Rules for "Direct to Regionals"
Table of Contents
- Booking
- Controlling
- Time of Closure
- Software
1. Booking
1.1. Repeated Bookings
1.1.1. Controllers should avoid booking the same or similar positions every week.
1.1.2. Controllers should not book the same position two weeks in a row unless no other suitable positions are available, or unless directed to do so by a staff member for operational reasons.
1.2. Booking Etiquette
1.2.1. Booking etiquette must be strictly observed.
1.2.2. Controllers must be confident that they can attend before booking a position. While force majeure can occur, bookings should be made with a clear expectation of attendance.
1.2.3. If a booking is cancelled less than 48 hours before the event, Tuesday evening, the controller should write in the Direct to Regionals staffing thread to make others aware, allowing the position to be rebooked.
1.2.4. If a booking is cancelled less than 24 hours before the event, the controller must take the necessary steps to ensure that the position is covered. This may include contacting people directly or suggesting adjustments to the roster.
1.2.5. If a position becomes available, controllers should show consideration for those already booked and be respectful toward controllers who booked before them.
1.2.6. Controllers must be ready to control at their scheduled time. Controllers should be five minutes early, not five minutes late, and must inform others if they expect to be delayed.
1.3. Event and Non-Event Positions
1.3.1. As a rule of thumb, all positions officially related to the event, as presented in the Direct to Regionals thread, have priority and must be booked before any other positions are opened.
1.3.2. EKCH_TWR, in all forms, EKCH_GND, in all forms, and EKCH_DEL may not be staffed during Direct to Regionals.
1.3.2.1. Exceptions may be made for TWR staffing in cases of EKCH_APP overload. Any such request must originate from EKCH_APP and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
1.4. S1 Controllers
1.4.1. S1 controllers may book any position during Direct to Regionals unless explicitly stated otherwise.
1.4.2. S1 controllers must ensure that they are properly prepared and possess the necessary skillset to control efficiently before booking for the event.
1.4.3. S1 controller staffing is a privilege and may be revoked if repeated failure to adhere to these guidelines is observed.
2. Controlling
2.1. Rules and Procedures
2.1.1. Controllers must be properly familiar with the LAI for their position.
2.1.2. Controllers must ensure that they are not only qualified, but also capable of controlling the position they book.
2.1.3. Controllers must show up on time so they can be briefed before their controlling period begins.
2.2. Training during Direct to Regionals
2.2.1. Training during Direct to Regionals is generally permitted; see the Event Training Policy, point 3.
3. Time of Closure
3.1. Booking Time
3.1.1. The ending time of a booking must be respected unless it is clearly evident that the position is no longer required due to the current traffic situation.
3.2. 15-Minute Buffer Period
3.2.1. All controllers must be able to remain online for a minimum of 15 minutes after their booking expires.
3.2.2. This period must be used to safely hand off or redirect any remaining traffic within the airspace.
4. Software
4.1. EuroScope
4.1.1. All controllers must have the latest sector files installed and must use the latest approved version of EuroScope as designated by VATSIM Scandinavia.
4.2. Plugins
4.2.1. vATIS must be updated before each use.