21
News / Re: ZMA Has a New ATM!
« Last post by Owen Bliss on July 01, 2025, 10:07:31 PM »Congratulations Robby! I am looking forward to working with you in your new role 
Recent Posts
22
News / ZMA Has a New ATM!
« Last post by Brandon Wening on July 01, 2025, 08:06:45 PM »Please join me in congratulating the new Miami ARTCC Air Traffic Manager, Robby Parknavy! Robby is excited to move up from his current role as the ZMA TA and continue serving the ZMA community as the ATM. Robby seeks to prioritize the member experience in ZMA and continue cultivating an active and vibrant community for all to enjoy. With multiple staff positions open in ZMA currently, Robby also looks to provide great opportunities for members to help lead the facility in line with his vision. We are all excited to see the great work Robby does in his new role. Congratulations Robby!
I'd also like to thank the outgoing ATM, Dan Leavitt, for leading the ZMA ARTCC for over 4 years as a senior staff member. Dan and his amazing staff helped ZMA navigate many challenges, including document updates, GCAP policy modifications, and multiple inter-division events. Thank you Dan for your continued support of ZMA!
I'd also like to thank the outgoing ATM, Dan Leavitt, for leading the ZMA ARTCC for over 4 years as a senior staff member. Dan and his amazing staff helped ZMA navigate many challenges, including document updates, GCAP policy modifications, and multiple inter-division events. Thank you Dan for your continued support of ZMA!
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Events / [07/30/2025] Northwest Nights: KPDX
« Last post by Hayden Tilby on June 30, 2025, 12:56:16 PM »
Join us on Wednesday, July 30th from 5-8pm PDT (2359-0300z) at the Portland International Airport (KPDX). The field will be fully staffed as the summer heat brings a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Northwest! We can’t wait to see you there.
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Events / [11/21/2025] Stuff The Albu-Turkey FNO
« Last post by Jordan Jacklin on June 30, 2025, 12:35:05 AM »Banner and Full Description soon
It's the 10th Annual Stuff the Albu-Turkey!
It's the 10th Annual Stuff the Albu-Turkey!
25
Events / [07/24/2025 2300-0200z] Trouble in The Tracon
« Last post by Spencer Moore on June 29, 2025, 04:26:51 PM »
Join us in ZFW as we light up the deltas in the D10! We are encouraging pilots of all skill levels and types to fly around the TRACON to gain experience as we also will have newer controllers gaining their own experience as well. Come fly wacky approaches and see how many airports you can get to before the night ends, hope to see you there!
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Events / ZLA Live 2026
« Last post by Matthew Kramer on June 29, 2025, 01:47:45 PM »Moved from previous date due to Expo. Info TK, SNO request submitted December 2024.
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Events / The Plane Train FNO [9/5/2025] KATL
« Last post by Meg Bruck on June 28, 2025, 09:08:59 AM »KATL FNO!!!!
9/5/25
23:00-03:00
9/5/25
23:00-03:00
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News / Position Reposting: Jacksonville ARTCC Deputy Air Traffic Manager
« Last post by Owen Bliss on June 25, 2025, 03:11:27 PM »Position Posting: Jacksonville ARTCC Deputy Air Traffic Manager
Date Posted: June 25th, 2025
Submission Deadline: July 9th, 2025
Purpose:
Jacksonville is looking for a motivated individual that possesses a high degree of energy and commitment to serve as the Deputy Air Traffic Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Air Traffic Manager.
- Assists in the management of ATC Roster, permissions and access, Discord administration, and other general administrative tasks associated with the ATC organization as delegated within the guidance provided by the Air Traffic Manager.
- Assists in the development of ARTCC SOPs, LOAs, Policies, and more.
- Maintains a high online presence and community presence.
- Completes other duties as assigned by the ATM.
Requirements:
- Supports the Jacksonville ARTCC’s mission.
- Serves as a leader to coach and motivate controllers while upholding a culture that builds exceptional internal and external pilot experiences.
- Supports and participates in initiatives that give back to the VATSIM community.
- Works in collaboration with Virtual Airlines and other VATUSA ARTCCs to leverage synergy opportunities across the United States.
- Supports the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people.
- Strengthens others through consistent feedback while driving productivity and morale.
- Manages a group of team leaders to a diverse group of individuals and provides coaching and mentoring to ensure the growth of future managers
- Holds self and others accountable to high-performance standards while providing pilots with memorable experiences.
- Partners in the development of strategy and helps to translate it into specific priorities, objectives, and action plans.
- Understands and drives appropriate metrics to assess controller performance.
- Ability to listen to feedback and take constructive action.
- Monitors the daily activities of the ARTCC.
- Maintains an online presence on the VATSIM server and Jacksonville ARTCC Discord.
- Assumes the duties of the ATM when he is unavailable.
- Attends periodic meetings to report on ARTCC activities.
- Ensures that Jacksonville is following all VATSIM and VATUSA directives.
- Be able to meet all activity requirements as outlined in and all sections thereof (as appropriate)
- Must hold the rating of Student 3 (S3) or greater. S3 controllers must be willing to obtain their C1 within an agreed upon amount of time once in ZJX.
- This position requires a time commitment of an average of four (4) hours per week working on administrative tasks
Preferred Skills:
- Prior ATC Mentor/Instructor experience
- Teaching/Education experience (on or off VATSIM)
- Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience (real world or VATSIM applicable)
- Real-world aviation/pilot experience
- Familiarity with the jacksonville policies and procedures
- Demonstrates the qualities of understanding, patience, restraint, and professionalism
How to Apply:
Please note that this position requires a significant time commitment. Interested applicants shall email their application package with the subject title “ZJX DATM Application Package” to owen.bliss@vatusa.net with the following:
-Full name, CID, and email address.
-Resume, including any applicable real-world/virtual experience.
-Letter of intent explaining “Why Jacksonville and why this position is for you.”
- *Bonus* Letter Of Recommendation from a current or former VATUSA, or sub-division staff member recommending you for the position.
Applications must be received by 23:59 EST on July 9th, 2025, to be considered. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered and discarded.
Date Posted: June 25th, 2025
Submission Deadline: July 9th, 2025
Purpose:
Jacksonville is looking for a motivated individual that possesses a high degree of energy and commitment to serve as the Deputy Air Traffic Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Air Traffic Manager.
- Assists in the management of ATC Roster, permissions and access, Discord administration, and other general administrative tasks associated with the ATC organization as delegated within the guidance provided by the Air Traffic Manager.
- Assists in the development of ARTCC SOPs, LOAs, Policies, and more.
- Maintains a high online presence and community presence.
- Completes other duties as assigned by the ATM.
Requirements:
- Supports the Jacksonville ARTCC’s mission.
- Serves as a leader to coach and motivate controllers while upholding a culture that builds exceptional internal and external pilot experiences.
- Supports and participates in initiatives that give back to the VATSIM community.
- Works in collaboration with Virtual Airlines and other VATUSA ARTCCs to leverage synergy opportunities across the United States.
- Supports the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people.
- Strengthens others through consistent feedback while driving productivity and morale.
- Manages a group of team leaders to a diverse group of individuals and provides coaching and mentoring to ensure the growth of future managers
- Holds self and others accountable to high-performance standards while providing pilots with memorable experiences.
- Partners in the development of strategy and helps to translate it into specific priorities, objectives, and action plans.
- Understands and drives appropriate metrics to assess controller performance.
- Ability to listen to feedback and take constructive action.
- Monitors the daily activities of the ARTCC.
- Maintains an online presence on the VATSIM server and Jacksonville ARTCC Discord.
- Assumes the duties of the ATM when he is unavailable.
- Attends periodic meetings to report on ARTCC activities.
- Ensures that Jacksonville is following all VATSIM and VATUSA directives.
- Be able to meet all activity requirements as outlined in and all sections thereof (as appropriate)
- Must hold the rating of Student 3 (S3) or greater. S3 controllers must be willing to obtain their C1 within an agreed upon amount of time once in ZJX.
- This position requires a time commitment of an average of four (4) hours per week working on administrative tasks
Preferred Skills:
- Prior ATC Mentor/Instructor experience
- Teaching/Education experience (on or off VATSIM)
- Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience (real world or VATSIM applicable)
- Real-world aviation/pilot experience
- Familiarity with the jacksonville policies and procedures
- Demonstrates the qualities of understanding, patience, restraint, and professionalism
How to Apply:
Please note that this position requires a significant time commitment. Interested applicants shall email their application package with the subject title “ZJX DATM Application Package” to owen.bliss@vatusa.net with the following:
-Full name, CID, and email address.
-Resume, including any applicable real-world/virtual experience.
-Letter of intent explaining “Why Jacksonville and why this position is for you.”
- *Bonus* Letter Of Recommendation from a current or former VATUSA, or sub-division staff member recommending you for the position.
Applications must be received by 23:59 EST on July 9th, 2025, to be considered. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered and discarded.
29
News / Position Posting: Chicago ARTCC Air Traffic Manager
« Last post by Brandon Wening on June 25, 2025, 02:24:36 PM »Chicago ARTCC Air Traffic Manager Vacancy Announcement
Position: Air Traffic Manager
Location: Chicago ARTCC (ZAU)
Time Commitment: 4 to 8 hours per week+, and required quarterly controlling hours to maintain facility membership
Supervisor: Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (ATS)
Application Deadline: Closes July 5th, 2025 23:59z
The Air Traffic Manager (ATM) oversees all ARTCC operations. The ATM's primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth operation of the ARTCC, along with drafting and implementing ARTCC policies and LOAs. The ATM is the primary point of contact and representative of the facility for VATUSA management.
Main responsibilities:
Manage the ARTCC
Handle Transfer/Visiting requests
Maintain the ARTCC roster
Communicate regularly with VATUSA2
Collaborate closely with ARTCC staff to ensure transparent and effective communication with the membership
Oversee the air traffic control training program, events, social media, and data services/facilities infrastructure
Foster a positive, healthy, and educational environment for members to learn and grow in
Maintain a strong online presence through various platforms to foster community engagement and facilitate information dissemination
Develop/Grow the ARTCC in alignment with division goals
Oversee the Deputy Air Traffic Manager and Training Administrator directly
Develop and implement policies, air traffic control standard operating procedures, and letters of agreement alongside the DATM
Manage an active staff of DATM, TA, EC, FE, and WM
Potential responsibilities (based on ARTCC needs):
VATUSA Workgroups
Assisting the Junior and Senior staff in all aspects
Community moderation/development
Requirements for the role:
Active member of VATSIM in good standing
Ability to maintain ARTCC activity requirement standards
Strong understanding of the WM, EC, FE, TA, and DATM roles
Obtained a rating of C1
Ability to manage a team of at least 5
Positive and professional attitude with the time commitment necessary to lead the ARTCC
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong understanding of US Airspace and the NAS
Preferred qualifications for this role:
Familiarity with the ARTCC
VATUSA Member
Understanding of the VATUSA Structure
Prior staff experience
Prior teaching/education experience
ATM is a Senior Staff role and therefore is not an entry-level position. The ATM could be required to dedicate several hours daily to managing the ARTCC. However, the ATM must also be able to utilize their staff to effectively delegate tasks to ensure the continued operation of the ARTCC. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying for this position. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview.
If you wish to apply for the ATM position, please email Brandon Wening, Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (vatusa2@vatusa.net) with a detailed VATSIM/relevant real-world résumé and cover letter by July 5th, 2025 23:59z. The letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to lead the ZAU ARTCC, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the facility will thrive under the applicant's leadership. Your virtual resume should consist of all prior VATSIM experience and any real-world experience you feel is applicable. Please also include your name, active email address, CID, current ARTCC, and current rating.
Position: Air Traffic Manager
Location: Chicago ARTCC (ZAU)
Time Commitment: 4 to 8 hours per week+, and required quarterly controlling hours to maintain facility membership
Supervisor: Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (ATS)
Application Deadline: Closes July 5th, 2025 23:59z
The Air Traffic Manager (ATM) oversees all ARTCC operations. The ATM's primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth operation of the ARTCC, along with drafting and implementing ARTCC policies and LOAs. The ATM is the primary point of contact and representative of the facility for VATUSA management.
Main responsibilities:
Manage the ARTCC
Handle Transfer/Visiting requests
Maintain the ARTCC roster
Communicate regularly with VATUSA2
Collaborate closely with ARTCC staff to ensure transparent and effective communication with the membership
Oversee the air traffic control training program, events, social media, and data services/facilities infrastructure
Foster a positive, healthy, and educational environment for members to learn and grow in
Maintain a strong online presence through various platforms to foster community engagement and facilitate information dissemination
Develop/Grow the ARTCC in alignment with division goals
Oversee the Deputy Air Traffic Manager and Training Administrator directly
Develop and implement policies, air traffic control standard operating procedures, and letters of agreement alongside the DATM
Manage an active staff of DATM, TA, EC, FE, and WM
Potential responsibilities (based on ARTCC needs):
VATUSA Workgroups
Assisting the Junior and Senior staff in all aspects
Community moderation/development
Requirements for the role:
Active member of VATSIM in good standing
Ability to maintain ARTCC activity requirement standards
Strong understanding of the WM, EC, FE, TA, and DATM roles
Obtained a rating of C1
Ability to manage a team of at least 5
Positive and professional attitude with the time commitment necessary to lead the ARTCC
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong understanding of US Airspace and the NAS
Preferred qualifications for this role:
Familiarity with the ARTCC
VATUSA Member
Understanding of the VATUSA Structure
Prior staff experience
Prior teaching/education experience
ATM is a Senior Staff role and therefore is not an entry-level position. The ATM could be required to dedicate several hours daily to managing the ARTCC. However, the ATM must also be able to utilize their staff to effectively delegate tasks to ensure the continued operation of the ARTCC. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying for this position. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview.
If you wish to apply for the ATM position, please email Brandon Wening, Deputy Division Director - Air Traffic Services (vatusa2@vatusa.net) with a detailed VATSIM/relevant real-world résumé and cover letter by July 5th, 2025 23:59z. The letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to lead the ZAU ARTCC, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the facility will thrive under the applicant's leadership. Your virtual resume should consist of all prior VATSIM experience and any real-world experience you feel is applicable. Please also include your name, active email address, CID, current ARTCC, and current rating.
30
Events / [07/11/2025] San Juan FNO
« Last post by Dan Michael Bonaga on June 24, 2025, 02:48:39 PM »
Pack your charts and bring your island vibes — ZSU is lighting up the Caribbean skies for a Friday Night Ops like no other! Join us as San Juan (SJU), St. Thomas (STT), and St. Croix (STX) go fully staffed to handle the tropical rush. Whether you're hopping between islands, arriving from the mainland, or pushing south into the deep Caribbean, our controllers are ready to bring the heat.
Expect stunning approaches, tight coordination, and island hospitality from pushback to shutdown. Fly in, fly out, or island-hop — just don’t miss this Caribbean Crossroads!
Date/Time (zulu): July 11, 2025 2300z - July 12, 2025 0300z
Airports: SJU,STT,STX