Please join me in welcoming Daniel Hawton as the new Anchorage Air Traffic Manager! Daniel has previously served in many different staff roles on the network, such as VATUSA Data Services Manager, ZDV WM, and most recently the ZAN DATM. In addition to being a Supervisor and Instructor here on the VATSIM network, Daniel brings real-world Alaskan ATC experience with him to ZAN. Daniel is excited to lead the Anchorage ARTCC and is very passionate about creating the best experience possible for all who control and fly in ZAN's airspace. I look forward to watching ZAN grow under his leadership! Congrats Daniel!!

I'd also like to thank Joseph Kerr for all that he has done while leading ZAN. It is because of his leadership that the facility has a strong foundation to build off of and continue growing for years to come! Joe will remain as the HCF ATM, but also plans to be an active controller and member of the ZAN community. Thank you Joe!

Please join me in welcoming John Bartlett as the new Washington Air Traffic Manager! John has previously served as the TA and ATM in ZFW and is no stranger to ZDC, as he most recently served as the ZDC DATM. John has done a great job overseeing the day-to-day operations in ZDC, and I'm excited to see him lead the facility in his new role. Congratulations John!

Please join me in welcoming Ryan O'Keefe as the new Houston Air Traffic Manager! Ryan has been a vital part of the ZHU ARTCC for the past few years and most recently served as the ZHU DATM. Ryan's passion for ZHU is infectious, and it will undoubtedly rub off on his staff and the ZHU members as he works to continue pushing ZHU into the future. I am confident that Ryan's knowledge, passion, and leadership skills will make him successful as the ZHU ATM. Congratulations Ryan!

To prepare for the transition to the new vNAS system and future release of CRC, automatic beacon code allocation will be enabled on the live and sweatbox servers on 12/19/2022. This means that all flight plans departing NAS airports will automatically receive a beacon code according to National Beacon Code Allocation Plan (https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_JO_7110.66G_NBCAP.pdf). This has all been configured for you, so no action is required on your part.

We'd like you to note that this change does have the potential to alter controller workflow, as some controllers rely on the presence of a beacon code in a flight plan to signify that an aircraft has received a clearance. This process will no longer work, and we encourage you to use other means such as flight strip annotations, scratchpad entries, and/or data block positioning to signify that a clearance has been issued. Since every flight plan originating in the US will be assigned a squawk code automatically, it is no longer necessary to assign new squawk codes as a method of radar identification (such as an uncontrolled field departure or an aircraft entering the airspace) if no existing code duplication errors exist.

We appreciate your continued support through this transition and are excited about the opportunity to provide next-generation software for VATUSA controllers!

Meeting minutes from ZHQ July 5, 2022 meeting are attached.

Meeting minutes from ATM February 21, 2022 meeting are attached.

Meeting minutes from ZHQ June 6, 2022 meeting are attached.

Applications are now being accepted for the position of VATUSA Events Manager.

Reports to: VATUSA Deputy Director of Support Services, VATUSA4
Application Deadline: May 31, 2022 23:59z

Key Responsibilities:
* Function as an interactive VATUSA staff member and attend meetings as necessary
* Oversee the VATUSA events department
* Create and manage division-wide events
* Work closely with the National Operations Manager to appropriately plan and organize events
* Act as the division liaison with Virtual Airlines, Flying Clubs, and other network organizations
* Regularly communicate with Events Coordinators across the division
* Monitor the performance and activity of events in the division
* Maintain the VATUSA website calendar and ensure compliance with posting to myVATSIM portal
* Serve as the point of contact for VATSIM inter-divisional events
* Lead the ACE Team and monitor member activity

Core Requirements:
* Active member of the network in good standing for at least 12 months
* Able to work in a team environment
* Excellent written and oral communication skills
* No significant disciplinary record or history of unprofessional behavior
* Previous experience planning, organizing, and executing VATSIM events, ideally in a staff position
* Desire and commitment to improve the VATUSA division

Desired Skills and Capabilities:
* Demonstrated project management and planning skills
* Demonstrated possession and utilization of a high degree of energy, commitment and dedication
* Demonstrated qualities of understanding, patience and maturity
* Experience working with VATUSA TMU
* C1 Rating

To be effective, the successful candidate must devote a considerable amount of time to the position. VATUSA Staff Members must spend 9 hours minimum per calendar quarter connected to the live network in any capacity as a Pilot, Controller, Mentor, Instructor, or Supervisor. Candidates must commit to devoting the time required. Only those who fully understand and meet the requirements and will make the appropriate commitment should apply. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview.

Interested members must provide a letter of application, including full name, active email, CID, rating, and a resume that includes a description of VATSIM experience including leadership roles. Additionally, the application should detail the applicant's reasons for wanting to fill the Events Manager role and how the division will thrive under the applicant's leadership.

Submit Application to: Brandon Wening, VATUSA Deputy Director of Support Services, [email protected]

Application deadline is May 31, 2022 23:59z