ZOA is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Facility Engineer.

Job Description:

• Answers directly to the Air Traffic Manager (ATM).
• Assists Senior Staff in developing ARTCC SOP's and LOA's.
• Maintains the Video Maps, POF and Alias files for ATC Clients.
• Maintains the vATIS configuration files.
• Coordinates with adjoining ARTCCs to maintain inter-facility LOAs and Frequency use.
• Coordinates monthly AIRAC cycle updates affecting the ARTCC operations.
• Maintains activity as a controller.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must hold an S2 Rating or Higher.
• Candidate must be in good standing with ZOA ARTCC/ Current Home ARTCC, and VATSIM/VATUSA.
• Ability to lead
• Have extensive knowledge of VRC, vATIS, vERAM, and vSTARS
• Must have knowledge of obtaining resource materials to produce Sector, POF and Alias files.
• Energy and commitment to the facility and position.

Not Required but Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Experience as an ARTCC Staff Member.
• Ability to create Tower Trainer/ ACSIM files for training purposes
• Ability to create Euroscope files for training purposes.
• Basic HTML knowledge.
• Experience in any of the following: Python, Java, C#/C++, PHP.

Interested candidates should understand that this is not an entry level position. The workload is considerable and should not be taken lightly. Only those who understand the requirements should consider applying.

Please send the following to [email protected] no later than 5/31/2019

-Resume
-Candidates from outside ZOA must submit a Letter of Recommendation.

Qualified candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview.

ZOA is looking for a Training Administrator!

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees and actively develops training program
• Understands and appropriately integrates VATSIM, VATUSA and ZOA policies into the training program
• Manages training staff, including recruiting and hiring mentors and instructors
• Reports directly to the ZOA 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 ZOA 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, January 14, 2019.

Pilots -

On August 16, 2018 the San Francisco Class Bravo airspace under went a major rework. This means, the Class Bravo airspace you may see in your simulator will not match what you might find on a sectional. Additionally, you may receive instructions from NORCAL and San Francisco tower that don't make sense with the old Class B airspace. It is my hope that this post will help you all understand the changes, procedures, and how we plan to handle this going forward.

So what changed, exactly?
The entire class B airspace has been changed. They've created the Bravo to give back what is not needed, and take what is needed. Additionally, the Bravo is no longer based on radials and DME, but rather GPS waypoints. Each corner point of the new class Bravo airspace is a GPS waypoint that can be programmed into any FMS or GPS (you will need an AIRAC 1809 update for your FMS, or global FSX/P3D navdata update). The waypoints for each corner can be found on the San Francisco FLY chart, and they start with VPXXX

Some of these new waypoints have a name, such as VPOYS which is called Oyster Point, and some do not. So, if you say you're flying to Oyster Point, we expect that you are going to VPOYS. In the case of those without a name simply spell it out using the phonetic alphabet. Those with a name are located directly over the landmark they are named after. The FAA has told us there will be a full list and we will publish it when we can.

Does this affect the way I can transition the San Francisco Class B?
Yes. Previously, we'd issue instructions to fly to a landmark, follow a highway, etc. Now we have defined routes that will be assigned. These routes use GPS waypoints that can be programmed into any FMS or GPS (AIRAC 1809+). The routes are as follows...

Bayshore Transition 1,500 - 3,500


Pacifica Transition 1,500 - 3,500


Coastline Transition at or above 3,500


When transitioning the Bravo, please state the route and altitude you'd like. You may join these routes at a point, so you do not need to start at the most northern or southern point. For example, a KHAF aircraft may join at Pennisula High school (VPSCS) and transition north or south, but you need to specify you want to join at that point.

In addition to the new VFR transition routes, we've also got an ATC assigned Flyway called the Bay Flyway.


This is ATC assigned only (which means it requires a bravo clearance, and we can and will deny the request if traffic is too heavy in the bay), and ATC will assign the altitude. It is broken into a few different parts. If you're going north you can expect to get either the Northwest Bay Flyway, or Northeast Bay Flyway, and if you're going south you can expect the Southwest Bay Flyway or Southeast Bay Flyway. This flyway is located on the San Francisco FLY chart.

The other flyways are not ATC assigned and no ATC contact is needed to fly them. ATC is only required for the Bay Flyway.

Does this impact other area airports?
Yes, a little bit. The Oakland Class C airspace has been slightly modified. The San Jose Class C didn't change, however San Jose airport no longer sits under the Bravo, only a portion of the class C does. Livermore (LVK) is a lot closer to the Bravo, so pilots are encouraged to be prepared for that and plan around it. San Carlos (SQL) had a minor change as well but it isn't something I think most will notice.

What do I do if I have the old Bravo and want to fly in it? How can I get the new airspace?
Please mention it to the controller. We realize that not everybody will have the new airspace, but unless we know what you have we can't help you. Since the new airspace is the current, that is what we will be operating off of.

If you fly with Foreflight connected to your sim, you will be able to use the new airspace. Additionally, I am told that fsAerodata will update FSX and P3D native airspace to have the new Bravo (I have not tested that yet). I doing what I can to inform Lockheed Martin about the airspace so that they will include it in a future update of P3D. Last, I am reading around FSDeveloper trying to figure out how to create it myself so we can distribute it to everybody for free, so far it's been slow.

The GPS waypoints used to create the Bravo and the VFR Transitions routes are available to everybody through your 1809 AIRAC update provided by Navigraph ot Navdata Pro. To update FSX and P3D navigation you can use the FSX/P3D World Naviads Package (at the time of writing this it is still 1808, but will be 1809 soon).

If you have further questions please feel free to ask, we're happy to help! Email us at [email protected]

I semi-regularly read Boldmethod articles, which is an aviation site geared towards real world flying. Although it is geared towards flying in the real world, it can be extremely educational to those trying to figure things out on Vatsim. There is a lot of really good information here and I highly suggest checking it out.

I came across this article today called "6 Ways To Improve Your Radio Calls" and I thought this would be very helpful to the Vatsim pilot. I'd only say, for number 5, find a spot that your not eating your mic, and it is also not too far away. The mics on a real headset are different than what we have on our computers.

Happy reading!

http://www.boldmethod.com/blog/lists/2017/05/6-ways-to-improve-your-radio-calls/

ZOA is now accepting applications for Training Administrator!


Duties and Responsibilities:

* Oversees and actively develops training program
* Manages training staff
* Reports directly to the ZOA 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


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 (pilot or air traffic control)


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 submit your application by 8/27/2017 at 23:59 PST to [email protected]

vZOA presents the Bay Blast FNO featuring KSFO, KOAK, and KSJC. From 2359z - 0500z.

Join vZOA as we host FNO at San Francisco (KSFO), Oakland (KOAK), and San Jose (KSJC) and provide a blast of fun and entertainment to end a hectic week!

Pilots, please read our Letter to Airmen by going here.

Boldmethod posted a cool video by ExpressJet demonstrating how to fly a "climb via SID". 

http://www.boldmethod.com/blog/expressjet/how-to-fly-an-ifr-departure-procedure/

The Oakland ARTCC is please to announce that Bradley Tice has been selected as the newest TA at ZOA. Welcome to the big seat BY, and thanks for stepping up!