Document Information
Document Control Details
| Type | Procedure |
| Revision | 01/2025 |
| Effective Date | 17 JUL 2025 |
| Prepared by | Suprojit Paul - ACCARB3 |
| Approved by | Chris Marriott - ACCARB1 |
| Next review date | 17 JUL 2026 |
| Cancelled documents | SOP DBCTA R05/2021 |
Record of Revisions
| Revision Number | Notes | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| 01/2020 | Initial issue | 10 SEP 2020 |
| 02/2020 | Revised format, Revised sector order, Added sector coverage |
08 OCT 2020 |
| 03/2020 | Updated handoff sectors and logon callsigns | 05 NOV 2020 |
| 01/2021 | New format, Revised climb and descent procedures, Revised direct routing procedures, Renumbered ANVIX 5J to ANVIX 6J, Added longitudinal separation requirements during LVO and single runway operations |
28 JAN 2021 |
| 02/2021 | Updated logon callsigns and abbreviations, Updated handoff procedures |
20 MAY 2021 |
| 03/2021 | Updated logon callsigns, Updated departure separation requirements, Updated platform altitudes, Corrected LORID 3E to LORID 1E |
15 JUL 2021 |
| 04/2021 | Updated logon callsigns, Updated general provisions, Added separation requirements, Updated radiotelephony callsigns, Revised climb and descent procedures, Added ACC transfer levels to descent procedure tables, Added ACC callsigns to handoff procedure tables, Revised direct routing procedures, GETID 1R/Q departure renamed IVURO 1R/Q |
07 OCT 2021 |
| 05/2021 | New format | 30 DEC 2021 |
| 01/2025 | Updated logon callsigns, Updated sector identifiers, Added CTA Areas of Responsibility, Updated climb and descent procedures with new AoR concept, Added transfer procedures and release conditions, Removed D-APO, Revised direct routings and added coordination procedures, Revised speed control procedures, Revised arrival separation requirements, Added standard headings table, Added agreed levels diagram to appendix |
17 JUL 2025 |
Purpose & Scope
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and coordination requirements for terminal area operations within the Dubai CTA on the VATSIM network. Its primary goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and standardized handling of IFR and VFR traffic across all sectors.
This document serves as a reference for both newly certified and experienced controllers operating within the Dubai CTA.
While this SOP focuses specifically on terminal area operations, it complements and should be used in nonjunction with other local SOPs, including those for aerodromes within the CTA, as well as Letters of Agreement (LoAs) with adjacent sectors, and the Arabian vACC vMATS Part 1 and Part 2.
Applicability
This SOP is applicable to all VATSIM air traffic controllers operating within the Doha FIR at the enroute level, including:
- Dubai CTA controllers.
- Controllers operating in a top-down capacity from an enroute (CTR) position.
- Visiting controllers approved by the relevant division or vACC.
- Trainees working under supervision within enroute airspace.
All controllers are expected to adhere to the procedures set forth in this document in conjunction with the VATSIM Global Controller Ratings Policy, the VATSIM Code of Conduct, and applicable local policies.
Authority & Oversight
The development, maintenance, and enforcement of this SOP fall under the authority of the ATC Operations Department and the Arabian vACC leadership. Oversight is coordinated in line with regional and divisional policies set by the Middle East & North Africa Division (VATMENA) and the VATSIM Network.
Amendments or updates to this SOP may be issued as needed to reflect procedural changes, software updates, or coordination adjustments with neighboring FIRs. All controllers are responsible for remaining up to date with the latest version of this SOP and any associated supplements or notices.