On 1st March, GCAP will be fully implemented worldwide. This brings some necessary changes to some of the processes in the UK as well as offers some opportunities. Updating you about all of these changes at once is not possible, so, today we are informing you about some of the first changes you can expect - the introduction of a Controller Roster and changes to Waiting Lists. Changing from one system to another will introduce challenges for old vs. new systems and ensuring parity for all members across this transition is essential. There will also be some changes introduced at the start of 2023 in order to enable a smooth and equitable transition.

Introduction of the Controller Roster

Until now, we have accepted that all members of the appropriate rating who are “home” members of the division had permission to control all regular positions in the UK. Some members were offered additional privileges which were listed on the public pages of CTS (“endorsements”). By 1st March, the UK will start to list every member’s controlling privileges explicitly meaning a list of positions each person can control will be kept. This will practically mean an account holder could search for a CID and receive confirmation each position that member can control (incl. any endorsements). From the moment this becomes active, this will be the only source of truth about what you can control; if you are not listed to control a certain position, you are not permitted to open it.

Requirement to be added to Controller Roster
On 1st March 2024, anyone who has controlled a UK Division position at any time in the previous twelve months will be added to the roster for all the positions they are currently able to control. Anyone that has not controlled, will not be added and thus not able to control (until they complete the procedure to return to the roster).

For the first few months after the transition, all members not on the Roster who wish to be added (either for the first time, or otherwise) will be directed to self-learning in order to become familiar with recent procedure changes. Members can then automatically reinstate their status as being on the roster. No approval, testing or checkout will be necessary. As time progresses, the duration of time off the roster and criteria to reinstate will change.

Activity Requirements to remain on Controller Roster
After 1st January 2024, members must control 3 hours per fixed quarter - (i.e. 3 hours in the time period 1st January - 31st March, then 3 hours in the time period 1st April - 30th June). We expect members to be able to visit a webpage which will document whether they will remain on the roster each quarter based on the data we have collected about their controlling, though of course information is also available on VATSIM stats.

Changes to ATC Waiting List Requirements

We will be implementing GCAP’s post-rating consolidation requirements of 50 hours (i.e. to train for Approach, you must have 50 hours on UK TWR positions). In addition, to remain on our waiting list you must remain on our active controller roster. We will phase out the training place deferment process, with a vision that the new requirements will mean that the overall waiting list is shorter and thus the consequences of refusing a training place when offered is lower. This should also mean that anyone in the waiting list will never move down the list, when this procedure is fully in place.

Requirement to be added to an ATC Training Waiting List
All members currently on a waiting list will remain on the waiting list. If you join a waiting list before 1st February, you will not need to fulfil any hours requirements at the time of joining. If you attempt to join a waiting list after 1st February, you must have completed the 50 hours of post-rating consolidation (defined above) in order to do so.

Activity Requirements  to remain on an ATC Training Waiting List
From 1st March, all members must have 50 hours of post rating consolidation. On this date, there will be a one-time check applied to all students who joined the waiting list prior to 01 February. Any member who has not yet achieved 50 hours since their previous rating will be removed from the waiting list. All members remaining on the waiting list must remain active on the Controller Roster (see above - “Activity Requirements to remain on Controller Roster”), otherwise they will be removed. We will endeavour to have a system that notifies controllers if they are at risk of being removed from the waiting list due to lack of controlling activity, however this may not be in place immediately.

Update to Deferred Places
Recently, we limited any ATC training place deferrals to no later than 1st March 2024. As of today, no new training place deferrals will be accepted. Existing deferrals will be honoured as negotiated. We believe that the more constrained rules for remaining on the waiting list will make this not necessary.

It is our intention to ensure that no member is unfairly disadvantaged by the introduction of these procedures. This is partly why we are informing you so far in advance. If you believe that your case would cause a disadvantage during this transition period please reach out to the ATC Training Team who can assist.

The DSG