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Membership Policy

Policy Information

Control Details
Type Policy
Revision 01/2025
Effective Date 06 APR 2025
Prepared by Chriss Klosowski - ACCARB2
Approved by Chris Marriott - ACCARB1
Next review date 06 APR 2026
Cancelled documents POL CMA R10/2021

Record of Revisions

Revision Number Notes Effective Date
01/2020 Initial Issue 27 JUL 2020
02/2020 Document formatting and ordering have been revised,
The definition of "good standing" has been added,
The general visiting controller policy has been amended, granting staff the right to remove a visiting member,
The requirement for applying as a visiting controller has been updated to S3 or higher only,
The process for regaining status after removal from the ATC roster has been amended. Sign-offs will be revoked after the first instance of approval revocation.		 26 AUG 2020
03/2020 The term "resident" has been updated to "home,"
The format has been revised.		 30 SEP 2020
01/2021 Initial issue for 2021,
Section 1.1.5: Added visiting controller airport activity restrictions,
Section 1.1.6: Added visiting controller check-out requirement,
Section 1.2.3: Added transferring controller check-out requirement.		 05 JAN 2021
02/2021 Major changes to Section 1.2: Transferring controllers, with a new process aligned with VATMENA policy. 01 APR 2021
10/2021 Changes to Section 1.1.1: General visiting controller policy,
Changes to Section 2.1: Controller inactivity.		 01 OCT 2021
01/2025 Full policy rewrite to ensure full compliance with VATSIM’s Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP), Transfer & Visiting Controller Policy, and VATMENA Divisional Policies,
Removed Emirates vACC branding and updated to align with the new Arabian vACC branding, including the addition of two additional FIRs.		 10 APR 2025

Organization

The Arabian Virtual Area Control Center (hereinafter referred to as Arabian vACC or ARBvACC) is a recognized subdivision within the Middle East & North Africa Division (VATMENA), operating under the Europe, Middle East, and Africa Region (VATEMEA) of the VATSIM Network.

The Arabian vACC is responsible for the provision, management, and facilitation of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services on the VATSIM network across the airspaces of Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These services are delivered in accordance with the vACC's guiding values of #ClearVision and #ClearMission, aiming to uphold a high standard of realism and operational excellence.

As part of its core responsibilities, the Arabian vACC oversees the training and certification of controllers operating within the Muscat FIR (OOMM), Doha FIR (OTDF), and U.A.E FIR (OMAE).

All members of VATSIM are expected to comply with the VATSIM Code of Conduct and Code of Regulations, which serve as the foundational rules governing behavior and operations across the network.

Controller Membership

Transferring Controllers

A transferring controller is defined as a VATSIM member seeking a permanent reassignment from their current vACC to the Arabian vACC. The following conditions apply:

  • The controller may hold any ATC rating.
  • A minimum of 50 hours of controlling must be logged at the current vACC before applying.
  • The controller must have completed any rating upgrade or previous transfer at least 90 days prior to the new transfer request.
  • The controller must agree to and comply with the Arabian vACC ATC Training Policy upon acceptance.
  • All transfers must conform to the VATSIM Transfer and Visiting Controller Policy (TVCP) and the VATMENA Membership Policy.

To initiate a transfer request, please refer to the official guide:

👉 Joining the Arabian vACC

This guide outlines the required steps and documentation for a successful transfer application.

Visting Controllers

A visiting controller is a VATSIM member who retains their primary home vACC but wishes to control within the Arabian vACC on an occasional basis. Visiting controllers must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must possess an S2 ATC rating for VATMENA residents or an S3 ATC rating for non-VATMENA residents, in compliance with the VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP) and VATSIM Transfer Visiting Controller Policy (TVCP).
  • Must comply with the Arabian vACC Training Policy and operational procedures.
  • Acceptance is subject to staff discretion and space availability.

To apply as a visitor, please consult the official visiting controller guide:

👉 Applying as a Visiting Controller

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for submitting your application and preparing for operations within the Arabian vACC.

VATMENA Transfer and Visiting Policy Alignment

The Arabian vACC abides by Sections 7, 8, and 9 of the VATMENA Membership Policy regarding all inbound transfer and visiting controller requests. Please note:

  • Transfer controllers are not considered full division members until all onboarding and training requirements have been met.
  • Visiting controllers will not be added to the Arabian vACC ATC roster until all initial approvals and training prerequisites are fulfilled.

Controller Activity Requirements

To maintain a high level of operational readiness and service, all controllers assigned to the Arabian vACC are required to meet the following minimum quarterly activity threshold:

  • 6 hours of controlling must be logged every three months (quarter) on the controller’s highest approved position.

This activity requirement supports the Arabian vACC's core values of #ClearVision and #ClearMission, ensuring service consistency and procedural compliance.

Non-Compliance and Roster Removals

Controllers who fail to meet the quarterly activity requirement will be:

  • Removed from the Arabian vACC roster;
  • Have all endorsements and position approvals revoked.

Roster cleanups are conducted on the final day of March, June, September, and December. A general notice will be issued on the Arabian vACC Discord server and, where possible, by mass email 1–2 weeks in advance.

Leave of Absence (LoA)

Controllers may request a Leave of Absence (LoA) if unable to meet activity requirements. The following conditions apply:

  • Submit a support ticket via the Arabian vACC Discord, titled "Leave of Absence Request".
  • Provide a valid reason for the request. Approval is subject to staff discretion.
  • LoA duration: up to 90 days, with one renewal allowed unless extended by written approval from the Membership Director or designee.
  • Controllers on LoA are exempt from the activity requirement and will be marked as “Not Approved” on the roster.
  • If a controller is found actively controlling on the network during their LoA, the leave will be immediately revoked.

Controllers may cancel or modify their LoA by notifying the Membership Department. Upon completion, the controller will return to their previously approved status. A recurrency session may be required if the LoA was extended.

Regaining Active Status

Resident Controllers

Controllers removed due to inactivity may request reinstatement once able to meet the required standards. This is done by submitting a support ticket via Discord. Depending on the duration of inactivity, a recurrency session may be required before active status is restored.

Visiting Controllers

Visiting controllers removed for inactivity or other reasons may reapply after a minimum of 30 days. Upon re-acceptance:

  • At least one recurrency session must be completed on the position(s) held at the time of removal.
  • Further training may be required if the controller does not meet performance standards.

Exemptions:

  • New visiting controllers actively engaged in training are exempt from the quarterly activity requirement.
  • Visiting controllers approved within the current quarter are also exempt.