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Well good morning! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Q1 flashed by in a heartbeat and as I start to write this, I have just finished and submitted my quarterly report to the Region. The report commonly provides a foundation for the basis of my quarterly updates to you, but this time, we have rather a lot to talk about. Strap in, this will be a long ride. Regular Statistics As ever, a quick overview of progress within the division. We are, of course, aware of the recent changes in a number of training groups. After a long and gratefully received service, Fraser has stepped down from TG Heathrow to see the return of John Batten to the ATC Training Team. Mr. Lefevre is no longer TGI APP and the post remains vacant - please come and speak with either myself or Will if you have any interest in the post whatsoever. Finally, Messrs Buckley and Taylor find themselves as TGI TWR and ENR respectively. All of these new appointments have hit the ground running and I am grateful for their support. It is fair to say we’ve seen things slow down a little this Q1 compared to Q1 2024 immediately following my appointment. We had a runaway quarter last year with some highly impressive numbers. This quarter wasn’t quite so good in some places but on par in others. To look at some numbers: TGNC performed 186 mentoring sessions this quarter, down from 220 in Q1 last year. We processed 21 rating upgrades in the quarter, down from 41 in Q1 last year. TG TWR performed 102 mentoring sessions this quarter, up from 99 in Q1 last year. We processed six rating upgrades, down from nine in Q1 last year. TG APP performed 58 mentoring sessions, down from 97 in Q1 last year. We processed only one rating upgrade, down from five in Q1 last year. TG ENR performed 60 mentoring sessions, up from 42 in Q1 last year. We processed one rating upgrade, equal to one from Q1 last year. As ever, statistics are subject to some interpretation. It is obviously disappointing to see our TG APP numbers reduce so significantly and I’ll work with Will to try to understand why. With the Roster update at the end of Q1 this year, we removed 16 people from the S2 waiting list, three from the S3 waiting list and none at C1. In Q4 2024, we removed 30 from the S2 waiting list six from the S3 waiting list. It seems like the roster is having the desired effect and we’re retaining active controllers in the main. The current waiting lists are as follows; S1: 785 up from 770 in Q4. S2: 101 up from 94 in Q4. S3: 47 up from 33 in Q4. C1: 15 up from 13 in Q4. There are several observations to be made here. I need to go away and do some study on the rate at which we’re seeing new members join the S1 waiting list at the moment, but based on my regular observations, I think that the rate has increased. I’ll make a second comment on the S1 waiting list shortly. At S2, my perception is that the increase in the waiting list size is owing to the good work that TGNC are doing. Whilst the waiting list might be going up at S1 and the number of rating upgrades processed is significantly down from this time last year, it’s up from Q4 2024 - we issued 12 rating upgrades in Q424 but 21 in Q125. Accordingly, the throughput there is now having a knock-on effect in TG TWR. Mr. Buckley is still getting his feet under the table in TWR but the TG is a hive of activity and we’ll need to see how things go. At C1, the list might be going up but this is an indicator of the performance of TG APP in 2024. We issued 16 S3s throughout 2024 - a 160% increase on 2023. What’s important for us to highlight is that this quarter, we issued a C1 training place to a student that passed their S3 less than a year before. The list might be going up, but TG ENR is performing well and I look forward to their continued success. Technology Changes Crucially, many of these statistics were brought to you by some statistical work that our lovely colleagues in Tech have provided for us over the past quarter-and-a-bit. I’m very grateful for their support, with particular mention to @Callum Axon recently who has been an absolute star for us. We’ll be seeing further technological change soon. I have made a number of requests of our colleagues in Tech which will trickle through when they find time and will, of course, be prioritised across requests from other departments. There is one change which I am sure will cause some excitement. As of the 2nd April, we now have a ‘proper’ waiting list for TGNC. We had a waiting list previously, but held in CTS whereas our other waiting lists are held in Core. The net effect of this is threefold: Firstly, people on the list can now see their own position on the waiting list. The date is inaccurate if you joined the waiting list before the 2nd April, but is accurate otherwise. Follow this link to see: https://www.vatsim.uk/mship/waiting-lists Secondly, we can now more easily remove people from the waiting list if they wish. The most common reason for this happening is people leaving VATSIM UK to transfer to another division, but occasionally, people come to us and say they can’t train for whatever reason. Thirdly, which is kind of an extension of the second, we’re now able to have much greater accuracy of the waiting list. Let me explain. TGNC Waiting List This week's change to the waiting list was born of an epiphany that I had. A friend of mine reached out to me pleased to report that their friend had been offered a place at a seminar. I raised an eyebrow. Whilst this was indeed good news, it didn’t make sense - I know the prospective controller in question and I had recently seen their place in the list. I looked their name up and my jaw nearly hit the floor. We’ve invited someone to a seminar that was 160th in the waiting list at the time. Inquisitive as ever, I asked my colleagues in TGNC what was happening. They explained the following; The waiting list in CTS doesn’t show anyone who is waiting. It shows anyone who is a member of TGNC in the order that they joined. That means we show a whole host of people that we shouldn’t: Anyone who has been through a seminar and is on a buffer list Anyone who has started practical training Anyone who is waiting for an exam Anyone who has passed an exam but not yet been administratively removed from the training group There was, at the time, no way to remove someone from the list shown in CTS This is brilliant news, but we need to understand it. Firstly, a statement: The waiting list is not 785 people long. However, it’s also not 785-160 people long. Let me explain. Yes, we’re inviting someone who is around 160th in the list to a seminar. But that doesn’t mean that all 160 people before them are in training in some way, shape or form. A good chunk of those people fall into a number of categories: They’ve not yet passed the CTS theory exam They’ve not responded to an invitation and have been skipped for the next They’re in training but have not yet been removed They’ve notified us that they’re not available to attend a seminar and will be held for the next Over time, we’ll come to a ‘more accurate’ reading of the waiting list and we’ll know where we really stand… For now, just know that the list is not 785 people long! Department Initiatives As ever, the department is working on a few initiatives. To spare this being a longer-running blog post than it needs to be, I’ll summarise them briefly below: S1 Mentors: We recently learned that S1s can now start Sweatbox sessions! Crucially, for us as a division, this paves the way for us to start utilising some of our more experienced and capable S1 controllers in further mentoring. We’re exploring (this is NOT a fait accompli) whether or not we should introduce this, both for TGNC and Heathrow. Syllabus and Grading Criteria Review: We’re continuing to review the syllabi and grading criteria for each training group. I’m starting with TG APP because I’m closest to it and I think that we can reduce the amount of writing that our mentors need to do. Crucially though, we want to ensure that progression through the grading criteria in a report is consistent between mentors and that it aligns with the exam criteria - which should also be consistent between examiners. We’re also looking to introduce a syllabus at Heathrow to ensure consistency of training for those who look to undertake an endorsement there. Supplementary Training: At a very high level, we’re starting to consider how we can provide supplementary training to controllers. That might be a deeper exploration of Route Checking (!), non-standard approaches like SRAs or procedural approaches, better training for Oceanic or any number of other initiatives. Moodle Team: In support of the above, we are planning to introduce a Moodle Team. This will be a group of trusted, rated individuals who will be asked to support the team in ensuring that our existing Moodle content is accurate and appropriately reflects updates across ATC Training and Operations, or to support the creation of new Moodle content. We’ll introduce more specific plans on this Coming Soon (™). Guide to Sweatbox: We are well into the process of creating a Guide to Sweatbox with the aim to give mentors the tools and confidence to run sessions on it and explore the benefits of mentoring in a controlled environment. There's a good group of contributors working on this at the moment, but more help is always welcome - please speak directly to Will if this interests you Other Administration By way of other administration, just a few small tidbits: I haven’t closed the surveys I previously advertised for responses yet, but I am starting to look over the statistics. For reasons of propriety, I will present them to the DSG before publicly but there are some interesting and obvious trends in there. I recently became aware of some confusion and impropriety around ‘over the shoulder’ (OTS) sessions for prospective mentors and want to provide some clarity. Anyone who is interested in becoming a mentor or examiner can request an OTS session. Both the mentor/examiner(s) and the student must agree. Crucially, however, the person observing the mentoring session must have no input into the session. A recent example reached me whereby the observer had been encouraged by the mentor to provide feedback - this isn’t appropriate and should not happen. Finally, a comment on transparency. There is a lot in the blog post, because there’s a lot going on and we want to talk about it. But the things that I talk about don’t always necessarily address the comments or questions that you might have. I think that people might not believe me when I say that our door is always open. We had what I think was a very productive conversation with a number of community members in recent weeks and I’m very open to having more such conversations. I’ve also asked Ben that May’s town hall be ATC Training focussed again - it’s been a while since the last one and it’s right that we make ourselves available to speak with people. In the meantime, I am always happy to answer questions, either in comments to this post, by DM or in a chinwag - just let me know. My thanks as ever go to my team who devote countless hours in support of the division, alongside all of the examiners and mentors across ATC Training that make what we do possible. Your help is, as ever appreciated. Until next time, Adam

Pilots are now allowed to join our slot lottery! Demand for participation in CTP outweighs the available capacity of the controllers and airspace. As a result, we chose to limit the number of participants using a slot system. Only pilots with a slot are able to participate in the event. In order to distribute the slots to pilots we complete the following steps: Pilots register their interest (available until 10APR24 2359z) Everyone who enters the lottery will get a personalised booking time Pilots login after their allocated time and pick a time slot and city pair (being earlier in the lottery gives more chance for the route you want) (available 13APR24 through 18APR24) Pilots who have booked via the above MUST return to the CTP website and confirm their bookings between 20APR24 and 23APR24 2359z. If you do not do this, you WILL LOSE YOUR SLOT. After everyone has had some time to select their route, the remaining slots are released to all members (24APR24, ~1700z). Several factors affect the outcome of the lottery, the most significant of which is your historical interaction with this event. If you have no-showed during a previous event when you held a booking, you will have slightly less chance of getting a slot now. If you applied but did not get a slot last year, you will have a slightly higher chance of getting a slot now. As in previous events, you will have to return to the website in the week leading up to the event to reconfirm your intention to fly and to provide important information such as your callsign, maximum assignable flight level and so on. You may now register to be included in the lottery at ctp.vatsim.net. More infomation can be found here; https://forum.vatsim.net/t/26th-april-2025-cross-the-pond-westbound-discussion-thread/8090/6

Cross The Pond is the largest and longest-running event on VATSIM (over 20 years). The event is biannual flying between the two sides of the Atlantic Ocean - Westbound in the spring and Eastbound in the autumn. Hundreds of pilots light up the virtual skies, and dozens of controllers burn both ends of the candle to provide professional ATC service over the Ocean and the Continents. To keep in touch with news regarding the event, you can follow social media and look for the hashtag #CTP25WCTP also have a dedicated discord server, which is going to get busier as we approach show-day. To join us, head over to https://ctp.vatsim.net/discord and follow the instructions on your screen.

🐣 VATSIM UK presents: MANᵀᴹᴬcheaster! 🐰 This Easter, VATSIM UK is cracking open something truly egg-citing! We’ve teamed up with vEXS to bring you a basketful of ATC coverage at Manchester (EGCC), Liverpool (EGGP), Leeds Bradford (EGNM), and Newcastle (EGNT). That’s right—full staffing at the major airports so you can take your Easter adventure to new heights! Instead of hopping between the same old UK airports like a headless chick, why not stretch your wings? Head across the Channel for a European getaway, or take on a longer-haul challenge. Whether you're after a city-break hop or a transcontinental egg-spedition, we’ve got all the egg-stras you need for a shell of a good time! Those wishing to fly should obtain an event slot to ensure minimal delay, these can be booked by following the link https://events.vatsim.uk/man-cheaster/bookings 📅 Date: Sunday, 13th April ⏰ Time: 1400-1700z Don’t chicken out—this event is bound to be an absolute yolk-er! 🥚✈️ Controllers please note that this event will be rostered and an Expression of Interest will be posted shortly.

Hello Archie. Greetings and best wishes for your time in your new post.

Welcome and good luck, Archie!

Well done Archie!!!!!

Good Evening All, Following the departure of @Jack Edwards from the role of Operations Director, I am thrilled to announce @Archie Middlefell as his successor following the conclusion of our recruitment process last week. Archie has a wealth of experience within the Operations Department as well as a number of ideas he wishes to implement moving forwards. I am certain that the Operations Department will continue to thrive under Archie's leadership, and I look forward to working alongside him in the future. Please join me in congratulating Archie on his appointment! Ben

Version 2025/03 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. An installation guide can be found on the VATSIM UK Documentation Site 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 #977 - East Anglian MTA Boundaries Revised by @quassbutreally in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/978 Fixes #989 - CDM Plugin 2.2.5.3 by @luke11brown in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/991 - Ready message now sent when aircraft is marked as ready TOBT, improvements to TSAT will come where possible - TTOT now interprets SID route separation - Pilots can now enter their updated TOBT using https://vats.im/vdgs Fixes #981 - London Gatwick (EGKK) RECAT Implementation by @luke11brown in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/990 Updated various TopSky settings and added centrelines shortcut by @SamLefevre in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/996 ALT+T toggles extended centrelines if not displayed due to not having a primed frequency, useful for mentoring and observing. Fixes #999 - Added Ground Speed to NERC untagged tags by @SamLefevre in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/1000 Fixes #1012 - Add vSMR WIP areas by @AliceFord in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/1013 vSMR will now draw WIP areas as determined by Ops Team Fixes #998 - Change Gloucester (EGBJ) Approach Logon Callsign and various frequency changes by @AdriTheDev in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/1004 Fixes #1005 - Enable ASEL Highlighting on ATM Lists by @PLM1995 in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/1006 Fixes #994 - Remove Puckeridge VRP from Gatwick ASR & TopSkyMaps by @PLM1995 in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/1008 Fixes #791 - Added Falkland Islands Profiles & Displays by @luke11brown in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/992 Fixes #1009 - Update vSMR to work with A350 responses by @AliceFord in https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/pull/1010 **Full Changelog**: https://github.com/VATSIM-UK/uk-controller-pack/compare/2025_02...2025_03 Changes Only Download Available from here

Congrats John!

Hello all, We are now well over a year into my minimum two year term and I concede that things are happening now at a reduced pace. Will and I have been able to introduce some meaningful changes with our colleagues across the department and we're beginning to see some real, tangible improvements to our training process. For example, the OBS > S1 waiting list went down in size for the first time in years and with the award of a batch of training places earlier this month, for the first time in a long time, we awarded an en-route training place to someone that waited less than 12 months in the waiting list. Our improvements are having demonstrable improvements for the division - but we're not done. We have lots that we want to do and we think that things can be made more efficient yet. One of the biggest issues we have and arguably the most obvious is throughput. We've shared some specific numbers before and I do not intend to dive into them in any amount of detail today, but it's hopefully clear to everyone that reads this that we can teach people faster if we have more active mentors. I am also conscious that the availability of people is not only an ATC Training related matter; we rely on the good will of volunteers to control day-to-day, then for events, for mentoring, for the organisation of training and then more widely within VATSIM UK; our operations, tech, community, pilot training and senior leadership teams are all composed of volunteers. Sometimes, people stop volunteering - and that's OK. Life gets in the way, things change, people fall out of love with the hobby. But sometimes, there's some tangible reason that people can point at and articulate that we could change and in doing so, they might be more inclined to volunteer with us. Transparency works both ways - I have been as transparent as I can with the general membership about what we're doing and why, but I also hope that people can be transparent with me. To that end, I've prepared two surveys: The first is a mentor retention survey. We're hoping that people will fill this in if they've mentored previously, but no longer mentor currently; ideally people who have mentored beyond 6 months ago but within the last two years. I am obviously conscious that if they're no longer actively involved in VATSIM, they may simply not see this message - please, feel free to share the link. The second is a member retention survey. People will find many similarities between the two, but they do pose different questions. Again, feel free to share the link if you know of people who might not read this message. We encourage you to complete only the most appropriate survey and to please complete each survey only once. I don't want to have to faff around removing erroneous responses that have been completed ad nauseum. There is an option for you to provide your CID, but we recognise that we need to provide people with an option to engage with us anonymously in order to provide feedback. I think that only the DSG have access to these surveys and the responses. To that end, we will not publicise your responses in a way attributable to yourself - we intend to publicise anonymised statistics and I am hoping that the answers to the surveys will either guide the DSG to making informed decisions, or empower us as a division to go and make representations to the region or BoG about things that might need to change. I encourage people to be honest with us - it is not often that we provide a platform for feedback in this way and if the reception is good, we can look to do the same again in the future. If anyone has any other thoughts, please feel free to either post them here, message me on the forum or DM me on Discord. My door is always open to hear from people, about anything. Many thanks, Adam Arkley

2025/03 Released! --- AIRACs: --- 2503: Updated Y53 and UY53 ATS Routes Removed danger area EGR313 Replaced NPT with GIFJE Renamed Manchester (EGCC) stands 201-210 to 301-310 Added Taxiway Link to Goodwood (EGHR) SMR Changed significant fixes Amended Ekofisk CTA lateral definition Amended COPX entries for new COP with Amsterdam Truncated East Midlands (EGNX) DTY SIDs to SAPCO Changed Upavon (EGDJ) frequency Changed Merryfield (EGDI) runway designator Truncated Essex Group BARMI STARs Updated Syerston (EGXY) frequency and position Updated Topcliffe (EGXZ) frequency Added Marham (EGYM) RNP fixes Added Little Rissington (EGVL) radio frequency Amended ATS routes L60, M604 and N866 and create ATS Route Z150 --- Other: --- Procedure Change (2503): Updated Polaris (ENSV) frequencies Updated Bremen (EDDW) frequency Added standing agreements for East Midlands (EGNX) SAPCO-LUXTO outbounds Amended COPX entries with Clacton Bug: Changed name of Prestwick (EGPK) SRA altitude labels Changed erroneous Northolt (EGWU) and Hawarden (EGNR) STARs since 2023/03 Removed Puckeridge VRP from Gatwick profile Enhancement: Removed old data from 2023/03 Changed EGBJ_APP to EGBJ_A_APP Added Blackpool (EGNH) RNP 28 Intermediate and Final fixes --- Many thank to our contributors this cycle: --- @Aiden Bok @Lily Unitt @Luca Kulaga @Callum Hicks

Good afternoon, It is with great pleasure that I announce that @John Batten is returning to the ATC Training department, this time in the post of Heathrow Training Group Instructor. John is no stranger to the division, having held posts as both TGI New Controller and Member Services Director for a time. John's tenure within TGNC came to a somewhat premature end, having faced an increase in demands for his time within the workplace. Thankfully, John has more availability now and makes a welcome return to the department - his familiarity with our processes, policies and procedure will, I'm sure, mean that he's able to pick things up quickly and continue to support the division in the provision of endorsements for Heathrow. I am grateful to the other applicant for their application - it has become a rare thing that we have to consider more than one person for an application and we are grateful for their commitment to the division. I hope you'll all join me in congratulation John on his return to the department. Best regards, Adam Arkley

Effective 20 March 2025 Applicable to: ScAC North and South Summary New Letters of Agreement with VATSIM Scandinavia (Polaris FIR) and VATSIM Germany will take effect on the above date to reflect amended frequencies: Polaris (Stavanger) ENSV_x_CTR frequencies converted to 8.33 kHz channels Bremen EDWW_W_CTR frequency changed to 127.675 vMATS Procedure Deleted text – red and strikethrough. New text in blue. ScAC 2.4 ScAC North ScAC 2.4.4.1 Polaris ACC (Stavanger) - Sectorisation (excerpt) The coverage priority (left to right) for the sectors referenced above is as follows: Sector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15 ENSV_W 136.27580 ENSV_16 135.67580 ENSV_N 124.7005 ENSV 120.6505 ENOR_S 121.550 ENOR_SC 134.515 ENOR 125.500 11 ENSV_W 136.27580 ENSV 120.6505 ENSV_N 124.7005 ENOR_S 121.550 ENOR_SC 134.515 ENOR 125.500 - 10 20 (Offshore) ENSV_O 134.2005 ENSV_16 135.67580 ENSV_N 124.7005 ENSV 120.6505 ENOR_S 121.550 ENOR_SC 134.515 ENOR 125.500 21 (Offshore) ENSV_O 134.2005 Then as per Sector 15 22 (Offshore) ENSV_O 134.2005 Then as per Sectors 10/11 ScAC 3.4 ScAC South ScAC 3.4.7.1 Maastricht UAC - Sectorisation (excerpt) Common Jever top-down order The following top-down order is common to both Jever sectors: EDYY_BB_CTR 129.840 MHz EDWW_E_CTR 124.075 MHz EDWW_A_CTR 126.325 MHz EDWW_W_CTR 120.225 127.675 MHz EDWW_CTR 133.725 MHz Documentation Status The Scottish (EGPX) vMATS Part 2 and Agreed Levels Diagrams will be amended to coincide with this change. Revised versions will be available at docs.vatsim.uk/Enroute from the effective date.

Effective 20th March 2025 Gatwick is introducing RECAT-EU for arrivals and departures in order to maximise efficiency. Tower and approach controllers should familiarise themselves with the new wake turbulence separation standards, explained below. What is RECAT? RECAT-EU is a re-categorisation of ICAO wake turbulence separation which results in more efficient wake separation. It is currently in use at Heathrow (EGLL). RECAT-EU introduces an ‘upper heavy’ and ‘lower heavy’ category, and changes the definitions of upper and lower mediums. A table of the recategorised aircraft can be found here or at the end of the updated Gatwick vMATS. This will also be automatically calculated by UKCP and displayed in the aircraft’s tag. Controllers must update their controller packs in order to correctly display the wake turbulence categories and timers. The following table is of the required time based separations for departures: Note 1: Where the following aircraft is a B757, a minimum of 60 seconds wake separation must be applied Note 2: Route separation remains unchanged Note 3: Controllers must still apply an additional 60 seconds on top of wake turbulence separation for intersection departures The following table is of the required distance based separation for arrivals: More information can be found in AIP Supplement 006/2025. Documentation Status The Gatwick (EGKK) vMATS Part 2 will be updated at the next release

Effective 20 March 2025 Applicable to: AC Clacton; TC East (AC North Sea controllers see here) Introduction Deployment 11 of NATS’ Operational Service Enhancement Project (OSEP) introduces more direct routings in North Sea and Clacton airspace to enable fuel and CO2 savings. Southbound into Clacton, Essex Group inbounds will enter the sector via AMFEP to the west of BARMI at the existing agreed level of FL260 (lvl AMFEP). The EGSS/SC and EGGW STARs are truncated from BARMI (2A and 1N) to MEGEL (1A and 1N). VATSIMism Pilots filed via old routes should be routed direct to MEGEL to join the MEGEL STARs and can be given a level restriction of FL260 lvl 15 miles before MEGEL. If the pilot does not have the MEGEL arrival, they should be cleared via the equivalent, old BARMI arrival and given the same level restriction. Northbound out of Clacton, a realignment of the East Anglian Military Training Area (EAMTA) enables the M604 to be moved west via new point EFMIH, which replaces LEDBO. Original image courtesy of NATS - OSEP CLN Final ACP document v1.1 vMATS Procedure Deleted text – red and strikethrough. New text in blue. LAC 5 Central LAG | Clacton LAC 5.1 Area of Responsibility UPDATED Figure LAC-18 – London AC Clacton Area of Responsibility LAC 5.3.1.2 Standing Agreements - AC North Sea (excerpt) From AC North Sea to AC Clacton To Agreement Conditions Essex Group FL260 lvl AMFEP BARMI (See Note) Note: Wherever possible, AC North Sea shall endeavour to position EGGW (ZAGZO) arrivals to the west of EGSS/EGSC (ABBOT) arrivals. LAC 5.4.1 / LTC 7.4.2 Coordination with AC North Sea LAC 7.4.1.1 / LTC 7.4.2.1 Eastbound LTMA Traffic via EFMIH LEDBO All LTMA Group departures via EFMIH LEDBO (M604) transferred on their own navigation or on a heading are released for turns, subject to known traffic. If coordinated at a level below their RFL, this traffic is also released for climb. LTC 7 TC East LTC 7.1 Area of Responsibility UPDATED Figure LTC-11 – London TC East Area of Responsibility Annex A - Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs) A.12 London Luton (EGGW) Designator Arrival Via Route Remarks BARMI 1N P7 BARMI – MEGEL – DITOB – WIQID – MUCTE – OFJES – UDDIZ – COCCU – JUMZI – ZAGZO MEGEL 1N Z150 MEGEL – DITOB – WIQID – MUCTE – OFJES – UDDIZ – COCCU – JUMZI – ZAGZO A.13 London Stansted (EGSS), Cambridge (EGSC) Designator Arrival Via Route Remarks BARMI 2A P7 BARMI – MEGEL – DITOB – LAPRA – ABBOT MEGEL 1A Z150 MEGEL – DITOB – LAPRA – ABBOT Documentation Status The London (EGTT) vMATS Part 2 and Agreed Levels Diagrams will be amended to coincide with this change. Revised versions will be available at docs.vatsim.uk/Enroute from the effective date.

Effective 20 March 2025 Applicable to: AC North Sea (AC Clacton and TC East controllers see here) Introduction Deployment 11 of NATS’ Operational Service Enhancement Project (OSEP) introduces more direct routings in North Sea and Clacton airspace to enable fuel and CO2 savings. In North Sea airspace: The westbound coordination point (COP) for EHAA FIR departures, KOLAG, is replaced by a new COP ENZEN to the south. Southbound into Clacton, Essex Group inbounds will split off the N866 at KUBAX, onwards to AMFEP to the west of BARMI, exiting the sector at FL260 lvl AMFEP. The EGSS/SC and EGGW STARs are truncated from BARMI (2A and 1N) to MEGEL (1A and 1N). VATSIMism Pilots filed via old routes should be routed direct to MEGEL to join the MEGEL STARs and can be given a level restriction of FL260 lvl 15 miles before MEGEL. If the pilot does not have the MEGEL arrival, they should be cleared via the equivalent, old BARMI arrival and given the same level restriction. Northbound out of Clacton, a realignment of the East Anglian Military Training Area (EAMTA) enables the M604 to be moved west via new point EFMIH, which replaces LEDBO. Original images courtesy of NATS - OSEP CLN Final ACP document v1.1 vMATS Procedure Deleted text – red and strikethrough. New text in blue. LAC 7 North LAG | North Sea LAC 7.1 Area of Responsibility UPDATED Figure LAC-26 – London AC North Sea Area of Responsibility LAC 7.3.1.1 Standing Agreements - AC Clacton (excerpt) From AC North Sea to AC Clacton To Agreement Conditions Essex Group FL260 lvl AMFEP BARMI (See Note) Note: Wherever possible, AC North Sea shall endeavour to position EGGW (ZAGZO) arrivals to the west of EGSS/EGSC (ABBOT) arrivals. LAC 7.3.3.1 Standing Agreements - Amsterdam West (FL245-) (excerpt) From Amsterdam West to AC North Sea From Agreement Conditions EH** All levels FL180 – FL240 Via ENZEN KOLAG. (See Note) Note: Traffic is RFC to FL300 subject to known traffic and traffic to/from Scottish ACC. Further climb shall be coordinated with DELTA Sector (or Amsterdam ACC in their absence). LAC 7.4.1 Coordination with Clacton LAC 7.4.1.1 Eastbound LTMA Traffic via EFMIH LEDBO All LTMA Group departures via EFMIH LEDBO (M604) transferred on their own navigation or on a heading are released for turns, subject to known traffic. If coordinated at a level below their RFL, this traffic is also released for climb. LAC 7.4.3.3.2 Amsterdam ACC - Transfer of Control and Communication - Traffic Entering London Route Coordination Point Transfer of Control Transfer of Communications L602 MIMVA EMLON At or before EMLON L60 ENZEN KOLAG SOPEK At or before SOPEK Annex A - Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs) A.12 London Luton (EGGW) Designator Arrival Via Route Remarks BARMI 1N P7 BARMI – MEGEL – DITOB – WIQID – MUCTE – OFJES – UDDIZ – COCCU – JUMZI – ZAGZO MEGEL 1N Z150 MEGEL – DITOB – WIQID – MUCTE – OFJES – UDDIZ – COCCU – JUMZI – ZAGZO A.13 London Stansted (EGSS), Cambridge (EGSC) Designator Arrival Via Route Remarks BARMI 2A P7 BARMI – MEGEL – DITOB – LAPRA – ABBOT MEGEL 1A Z150 MEGEL – DITOB – LAPRA – ABBOT Documentation Status The London (EGTT) vMATS Part 2 and Agreed Levels Diagrams will be amended to coincide with this change. Revised versions will be available at docs.vatsim.uk/Enroute from the effective date.

Effective 20 March 2025 Applicable to: TC Midlands and AC West (due to a new standing agreement at LUXTO) Introduction To enable fuel savings at the flight planning stage, East Midlands have truncated the southbound Daventry (DTY) SIDs to existing waypoint SAPCO (see Procedure Change Post here). Onward connectivity to DTY is enabled by the extension of existing ATS route Y53 from DTY to SAPCO. Additionally, airlines will be permitted to file via the Cotswold Flexible Use Airspace (FUA) to the west of Birmingham for night/early morning departures. The route is SAPCO DCT LUXTO and is available 0025-0835 in winter (2325-0735 in summer). These time restrictions will be enforced by East Midlands local ATC on VATSIM. A new standing agreement is introduced between TC Midlands and AC West. Diagram courtesy of SkyVector.com vMATS Procedure Deleted text – red and strikethrough. New text in blue. LTC 8 | TC Midlands / LAC 8 West LAG | AC West LTC 8.2.2.5 / LAC 8.3.2.2 Standing Agreements - AC West/TC Midlands From TC Midlands to AC West From Agreement Via EGNX FL170 lvl LUXTO SAPCO DCT LUXTO, available 0025-0835 (2325-0735) Documentation Status The London (EGTT) vMATS Part 2 and Agreed Levels Diagrams will be amended to coincide with this change. Revised versions will be available at docs.vatsim.uk/Enroute from the effective date.

Effective 20 March 2025 The East Midlands (EGNX) southbound SID via Daventry (DTY) will be truncated - or shortened - to existing point SAPCO, 23 NM to the north, enabling fuel savings for operators. There will also be restrictions on a new real world route via SAPCO DCT LUXTO. Onward connectivity to DTY is enabled by the extension of existing ATS route Y53 from DTY to SAPCO. However, when re-routing outdated flight plans, the use of SAPCO DCT DTY on VATSIM is acceptable, as there are no intermediate points. Controllers must update the sector file to ensure correct data display Route Amendments during VATSIM implementation If a pilot files a route via SAPCO: Clear via the SAPCO 1N / 1P SID If the pilot reports unable to accept, amend the route in their flight plan to commence at DTY and clear via the old DTY 3N / 4P SID (this will display with a # before the designator in the departure list) If a pilot files a route via DTY: Ask the pilot whether they have the DTY or SAPCO SID in their FMC and clear accordingly If they have the SAPCO SID, amend the route in their flight plan to start with SAPCO DCT DTY Phraseology for a clearance to a pilot filed via DTY but that can accept the SAPCO SID: “BCS12P cleared to Liege, SAPCO 1N departure then direct Daventry, squawk 1234” Controllers are expected to make any required amendments to the flight plan on behalf of the pilot. SAPCO DCT LUXTO route availability Additionally, airlines will be permitted to file via the Cotswold Flexible Use Airspace (FUA) to the west of Birmingham for night/early morning departures - routes via this airspace will start SAPCO DCT LUXTO. This route will only be available 0025-0835 in winter (2325-0735 in summer) in the real world as well as on the VATSIM network. Controllers will need to check for this route and re-route via SAPCO-DTY if the pilot will depart outside of these times. Example route via LUXTO: Documentation Status The East Midlands vMATS and Crib Sheet will be updated at its next revision. The UK Controller Plugin has been updated.

The Operations Department is responsible for the creation and maintenance of our sector file, controller pack, local procedures and documents, letters of agreement and temporary procedures. The Operations Department also holds responsibility for managing the Events Team who plan and execute online events within the UK. The Operations Director’s main responsibility is to provide leadership to the Operations Department. Other responsibilities of the role include: Continually - Providing leadership to an active, volunteer staff team of contributors Continually - Providing long-term strategy and vision to the department Regularly - Coordinating monthly AIRAC changes within the Operations Department and adjacent ATC facilities where required Regularly - Overseeing the maintenance of VATSIM UK’s documentation and procedures Occasionally - Supporting the Events Team during pre-event planning Occasionally - Working alongside the ATC Training Director to clarify local procedures and assist in the standardisation of training The Operations Director sits on the Division Staff Group and reports to the Division Director. Members of the DSG are expected to: Prepare for and attend DSG meetings Prepare quarterly departmental reports for the EMEA Region Contribute to internal discussion on matters related to the running of the Division Contribute to the Moderation of VATSIM UK services and maintain an active presence on the Network Attend Town Hall meetings and other ad-hoc meetings where possible The successful candidate must possess the following: An S3 or higher ATC rating and be a full UK Home Member Excellent written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively The ability to lead a small volunteer team Excellent self-organisation skills and the ability to work to monthly deadlines A good working knowledge of UK ATC procedures and agreements The motivation to learn and develop into the role The successful candidate may possess the following: A C1 or C3 ATC rating Familiarity with the UK Operations GitHub repository or similar equivalent An understanding of UK flow control procedures If you would like to discuss the role and its responsibilities further, or you have any other questions regarding this position, contact myself or Nick Marinov and we will be happy to arrange a short call. Please submit all applications in writing via a Heldesk ticket to ‘Jobs and Applications’.

The department is pleased to accept applications for the role of Training Group Instructor - TG Approach. 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 Approach (APP) provides training for the first radar rating within VATSIM, providing controllers with a raft of new skills, situational awareness capabilities and knowledge of working with radar systems for the first time. 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 an S3 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 S3 rating; Have performed extensive mentoring in TG APP; Be up-to-date on current procedures and familiar with the ATC Training syllabi for TG APP, alongside the syllabi of the adjacent training groups (TG TWR - S2 and TG ENR - C1); 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 19th March 2025. Any application received after this date may be rejected.

Good morning, all, It is with much sadness that I announce that Sam Lefevre has left his role within TG APP, effective immediately. Sam has held post within the training group since Feb 2023 and has been subject to incredible pressure in that time. His contributions have been significant within the department in those two years. We've seen some great numbers passing through the training group during Sam's tenure, coupled with the introduction of some great resources and a revision to the syllabus, introducing phased training for approach students. I thank Sam for his time in post and invite you all to join me in doing the same. Thanks, Adam

Effective 5th March 2025 In order to more accurately simulate realistic runway utilisation at Manchester, the procedure for selecting the active runway configuration is clarified as follows: A dual runway configuration is operated during: The published times for Manchester to be operating dual runways (see below) VATSIM UK events at Manchester Airport Periods of heavy traffic where single runway operations would result in undue delay – for example, during busier evenings, and weekends. Summer Dual Runway Periods (1st May - 31st October) Mon-Fri 0615-2000L Sat 0615-1600L Sun 0615-0930L and 1300-2000L Winter Dual Runway Periods (1st November - 30th April) Mon-Fri 0630-1030L and 1600-2000L Sat 0630-1030L Sun 1600-2000L A single runway configuration is only operated when the conditions for dual runway operations are not met. Closures of 05L/23R are permitted under specific circumstances - refer to the vMATS. Exceptions to Standard Configurations: During mentoring sessions, a mentor may decide to operate a single or dual runway configuration at any time for training purposes. An area (CTR) controller that is covering Manchester AIR function “top-down” may elect to operate in a single runway configuration within the published times for dual runway operations if the expected traffic levels are low. In either case, should traffic begin to experience undue delay as a result of a non-standard configuration, area controllers/mentors are to resume a normal runway configuration (seeking support to enable this if required). FAQ: Q: I am controlling Manchester GMP/GMC/ADC/APC, during a dual runway operations period but the traffic level is/is expected to be low - can I operate a single runway configuration? A: No, operate a dual runway configuration until outside the published dual runway period. The purpose of this change is to better simulate real world utilisation of runways at Manchester. See exceptions to this procedure above. Documentation Status The Manchester (EGCC) vMATS Part 2 have been updated to reflect the changes

The department is pleased to accept applications for the role of Training Group Instructor - TG Heathrow. 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 Heathrow presents a unique challenge within VATSIM UK; Heathrow is not a candidate airfield for rating training and to that end, controllers present to TG Heathrow already rated and looking to receive specialist training to be awarded an endorsement to control the UKs only Tier 1 airfield. The lead of the Heathrow 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 Awarding endorsements for Heathrow positions, commensurate with the standards defined by the TG To be considered for the role, you must: Be a S3 rated controller, or higher; Have been listed on the active ATC roster for the previous two quarters; Hold a Heathrow Director endorsement; Have performed extensive mentoring in VATSIM UK; Be up-to-date on current procedures and familiar with the ATC Training syllabi for TG Heathrow, alongside the syllabi of the adjacent training groups (TGNC, TG TWR and TG APP); 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 12th March 2025. Any application received after this date may be rejected.