Over two years ago, we began discussions on merging the ZDV and ZLC staff teams to form one combined staff to serve both facilities. While variations of this have been done throughout our division's history, we have never quite done it like this. After years of hard work, dedication from the facilities' members, and exemplary leadership from the combined senior staff, I am excited to announce that we have completed the experiment and are fully separating the ZDV and ZLC staff teams with the appointment of two new ATMs!

Please join me in welcoming Cameron Negrete as the new ZLC ATM! Cameron has been a long-time member of VATSIM and has served as an Instructor, ZLC DATM, ZLC FE, and ZMP TA! Cameron looks to build on the current facility momentum and continue improving documentation, assisting students work their way up the controller ratings, further strengthen neighboring facility relationships, and develop an exciting events program for all who fly or control to enjoy! I am confident that ZLC will continue to grow under Cameron's leadership, and I hope all who are interested take part in the new and exciting ideas Cameron will bring to his new role. Congratulations, Cameron!

Please also join me in congratulating the new ATM for the Denver ARTCC, Evan McSweeny! Evan has been influential in the recent success of both ZDV and ZLC, serving as the combined DATM for two years! Evan is committed to ensuring the Denver community is active, vibrant, and fun for all in the facility. With plans to further update facility resources, provide members with opportunities to volunteer around the facility, and continue working with the events and training teams to continue innovating, the Denver ARTCC is destined for great things under Evan's leadership. Congratulations, Evan!

Finally, I'd like to thank the outgoing ZLC/ZDV ATM, Harry Linsenmayer. If you have been on the network long enough, chances are you know who Harry is and have interacted with him in some way. Harry has served in almost every facility staff position during his time in ZJX, HCF, ZLC, and ZDV. Harry's commitment to our organization and members was unwavering, and the impact he has had on both is grand. Harry is stepping back to continue developing his real-world aviation career, and we wish him nothing but the best. Thank you, Harry, for all you have done for the division!

Salt Lake City ARTCC Air Traffic Manager Vacancy Announcement

Position: Air Traffic Manager
Location: Salt Lake City ARTCC (ZLC)
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 September 30th, 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 September 30th, 2025 23:59z. The letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to lead the ZLC 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.

Please join me in congratulating Zachary Williams as the next ATM for the Atlanta ARTCC! Zach has been an active member in ZTL for many years and currently serves as an Instructor and VATSIM Supervisor. Zach is excited to lead the talented and dedicated ZTL staff team as they embark on a mission to build upon the solid foundation that ZTL currently has. As part of his initial plans, Zach aims to support and further strengthen the Atlanta ARTCC community, strengthen relationships with neighboring facilities, and continue to empower volunteer staff members to innovate and improve the member experience. Congratulations, Zach!

I also invite you to congratulate and thank Paul Semeran, the outgoing ZTL ATM, for his years of commitment to his roles and the overall dedication he has provided as a long-tenured staff member on the network. Paul has always been one to answer the bell and help out wherever he believes he can make an impact, and you don't have to look far to see that he has. Paul has upheld the vision and goals of both the division and network well, and we wish him all the best as he takes on the next chapter of his aviation career. Thank you, Paul!

August 2025 Iron Mic Awards

Congrats to our August 2025 Iron Mic winners!
Enroute: LAX_CTR - ZLA
TRACON: SCT_APP - ZLA
Tower: OAK_TWR - ZOA
Ground: BOS_GND - ZBW

Enroute Top 3
LAX_CTR 40.42%
MEM_CTR 33.99%
ATL_CTR 27.69%

TRACON Top 3
SCT_APP 31.89%
BOS_APP 28.7%
ATL_APP 22.49%

Tower Top 3
OAK_TWR 35.76%
LAX_TWR 33.7%
SAN_TWR 24.44%

Ground Top 3
BOS_GND 30.03%
SAN_GND 29.44%
EWR_GND 17.96%

Please join me in welcoming Zakery Husk as the new Chicago ARTCC Air Traffic Manager! Zak has served in multiple staff roles in ZAU, such as EC, MTR, and most recently, DATM. Zak is a long-time dedicated member of ZAU and earned the C3 rating award for his work in ZAU during 2024. Zak is excited to continue working with the Chicago ARTCC staff team to ensure every student has an outstanding training experience, and that the community remains strong, vibrant, and committed to providing the best ATC services available. I am very excited to continue watching what Zak and the ZAU staff team do under Zak's leadership. Congratulations Zak!

I'd also like to thank the outgoing Chicago ATM, Saarang Mulukutla, for leading the ZAU ARTCC in a senior staff role over the past few years. Saar and his team drastically overhauled multiple aspects of ZAU, including training, documentation, and implementing GCAP, among other initiatives, during his tenure. Saar is stepping down to dedicate more time to the great work he is doing outside of VATSIM. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

June 2025 Iron Mic Awards

Congrats to our June 2025 Iron Mic winners!
Enroute: IND_CTR - ZID
TRACON: GSO_APP - ZTL
Tower: IND_TWR - ZID
Ground: IND_GND - ZID

Enroute Top 3
IND_CTR 50.41%
JAX_CTR 32.52%
LAX_CTR 32.45%

TRACON Top 3
GSO_APP 26.27%
ATL_APP 23.73%
SCT_APP 23.61%

Tower Top 3
IND_TWR 33.09%
SAN_TWR 30.39%
DFW_TWR 25.26%

Ground Top 3
IND_GND 50%
SAN_GND 45.53%
BOS_GND 28.62%

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.

May 2025 Iron Mic Awards

Congrats to our May 2025 Iron Mic winners!
Enroute: LAX_CTR - ZLA
TRACON: BNA_DEP - ZME
Tower: LAX_TWR - ZLA
Ground: BNA_GND - ZME

Enroute Top 3
LAX_CTR 42.56%
BOS_CTR 27.15%
MEM_CTR 22.53%

TRACON Top 3
BNA_DEP 32.26%
SCT_APP 29.99%
BOS_APP 28.5%

Tower Top 3
LAX_TWR 34.41%
JFK_TWR 34.05%
SAN_TWR 23.15%

Ground Top 3
BNA_GND 37.89%
SAN_GND 33.04%
BOS_GND 23.91%