On behalf of our staff and controllers, I'd like to welcome you to ZLA. ZLA is located in the western region of VATUSA.

ZLA has a hard-earned reputation for its high quality ATC and one of the most superb training programs on the VATSIM network.

You can expect lots of excitement while working ZLA because of its great airports, consistent heavy traffic levels and challenging terrain. We have a healthy roster of controllers and an ample supply of knowledgeable mentors and instructors to help you become part of the ZLA team.

Please take a good look around our website, http://www.laartcc.org. You will find a wealth of information that will answer many questions you may have. Read over the SOP's which will provide you with all the information you will need to pass our ZLA basic entrance exam which is administered through our ZLA exam center. This exam requires a passing grade of 80%. It is an open book exam and will test you on our procedures. In particular the SOP's located under the sections marked "General", "Airport", and "Other". You can find these SOP's by clicking on the link marked "SOPs and LOAs" under the "For Controllers" section on our website.

Your account for the ZLA web site will be created within the next 48 hours. Once this has been completed you will receive an automated email inviting you to write the ZLA Basic exam. This email will contain all of the information required to log in to the ZLA Exam Center and take the first step towards your virtual ATC career at ZLA.

Upon successful completion of the ZLA basic and Clearance Delivery exams you will be issued your unique operating initials which you keep for the duration of your ATC career at ZLA.

In addition to our superb training resources for controllers, we have incorporated a voluntary Pilot Certification Program for VATSIM pilots to help improve their knowledge and skills. Pilots will be tested on a particular rating by a certified ZLA controller. Pilots are tested on tasks ranging from VFR pattern work to VFR class B transitions, IFR TEC routes, SIDs and STARs and a number of different approaches.

Best regards and welcome to ZLA. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or any other ZLA staff member, we would be happy to help.

Regards,

Ian "IE" Elchitz
Los Angeles ARTCC Air Traffic Manager