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Good luck!

There will be an exam on Gatwick Tower (EGKK_TWR) on the 13th of May, commencing at 1900z. The exam is expected to last 1 hour and 30 minutes but the exam may end earlier/later, depending on whether the competencies have been sufficiently assessed. A good number of IFR outbounds as well as some IFR inbounds/VFR are essential to making this exam a success. Please, no funny business without first speaking to EGKK_M_TWR. Pilots wishing to fly to ensure that they are familiar with the pilot guidance for ATC exams. Good luck to the candidate!

Effective 16 May 2024 Traffic routing to EBOS, EBKT and EBFN via KONAN and VABIK are agreed as follows from London TC SE to Brussels West. via KONAN, FL80 to FL110 (odd or even levels) via VABIK, FL110 Ostend Approach has airspace between FL65 (at KONAN/VABIK) and FL95 (north of VABIK), the interface at the boundary is depicted below (Figure 1). When EBOS is operating in an easterly runway configuration it is advantageous for traffic to descended as early as possible, however London ACC shall not descend this traffic outside of controlled airspace (Figure 2). The agreed levels to Brussels West are therefore the lowest levels available for transfer. Brussels West may request London to transfer traffic directly to Ostend Approach during the easterly configuration. Figure 1 - EBOS TMA at the London AC/TC boundary Figure 2 - London Controlled airspace at the London/Brussels boundary Documentation Status This change will be reflected in the next London vMATS & Agreed Levels release.

A look back on 2023 The 2023 calendar year saw some major changes to Pilot Training across the network, notably the introduction of the P5 and P6 ratings. In addition, the VATSIM UK ATO was audited for the first time in 2 years – a new experience for everyone involved due to the new audit structure and scope. One thing that didn’t happen much last year was regular updates from our department. The lack of the usual quarterly reports is something I let slide while life got busy, and their absence undoubtedly left some members wondering what we were doing. The P5 and P6 Ratings VATSIM introduced two new ratings: the P5 and P6. These are temporary pilot ratings issued directly by the VATSIM PTD, as per document PTD4001. The P5 is required for a member to conduct unsupervised instruction for members toward a pilot rating (P1-P4). An important note is that members, while working towards their P5, are permitted to instruct (or as well call it, mentor) other members. I am proud to say that the hard work our team put in last year allowed us to be the first ATO to be approved for training new flight instructors (P5s). The introduction of the P6 officially moved the role of examiners away from the ATO. As such, no examiners are affiliated with the VATSIM UK ATO and all examiners operate in their capacity, reporting directly to the VATSIM PTD. The Audit The audit report highlighted some areas of concern and issued corrective action. The major points were: No process for monitoring the quality of training and instruction. This was primarily due to not having a set process outlined in our training handbook. A process was written for the training handbook and implemented in the January release. Theoretical examination process does not comply with PTD 1001 requirements. This was due to us splitting the theoretical exams into several parts. As such, exams were concatenated. No conflict resolution process independent of the training staff. Like point 1, a process was written for and implemented in the January training handbook release. All recommendations were implemented by the requested dates. Staff Changes Several new staff members joined our team, including Cole Edwards overseeing TFP, and Ben Arrowsmith overseeing the P1 PPL(A). What is happening in 2024? Q1 Statistics The P1 course saw a good number of sessions in Q1, slightly above the previous 8-quarter average. The quarter also saw a sharp increase in P1_MEN sessions due to three new mentors being added to the team. The P2 also saw a healthy increase over the previous two quarters. Expectedly, no P2_MEN sessions were conducted as none of the new mentors elected to do their P5 on the P2. Exam statistics are no longer tracked directly as they aren’t under the remit of the VATSIM UK ATO. The only student to be forwarded for an exam was for a P1, for which they passed to an exceptional standard – a testament to our course! Projects and the Road Ahead The big project for the next few months will be the P1 Rewrite. Behind the scenes, the project has slowed down considerably due to me and other key members having limited availability. My goal is to get this rewrite out as soon as possible, as it will deliver the same content as we currently do but in roughly 1/3 of the time! We will need help to edit content, write lesson briefings, and put together the new Moodle. If you are interested in participating, please get in contact with me or Craig Stewart. The P3 is also moving along at a steady pace. However, I cannot give an exact date of completion. TFP has started to gain traction over the past quarter, surpassing the P2 in number of sessions conducted. Cole and his team are continuing to develop TFP and work with the VATSIM PTD to give it more visibility to new members. Where can I get involved? If you’re interested in completing a P5 rating with us or are interested in joining the team, please get in contact with me via email or Discord. Where has Darren been? As many of you will have noticed, my availability over the past few months has been a bit sporadic and I’ve had to take some “leave” at times. I’ve had the privilege of doing a year of my degree in the United States, which has involved me having to move countries, settle down in a new university, and contend with everything life could throw at me. Nevertheless, I am soon going to be on my summer holiday and returning to being more active in my role. A massive thank you to Ben Wright, the DSG, and my team for supporting me as much as possible in this time! Who knows, maybe I’ll see you all at Live!

VATSIM UK and Portugal vACC have the pleasure of hosting a one way shuttle between London Gatwick and Madeira airport. You can expect full ATC coverage on the departure from Gatwick and on the challenging approach into Funchal. Just be advised slots will be regulated and only people with a slot will be able to attend this event, slots will become available on 21st July @ 1200z, link for slots can be found here. We look forward to seeing you there! Controllers please note that this event will be rostered, an expression of interest will be posted in due course.

I've flown with a similar company (Virtual Flight Experience) who do 737 sims, and that was using Vatsim. Warning: you'll suddenly have a thirst for very expensive hardware.

I have heard its certainly the plan to, if booking for the purpose of VATSIM I would contact them (they are very approachable!), and they'd be able to advise whether its fully set up yet, and/or provide a timeframe.

Does the simulator support VATSIM, that's the only question 🤔

We have teamed up with Simulator Adventures to provide an exciting discount in their immersive A320 motion simulator, based at Salford Quays, Manchester. They have kindly offered VATSIM UK Home Members 20% off their experience, so if you are a Home Member and you wish to take advantage of this discount, please submit a ticket to Member Services requesting a discount code. A unique, one-time code will be issued to you, and you will be able to use this on their website. Below is a review from @Craig Stewart who has kindly taken the time to describe his experience and work with the business to attain this discount for us.

Effective 16 May 2024 From the effective date, departures from EHAM routing via LONAM (via MUAC Jever sector) will be climbing FL320. (Previously climbing FL300). There is no change to the RFC for this traffic (FL350). Documentation Status This change will be reflected in the next Scottish vMATS release. The Agreed Level diagrams will be updated this cycle.

After discussion amongst the DSG, it has been decided that UK Visiting Controllers who are only permitted to control Shanwick positions will be exempted from quarterly activity requirements effective immediately. Practically speaking, this means that Shanwick only visitors will not fall inactive on our controller roster. If you believe you meet this requirement and have been erroneously marked as inactive, please get in touch with the Member Services Department via the Helpdesk who will be able to assist you. Oceanic positions are not popular and we recognise that visitors who only control Shanwick are disadvantaged in comparison to home members that retain their Shanwick permissions through controlling UK domestic airspace. As a majority of both home and visiting controllers only control Oceanic positions for events such as Cross the Pond, it was decided that activity requirements and reactivation processes are of little benefit. UK Home Members with a Shanwick Endorsement and Visiting Controllers who can, in addition to Shanwick, control other ‘domestic’ positions within the UK remain unaffected by this change, and they must still obtain 3 hours in a fixed quarterly period in order to remain active on the controller roster.

Effective 16 May 2024 The positions covering Stavanger Sectors 10, 11 and 15 will change this AIRAC. ENSV_E_CTR will no longer provide cover to any of these sectors. ENOR_SC_CTR is created as an additional bandbox position, covering all ENOR_S_CTR airspace (i.e. all of our bordering sectors). Documentation Status This change will be reflected in the next Scottish vMATS release. The Agreed Level diagrams will be updated this cycle.

Effective 21 March 2024 The Rapid Exit Taxiway Echo at Gatwick (EGKK) has closed. A new Rapid Exit Taxiway Echo Romeo has opened, this was updated on our SMRs as below in the prior AIRAC cycle. Controllers should expect most traffic to vacate via Echo until major scenery revisions occur, however both Echo and Echo Romeo have the same rapid exit instructions and transfer to GMC (holding short of Tango). AIR controllers should be wary of traffic that vacates at Echo Romeo with another landing aircraft immediately behind that may vacate via Echo. In such a situation, monitoring the speed of the traffic on 08L is important to decide whether a conflict exists. Documentation Status The Gatwick (EGKK) vMATS Part 2 will be amended at its next revision.

Summary The formerly used native ATIS system employed by VATSIM UK in EuroScope, uniATIS, has become over recent years increasingly unreliable and unsupported. This led us to explore other alternatives, and following a successful trial of VATATIS, it has now been rolled out to be used in uniATIS's place. The UK Controller Pack now employs VATATIS as EuroScope's native ATIS provider. Meanwhile, vATIS has seen a rise in popularity, and to accomodate those controllers who prefer this option, vATIS profiles for both Area and Aerodrome controllers are now included with the UK Controller Pack, in the vATIS folder. This post explains the pros and cons of each system and how to set up an ATIS using them on VATSIM. VATATIS Pros: Native to EuroScope (set up for you already). Server side ATIS letter synchronisation (all controllers at the same airport know the ATIS letter). Automatic online station detection (it will automatically know who to tell departing aircraft to contact). Cons: Less scope for customisation than vATIS. Usage VATATIS is very similar to use to uniATIS, and should be set up in the pack ready-to-go. The main difference is that due to the server-side synchronisation of the ATIS letter, you will need to bring your EuroScope ATIS letter into line with VATATIS's when first connecting it. These are the steps to connect using vatATIS (an active connection to VATSIM is required): Select the active runway in use using the EuroScope runway selection dialog. Click the approriate '-' in the top bar to open the ATIS Setup Dialog (There are 4 - one for each ATIS you may host if covering multiple aerodromes). Select the ATIS Callsign for the airport you wish to connect an ATIS at e.g. EGKK_ATIS. Press 'Get METAR'. To add any required 'extra' items into the ATIS, such a low visibility procedures or PDC availability, insert extra arguments into the ATIS Maker URL, e.g. &lvp or &dcl=EGKK . Press 'Test URL'. Press the '-' or '+' buttons to make the Current ATIS Info letter until the letter matches that in the 'Text ATIS' box. Tick this box . Press 'Connect ATIS'. Repeat as required for the up to 4 airports you're controlling and hosting an ATIS for. Support For issues pertaining to VATATIS, you can contact the team directly on Discord Custom Parameters Similar to uniATIS, some additional parameters can be specified to enable more information to appear in the published ATIS, these are listed below: Parameter Result &lvp "Low visibility procedures are in operation" &wndshrrwy=[text] "Windshear reported at [text]" &dcl=[code] "Datalink clearances are available from [code]" vATIS Pros: Allows for more customisation (e.g. NOTAMs). Cons: Requires a standalone piece of software. No server side synchronisation of ATIS letter. Doesn't automatically detect who's online. vATIS is a standalone piece of software, which requires some first time setup: From https://github.com/vatis-project/vatis/releases select the version of vATIS you want to use (I use v4.0.0 beta 14) and under Assets download the corrosponding Setup.exe. Run the .exe and follow the steps to install vATIS per your preferences. Run vATIS. Click Import. Navigate to your UK Controller Pack Install directoty (usually in AppData\Roaming\EuroScope\UK). Open the "vATIS" folder. Select the relevant profile for the position you are controlling e.g. "ADC\Gatwick(EGKK).json". Double click an imported profile e.g. 'Gatwick'. Click 'Settings'. Fill in your VATSIM credentials and select your preferences for the settings, then press 'Save Settings'. Your vATIS is now ready to use, and for this example will look like this when you load vATIS: Usage Double click the imported profile for the position you are controlling, e.g. Gatwick in the above screenshot. Ensure you're on the correct tab at the top (ADC Gatwick only has one, but some other profiles have several). From the bottom drop down menu select the runway in use, and if appropriate controller staffing e.g. 'Runway 26L (Delivery Closed)'. Click the 'ARPT COND' text and select any that apply e.g. LVPs in force. Click 'CONNECT'. Left or right click the main ATIS letter to iterate it to the desired value. To add NOTAMs, click the 'NOTAMS' text then click 'New' then type the description and contents of the NOTAM, press 'OK', and tick the required NOTAMs. Once setup, to use less screen space, this button at the top-right will collapse it into a 'mini' mode. REMEMBER Unlike vatATIS, vATIS will not automatically detect changes to who is online, so if the controller state changes, the ATIS needs to be switched from, for example, 'Runway 26L (Delivery Closed)' to 'Runway 26L (Delivery and Ground Closed)'. If providing an ATIS for multiple airports, this is done from the other tabs at the top (e.g. Blackpool and Warton from the ADC Warton profile: ) using the same method. Support/feedback/bug reports If you need help beyond that provided in this post, either post below or use the VATSIM UK Discord.

Congratulations 🤩

Please join me in congratualting @Alexander Clover in gaining his C1 tonight. Congratulations, and enjoy.

Embark on an exhilarating journey from Birmingham (EGBB) to the sun-kissed shores of Fuerteventura (GCFV) in our latest joint event, "Island Escape" Departing on May 25th from 1400z to 2000z, this one-way flight promises breath-taking views. Navigate through azure skies, over vast oceans, and land amidst the vibrant landscapes of Fuerteventura. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of flight in the Canary Islands. Departures from Birmingham will be from 1400-1600z. See you in the virtual skies! Event Routing: EGBB-GCFV: ADMEX Y321 PEPIS Q41 SAM M195 LORKU BALDA ABUPI TAKAV VEDOD UN857 TERTO Controllers please note that this event will be rostered, an expression of interest will be posted in due course.

There will be an exam on LON_S_CTR (the blue coloured sector in the image below) on the 24th of April, commencing at 18:30z. The exam is expected to last at least 1 hour and 30 minutes but the exam may end earlier/later, depending on whether the competencies have been sufficiently assessed. A good amount of traffic departing, arriving and transiting though the sector is essential for making the exam a success! Please, no funny business without first speaking to LON_SX_CTR. Pilots wishing to fly to ensure that they are familiar with the pilot guidance for ATC exams. Please wish good luck to the candidate in this post below!

Valid 1100-1800z 20th April 2024 For Cross The Pond Westbound 2024, a split of ScAC North is created, and can be combined with a split of ScAC West. To avoid confusion for pilots and controllers we plan to only open this sector with a Scottish Low also online. However, these sectors can be opened without. ScAC Hebrides - SCO_H_CTR (Relief: SCO_H__CTR) Frequency: 133.680 MHz RTF callsign: Scottish Control Coordination callsign: Scottish Hebrides Top-down responsibility for: Stornoway (EGPO) This sector controls only the "Hebrides" portion of the airspace depicted below. ScAC Hebrides-Central - SCO_HC_CTR (Relief: SCO_HC__CTR) Frequency: 128.675 MHz RTF callsign: Scottish Control Coordination callsign: Scottish Hebrides-Central Top-down responsibility for: None This sector controls the "Hebrides" and "Central" portions of the airspace depicted below. It has priority for the Central airspace from ScAC West or ScAC West-Deancross. Coordination with Adjacent Sectors & Units Standing Agreements Standing agreements to aerodromes still exist (EGPE and EGPF) when ScAC Low is offline, however there are otherwise no standing agreements for these sectors. Splitting Procedure The following sectors should be informed when this position is opened: Shannon NOTA (Upper and Super) ScAC North ScAC West/Rathlin ScAC Deancross Antrim, ScTMA or ScAC Low Reykjavik East sectors (all levels) Affected airfields, if Low is offline Figure 1 - ScAC Hebrides and Central sectors - whilst ScAC Low is online Figure 2 - ScAC Hebrides and Central sectors - whilst ScAC Low offline This procedure does not alter the staffing permissions as defined in the UK Division Policy or GCAP.

Valid 1100-1700z 20th April 2024 A temporary arrangement is permitted to split LAC West during the Cross the Pond. This temporary arrangement allows the Brecon split to be opened with or without the parent sector. Controllers operating splits positions must provide a link to vatglasses.uk/ukireland/ in their Controller ATIS. Any errors in procedures should be reported to the Operations department via the Helpdesk or Discord. AC West - LON_W_CTR (Relief: LON_W__CTR) Frequency: 126.080 MHz RTF callsign: London Control Coordination callsign: AC West Top-down responsibility for: All sub-sectors AC West is the parent position of the West LAG, as published in the London FIR (EGTT) vMATS Part 2. Brecon - LON_WB_CTR (Relief: LON_WB__CTR) Frequency: 135.255 MHz RTF callsign: London Control Coordination callsign: Brecon Top-down responsibility for: Gloucester, Cardiff (and St Athan), Bristol Brecon is responsible for airspace from the northern boundary with AC Lakes, down to (and including) the core east-west routes, but excluding the airspace in the lower eastern region, as shown in Figure 1. Agreed Levels Controllers are advised to use the "LAC West (North Sheet)" level diagram. The following agreement in addition is the only agreement from AC West to Brecon: To Agreement Conditions Brize Group, EGBB, EGBE FL240 lvl EPACE - Coordination with Adjacent Units, Sectors and Airfields LAC Brecon controllers must inform all adjacent controllers when the split is opened/closed. Neighbouring ACCs are aware of these procedures, however, adjacent UK controllers (enroute, approach and aerodrome) may need guidance on top-down coverage and transfer of traffic. Figure 1 - LAC West - Brecon - Area of Responsibility

Effective 20 April 2024 - 1030-1600Z Introduction For Cross The Pond Westbound 2024 we are once again collaborating with our colleagues in the ECFMP (European Collaboration & Flow Management Project) to implement flow control measures aimed at controlling demand at event airfields and overlying area control sectors to improve both the pilot and controller experience. As a Westbound event these measures are with the aim of controlling outbound flow to event destination airfields within the Americas. A reminder at this point that this traffic is strongly discouraged from flying at all due to the additional massive logistical challenges it poses. However, for those that choose to ignore this request, there will be subject to delays and re-routes as coordinated with ECFMP. All non-event traffic which is routing across the Atlantic will be subject to mandatory flow control by ECFMP from 10:30Z. Other measures may be implemented on an ad-hoc basis to control flow and demand elsewhere within the UK and European network. UK FMP At least one of our team will be online as EGLL_FMP / EGLL_A_FMP / EGLL_B_FMP and available in the TeamSpeak channel “UK FMP”. You can contact them via either method. Non-Event Traffic Crossing the Atlantic All non-event traffic intending to route across the Atlantic is subject to mandatory release by UK FMP and a mandatory level cap of FL290 across the ocean. In practice, as this traffic is routing eastbound, its cruise level should be capped at FL280 if departing from the UK. As soon as possible, these flights must be notified to UK FMP by the airport delivery controller or top-down position. The controller shall pass the aircraft callsign, route and a requested take-off time. Please ask the pilot for an estimate of their takeoff time if their flightplan’s takeoff time is unrealistic. Where Area Control is providing a top-down service, UK FMP will attempt to proactively identify and contact non-event traffic to reduce controller workload. The UK FMP will upload the relevant flight information to the ECFMP and put the flight on request. The ECFMP will approve the flight with an ECFMP Slot and once this has been done the UK FMP will: Amend the aircraft flight plan as necessary Inform the pilot of any route/level changes (NB: This is not the ATC clearance) Inform the requesting controller of the release and CTOT. Inform the requesting controller whether a route change or level change has been issued. The requesting controller will: Insert the ECFMP Slot into the EuroScope Departure List Slot field Provide the ATC clearance on the amended route/level (and will not issue clearance contrary) Inform the pilot of the ECFMP Slot and any delay Start the aircraft such that it will depart in the window of -5/+10 minutes relative to the assigned slot. Non-event traffic on affected routes must not be allowed to depart without a departure release from the UK FMP and must depart within the assigned slot window (-5/+10 minutes). If non-event traffic misses its slot then a new slot must be obtained from UK FMP. ATC clearances should not be passed until the UK FMP has confirmed the route with ECFMP as all routes will be amended. Other Flow Control Measures Other flow control measures will be notified in discord in the #flow_measures channel. The UK FMP may remind controllers of important flow measures when issued, subject to their workload. The following flow measures are already agreed (this list will be updated if required) 1 - Traffic from London TMA, Farnborough Group and Severn Group airfields to the Scottish or Belfast TMAs will be capped at FL280 2 - Traffic from Scottish or Belfast TMAs to London TMA, Farnborough Group and Severn Group airfields will be capped at FL270 Controller Handovers Controllers are reminded of the importance of notifying incoming controllers of any and all active flow control measures at controller handover.

Version 2024/04 Available A changes only version is available here. ⚠️ You must update your sector file and controller pack to ensure correct sector ownership and sector file identification when controlling. ❗A small program (Logon Details.exe) is now included in the main ‘UK folder’ This will insert basic user data into all required files, making installing and updating easier than ever! Run this program before opening a profile. Installation Instructions The pack is compatible with EuroScope 3.2.3 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.

Can you shut 26L/08R to make it more interesting? (This is a joke)

Effective 18 April 2024 Fairoaks Information (EGTF_I_TWR) has now been downgraded to Fairoaks Radio (EGTF_R_TWR), hence Aerodrome Flight Information Services (AFIS) should no longer be provided, and instead Air Ground Communications Services (AGCS) should be provided. The frequency remains the same, 123.430.