Yes, our expectations are much higher of ATC than "just take a written test and go control."  It takes quite a bit of learning and experience to be a good controller.  Part of that process is training sessions that lead to certifications that actually mean something.  That's the bar we set on this network and in this community.  It's not for everyone, and that's OK.

I'm guessing you're guessing right....  I'll admit though, I'll miss the current logo   (old sentimental fart speaking )

Thanks!

Good call!  Congrats, Brandon!

Sadly, Richard Green (810012), one of VATSIM's first members, has lost his battle with cancer and passed away.  Richard had served as a VATUSA staff member from VATSIM's inception through 2006, as a VATSIM Supervisor, as a founding member of the team that organized the weekly VATUSA Friday Night Ops (FNO event), and VATSIM's Cross the Pond events.

Richard's love for VATSIM helped ignite his passion to fly in the real world, becoming an airline pilot in 2007.

Richard will be missed.

A couple of additional notes/clarifications to the above

1.  Per AIM 4-1-20(a)3:  Transponder and ADS-B operations on the ground. Civil and military aircraft should operate with the transponder in the altitude reporting mode (consult the aircraft's flight manual to determine the specific transponder position to enable altitude reporting) and ADS-B Out transmissions enabled at all airports, any time the aircraft is positioned on any portion of the airport movement area. This includes all defined taxiways and runways.

3. I like to look up the citypair using Flightaware (https://flightaware.com/live/findflight/kxxx/kyyy (where kxxx is your departure airport ID and kyyy is your arrival airport ID)), select an appropriate flight for airline/equipment, and then look at the gate information.

Congrats, Mani!