OPEN POSITION POSTING - DEPUTY AIR TRAFFIC MANAGER
Minneapolis ARTCC (vZMP)

The Minneapolis ARTCC (vZMP) is currently seeking applications for Deputy Air Traffic Manager (DATM) who will assist the Air Traffic Manager in providing effective management and leadership of the VATUSA Minneapolis ARTCC (vZMP).

Key Accountabilities:

• Oversees the day-to-day operation of the facility
• Reports to the vZMP Air Traffic Manager
• Maintains an active online presence within the facility and on the VATSIM network
• Functions as ARTCC Staff Member and attends periodic meetings as necessary
• Provides for coordination of position assignments and position restrictions when necessary
• Provides guidance and help to assigned controllers or guests
• Assists in the coordination of events that may affect the ARTCC's airspace
• Assists in management of the VATUSA vZMP member and visiting controller roster
• Other duties as assigned by the Air Traffic Manager

Required Skills:

• Must be an active member of the network in good standing with a clean history
• Currently hold a rating of Controller (C1) or higher
• Capable of working well in a team-oriented environment
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills

Desired Skills:

• VATSIM ARTCC and/or Real world managerial or supervisory experience
• Demonstrated possession and utilization of a high degree of energy, commitment and dedication
• Instructor or Mentor experience on the network is a plus
• Adept at working with different personality types and skill levels

Interested candidates should be aware that this is not an entry-level position and not for the inexperienced. The workload is considerable and should not be taken lightly. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they MAY be contacted for a comprehensive interview.

Applications should include:

• Full Name, Active E-Mail, and VATSIM CID
• Introductory Cover Letter and resume detailing your experience and addressing each of required and desired skills above and any other relevant information you would like to provide
• Candidates from outside vZMP must submit a Letter of Recommendation from a Senior Staff Member (ATM/DATM/TA) at their current ARTCC

Applications should be submitted to Dhruv Kalra, vZMP Air Traffic Manager at [email protected]

Application deadline is 20 September, 2359 UTC.

I've seen this pop up at more than a few events during my visiting and ACE Team tenure, and realized that most facilities' opinions don't match up with mine and what I've taught my radar students over the years. I've long been a proponent of initiating the radar handoff process on departing aircraft sooner rather than later. More often than not, this is in order to reduce eventual workload down the line.

When I get busy, I'd rather flash early rather than flash late so that transfer of comms can be completed with enough time that the Center can keep guys climbing. In a lot of cases, I've witnessed the opposite, where a late handoff results in a plane unnecessarily leveling off at the top of the TRACON before the Center can start talking to them. That being said, I thought I'd raise the discussion here.

IRL, TRACON departures nominally begin automatically flashing to the appropriate center sector within a handful of miles of the departure end of the runway (or other, computer specified distances from the departure airport). It varies, but the aircraft is often still fairly low to the ground relative to the top of TRACON airspace, and often 20 or more miles from the lateral boundary. Just because the track is flashing to you doesn't mean you have to take it.

So here's my plea to all the center guys (and to borrow a quote from my friend Nate Johns): "There is zero reason to actively reject a handoff for "flashing too early." Zero. Heck, its not even possible from the center IRL.

Why would you make more work for your compadre? Heck, why would you make more work for you? If you're not ready to talk to someone yet, just wait until you are ready, then take the handoff at that point."

I have 4 surplus Plantronics USB PTT switches, model SHS2355. These are handheld PTT amplifiers very similar to those used in all FAA ATC facilities, with the exception of being USB interface so that they work with home computers.

The button emulates button 1 on a joystick and there are a number of joystick to keystroke mappers (plus vSTARS and vERAM will soon natively support them) that will allow you to use them as your PTT for controlling.

Asking $80 shipped per unit. Would be willing to negotiate down if someone wants more than one.

Pictured below with a Plantronics H31 headset:

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Everyone join me in wishing our very own VATNA1, Mr. Bryan Wollenberg, a very happy birthday!

Make it a great one BW. Perhaps this year, the FAA will finally grant you that LOC/DME procedure into KAVX !

Come and give Bill Polley traffic as he goes for his MSP Center cert and C1 OTS. All airplanes, large and small, IFR and VFR, airline and GA are welcome!

Tomorrow night, 1900 CDT (00z)!