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natTrak Tutorial

natTrak is a tool developed by VATSIM to simulate how oceanic Request for Clearance (RCL) and CLX (Clearance) messages are handled in real life via CPDLC. VATSIM Scandinavia Iceland has adopted this tool for Reykjavik ACC/OAC.

All controllers on Reykjavik Control and Iceland Radio are strongly encouraged to use natTrak.

Logging On

First, click the "Sign In With VATSIM" button at the top right of the website. Provided you are already logged onto VATSIM with a BIRD callsign, you will be redirected to a screen that looks like this:

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The most important parts of natTrak are:

  • Pending Messages — Shows RCL messages which have not yet been reviewed by ATC.
  • Processed Messages — Shows RCL messages which have been reviewed.
  • Create Manual Clearance — Allows you to manually create an RCL message in natTrak for an aircraft which did not file a request via natTrak.

There are also the following areas (less relevant to everyday controlling):

  • NOTAMs — Lists recent changes to Nattrak. Usually these are just backend bug fixes, and the facility engineer will notify controllers of any major/relevant changes.
  • Notify New ETA for Pilot — This is not for controllers. Pilots using natTrak will use this page to update their own ETA in their RCL, if it has changed. Controllers have NO ACCESS to this page.

Processing RCL Requests

After you open the "Pending Messages" page, you will see a list of all pending (unreviewed) RCL messages for all the NAT OCAs.

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To review an RCL message, click "View [CALLSIGN]" for that message. You should only take action on RCL messages for whom the target is BIRD.

This will open a separate tab in your browser containing the aircraft's clearance request.

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If there is no issue with the RCL message

If there is no issue with any part of the aircraft's RCL message, then press the blue Move to processed list button. This will move the request to the Processed List. The RCL will then look like this:

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If something needs to be changed on the RCL message

If some part of the aircraft's RCL message needs to be changed (e.g., to avoid a conflict), then you may use the dropdowns/text boxes under the ATC Clearance section to issue an amended clearance to the aircraft.

As a reminder, changing an aircraft's FL, Mach, etc. here only means it has to achieve that FL, Mach, etc. by the time it enters oceanic airspace. If you issue a different "Cleared time over" then the aircraft will change its own speed at pilot's discretion to achieve that time.

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After making any necessary changes, you should press the green Transmit Reclearance button to send the pilot a message with your amended clearance.

At the moment, whereas changing an aircraft's flight level, Mach number, etc. generates an additional "warning" message in the clearance to indicate the change, changing an aircraft's route does not do so.

Hence, when amending an aircraft's cleared route, it is recommended to add "ROUTE AMENDMENT" into the Free text field, to achieve the same effect.

Reviewing Processed RCLs.

To review an aircraft you (or a previous controller) already processed the RCL message of, you may go to the Processed Messages page to retrieve it.

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Click on Processed Messages, then click on View for the aircraft in question.

You will see the same "Request Message" page as when you processed their RCL.

Issuing Revised Clearances After Processing

If you need to revise any part of an aircraft's RCL after processing it initially, you should coordinate with the domestic ATC the aircraft is currently with (if online), or direct message the pilot on VATSIM. There is currently no facility to do this on natTrak.

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