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Hi All, In similar fashion to our ATC Training Department, we will be winding down between the 23rd December to the 2nd January. During this time, responses to inquires may be slower than usual. For transfer or visiting applicants, please note that application processing may take longer, and we will not be sending our usual emails with 84 hour deadlines during this period. I hope everyone has a great Christmas and a happy New Year! For those of you taking part in the Christmas Quiz, good luck! Will

Good Afternoon, I am pleased to announce that @Kye Taylor will be joining the team in the role of Outreach Manager. This newly created role is designed to enhance the experience of all our members, both current and new. Kye brings a wealth of fresh ideas and passion to the role and I can't wait to see the impact he has moving forward. To view just some of the areas this position will impact I'd invite you to view our application post:

Good morning, all, As is tradition, to remove any burden of expectation on either our mentors, staff or students, the ATC Training Department will be closed between the 23rd December and 2nd January. During this period, there is no expectation of any mentoring or examinations taking place, but of course, if mentors and students find themselves with time and wanting to take part then we will, of course, not stop them! To this effect, between the 23rd December and 2nd January, no ATC Training Session Request/Availability checks will take place and students may consider themselves exempt from maintaining either. We do ask that you submit availability promptly in the new year to resume your training. I intend to a write an end-of-year review in the 1st week of January, but in the mean time, have a wonderful Christmas period, enjoy the time with your families whether you celebrate Christmas or otherwise, rest up and we'll see you in the New Year. To my team, mentors and examiners, past and present, thank you for all of your help this year - we really couldn't do it without you. All the best, Adam Arkley ATC Training Director

Hi all! After months of planning, getting .net approval, and a late night push with @Ben Carpenter, we are extremely proud to announce our revised and streamlined P1 PPL(A) syllabus. These changes are the first step in a wider effort my Pilot Training to improve training efficiency, modernize our syllabus, and encourage more self-study for students. Syllabus Changes Note: changes are effective immediately. The overall changes can be summarized as follows: Removal of the following lessons: Lesson 6: Stalling and Spinning Lesson 9: Dual Circuits with Flapless and Glide Approaches Lesson 12: Emergencies & Practise Forced Landings (PFLs) * Lesson 13: Emergencies & EFATO Lesson 20: Navigation 5 - VFR with MATZ crossing Lesson 22: Navigation 7 - VFR with Diversion (* replaced with textual reference to CAP1535 radio failure guidance) Concatenation of the following lessons: Lesson 21: Navigation 6 – Basic Instrument Flight Lesson 23: Navigation 8 – Practise License Skills Test (replace the navigation section of L23 with L21) Moving navigation briefing lessons to a three-part video series With these changes, we remove a lot of the "extra" content that went above and beyond the MCS. While this may seem like a step back, these "unnecessary" lessons added competencies for student progression that were never required for their P1 Skills Test. As such, it was purely a time waste for some (especially in circuits)! I don't plan to remove the content entirely, and I will continue to encourage our mentors to go "above and beyond" to enrich our students' knowledge. Instead, we are just removing the requirement for these competencies from our course. With time (ie, when we have the bandwidth), these lessons will be replaced with videos for students to watch in their own time. The effect of this change is substantial: Total lessons: 23 -> 16 Lessons requiring a mentor: 17 -> 11 Going forward, we plan to add more self-study content for students in the form of briefing videos, pre-lesson quizzes, and recap exercises. We are also working on completely revamping the checklists for the three training aircraft. Moodle Changes We have completely revamped the P1 PPL(A) Moodle (https://moodle.vatsim.uk/course/view.php?id=51). The main change was migrating to a tile-based interface for easier navigation. Mentors' Moodle We have released a Mentors' Moodle, which contains all the resources mentors need to teach the P1 and P2 courses. This course is not available to general members, which is unfortunate as most members will not see the tens of hours that went into the relatively small amount of content already on there. Acknowledgements A massive thank you to @Ben Carpenter and @Benjamin Arrowsmith for their enormous contributions to this revamp. Join the team We are always looking for new mentors across our training courses: P1, P2, and TFP. Irrespective of your experience, if you are interested in contributing to the division and passionate about flying then please reach out! Helpdesk: https://helpdesk.vatsim.uk/ (select “Pilot Training” as the department)

Happy New Year, Bliadhna Mhath Ùr! VATSIM UK is pleased to announce it's annual New Year's event, Hogmanay Fly-In. Join us as we staff up Scottish airports such as Glasgow, Aberdeen, Prestwick, and Inverness on the 4th January from 1800-2200z. Whether you’re flying to the heart of Scotland’s festivities or exploring the stunning winter landscapes, this event is the perfect way to mark the end of the year with our community. Join us for this special celebration as we jet off into 2025. Get your flight plans ready, and let’s make it a Hogmanay to remember! Controllers please note that this event will be rostered. An expression of interest will be posted in due course.

Version 2024/12 Available ⚠️ You must update your sector file and controller pack to ensure correct sector ownership and sector file identification when controlling. Installation Instructions The pack is compatible with EuroScope 3.2.3.2 which can be downloaded here. You should install in the default 'working directory': \%appdata%\Roaming\EuroScope Please read the README contained within the pack for full details. We continue to work with Gergely to test the latest version of EuroScope (3.2.9) However, at the time of writing we cannot guarantee it will be stable. Please keep an eye on Discord announcements for the recommended ES version. What's Changed Fixes #902 - Re-do AIRAC calculation code by @19wintersp in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/903 (no impact on user) Fixes #907 - Update Yeovil (EGDY) frequencies to be 8.33KHz compliant by @AdriTheDev in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/908 Fixes #909 - Update alias files to reflect new VATSIM Code of Conduct by @AdriTheDev in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/910 New VATSIM CoC references added to AC and Heathrow aliases Fixes #904 - Area Profiles Feedback Link CID Generation by @luke11brown in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/905 CID added correctly to Area profiles Fixes #913 - Topsky DCL Next Frequency now Automatic by @luke11brown in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/914 Area controllers will now have their own primary frequency added automatically to any DCL message Fixes #788 - Added Farnborough (EGLF) Profile by @SamLefevre in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/906 Farnborough radar displays & profile added Known issue - Tag family is incorrect, noticed after released. Will be fixed next cycle. Fixes #787 - Include custom Southend (EGMC) features with TopSky by @SamLefevre in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/916 Southend profile now more realistic. Fixes #915 - CTAs north of EGNT now H24 by @luke11brown in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/917 P18 airway between ADN-NATEB now H24. Deactivated when EGD514 is active. 2024/12 Sector File Update by @github-actions in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/918 **Full Changelog**: https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/compare/2024_11...2024_12 Changes Only Version Changes only version available for download

Valid from 28th November 2024 We have been notified of a change to the frequency of LFEE_CTR (Reims Bandbox) to 133.005. Unfortunately this was only known to us after the AIRAC cycle, therefore this change is not reflected in the 2024/12 Sector File release or documentation. Controllers opening the Dover sector should be aware of this change and therefore the likelihood that EuroScope will not predict this controller if handing over traffic via UL15 (MOTOX) and UL10 (RINTI). Should they wish, controllers can edit the sector file manually (UK_2024_12.ese found in the controller pack Data/Sector) to correct this. The relevant entry is found on line 597. This change will be incorporated into the 2023/13 sector file and notified in the next AIRAC cycle.

Effective 28th November 2024 The SAM VOR radials have changed due to a change to the VOR declination setting. As such the SAM holding axis has been changed to 029°. Additionally the EAS hold has been changed to 017°. The noise abatement radial for runway 20 has also changed to R215. Documentation Status The Southampton (EGHI) vMATS Part 2 has been updated to version 2024/12.

2024/12 Released! --- AIRACs: --- 2412: Corrected Luton (EGGW) Tug Release Point V orientation Changed Netheravon (EGDN) frequency Updated Ronaldsway (EGNS) Holding Points Updated Cranwell (CWZ) TACAN position Changed Yeovil (EGDY) frequencies Changed Northolt (EGWU) runway QFU Added Valley (EGOV) RNP fixes --- Other: --- Procedure Change (2412): Changed Jever sector top-down orders and vertical limits Updated Copenhagen FIR frequencies and top-down order Enhancement: Added Manchester (EGCC) Taxiline Linking D and K Enhancment: Added Farnborough (EGLF) LARS Boundary --- Many thank to our contributors this cycle: --- @Callum Hicks Joshua Kelechi @Aiden Bok @Samuel Lefevre

Effective 28 November 2024 Summary Earlier this year (AIRAC 2407 - 11 Jul 2024), the availability of the P18 ATS route north of Newcastle between NATEB and ADN, along with the associated controlled airspace, was amended to become H24. Therefore, the next vMATS update will reflect this change and clarify that only when Swanwick Mil (vRAF) reserves the airspace for use will it be simulated as reverting to Class G, requiring ScAC to provide UK FIS. When the P18 is unavailable for use, traffic may be re-routed via GRICE/P600. Note: TopSky auto airspace has been updated in the 2024/12 controller pack release. vMATS Procedure (excerpt) ScAC 3.2.1 ScAC South - Route Structure ScAC 3.2.1.2 (U)P18 [NB: Old procedure not shown for clarity] The P18 ATS route north of NATEB (and UP18 between NATEB and ALASO) is established as a CDR for traffic from/to Aberdeen only available H24. Unavailability of the route in real life is specified by NOTAM when required for MOD access or by activation of a flight planning buffer zone, EGD514Z. For VATSIM purposes, and because of a lack of mandatory flight plan validation, Swanwick Mil (vRAF) shall notify ScAC sectors when the P18 is explicitly unavailable, and whether civil aircraft are required to be re-routed. Only when Swanwick Mil reserves the airspace for use will it revert to Class G and ScAC shall therefore provide UK FIS. When the P18 is unavailable, traffic may be re-routed via GRICE and the P600. Documentation Status The Scottish FIR (vMATS) will be updated to coincide with this change.

Effective 28 November 2024 Summary A new Letter of Agreement between VATSIM UK and VATSIM Scandinavia, Copenhagen FIR, will take effect on the above date to reflect amended Copenhagen controller positions: EKDK_S_CTR removed and replaced with EKDK_UN_CTR EKDK_L_CTR removed from top-down order EKDK_WE_CTR created. vMATS Procedure Deleted text – red and strikethrough. New text in blue. ScAC 2.4/3.4 ScAC North/South ScAC 2/3.4.6.1 Copenhagen ACC - Sectorisation The coverage priority (left to right) for Copenhagen at the interface with Scottish ACC is as follows: EKDK_N_CTR 134.680 MHz EKDK_UNS_CTR 136.555 MHz EKDK_V_CTR 135.565 MHz EKDK_WEL_CTR 124.555126.055 MHz EKDK_CTR 136.485 MHz Note: Eurocontrol North (EURN_FSS) covers all Copenhagen airspace above FL245 in the absence of local ATC. Documentation Status The Scottish FIR (EGPX) vMATS and Agreed Levels Diagrams will be amended in time for this change.

Effective 28 November 2024 Summary A new Letter of Agreement between VATSIM UK and VATSIM Germany will take effect on the above date to reflect amended Jever sector ownership. The vertical split between Jever Low and High is now FL365 (increased from FL355). Accordingly, EHAM departures via LONAM are now RFC to FL360 with Scottish (increased from FL350). vMATS Procedure Deleted text – red and strikethrough. New text in blue. ScAC 3.3.2 ScAC South - External Standing Agreements ScAC 3.3.2.7 Maastricht UAC (FL245+) MUAC Jever Sector to ScAC South From Agreement Conditions EHAM ^ FL320 Via LONAM. (See Note) Note: Traffic is released for climb to FL350 FL360 and released for turns, subject to known traffic, providing it remains within the confines of the transferring and receiving sectors. ScAC 3.4 ScAC South - Coordination and Procedures with Adjacent Units, Sectors and Airfields ScAC 3.4.7 Maastricht UAC ScAC 3.4.7.1 Sectorisation Jever Low Sector (FL245-FL355FL365) EDYY_JL 136.465 MHz EDYY_JH 129.735 MHz EDYY_HH 132.780 MHz Common Jever top-down order Jever High Sector (FL355FL365+) EDYY_JH 129.735 MHz EDYY_HH 132.780 MHz EDYY_JL 136.465 MHz Common Jever top-down order Common Jever top-down order The following top-down order is common to both Jever sectors: EDYY_BB 129.840 MHz EDWW_E 124.075 MHz EDWW_A 126.325 MHz EDWW_W 120.225 MHz EDWW_CTR 133.725 MHz EUC-MW 135.750 MHz Documentation Status The Scottish FIR (EGPX) vMATS and Agreed Levels Diagrams will be amended in time for this change.

Hi all, It's with sadness that I announce the departure of James from the team after over 4 years of dedication, hard work and valuable contributions to both the team and the division. James has played an important role, supporting multiple departments and his presence will be missed. I can't thank you enough James and wish you the very best going forward.

I am pleased to announce that @Peter Mooney has accepted my offer of the role of Deputy Operations Director. I was delighted to receive so many applications for the role - competition was fierce and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to apply - it's great to see so many people interested in helping the division out. Note: The role of 'Operations Manager' has been renamed to 'Deputy Operations Director' to make the department structure clearer and better reflect the division of responsibilities. The role of Sector File Coordinator will be advertised in due course.

Please be advised that applications for Operations Manager and Events Assistant will now close at 2359Z on Sunday 17th November

We are looking to expand the Community team and as such I am pleased to start recruitment for an Outreach Manager and Outreach Assistant. Outreach Manager As part of the Community department, the Outreach Manager will lead a team within the wider department that is focused on the experience of our members, supporting development in onboarding, member retention and improving our community spaces. They will play a key role in fostering a welcoming and engaging environment for both new and current members of the division. The Outreach Manager will be responsible for: Developing our Community Spaces (Discord, Teamspeak etc); Developing member retention and outreach strategies; Developing our onboarding process for new members; Developing a program of new in-person events; Oversight and management of marketing related activities, including VATSIM UK social media, and the use of our design and brand; Management and utilisation of our Graphics & Video team; Management and utilisation of outreach assistants to support you in being successful. Will the responsibilities of this role change? As you develop into this role there may be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities. This would be done in coordination with yourself and the main focus of the role would remain. This may include but not limited to supporting our Moderation team, by creating new guidance and companion documents. To be considered for this role you must: Be a home member of VATSIM UK; Be a member in good standing; Have a high level of English writing ability; Have a high level of interpersonal skills; Be able to commit a minimum of 1 year to the role; Have the motivation and commitment to see tasks through. A desirable candidate would possess all or some of the following qualities: Experience leading a small team; Good communication, administrative and teamwork skills; Motivation to excel in the role and a vision to strengthen the areas you are responsible for; Demonstrate good organisational and planning skills; Experience in good social media practises; Experience in graphic design and video creation; How much time do I need to commit to the role? It is an expectation that you will dedicate enough time, weekly, to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. Whilst specific hours may vary for a number of reasons, candidates must be prepared to invest consistent weekly hours, demonstrating a proactive and dependable presence within the community and the department. Additionally there may be times when increased availability is necessary, such as during special events or key projects. What could I discuss in my application to help me be successful? We are looking for someone who has new exciting ideas in the areas they are responsible for, both inside and outside of the box, and the desire and passion to follow through. You may wish to expand on this by specifically stating your plans and goals for the first 6 months in the position, with the understanding that these may change. In addition, you will not be alone in this branch of the department and thus, we are looking for someone who has the ability and confidence to lead a small team, you may wish to discuss any experience you have here and/or how you would effectively manage your team. Outreach Assistant We are also looking for someone to join @Thomas Hallam in the role of Outreach Assistant. This role sits within the Community department under the Outreach Manager, and will play a key role in developing a vibrant, welcoming community experience. While this role mirrors the responsibilities, requirements and desirable attributes of the Outreach Manager, it focuses more on specific tasks that play a key part in implementing the department's initiatives. This role is ideal for those who are not quite ready to take on a leadership role but would like to support the division and support what the Community department is trying to achieve. This role provides an excellent foundation for individuals looking to grow into a leadership position and as part of this role, you may gain exposure to tasks that enhance your understanding of team management, community engagement, and strategic planning. How much time do I need to commit to the role? Similar to the above, you must be able to dedicate enough time each week to perform assigned tasks and support the department. The time each week will vary based on your assigned tasks and any special events / key projects. You will be responsible for managing your time effectively to meet deadlines and expectations. What could I discuss in my application to help me be successful? To stand out you may wish to discuss ideas you have for improving member retention, onboarding, engagement or any other aspect of the role. You may also wish to discuss any skills or experience you find relevant. How to Apply Please submit applications by email to jobs[at]vatsim.uk. Please state why you are the most suitable candidate for the position, how you meet the desired attributes and what you can bring to the team. If you wish to discuss any part of this role, please feel free to contact me via Discord. We are not looking for an essay, just a reason why you stand out. We are also not looking for you to be the complete package, the requirements for this role reflect this. As long as you have the ability and willingness to develop in your role we want to hear from you, so please do apply or ask questions! Applications will close at 23:59z on the 27th November 2024. Applications received after this time may not be considered. All applications will be reviewed after this date and everyone will be notified of the outcome in due course. Some applicants may be invited to a short interview style discussion to allow you to further expand on your application.

The department is pleased to accept applications for the role of Training Group Instructor - TG Enroute. As you will no doubt be aware, VATSIM UK is a highly-demanded division for ATC training, providing thousands of mentoring sessions per year and hundreds of rating upgrades. Globally, we are renowned for providing high quality training and providing a high standard of service in some of the most densely populated and complicated airspace in the world. Our ethos is to provide pragmatic, high-quality training with a focus on skills, rather than processes. The division aims to provide training to engaged parties efficiently and quickly, ensuring that they have the skills to continue to develop their knowledge whilst controlling within the division. TG Enroute (ENR) provides the pinnacle of rating training within VATSIM, delivering training for the last controller rating that one can obtain for which there is a structured training programme. The lead of each training group is responsible for: Managing the award and maintenance of training places, supported by the ATC Training Management Motivating student controllers in their training group, ensuring good availability and commitment to the training course Motivating mentors, ensuring commitment to the training group Maintaining training standards, ensuring that mentoring within their training group adheres to the published syllabus Recommending student controllers for examinations, in accordance with the published syllabus To be considered for the role, you must: Be a C1 rated controller, or higher; Have been listed on the active ATC roster for the previous two quarters; Have controlled for least 100 hours post the award of your C1 rating; Have performed extensive mentoring in TG ENR; Be up-to-date on current procedures and familiar with the ATC Training syllabi for TG ENR, alongside the syllabi of the adjacent training group (TG APP - S3); Agree to maintain currency across ATC disciplines, either by controlling at various positions or providing 'top-down' ATC services. Demonstrate good organisational and communication skills; Dedicate a minimum of 2 hours per week to the role; Dedicate a minimum of 18 months to the role To apply, candidates should prepare a letter of application, which includes details of their relevant experience, and e-mail this to jobs[at]vatsim.uk. Applications will be reviewed and may either be rejected at application or invited to a brief interview to discuss the role and their suitability in further detail. Applications will close at 15:00z on the 20th November 2024. Any application received after this date may be rejected.

The restructuring of Events into the Operations Department has created some vacancies! If you have any questions about the roles, including suitability then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I am keen to foster some more home-grown talent in the department - we do not expect anyone to be the complete package when they apply for staff roles - training and guidance will be provided. I would be keen to receive applications from newer and more experienced members alike. Vacancies I am opening applications for the following roles: Operations Manager Enroute Operations Coordinator Events Assistant The Operations Manager role is the counterpart to the Events Manager Role. In this role you will act as my deputy, helping me to manage the day-to-day function of the Operations half of the Department. A C1 rating is not required, what I need most is someone who enjoys working alongside others in a wider team, has the availability and desire to excel in the role and enough experience on the network to understand the wider context and implications of the work we produce in the department. Experience as a staff member in VATSIM UK, or equivalent experience is desirable. The Enroute Operations Coordinator is the department’s subject matter expert on area control. For this reason, a C1 rating (or greater) is required. No-one is an expert on every sector and I do not expect applicants to be (I am certainly not one!). We are lucky to have many contributors, all with their own knowledge bases whose experience you would be required to draw upon in the role. The Events Assistant role, will report to the Events Manager (Luke Thompson). You will be helping Luke to organise the UK’s event schedule including Hogmanay Fly-ins, Mancheaster and of course Cross-the-Pond! You will also be working with the Community department to help them advertise our events, organising our Events Team of volunteers who produce rosters and help to manage events on the day. More detail can be found on these roles in the Operations Handbook. If you wish to discuss any of these positions, particularly if unsure how you might best fit into the department, please feel free to contact me, either via Discord DM (add me as a friend first!) or via email jack.edwards[at]vatsim.uk To Apply Please submit an application by email to jobs[at]vatsim.uk. Please write a short application (max. 300 words) outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in the role. Application Deadline EDIT: Applications will be accepted until latest 23:59z on Sunday 17th November for the Operations Manager and Events Assistant Role. Applications for the Enroute Operations Coordinator will remain open UFN.

VATSIM UK is pleased to announce its annual event, Channel Island Christmas Shopper. Join us on December 13th from 1900 to 2200z when we staff all the Channel Island airports for an evening of smooth and efficient holiday operations. With all airports fully covered by ATC, you’ll experience seamless flights and enjoy the scenic routes the Channel Islands offer. Prepare the shopping carts and de-icing fluid as we prepare to staff up the Channel Islands. Whether you’re making quick hops between the islands or planning a longer journey, this event offers an ideal way to fly during the holiday season. Controllers please note that this event will be rostered, an Expression of Interest will be posted in due course.

Good Afternoon All, Following Dave Woodward's resignation from the DSG, I am pleased to announce Jack Edwards as the new Operations Director. Many of you will already know Jack from staff roles he has held over the years, such as Division Instructor, and a previous stint as Operation Director. Jack's previous experience within the DSG and wider staff team makes him an excellent appointment - I look forward to working alongside him and seeing the Operations Department progress under his leadership. Please join me in welcoming Jack into his new role. Ben

Well one's a carpenter and one's an arrowsmith.🤣

Hi all! I am pleased to announce that @Ben Carpenter has returned to the Pilot Training team as our new co-VFR Flight Instructor alongside @Benjamin Arrowsmith. Ben has some great ideas about how to optimize our P1 course and brings passion from his real-world flying. Welcome back! (And yes, we still need to sort out the Ben and Ben situation 😂) Safe landings ✈️

Sad...

Good Evening All, It is with sadness that I announce Dave Woodward’s departure from the VATSIM UK DSG and staff team effective immediately. Dave joined our team at the beginning of this year as Training Group Instructor for TG Enroute and, during his tenure, has been working hard to supervise the training of our C1 students. In stark contrast to this time last year, our C1 waiting lists currently stands at just 12 members, a large part of which is down to the effort which Dave has invested in this role. More recently, Dave joined the DSG as Operations Director, and I was thrilled to see him tackle this new role with enthusiasm. I am sure that with more time, the Operations Department would have seen similar success under Dave’s leadership, but unfortunately this was not to be. Dave’s resignation will come as a shock to many as it did for me - naturally I cannot share the specifics as to why his resignation was tendered, however the reasons for doing so are unfortunately out of Dave’s control. I do not wish for this to detract from Dave’s achievements over the last year and on behalf of the DSG I would like to thank him for his hard work and contributions, and I wish him the very best for the future. Ben

Good morning, It's with great pleasure that I welcome @Reece Buckleyback to the ATC Training team, this time in the role of Training Group Instructor - TG Tower. Reece is no stranger to the ATC Training Team, having previously held a post as TGI APP and his familiarity with the department makes his return to the team most welcome. I was pleased to hear that Reece brought several ideas to the table during interview and have every faith that he'll continue to build upon the solid foundation in TG Tower, ensuring that we continue to deliver high quality training, promptly and efficiently. Please join me in congratulating Reece on his appointment and making him feel very welcome indeed!