ATC Training Pathway
From your first ground session to Enroute Control — a structured, mentored pathway across Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq FIR on VATSIM.
Your route from Student to Senior Controller
Every VATSIM controller starts at S1 and progresses through demonstrated competency at each level. Levant vACC follows VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP) throughout.
Four steps to your first session
Whether you're brand new to VATSIM or transferring from another vACC, here's exactly what to do.
Create your VATSIM account
Register at my.vatsim.net, verify your email, and log into the VATSIM Connect portal. You'll receive your CID (Controller ID) — keep it safe.
Register on VATSIM →Apply to Levant vACC
Submit your application as a home controller (based in the Levant region) or as a visitor controller (already rated elsewhere). Applications are reviewed within 7 days.
Apply Now →Complete Groundschool
Work through the Levant vACC Academy modules at your own pace. Modules include local procedures, phraseology, and position-specific knowledge. Gated quizzes ensure you're ready before progressing.
Open Academy →Request a training session
Log into your controller dashboard and submit a training request. You'll be matched with a certified Levant vACC mentor who'll guide you through your first live sessions on the network.
Dashboard →Levant FIR position endorsements
Beyond global VATSIM ratings, Levant vACC issues local endorsements for complex positions requiring specific local knowledge. These are additional to your VATSIM rating — not a replacement.
Tier 2 positions require explicit Levant vACC endorsement regardless of your VATSIM rating level. Check with training staff before assuming any Tier 2 position for the first time.
| Position | FIR | Min. Rating | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLBA_GND / OLBA_TWR | OLBB | S1 / S2 | Standard | Groundschool Modules 1–4 required |
| OLBA_APP | OLBB | S3 | Tier 2 | Complex ILS + mountain terrain training |
| OLBB_CTR | OLBB | C1 | Tier 2 | Beirut FIR endorsement exam + OTS |
| OSDI_GND / OSDI_TWR | OSTT | S1 / S2 | Standard | Damascus local procedures CBT |
| OSDI_APP | OSTT | S3 | Tier 2 | Mixed-terrain approach endorsement |
| OSTT_CTR | OSTT | C1 | Tier 2 | Syria FIR endorsement exam + OTS |
| ORBI_GND / ORBI_TWR | ORBB | S1 / S2 | Standard | Baghdad local procedures CBT |
| ORBI_APP / ORER_APP | ORBB | S3 | Tier 2 | High-traffic Baghdad approach endorsement |
| ORBB_CTR | ORBB | C1 | Tier 2 | Iraq FIR endorsement exam + OTS |
| ORER_APP | ORBB | S3 | Tier 2 | Erbil mountain corridor endorsement |
Standards we train to
All Levant vACC training is conducted under VATSIM GCAP and VATME Division standards. Our internal policies extend these to reflect the complexity of the Levant FIR.
🔐 Solo Validation
- Issued by Training Coordinator after demonstrated competency
- Valid for 30 days, renewable once on mentor recommendation
- Restricts control to one position and limited traffic scenarios
- Solo validations are not transferable between positions
- Controller must inform pilots of solo validation status on first contact
📅 Currency requirements
- Minimum 1 hour online per calendar quarter to remain active
- Controllers failing currency enter a revalidation period (60 days)
- Revalidation requires minimum 2 supervised sessions
- Inactive for 12+ months: full training restart required
- Currency alerts sent via Discord and email automatically
🔄 Transfer controllers
- Rated controllers (S2+) may apply as visitors from other vACCs
- Visitor applications reviewed by Training Coordinator
- Position-specific local knowledge assessment required
- Visitors may control up to 12 months with renewal
- Tier 2 endorsements still required regardless of home rating
📋 Feedback and complaints
- Pilots can submit ATC feedback after any session
- All feedback reviewed by Training department within 7 days
- Formal complaints handled under VATSIM Code of Conduct
- Controllers may request feedback review via Discord
- VATME Supervisor chain available for escalation