2024 has arrived, and VATUSA is excited to get the year started! Building off of Brandon Barrett’s From the Desk of VATUSA1 post, I’d like to provide further details on the vision we have for the new year and some goals we have set for 2024.
Our theme for the new year is “
Growth.” We look to apply this goal by embracing the VATSIM motto of “Aviate, Educate, Communicate.” Growth will not be measured by a single factor of the amount of rostered controllers, training hours completed, etc. Growth requires us to evaluate every facet of our operation, determine specific areas of improvement, and work toward achieving feasible goals. 2023 brought about plenty of changes. We have had many staff members retire, new staff members hired, and plenty of policy/administrative changes that have required a great deal of effort to process and complete. While all of these changes may have been necessary, it is important to not become complacent and think that our work is done. It is up to us to identify new ways to improve the member experience and devise custom solutions. I look forward to working with ARTCC staff throughout the year to identify areas of growth, create an action plan, and support their pursuit of achieving their goals. With that said, I would also like to specifically thank our previous staff members who took a step back for their passion, dedication, and mentorship while in their roles. The work of these individuals made each facility and the division better, and we couldn't have gotten to where we are now without their contributions!
Below is a summary of each department’s goals for 2024:
ATS- Update and release the next version of DP001 in early February
- Establish Event Certifications
- Work with ARTCC staff to set a growth plan
- Be active in communities and help staff meet goals
- Continue to monitor and support GCAP implementation & CRC rollout
- Mentor and guide new ATMs
- Administer the Iron Mic Award Program, encouraging an increase in “regular day” controlling
Training- Update DP002, Standardized OTS Evaluation Forms, and other resources related to the GCAP conversion
- FAA Familiarization Course for visiting controllers from outside VATUSA
- Rollout the DICE Program to provide rating training assistance across the division
- Continue to improve OBS/S1 Academy and training
- Increase mentor and instructor count
- Continue to provide masterclasses and other continuing education opportunities
Support Services- Grow division & facility-specific pilot resources
- Improve communication and outreach to our community of pilots and controllers
Social Media- Reevaluate and recruit more team members
- Provide relevant and educational content for members to enjoy, use, and learn from
- Partner with existing content creators and streamers to expand outreach and support
Events- Continue to provide unique event opportunities
- Improve coordination and awareness during event planning stages
- Expand relationships with other VATSIM divisions, VAs, and other groups
- Continue to develop the TMU program and improve educational/operational resources
Tech- Provide G Suite for ARTCC staff
- Develop a completely new website suite that better serves the current needs of the division, and provides expansion opportunities for the future
- Explore hosting technology platforms for the subdivisions
Staff Development- Improve the vacancy posting, hiring, and onboarding processes
- Provide mentorship to new staff members by implementing a new staff mentor partnership program
- Create staff manuals to help new staff learn the responsibilities of their new role
- Conduct staff position training programs that provide opportunities for interested members to learn how to become a staff member in VATUSA
I am so excited to watch these goals be accomplished as we move through the new year! I am confident that through the hard work of our division staff, great things will happen. As Brandon Barrett wrote in his address a few weeks ago, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this great hobby will continue long after we leave. Everyone in our division matters, and everyone can have an impact and make a difference! If you are passionate about one of the above goals and want to help out, message a VATUSA staff member and we will point you in the right direction to help out. If you have an idea that you believe would improve the member experience within our division, your facility, etc, share it with us! Our goals and vision for the division are not just created by our own wants and desires, but by the community’s needs and wishes as well! I’m as optimistic as ever about the future of VATUSA, and I look forward to continuing on our quest to never stop learning and always have fun besides all of you. Happy New Year, and welcome to VATUSA: 2024 Edition!
