Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.

Messages - Nickolas Christopher

Pages: 1 [2] 3 4 5

News / ZLA Seeks Event Coordinator

« on: July 31, 2019, 10:36:29 PM »

ZLA is looking for an event coordinator!

The event coordinator is key to connecting pilots and controllers. We're looking for someone who is motivated, experienced and willing to take on new challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities
- Develops and plans events promoting ZLA airspace (including developing graphics and promoting events)
- Coordinates controller event participation
- Coordinates events with neighboring facilities
- Coordinates support for events at neighboring facilities
- Solicits feedback for and debriefs each event with the Facility Advisory Board
- Stays up to date with VATUSA, VATSIM and virtual airline events
- Serves as liaison to virtual airlines and other pilot organizations
- Maintains an active presence within the facility and on the VATSIM network
- Other duties as required

Required Qualifications
- Be an active member of the VATSIM network in good standing with no significant derogatory marks
- Currently hold a rating of Senior Student (S3) or higher
- Capable of working well in a team-oriented environment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
- Previous or current ARTCC staff experience
- Real world aviation experience

This position requires a significant commitment to ZLA and VATSIM. Role and responsibilities may change as needed.

Please include the following in your application:
- Full name, email address and VATSIM CID
- Letter of intent or cover letter (we'd like to know what ideas you have for events and get an idea of what you'd like to do in this role)
- Resume detailing VATSIM experience (include any relevant real-world experience)
- OPTIONAL: Letter of recommendation from a current or previous ARTCC, VATUSA or similar staff member.

Applications must be submitted to the ZLA Air Traffic Manager at [email protected] and Deputy Air Traffic Manager at [email protected].

Applications must be received by August 7, 2019, at 23:59Z.

Events / Re: Take the 405 [01 JUN 2019| 2359-0400Z | 1700-2100P]

« on: June 01, 2019, 05:21:38 PM »

We're gearing up for a great event this evening. John Wayne, in particular, sees a variety of both GA and commercial aircraft. This means situational awareness is critical for both pilots and controllers!

Here are some notes for everyone tonight.

John Wayne (KSNA):

John Wayne (KSNA) VFR Departures, contact John Wayne Clearance on 121.85.
John Wayne (KSNA) IFR Departures, contact John Wayne Clearance on 118.0.
John Wayne (KSNA) VFR departures automatically get flight following. If you do not want flight following once you leave John Wayne Class C airspace, let the delivery controller know "local" when requesting clearance.
Taxiing: General aviation aircraft parked east of runway 20L should expect to taxi via A H C. Use of taxiway A north of H is restricted to large aircraft.
Remember: READ BACK of all runway hold short instructions is required! The two runways at John Wayne are very close to each other. It's very important to understand, read back and follow all instructions.
VFR aircraft transiting between KSNA and KLGB must be sure to stay clear of KSLI airspace. See screenshot below. If you are at least one mile from the shoreline, you are safe.
VFR aircraft departing 20L TURN 15 DEGREES LEFT at departure end of the runway unless instructed otherwise.
VFR aircraft arriving 20L final at a 15-degree angle away from 20R final.

Departing KLGB:

KLGB VFR departures DO NOT automatically receive flight following. If you want flight following, ask on the ground or in the air. If you are not on flight following, squawk 1200.

KSNA Pilot Guide: https://www.ocair.com/generalaviation/docs/jwapilotguide.03.31.2017.pdf

Events / Re: [18MAY 2300z - 0300z] CalScream 2019

« on: May 05, 2019, 02:35:14 AM »

Signups now open. Book your flight today! https://calscream.com/

Events / Re: [22 FEB 2359-0400Z] Oscar Night 2019

« on: February 18, 2019, 02:59:10 PM »

When coming into LAX during an FNO, things move FAST! There are complex procedures and a number of items everyone should know. We want everyone to be challenged and have fun.

To help ensure everyone has a great time, here is a briefing for arrival into LAX: https://laartcc.org/article/arriving-into-lax-with-metroplex.

Key points to note:

Check the ATIS! When you check in with SoCal approach, give the current ATIS code along with your callsign and current altitude.
Be sure to select the correct transition on the ILS approaches into KLAX. All too often, pilots select the wrong transition on the approach and fly from SEAVU or CRCUS direct HUNDA or MERCE. That is incorrect and throws sequencing out of whack!
- ILS 24R approach (when arriving from the east): In your FMC, you must see CRCUS or SEAVU and then SKOLL DECOR BREEA PALAC and so on all the way to JETSA.
- ILS 25L approach (when arriving from the east): In your FMC, you must see CRCUS or SEAVU and then KRAIN TAROC DYMMO FUELR and so on all the way to LIMMA.
- If you see CRCUS or SEAVU and then GAATE, HUNDA, MERCE or something other than what's on the plate, it's setup wrong! Practice before the event to get it right!
Be prepared to dial in the correct frequencies! Make special note of the frequencies listed on the approach plates and listen carefully! Also, make note of the correct tower frequency and have it ready to switch over!
If the weather is VMC, we'll be using visual approaches. Keep your eyes out the window and look for planes when we call them! Visual approaches help us get you in faster. Respond with "NEGATIVE TRAFFIC" or "TRAFFIC IN SIGHT." (Having an aircraft on TCAS does not count for visual separation and doesn't help us.)
Even if we're running visual approaches, we will still use the localizers to make it easy. Have the ILS frequency dialed in and ready. Your controller will tell you to fly a heading to "INTERCEPT THE LOCALIZER/JOIN FINAL APPROACH COURSE." Once you hear the magic words, then hit the LOC button to capture the localizer. Once you're cleared for the visual or ILS approach, you can follow the full approach and capture the glideslope.
Listen carefully for speed instructions and maintain them. Speed maintenance is critical with heavy flows. Depending the situation, your approach controller may tell you something like "MAINTAIN 170 KNOTS OR GREATER UNTIL JETSA/LIMMA." Know where those fixes are and watch your airspeed. (Note: Once you are cleared for a visual or instrument approach, any speed restriction is cancelled UNLESS your controller restates a speed restriction.)
After landing at LAX:
- Exit the runway as soon as safely feasible. Make use of the same-direction high-speed turnoffs.
- Remain on the tower frequency until instructed to switch to ground. This is noted on the airport diagram. Tower will give runway crossing instructions and then tell you to switch to ground.
- Keep your transponder on altitude-reporting mode until parked.

For KBUR, KVNY and KSMO arrivals:

Again, check the ATIS in advance and report it with your initial check-in with approach.
If the weather is VMC, we'll be using visual approaches. This is especially so at KSMO where arrivals are close to KLAX. Again, it helps us get you in more expeditiously.
For arrivals into KBUR RWY 8, look out the window and be prepared to report both KVNY and KBUR in sight. You may be asked to cross KVNY at or above 3,000 depending on traffic conditions.

As always, if you have a question, post here or email me.

We hope everyone has a great time!

The Control Room Floor / Re: Mode C on the Ground

« on: January 29, 2019, 09:52:56 PM »

Quote from: David Stone on January 29, 2019, 09:19:57 PM

Mark, refer to AIM 4-1-20 a.3.

The FAA changed their guidance and the AIM on that a few years ago.
I followed the FAA's advice.
ATC told me to turn it off.

YMMV

Events / Re: [19 JAN 2359-0400Z] Escape to The Desert

« on: January 18, 2019, 04:50:42 PM »

To help everyone have a good time, here's the pilot briefing for tomorrow's event: https://laartcc.org/uploads/downloads/Escape%20to%20the%20Desert%20KLAS%20ZLA%20Pilot%20Briefing.pdf

Also, pilots, please listen to the ATIS on 132.4. A good time to do this is during your initial descent before contacting Las Vegas Approach. You can usually get the ATIS about 40 miles out from the airport.

When you contact Las Vegas Approach, let them know four things:

Your callsign
Your present altitude (NOT the altitude you are assigned or leaving)
Whether you're climbing or a descending and what your assigned altitude restriction is (if any)
The current ATIS code

When you do this, Approach will assign you a runway and an approach and send you on your way!

Example:
Pilot (on the TYSSN5 arrival): "Las Vegas Approach, Delta 983, flight level 190 descending 12,000 with information Charlie."
Controller: "Delta 983, descend via the TYSSN FIVE arrival. At PRINO, cleared ILS runway 26 left approach."

Easy peasy!

What not to do:

Ask Center what runways are in use
Request an approach from Center
Not listen to the ATIS
Make up an ATIS code that's not current

Happy Flying!

News / ZLA has a New Training Administrator!

« on: December 18, 2018, 02:11:29 AM »

All,

Please welcome Josh Borges as ZLA's newest Training Administrator! Josh has been a ZLA home controller since 2014 and has served as a mentor and instructor. Additionally, Josh has a private pilot certificate. He brings much experience and knowledge to the ARTCC and VATSIM. I look forward to working with him!

General Discussion / Re: Mode C Transponders

« on: December 10, 2018, 12:14:33 AM »

Note that a Mode C transponder reports altitude, not speed.

And, if you have a Mode C transponder, use it even if you technically don't have to. Why withhold information that can make the controller's job easier?

News / Position Posting: ZLA Training Administrator

« on: December 04, 2018, 01:55:13 AM »

ZLA is looking for a Training Administrator!

The Training Administrator is responsible for ensuring the success of the ZLA training program. We're looking for a knowledgeable, energetic and dedicated person for this role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversees and actively develops training program
Understands and appropriately integrates VATSIM, VATUSA and ZLA policies into the training program
Manages training staff, including recruiting and hiring mentors and instructors
Reports directly to the ZLA Air Traffic Manager and VATUSA Training Director
Maintains and implements training materials and documents
Tracks the progress of student controllers
Quickly and accurately responds to training-related inquiries from students, mentors and instructors
Serves as a senior staff member assisting with making decisions for the ARTCC

Required Qualifications:

Be an active member of the VATSIM network in good standing with no previous derogatory marks
Currently hold a rating of Controller (C1) or higher
Have held a rating of I1 for at least 30 days at any given time prior to hiring date
Capable of working well in a team-oriented environment
Strong knowledge of the United States Airspace and Air Traffic Control systems
Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Current I1 rating or higher
Instructor/Mentor experience
Previous or current ARTCC senior staff experience
Supervisory or management experience in virtual or real world
Real world aviation experience

Please include the following in your application:

Letter of Intent
Resume (please include real world management experience if applicable)
Letter of Recommendation from a current or previous ARTCC/VATUSA staff member (not required but highly encouraged)

Please note this position requires a significant commitment to ZLA and VATSIM. Role and responsibilities may change as needed.

Please submit your application to [email protected].

Applications must be received by 23:59 PST Monday, December 10, 2018.

General Discussion / Re: Intercepting GS/ Prior to LOC on ILS Approaches.

« on: November 12, 2018, 07:13:51 PM »

I wonder if you vectored far enough away from the GS intercept point so that you could descend appropriately. Controllers should not vector you above the glideslope. You should be able to intercept the localizer and be established prior to descent.

General Discussion / Re: We don't talk enough...

« on: November 11, 2018, 01:17:17 PM »

I think Vento and Dhruv hit some good points.

To echo, I think what is lacking is relationship building between VATUSA and ARTCCs. I can’t remember the last time someone from VATUSA contacted me to see what’s going on and to ask what they can do to help.

The forums aren’t the best place for discussion. So many threads devolve into flame wars and negativity. And, text loses most of the nuances of effective communication.

Events / Re: [03 Nov 2018 1300Z - 2245Z] TRANSCON: Live from Philadelphia

« on: October 31, 2018, 04:22:08 PM »

We want to be sure everyone has a great flight, but the departures out of KLAX can be a bit confusing.
Here are a few notes for those departing KLAX.

For routes going through LAS, the appropriate departures are:

ORCKA3 LAS
OSHNN8 LAS

For the ORCKA3 departure, please note:

If you depart runway 24L/R, you are to fly heading 251 and wait for RADAR VECTORS.
If you depart runway 25L/R, you must turn left to heading 236 at DOCKR (25R) or HIIPR (25L). This is REQUIRED for separation. Then wait for RADAR VECTORS.
Your departure controller will vector you and at some point clear you direct KLIPR. You'll hear something like "TURN LEFT DIRECT KLIPR, RESUME THE ORCKA3 DEPARTURE."
Only proceed to KLIPR when instructed.
Please do NOT turn right! Turning right puts you head on into KLAX arrivals. We like to think that you don't want to hit things.
Please note of the crossing restrictions at KLIPR and KEGGS. If your plane is heavily loaded and won't climb quickly, take the OSHNN8.LAS departure instead.

For those routes going through CLEEE, the correct departure is the DOTSS2.
Again, please note the turns required at DOCKR (25R) and HIIPR (25L).

Being sure to follow the departures as described helps us get more departures out as quickly as we can.

As always, if you have a question, ask here or talk to your controller on the ground before trying to figure it out in the air.

Have a great flight!