Meeting Notes from VATSIM Executive
Committee
August 02, 2003 - 2300 UTC
Attending
Kyprianos Biris, VATEUR1 - Europe Region
Director - Executive Committee chairman
Jorge Boardman, VATCAM1 - Central
America Region Director
Paulo Ungar, VATSAM1 - South America Region Director
Roland Collins, VATSIM23 - VP Regions - Afr.&M.E. Region afairs representative
Executive Committe (EC) Meeting
started at 23:10 UTC
AGENDA ITEM - Region Transferring
members with ATC ID rating
Following an email of recommendations from
BoG to EC on July 3rd (see below) the committee discussed this subject.
The meeting attendees discussed the issues put forward in BoG's mail but there were no formal decisions due to the fact that only three voting members were attending. The committee continued with informal chat about the issue.
The sentiment was that using a local check-assessment was appropriate since a
person cannot loose their rating without cause. If they are given a
check-assessment and found not to be up to the same standard as the others, then
that gives a division 'cause' to refuse continuity of rating with their
division.
Those present also felt that it was better to use a local check-assessment based
on existing local tests since these were already available and completely
appropriate. Having a global test, even in part, was generally not favored.
There was some discussion about dealing with lower ratings a bit different to
higher ones, but the EC agreed that this only unnecessarily complicates
matters. There has to be a local check-assessment for each rating level to
cater for different situations, so this system is already able to cater for
whatever emphasis a division may wish to apply.
The key issues in the BOG 3rd of July document that EC informally discussed at
the meeting were:
A. How some members who wished to operate in another Region/Division, either
temporary as a visitor or permanently, were being discouraged,
disallowed, or suffered a loss of rating or privileges.
B. EC looked at the key Points in the BOG 3rd July document, in particular
those aspects that related to a person being allowed to do ATC in another
Region/Division. EC discussed how BOG did not wish to erode local standards and
had accepted that any person from outside the Region/Division
should possess knowledge of the local airspace, and adequate skills for any ATC
position they wished to operate.
C. EC discussed how BOG were agreeable to there being local tests/assessments
for visitors or transferees to ensure that wherever possible a person's rating
is maintained. EC further discussed how VP - ATC Training was available to
assist in developing global '"ATC Local Familiarization Tests" for each ATC
rating.
D. EC discussed the BOG ruling that a VATSIM ATC rating cannot be lowered or
removed other than by disciplinary action; by the failure of an
individual to pass a prescribed ATC test or assessment; or voluntarily.
E. EC noted the BOG requirement that any current Region/Division practice that
did not align with the key points in the 3rd July document were unfair
and should be rectified immediately.
It was agreed that, the idea of a person having a rating removed other than as
outlined in D. above would be contrary to fundamental VATSIM Code of
Regulations.
Roland Collins explained how C. above was the instrument that EC were able to
use. If Regions/Divisions had documented standards for each rating then a
visitor of transferee could be required to undergo a 'check-out' based on the
normal local standard. If they passed the check-out then that's fine, otherwise
their options were to voluntarily accept a lower rating or discontinue and not
proceed.
In the discussion that ensued there was very little favor for a global standard,
either from EC or from VATSIM VP - ATC Training, with those present preferring
to develop their own individual standards.
As far as E above is concerned EC Chairman said he was going to contact the
other RD's and make sure their policies didn't conflict with the determinations
in the BOG 3rd of July document.
ACTION ITEM: EC Chairman to contact Region Directors about the issues discussed above and table the agenda item for next meeting .
AGENDA ITEM - Report of VATSIM Frankfurt Convention
VATEUR1 informed the attendees of happenings in VATSIM Frankfurt
convention where he attended in July 2003.
ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at
00:52 UTC on August 3rd 2003
Reference material :
Email From Board of Governors to Executive Committee on July 3rd 2003 :
TO: VATSIM EXECUTIVE COMMITTE
FROM: VATSIM BOARD OF GOVERNORS
SUBJECT: VATSIM Ratings in other Divisions and Local Administrative Powers
INTRODUCTION
During the recent BOG meeting an agenda item discussed limitations on ATC
in relation to where they are able to use their ATC rating. This
discussion resulted from members having made direct contact with individual
BOG members.
This matter has come up previously in relation to voice endorsements, and
it was determined at that time that a person wishing to operate where a
voice endorsement is required should undergo the local voice test before
operating in voice. This test requirement is regardless of a person's
current standing in voice usage.
The matter currently before BOG is quite different in that in relates to
providing basic ATC services.
Members expressed concerns that they are not permitted to operate in areas
other than their own registered area. Restrictions have occurred in the
form of:
- An outright ban from working in the new area.
- Being required to permanently transfer to the new area.
- Losing their rating and/or privileges.
- Being restricted from working elsewhere.
BOG is aware of the tremendous work that has been done within the Regions
over the past two years in building up and establishing Divisions and
Sub-Divisions around the world. This has been responsible for a tremendous
improvement in ATC staffing and ATC standards, and BOG does not want to
jeopardize that work or restrict its progress in any way.
KEY POINTS
The following is a summary of the key points established during BOG discussion:
- BOG is committed to providing an environment that is; realistic;
educational; and fun; one that encourages pilots and controllers.
- BOG recognizes the autonomy of Regions/Divisions.
- BOG understands and accepts the need for local rules governing ATC,
and does not wish to erode the intent of any existing local rules.
- BOG is concerned that many local rules may have been introduced at
a local level and without awareness or consent of a Regional Director.
- BOG wishes to safeguard the hard work of local Divisions, ARTCCs,
vACCs, and FIRs, from any adverse effect associated with having transient
controllers.
- BOG recognizes the power delegated to those able to make rating
changes, and emphasizes the importance this plays on having proper
local ATC training standards.
- BOG emphasizes that a person with a VATSIM ATC rating should be able
to exercise the privileges associated with that rating.
- BOG supports those ATC who wish to operate outside their normal area,
either casually or permanently.
- BOG fully supports that controllers must know and conform to local rules
in addition to the general requirement to observe VATSIM rules.
- BOG fully supports that controllers must familiarize themselves with the
airspace and terrain of any area in which they intend to operate.
- BOG fully supports the use of local tests/assessments for visitors or
transferees so that as a priority rating is maintained wherever possible.
- BOG emphasizes that an ATC rating is a VATSIM rating that cannot be
lowered or removed other than by disciplinary action; by the failure of an
individual to pass a prescribed ATC test or assessment; or voluntarily.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Having regard to the above Key Points, BOG has made the following
recommendations:
- Executive Committee, in concert with VP - Training ATC, develops an
"ATC Local Familiarization Test" for global use.
- The final form of the "ATC Local Familiarization Test" will be submitted
to BOG for approval by no later than 31st December 2003.
- The "ATC Local Familiarization Test" should contain generic content
appropriate for the rating or type of service, as well as having some
flexible components to allow for local variation.
- The localized content of the "ATC Local Familiarization Test" should
relate to knowledge of local airspace; terrain; facilities, and procedures.
- Both transient controllers and permanent transferees should complete
the "ATC Local Familiarization Test" before controlling in airspace other
than where previously assessed.
- Until the global "ATC Local Familiarization Test" is accepted and in
effect,
local jurisdictions should implement their own form of familiarization
assessment to ensure local ATC standards, as well as maintaining a sense
of fairness for all members.
DETERMINATIONS
In regard to ATC working outside their normal airspace BOG has made the
following determinations that will affect ALL Regions:
- Any existing practice that does not agree with the above key points or
recommendations is likely to result in an unfair situation, and is
therefore
NOT SUPPORTED BY VATSIM BOG.
- Any material, such as any website content or documentation, that
is contradictory to the above key points or recommendations is
NOT SUPPORTED BY VATSIM BOG.
In relation to those practices or material NOT SUPPORTED BY VATSIM BOG,
then these items must be rectified forthwith.
VATSIM BOARD OF GOVERNORS