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Getting Started as an ATC in the Arabian vACC

Looking to become an Air Traffic Controller on the VATSIM Network, controlling one of the Middle East's busiest airspaces? Here's everything you need to know to get started.

📌 Requirements & Expectations

Becoming a controller requires:

  • Commitment
  • Self-study
  • A willingness to continuously learn

VATSIM follows a system of graduated ratings that determine the positions you can control, similar to real-world ATC training.

Important: You must be a resident of the Arabian vACC before beginning ATC training.

Check your status and how to join here: Joining Arabian

Joining may take up to 72 hours. Transferring out will remove you from our waiting list and cancel your training eligibility.

🧰 Required Software

Before you can observe or train, install the following:

🎥 Watch this video guide on how to observe on the network:
Arabian vACC - Controller Software & Observation Guide

🔭 Observation Phase

Before training begins, you must:

  • Accumulate 25 hours of observation
  • Join our Arabian vACC Discord — all training coordination and community support happens here.

Once you're in the Discord and meet the above:

  • Submit a support ticket expressing your interest in starting ATC training.

✅ Reminder: Make sure you are a confirmed Arabian vACC resident before submitting a ticket.

📘 Read the ATC Training Policy

We highly recommend reviewing the full policy:
Arabian vACC ATC Training Policy

🎓 Enrolling in S1 Training

After your ticket is submitted:

  1. You will be added to the S1 Rating Waiting List along with a designated Training Aerodrome.
  2. Self-enroll in the aerodrome specific S1 Moodle Course: Arabian vACC Moodle
  3. Complete all course content and progress tests.
  4. Pass the VATMENA S1 Theory Exam: VATMENA Division Academy

Once complete:

  • Submit another ticket to notify us that you've met all prerequisites.

🛫 Practical Training

After verification, you will:

  1. Able to request enrollment in the S1 Training Plan via Hayya.
  2. Be able to schedule 1-on-1 sessions with a mentor or instructor once approved in the S1 Training Plan.

📖 Prepare using the documentation for your aerodrome at the Arabian vACC Library.
Failure to come prepared may result in your session being cancelled.

🧪 Final Exam & S1 Rating

Once all sessions in the S1 Training Syllabus are complete, you will:

  • Take a final practical exam on the Sweatbox simulator server.

✅ If passed, your S1 Rating will be issued on your VATSIM account.

🌐 Future Endorsements

After your S1 rating, you may work toward:

  • Tier-1 Dubai DEL/GND Endorsement
  • Tier-2 AFIS Endorsement

Requirements are outlined in the ATC Training Policy.

Happy Controlling! 🎧✈️