Hello,

My name is Mia, and I love listening to live ATC and thought I try my hand at it! I was curious how can I learn to be a good ATC, I am planning on observing but terrified of actually contemplating guiding planes. Any tips for a beginner to be clear and understanding to all pilots? Any good habits to have?

Mia

Mia,

On behalf of all the controllers within VATUSA and the VATSIM network, I'd like to welcome you. It's always exciting to see new people show interest in virtual ATC and ask for help as a new member.  It shows that you want to do a good job and that's a very important part of controlling.  Please don't hesitate to ask questions about anything.  We were all in your shoes at one point and most of us came out unscathed.   Listening to live ATC is exciting and can get you familiar with how controllers and pilots communicate with each other.  Just remember, that is real world ATC.  Now don't get me wrong, we try and emulate real world ATC every time  we control but ATC on the VATSIM network is a little different.  I would suggest joining an ARTCC first and proceed from there.  While every ARTCC is governed by VATSIM, each one is it's own entity and has different SOP's.  While phraseology is the same network wide, each ARTCC handles things according to the facilities in which they control.  The ATC training in VATUSA is excellent and a great place to get familiar with all the aspects of virtual ATC.  Your local ARTCC will also have facility specific training as well.  My advice would be observe and listen.  Most pilots flying on VATSIM have a good understanding of how ATC works and will communicate with you accordingly.  There are times when you have a new pilot who is looking to you for guidance and that's exactly what you are there for.  Remember, this is meant to be fun and most of us know that.  It's not only a hobby but a passion as well.  Practice and repetition are key.  Learn the proper phraseology, study and know your facilities SOP and ask questions. And most of all have FUN. That's what we are all here to do.  Good luck and hope to see you on the scopes real soon.