The VATSIM Middle East Air Traffic Control Academy, or vmea, was created to ensure that all VATME controllers are trained to the best of the division's abilities. The materials contained in this Academy were developed by various members of the VATSIM Middle East team, as well as other noted air traffic controllers, professors, and aviation professionals. While much of this material is applicable in the real world, we must stress that this material is solely for simulation purposes only.

Timeline

Many perspective air traffic controllers want to fly through the ranks and get to Controller 1 or Controller 3 as fast as possible. Unfortunately, that is not possible in VATSIM Middle East. Like in all VATSIM Divisions, it takes time, patience, practice, and commitment to reach the highest rating. Air traffic controllers will be expected to take the time to study and learn about their positions, studying both the materials here in this website as well as AIPs, Charts, and other resources provided by their FIRs. In sum, this will be a process that will take at least 1 year to get from observer to controller 1. This, however, is the minimum time - typical progressions take eighteen months to two years, sometimes more. Below are the division restrictions on ratings and upgrades:

OBS - Student 1/2 - Approximately 2 weeks, depending on controller performance.

Student 1/2 - Student 3 - A minimum of three months after Student 1/2. (Typically 4 to 5 due to hour restrictions + 50 hours for consolidation).

Student 3 - Controller 1 - A minimum of three months after Student 3. (Typically 5 to 6 months due to hour restrictions + 50 hours for consolidation).

Beginning Your Training

To begin your training, contact you FIR Chief. You can find this contact information on your local FIR website, which is linked from http://www.vatme.net.