Clif Whitten

Excellent work!

Position Posting – Facility Engineer Purpose The Boston Virtual ARTCC (BVA) is currently seeking a Facility Engineer who will provide effective management and leadership of the BVA Air Traffic Control facility file development program. Key Accountabilities · Report to BVA Air Traffic Manager · Develops, maintains and manages the ARTCCs facilities infrastructure, including sector files, alias files, position files, VRC/vSTARS/vERAM files, vATIS, TowerTrainer and Euroscope facilities files, Audio for VATSIM database etc. · Updates and maintains facilities airports, charts and procedures database / web pages · Must respond quickly to facilities issues and needs · Employs the use of and manages other ARTCC members' efforts to increase bandwidth · Maintain a high online presence · Other duties as assigned · Functions as an Administrator and attends bi-monthly meetings Requirements · S2 rating or higher · Must be an active member on the network in good standing with a clean history · Capable of working well in team-oriented environment · Familiar with sector file design methodologies and utilities · Familiar with tools such as VRC, vSTARS, vERAM, Gndmaker, alias files, etc. · Must have excellent written and oral communication skills Preferred Skills · S3 rating or higher · Demonstrated experience developing and/or maintaining facilities/sector files · Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience · Familiar with TowerTrainer and/or Euroscope · Familiar with ZBW airspace and procedures How to Apply Applicant must provide letter of application, including resume to include examples of previous work, if applicable. Letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to join the BVA Administration Team, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, and how the function will thrive under the applicant's leadership. Applications should be submitted to Clifton Whitten, Air Traffic Manager ([email protected]). Application deadline is 09 November 2019. ARTCC leadership may choose to close the position opening early should an eminently qualified candidate apply and be selected.

All, Anyone who has been following Christopher "Ginger" Olmstead's aviation journey knows that he has been pouring his heart and soul to training to be Chinook pilot in the U.S. Army. We have no doubt that, given his dedication, Chris will make a top notch Hooker! Between time spent training, the need to relocate, and an upcoming deployment, Chris has made the difficult decision to step down as our Facility Engineer. Serving in that position for nearly three years, Chris has been pivotal in transforming and organizing our facility documents into what they are today. Many of the airport updates that you see, dot commands that you issue as a controller, and ATISs that you make and hear are because of work that Chris put in to creating and maintaining that infrastructure. Ginger, on behalf of the entire Administration Team, we couldn't be prouder of your accomplishments, or more grateful for your service to both our country and this community! Thank you. The Facility Engineer position announcement is pinned at the top of this forum. Applications will be accepted until 09 November 2019. Clif

Nice work!

Nice work!

Nice work!

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No, you SHut up! Nice work, Dylan

Congrats!

Congrats, RI! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice work, SR!

Good work!

On behalf of the entire Administration Team, we would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to apply for a staff position. In reading all of the applications, we were very humbled by the quality of people who are interested in giving back to the community. I am pleased to announce the following staff appointments: Jamsheed Lovelace (LE) to the position of Training Administrator Josh Nunn (NU) to the position of Events Coordinator Austin Cirulli (RQ) to the position of Social Media Manager Alec Liberman (LN) to the position of Treasurer Please join me in congratulating our new staff members!

Congrats! See you on the scopes.

Reminder: Applications are due by Friday, November 30th. Applications are being accepted for: 1. Training Administrator (A-Team Member) 2. Events Coordinator (A-Team Member) 3. Social Media Manager (A-Team Member) 4. Treasurer (Supporting Team Member) Details about each position, the associated requirements and preferred skills, and the application have been posted here on the forums. Prospective candidates should indicate which position(s) he or she is applying to with the letter of application. Candidates may apply to one, multiple, or all positions. The deadline to submit an application is November 30, 2018.

On behalf of our entire Administration Team (even the Canadian one), we’d like to wish our members who are celebrating Thanksgiving a safe, happy, and healthy holiday. We would like to offer thanks for… The ability to share our aviation passion and hobby with others. The people who we've met and the bonds we have formed through this community. Those who volunteer their time to make this community vibrant. Most importantly, we're thankful for YOU, the dedicated and enthusiastic members of Boston Virtual ARTCC. As we move through this holiday season, remember to take time to be with family and friends. Remember those who can’t be with us during the holidays. Honor those who have left us. Please be safe, make good choices, and for goodness sake – don’t eat the Romaine lettuce! Happy (American) Thanksgiving!

ZBW is currently seeking an Events Coordinator (EC), who will provide leadership and management to all ARTCC/community events, act as a liaison between virtual airlines and the ARTCC, and more. Key Accountabilities • Report to BVA Deputy Air Traffic Manager and Air Traffic Manager • Coordinate with divisional/neighboring ARTCCs for event support and planning purposes • Act as primary liaison between virtual aviation organizations and the ARTCC • Develop ideas for events which promote the ARTCC and community, potentially including but not limited to member gatherings, group flights, and fly-in/fly-out events • Provide for coordination of position assignments and position restrictions when necessary • Develop and distribute (via social media, website, etc.) marketing material (graphics, news posts, forum posts, event banners) to promote events, the ARTCC, and the community • Maintain a high online presence • Other duties as assigned by ATM/DATM/TA • Function as an Administrator and attends bi-monthly meetings Requirements • Active member on the network in good standing with a clean history • Capable of working well in team-oriented environment • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Access to and strong ability with Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint and Word Preferred Skills • Prior ATC Mentor/Instructor experience • Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience • Prior social media management experience • Prior graphic design (banners, flyers, etc.) experience • Access to graphic design program such as Adobe Photoshop How to Apply Interested candidates should be aware that this is not an entry-level position and not for the inexperienced. The workload can be considerable at times and should not be taken lightly. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview. Prospective applicants shall submit a letter of application, which provides answers to the following questions: 1. Why are you interested in this position? 2. How will you balance the time commitment required for administrative activities with any training and/or controlling you currently do on the network? 3. What’s one thing about yourself that we should know, but don’t already know? 4. What do you imagine being part of ARTCC senior staff is like? 5. What do you wish to get out of the role you have applied to? The letter of application shall also include your name, CID, and current VATSIM rating. The letter of application shall not exceed 1 page. Applications should be submitted to Clif Whitten, Air Traffic Manager ([email protected]) by November 30, 2018. Following the receipt of your application, successful candidates will be invited to an interview with the Administration Team. As part of the interview process, candidates will be provided with a fictitious FNO event, and will be asked to: 1. Create a banner for the event 2. Using a sample set of controller preferences, compose an event roster (and then subsequently justify those rostering decisions) 3. Create an event description

ZBW is currently seeking a Training Administrator who will provide compelling training capability and effective management and leadership of the ZBW ATC training program. Key Accountabilities • Report to Air Traffic Manager • Manage and lead the training program to make it effective and efficient for all ARTCC controllers • Maintain an adequate staff of instructors and mentors to meet ARTCC training needs • Update and maintain training website material and certification system • Develop and implement training policies, SOPs, and more • Oversee and manage student assignments to training staff • Perform duties as a staff Instructor • Maintain a high online presence • Other duties as assigned by ATM/DATM/TA • Function as an Administrator and attends bi-monthly meetings Requirements • C1 rating or higher • Active member on the network in good standing with a clean history • Capable of working well in team-oriented environment • Strong knowledge of VATSIM/US ATC system • Strong knowledge of FAA Order 7110.65 • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Able to work with students in a calm and respectful manner, including some students which may prove to be difficult • Access to and strong ability with Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint and Word Preferred Skills • Prior ATC Mentor/Instructor experience • Teaching/Education experience (on or off VATSIM) • Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience • Real world aviation/pilot experience • Familiarity with the Boston Virtual ARTCC training program/system How to Apply Interested candidates should be aware that this is not an entry-level position and not for the inexperienced. The workload can be considerable at times and should not be taken lightly. Only those who understand the requirements and can make the appropriate commitment should consider applying. Candidates can expect an initial evaluation of their application after which they may be contacted for a comprehensive interview. Prospective applicants shall submit a letter of application, which provides answers to the following questions: 1. Why are you interested in this position? 2. How will you balance the time commitment required for administrative activities with any training and/or controlling you currently do on the network? 3. What’s one thing about yourself that we should know, but don’t already know? 4. What do you imagine being part of ARTCC senior staff is like? 5. What do you wish to get out of the role you have applied to? The letter of application shall also include your name, CID, and current VATSIM rating. The letter of application shall not exceed 1 page. Applications should be submitted to Clif Whitten, Air Traffic Manager ([email protected]) by November 30, 2018. Following the receipt of your application, successful candidates will be provided with a copy of our General SOP in Microsoft Word format. You will be asked to update this document with a fictitious procedural change. Your work on this document will be discussed during an interview with the Administration Team.

As you know, it has recently become my privilege and honor to be nominated to Air Traffic Manager at ZBW. Through this process, the Administration Team and I have each had the opportunity to review our involvement with the community. Through those discussions, I am pleased to announce there will be four new openings for those who wish to step up their contribution to ZBW. Please review the remainder of this thread carefully for more information on the application process. A recurring theme in our discussion was the importance of enabling those who wish to contribute their time, efforts, and talents to the community in an administrative context. Our Administration Team wants to ensure there is continued opportunity for advancement, for those who want it. We also want to maintain the continuity and tradition of excellence that has defined ZBW. In that theme, I am excited to announce that Krikor Hajian (HI) has been appointed Deputy Air Traffic Manager. Having served as Events Coordinator for more than a year, Krikor has overseen some of the biggest and most successful events on VATSIM: Cross the Pond, Tea Party, FlighSimExpo, NEC, 60 Hours of ATC. As Events Coordinator, Krikor has scheduled briefs, managed social media profiles, created rosters, and even ordered catering for in-person get-togethers! His experience and expertise have helped shape countless successful events. Krikor looks forward to continuing to support the community in the DATM role and providing mentorship and support to the incoming Events Coordinator. After more than 10 years of involvement with Boston Virtual ARTCC, Phil Coyle is vacating his role as Community Manager and leaving the Administration Team. Phil, who joined the community in 2007, has worked a variety of ‘odd jobs’ ranging from developing custom software for members to managing technology, marketing, and community atmosphere. Over the past several months, Phil has worked with Szymon to transition website and technology responsibilities to him. As a co-founder of FlightSimExpo, Phil plans to remain active in the flight simulation community and looks forward to seeing many of you at the Orlando event next summer. I am happy to announce that Evan Reiter, the current Training Administrator, has been appointed to Phil’s role as Community Manager. In order to maintain continuity, some of the pilot-related training we do, including the Pilot Ratings Program, Ground School, and the Logan Informer, will become part of the Community Manager’s portfolio. Evan will now directly oversee the Treasurer, Member Support, the Social Media Manager, and help manage the community’s relationship with Cape Air Virtual and FlightSimExpo. As a result of these changes, we are now posting for the following roles: 1. Training Administrator (A-Team Member) 2. Events Coordinator (A-Team Member) 3. Social Media Manager (A-Team Member) 4. Treasurer (Supporting Team Member) Details about each position, the associated requirements and preferred skills, and the application have been posted here on the forums. Prospective candidates should indicate which position(s) he or she is applying to with the letter of application. Candidates may apply to one, multiple, or all positions. The deadline to submit an application is November 30, 2018. Please join me in thanking Phil for his contributions to the community, and congratulating Krikor and Evan on their new roles. I look forward to seeing which of our members will step up to continue giving back to our organization.

Team Boston, Please join me in welcoming Ian Fisher (EN) as the new Air Traffic Manager (ATM) of Boston ARTCC. Ian comes to us with an extensive ATC background, including experience as Events Coordinator, ATC Instructor and, most recently, Deputy ATM of Houston ARTCC. Ian assumes the duties of ATM effectively immediately. Ian wrote a message that he asked us to share with you. Again, please give Ian a hearty Boston welcome! Clif Whitten Hello, My name is Ian Fisher. I joined VATSIM in 2010 and ventured into the world of controlling in 2015, starting at ZHU. I earned my S2 before transferring to ZSE for a change of scenery. In May 2016, I was appointed as Events Coordinator for the ZFW ARTCC. I transferred back to ZHU after a brief hiatus from the network in August of 2016. In December of 2016 I was appointed as the Events Coordinator at the ZDV ARTCC. In this role I created an event I am still thrilled about today, where we “staffed up” the Telluride Airport, one of the most popular and picturesque uncontrolled airfields in the world. Telluride is a unique event airport due to the fact that it is uncontrolled, making it one of the few uncontrolled-airport events in VATSIM history. It was also here that I earned my instructor rating underneath the tutelage of Chris James. In August 2017, I left the EC position due to pressing matters in my personal life. In November of 2017 I applied and was appointed as the Deputy Air Traffic Manager of the ZHU ARTCC. I honed my management skills under Matthew Kosmoski and applied for the ZBW ATM position a few weeks ago. I was very excited to accept the position on August 11th, 2018. The main thing that drew me to ZBW was the tremendous prestige that ZBW has created for themselves, from the ground up. I always was in awe at the level of professionalism and dedication each member brings to the table at ZBW. I have met some of the greatest friends of my life on this network. I want to put myself in position where I can cultivate that environment for others to thrive and enjoy themselves. I am very excited to meet the staff, as well as meeting with each and every controller and learning how this ARTCC has put itself in this position. I hope most of all that I can be a valuable asset to the organization and continue to grow its reputation, presence, and community involvement. Fortunately, as stated before, the ARTCC has done a great job in carving out a presence for itself on the network. My first priority is to ensure I do what I need to do to continue that high level of execution, professionalism, and dedication to the network for which ZBW has become known. From there I want to set the tone and create even more opportunities for every controller to feel like they are an essential part of ZBW, going forward. ZBW has worked very hard to build to the level of activity, community, and attention to detail that we enjoy today. I realize the delicacy of the situation: I intend to make this transition so smooth that the average controller won't feel any difference through the change in command. You will see very few initial changes from me as far as day to day operations of ZBW. I want it to be well known that I have an open-door policy. My intentions with this are twofold: I want every controller to know I am open and willing to listen to any questions, concerns, or suggestions that may arise. The only other change you will see to me is a more “open borders” policy with our neighbors and facilities as there are a lot of people around the network that wish to see what ZBW has to offer. My real day job is a salesman. It’s nothing to crazy or exciting but it pays the bills. I used to work in professional sports for 7 years as an equipment manager. I am an avid disc golfer. I am very involved in Houston in the disc golf community. My responsibilities include planning and hosting tournaments and weekly events. I also compete on a semi-professional basis. I also love various video games such as flight sim (of course), Rocket League, PUBG, Farming Simulator, and NBA 2K18. I love getting the whole community involved in games other than flight sim from time to time in order to share more broad experiences. I hope I’ll be able to do that with ZBW as well! I have very little real-world aviation experience. I have never flown an actual aircraft. That being said, I am very involved in the aviation community in Houston. Previously, I spent a year and a half as a line service technician for Signature Flight Support in Des Moines, Iowa. I am very thankful of this opportunity I had because it gave me a very deep respect for the individual effort that goes into keeping the aviation business running. My dream job is to be an air traffic controller. Aviation is a true passion of mine. In the first few days of my tenure I wish to introduce myself to each and every controller personally. I will also be developing an optional survey to identify any potential weaknesses in our current operation, soliciting feedback from all members, no matter their experience or tenure with the facility. I hope that each and every controller speaks up in order to have their opinion be heard and understood. I do not intend to flip this ARTCC or “break” the community. I am very excited to get started with my training to familiarize myself with the ZBW airspace in an order to lead by example and set the tone for our online presence. Ian

It is with great pleasure that BVA announces the appointment of Szymon Puzdrowski (PI) to the BVA Administration Team. Szymon has served as our Webmaster for the past year; acting in an advisory role to the Administration Team. Szymon is an adept developer who has been instrumental in several crucial web projects for BVA. We look forward to having Szymon at the table as we continue to build and grow our BVA web presence. Szymon: It is traditional for the newest member of the team to bring goodies to the meetings. As our web guy, can we expect that you’ll bring cookies? Thank you for your dedication to the BVA community and welcome (officially) to the Administration Team!

Position Posting - ATC Mentor Purpose The Boston Virtual ARTCC (BVA) is currently seeking ATC Mentor(s) who will provide compelling training capability in support of the BVA ATC Training program. The ATC Mentor provides instruction to students in air traffic control procedures in several areas including theory and the VATSIM environment. Training is conducted utilizing one-on-one settings on TeamSpeak, using a training server or live-network environments. Staff mentors schedule and document training sessions with students, grade examination corrections and conduct Over The Shoulder (OTS) examinations in accordance with the published ratings guidelines and OTS criteria. Key Accountabilities • Report to BVA Senior Administration (ATM, DATM, TA) • Work with students learning air traffic control procedures, both general and local, in theory, a training server, or live-network environment • Document training sessions using web based tracking system • Evaluate students for promotion using VATSIM, VATUSA and ZBW policies/procedures • Provide additional/advanced training as directed by the Training Administrator, ATM or DATM • Maintain a high online presence • Other duties as assigned by ATM/DATM/TA • Functions as a staff member and attends periodic meetings as necessary Requirements • S3 rating or higher • Must be an active member on the network in good standing with a clean history • Capable of working well in team-oriented environment • Familiarity with the Boston Virtual ARTCC training program/system • Strong knowledge of VATSIM/US ATC system • Strong knowledge of FAA Order 7110.65 • Must have excellent written and oral communication skills • Able to work with students in a calm and respectful manner, including some students which may prove to be difficult Preferred Skills • Prior ATC Mentor/Instructor experience • Teaching/Education experience (on or off VATSIM) • Leadership, managerial, or supervisory experience • Real world aviation/pilot experience Time Commitment Applicants should be aware that mentors would be assigned multiple students. Therefore, they are expected to host 2-3 training sessions per week (on average). These training sessions are generally 1-2 hours long. How to Apply Applicant must provide a letter of application and a resume of relevant experience. The letter of application should summarize the applicant's reasons for wanting to join the staff team, compelling evidence to show how the position requirements are met, how the function will thrive under the applicant's leadership, and why the applicant desires to hold a position as a part of BVAs ATC training program. Please also include your name, CID, current rating, and any prior experience. Applications should be submitted to the Air Traffic Manager ([email protected]), Deputy Air Traffic Manager ([email protected]), and Training Administrator ([email protected]). This is an ongoing posting with no immediate closing date. Successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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MRRRR. Love you, man! Words can not possibly express how grateful I am for your dedication to this organization. You have left me big shoes to fill... big, smelly shoes... all over your old office. Oh, and, the HazMat guys want to have a chat with you. :o Beers on me at FSC!

Forwarded at the request of VATUSA. The organisers of Connexion 2017 are pleased to announce the first confirmed programme items for the weekend of 29th and 30th July 2017. In addition to the below, we have several more talks planned and will announce them when confirmed over the coming weeks. (In no particular order) SimFest The fantastic SimFest team who own and operate a 747 simulator raising money charity each year as participants of World Flight will bring a no-doubt entertaining segment in our event as they explain how they constructed their simulator and how they manage to raise such an incredible amount of money each year. AeroNav We have a confirmed presentation from AeroNav to update us on their Global Nav Generator project. Cross the Pond Several members of the central planning team for the Cross the Pond will provide a behind the scenes glimpse at the planning, logistics and execution of the busiest weekends of the VATSIM event calendar. Network Supervisors There will be a talk on becoming a Supervisor and how the role of the Supervisor is changing on the network in the present day. SWIFT Pilot Client We will hear from the development team of the Swift Pilot Client, who will provide an update for us on the progress of this project and their visions for the future. Workshop: Flight Planning using PFPX Run by Vincent Stuart from BAVirtual, who’ll provide us some time to discuss and explain the intricacies of flight planning using PFPX; walking you through the steps to get from the dispatch office to the North Atlantic Track. Panel Discussion: Pilot Training The pilot rating system, pilot training schemes and reflections from ATO’s, we hope to have Vice President Pilot Training Divya Patel joining us for this discussion. Panel Discussion: Events on VATSIM The evolving world of VATSIM events; including the increase of in-person events in addition to the well-established virtual ones. We’re lucky enough to be able to welcome Matthew Bartels from VATUSA who’ll provide a balance between the differences and similarities between the North American Region and Europe. Panel Discussion: Board of Governors Your chance to pitch ideas, ask questions and generally get to know some of the members of the Board of Governors and find out how their role fits into making VATSIM tick. Please note: this is not a definitive list other content will be added in the coming weeks and may be subject to alteration without notice. We are currently in talks with several major companies in our community to attend this event. We have an FAQ section on the event website. If you can't find an answer to your query, post your question in the discussion thread or email us at [email protected]. (Note: This post is informational only to advertise VATSIM's Global Convention in London and does not preclude any VATUSA Facility from scheduling a on-network event on these days.)