will normally not be listed on the events sign up site but will be assigned to controllers by the ATM or EC.

E.   The final assignments will begin to be made at least 48 hours prior to the event and will be posted at least 24 hours prior to the event.  A message will be placed in the ZJX forum letting everyone know the final assignments have been made along with an email.  If there are any positions that remain open, then controllers who have not yet signed up may request any of these, yet with no guarantee that they will recieve them.  The events staff reserves the right to assing these positions to any available and willing controller, including those not on our rosters.

F.   The ZJX EC will be the person responsible for all event staffing assignments.  In the event that the EC cannot be available for all or part of the event sign up period, another member of the senior staff shall perform these duties.

 

2-1-5.  Event Participation

 

A.   Any member or visiting controller listed on the roster may utilize the event sign up function on the website to request a position for an event.  Once a final decision has been made concerning assignments, all controllers will be notified prior to the event.

B.   Once a controller has been assigned to staff a position per thier request, that controller is required to attend the event and staff their assigned position.  If for any reason, the controller cannot attend the event, they are required to notify the EC and the ATM prior to the start of the event that they will not be able to fulfill thier obligation.  This may me done in several ways:

1.   Send an email to the EC and the ATM.

2.   Notify the EC and the ATM via MSN, AIM, or YAHOO messanger as available.

3.   Personal phone call to the ATM, the phone number is 229-576-0075.

C.   If a controller fails to notify that they will not be staffing per thier request, the ZJX staff reserves the right to issue suspensions on a case by case basis.  The circumstances for each case will be reviewed and acted upon accordingly.  If it is decided by the senior staff that there were no valid reasons why the controller could not notify the EC and ATM that they would not be attending, the following suspensions will be enforced:

1.   First offense.  Suspension from controlling at ZJX for 14 days and suspension from event participation for 30 days.

2.   Second offense.  Suspension from controlling at ZJX for 30 days and suspension from event participatin for 90 days.

3.   Third offense.  Removal from the ZJX roster.

 

Chapter 3.  Operational Policies

 

Section 1.  ATIS

 

3-1-1.  ATIS Voice (VRC)

 

A.   Controllers within the ZJX airspace will be required to enter and maintain an ATIS message.  ATIS messages in some cases can become very lengthy which decrease overall system performance.  With this potential reduction of performance in mind, controllers will create an ATIS message of no mare than three lines of text and sixty-four characters per line including spaces.  Controllers may include surface winds and altimeter, but are cautioned that these items change frequently and require regular updates.  Additionally it may not be assumed that the pilot has recieved all information in the ATIS unless the pilot states the current ATIS code.  The VATSIM network, when under high stress, will not provide the ATIS to the pilot for sometimes between 10-20 minutes after they request it.

B.   The following format shall be used when creating a voice ATIS message in VRC:

1.   (Airport name) information (ATIS CODE).

2.   Time (ZULU Time).

3.   Wind.

4.   Visibility.

5.   Sky Condition.

6.   Temperature.

7.   Dew Point.

8.   Altimeter.

9.   Approaches in Use (Visual, ILS).

10. Arrival Runways in Use.

11. Departure Runways (If different than arrival runways).

12. NOTAM's.

13. All departures contact (appropriate controller and frequency) prior to taxi.

14. All aircraft read back runway crossing and hold short instructions.

15. Advise controller on initial contact you have information (ATIS CODE).

C.   ATIS messages are the responsibility of the controller providing Tower related services to a field, this may be TWR, APP/DEP or CTR.  Never DEL or GND.

D.   Only one Voice ATIS per field at any one time.

E.   Voice ATIS messages must be updated as conditions on the field change.

F.   ATIS messages must use the ATIS frequency associtated with that field.  A list of the currently approved frequencies may be found in the Training section on the website.

 

Section 2.  ASRC/VRC Procedures

 

3-2-1.  Learning ASRC/VRC

 

A.   ASRC/VRC are complex programs with a step learning curve.  There are resources available to you to assist in learning them that can be found on our website.  Controllers should consult, and keep close by thier station, the ASRC/VRC manual for general questions regarding operations and set-up.  Controllers should be proficient in its use and functions before attempting to operate in heavy traffic or at a busy position.   Instructors and Mentors are available for assitance with ASRC/VRC, but members are encouraged to search the manual for answers prior to contacting them.

 

3-2-2.  Clearance Delivery and Ground

 

A.   Clearance Delivery and Ground positions will utilize the Ground radar in ASRC/VRC.  This mode displays all radar targets with thier system call sign for easy indentification by the controller.  Ground controllers will leave all aircraft in "Squawk Standby" mode for the entire time they are on the ground.

B.   Visibility range must be kept below 10nm.

 

3-2-3.  Local Control (Tower)

 

A.   Local controllers will utilize the Tower or ARTSIII radar scope at thier discretion.  Tower controllers may not "tag" an aircraft or utilize the hand off feature.

B.   Visibility range must be kept below 30 nm.

 

3-2-4.  APP/DEP and Center

A.   Approach controllers will utilize either the ARTSIII or DSR radar modes.  Center controllers will use the DSR radar mode.  Only APP/DEP and Center controllers may take ownership of an aircraft using the F3 command.

B.   Visibility range for the APP/DEP position must remain at or below 100 nm.

C.   Visibility range for the Center position may be at or below 600 nm.

 

3-2-6.  Temporary Altitude Assignments (F8)

 

A.   All controllers will utilize the temporary altitude assignment any time that an aircraft is cleared to an altitude other than its filed cruise.  Controllers releasing an aircraft to UNICOM and uncontrolled airspace shall cancel the temporary altitude prior to dropping track and terminating service for an aircraft.  Center controllers will clear all aircraft to their filed cruise altitude prior to hand off to another Center controller unless otherwise specified by a current LOA.  Delivery, Ground and Tower controllers will utilize the temporary altitude feature, setting it to the initial altitude provided to the pilot during clearance, typically 5000ft at ZJX.

 

Section 3.  Personnel Policies

 

3-3-1.  Leave of Absence

 

A.   ZJX controllers may request a LOA from the DATM or ATM.  While on a LOA, the controller will not be penalized for any failure to make the minimum hours requirements.  Additionally, those controllers that are on a LOA may be removed from thier status as Instructors or Mentors if space is needed.

 

3-3-2.  Conflict Resolution

 

A.   Any conflicts that occur between ZJX controllers will first be brought to the attention of the ATM.  If the ATM cannot settle the dispute to everyone's satisfaction, the issue will be submitted to VATUSA conflict resolution.

 

3-3-3.  Forum Usage

 

A.   The ZJX forum is for the use and enjoyment of our membership.  Please keep in mind that everyone has differing opinions and views.  With that in mind, we ask that you keep your post free of insults, accusations, and obscenities.  Any post that is deemed obscene or harmful to another member will be removed.  The author of this post may face suspension from the forums and/or ZJX.  Each case will be considered separately.

 

3-3-4.  ZJX Newsletter

 

A.   The ZJX Newsletter is a monthly publication created to bring the membership information concerning ZJX and controlling in general.  All members are openly encouraged to submit news items or articles to the ATM for consideration.

 

Approved:  07-04-2007

By:

Tom Seeley, Southern Region Director

Greg Sumner, ZJX ATM

 

Addendum 1. Teamspeak Server

A.  The Jacksonville Teamspeak server is a private server and all decisions regarding the server shall be made by the owner and/or his/her designee.

B.  The owner may delegate privileges and authority at his/her discretion.

C.  OTS rooms are reserved for use during certification exams only. Do not enter an OTS room unless invited by an Instructor. Any controller entering an OTS room without consent of an Instructor shall be asked to leave and may face suspension from Teamspeak and/or ZJX as determined necessary by the owner and Air Traffic Manager.

D.  Controllers are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times while connected to the server. Any controller making inappropriate or obscene comments as deemed by the owner is his/her designee shall be asked to leave, temporarily or permanently banned, and/or face suspension and/or removal from the ZJX roster as determined necessary by the owner and Air Traffic Manager.

Approved 10/28/2007 by Luke Smith, Air Traffic Manager

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