Welcome to ZLA
By David Hendleman (ZLA_DH)

I hope that you will enjoy being part of one of the busiest and best ARTCCs on VATSIM. We pride ourselves in having trained some of the best controllers on VATSIM, and in the quality and courteous service that we provide to our pilots.

Becoming qualified to plug into a control position in ZLA is a multi-step process. First of all, you will need to develop a good understanding of basic Air Traffic Control procedures. You should start by going through the basic training materials located at www.vatusa.org/training. The bible for Air Traffic Control procedures is called the 7110.65. The 7110.65 should be used as a reference during your studies. After studying the basic VATSIM training materials and the 7110.65, you must take and pass the VATSIM Student Controller Exam.

Next, you should spend a significant amount of time observing and listening to experienced controllers while they work traffic here in ZLA. This is, by far, the best way to become familiar with phraseology, general, and local procedures.

In order to continue to provide the best service to our aviation community, ZLA has developed and enforces a Qualifications Table. This ensures that anyone plugging into a control position is truly qualified to take on the responsibility. The Qualifications Table may be found on our website www.laartcc.org. Prior to plugging into any control position in ZLA, you must review this Qualifications Table, and the ZLA Policies and Procedures.

After spending time observing, and thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the ZLA Policies and Procedures, you should contact the ZLA Chief Instructor to arrange to take your ZLA Basic Exam. You must pass this exam with a score of at least 80%. If at the time of transfer into ZLA you hold a rating higher than Student, contact the ZLA Chief Instructor to sign up for, take, and pass all ZLA Exams pertaining to your current controller level. After passing these exams, contact the ZLA Chief Instructor to sign up for, take, and pass your practical exam ("over-the-shoulder").

Your next step is to contact the Assistant Chief to be issued your ZLA Operating Initials. Once you have your ZLA Operating Initials and have been placed on the ZLA Crew Roster, you will be allowed to plug into any Clearance Delivery or Ground Control position in ZLA. After becoming thoroughly proficient with Clearance Delivery and Ground Control, you should consult the Qualifications Table to see what is required of you to progress to the next stage. The process may initially seem overwhelming, but when taken slowly, you will build the foundation for a strong career in virtual Air Traffic Control. If at the time of transfer into ZLA you hold a rating higher than Student you will be permitted to plug into any position for which you are checked off on the ZLA Privilege Roster. Since ZLA procedures are complex, I recommend that individuals transferring in with a rating higher than student still start at Clearance Delivery, and slowly progress their way up to a position corresponding to the positions authorized on the ZLA Privilege Roster.

The following list summarizes the steps to take, in their proper order, prior to plugging into any control position in ZLA:

1. Study the Basic ATC materials on the VATUSA website.
2. Take and pass the VATUSA Basic exam.
3. Study the ZLA Policies and Procedures.
4. Study the ZLA Qualifications Table.
5. Contact the ZLA Chief Instructor to sign up for ZLA Basic Exam.
6. Pass the ZLA Basic Exam with a score of 80% or higher.
7. If you hold a rating higher than Student, contact the ZLA Chief Instructor to sign up for, take, and pass all ZLA Exams pertaining to your current controller level.
8. If you hold a rating higher than Student, contact the ZLA Chief Instructor to sign up for, take, and pass your practical exam ("over-the-shoulder").
9. Contact the ZLA Chief to obtain operating initials.

You will find that you will be surrounded by people with a variety of backgrounds, experience level, and ages. Many are real world pilots or current or former air traffic controllers. Please keep in mind that, when communicating with people on text, emotions are difficult to judge. Managing a heavy load of traffic, while responding to chat messages, is difficult even for the most proficient controllers. Be cautious to give people the benefit of doubt when communications seem short, or people do not to respond. They may be very busy with traffic, or clearances. Try to avoid communicating with controllers working traffic. If you have a choice, always ask questions to observers first.

Again, welcome to ZLA. I hope to see you online soon.