After a transitional period of half a year, today on 1 March 2024 the VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP) officially comes into effect to replace the old VATSIM Global Ratings Policy (GRP). From today forward all VATSIM Regions, Divisions and Subdivisions are required to operate and provide training based on GCAP.
You can read the full policy using the following link:
VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy
What is GCAP?
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GCAP adds more standardization to ATC training on VATSIM. It establishes standardized procedures and practices for ATC operations across the VATSIM network, promoting consistency and predictability for virtual controllers and pilots everywhere.
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GCAP removes unnecessary local restrictions that were introduced in the past under GRP, giving aspiring controllers more flexibility and freedom to control at more airports without additional restrictions or requirements. This allows them to develop their skills, knowledge, and proficiency in air traffic control regardless of where on the VATSIM network they do their training.
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GCAP ensures that air traffic controllers undergo comprehensive training, examination, and assessment based on clearly defined competencies, and increases speed to competency in Controller Ratings Training, by separating Controller Ratings Training from Designated Airspace Training (Tier 1 / Tier 2 / Super Center).
New Position Endorsements
With the introduction of GCAP, several things change in regards to what positions you are allowed to control with your VATSIM Controller Rating. Below we have listed the new types of positions and endorsements:
- Unrestricted Positions.
Any Position without another designation is defined as ‘Unrestricted’. A controller listed on the Roster of a Division or Subdivision that possesses the required ATC Rating may operate any Unrestricted Position within that Subdivision without needing any additional endorsement.
- Tier 2 Designated Positions & Endorsement (T2)
Positions that have significant differences to standard operational procedures may be designated as Tier 2. Each (sub)division shall group positions with the Tier 2 Designation with a unifying characteristic of having the same atypical procedure. All positions within this group shall be covered by one Tier 2 endorsement.
- Tier 1 Designated Positions & Endorsement (T1)
Positions with associated high traffic levels and/or highly complex procedures (as compared to Unrestricted Positions) that necessitate an elevated level of competency and training to operate may be designated as Tier 1.
- Super Center Designation & Endorsement (SC)
An exceptionally large enroute airspace extending across a geographical extent of multiple Divisions or Subdivisions may be designated as a Super Center. In some areas of the world, due to low traffic levels or unique division of airspace it may be in the best interest of pilots and Air Traffic Controllers to make available larger than normal airspace in the form of a Super Center.
- Solo Endorsement
A Solo Endorsement allows for a controller, rated Developing Controller (S1) or higher, training for their next ATC Rating to independently operate a specific Position (or smaller parts of that position) one rating above their current. A controller shall be able to receive a new solo endorsement at each new rating they are training for. A Subdivision shall issue solo endorsements for a continuous period with a duration of between 7 and 90 days. The maximum duration of all solo endorsements at a rating is 90 days.
The table below provides a general overview of what Positions you are allowed to control in your home (sub)division when you are an active controller on the roster (always check with your local subdivision for exact requirements):
Designated Positions Overview
For a full overview of all Designated Positions please use the following link. This document remains continuously updated as new applications arrive.