Position Restrictions Policy

Executive Summary

The vZBW ARTCC utilizes position restrictions to ensure that both pilots and controllers in our airspace have a positive and enjoyable online experience. These restrictions are applied to all who control in Boston ARTCC airspace, regardless of controller rating or assigned ARTCC/Division.

The vZBW ARTCC has designated Major and LCTP facilities and positions. A definition and list of all Major/LCTP facilities can be found in the Major/LCTP Policy. These fields and positions will require additional training and certification before a controller will be authorized to work in a solo capacity at that position.

Any controller wishing to control within ZBW airspace must be listed on our roster as either a full ARTCC member or Visiting Controller. To gain Visiting Controller status within vZBW, please see the vZBW Visiting Controllers Policy.

Any controller wishing to control at any Major/LCTP facilities within ZBW airspace must join the vZBW Training program and gain certification through this system. NOTE: Any controller wishing to control any CTR/Enroute position in vZBW must join and complete the vZBW training program as the CTR position involves working all major/LCTP positions.

vZBW position restrictions and certifications are based on demonstrated performance rather than controller rating. This more closely mirrors real-world controller certification and should allow each controller to progress according to his ability.

General Restrictions (Controllers with no certifications)

NOTE: There may be further restrictions or exemptions to these policies in relation to controllers who received their S1 rating prior to 01 Jan 2008. These will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

• Any Controller with the rank of S1 being a full member or visiting the vZBW ARTCC with no vZBW certifications may control any Delivery or Ground position within the ZBW ARTCC with the exception of KBOS. The controller, upon passing the Advanced Delivery/Ground exam and familiarization training at KBOS will be eligible to control at KBOS during off-peak times only.
• Any Controller with the rank of S2 or above being a full member, visiting or transferring into the vZBW ARTCC with no vZBW-specific certifications, may only control at a non Major/LCTP Airports within the ZBW ARTCC.
• Any Controller with the rank of S3 or above being a full member, visiting or transferring into the vZBW ARTCC with no vZBW-specific certifications, may only control at a non Major/LCTP Approach or Local facility within the ZBW ARTCC.
• All other facilities are classed as Major/LCTP facilities. A controller with no applicable vZBW-specific certifications may not work any Major/LCTP position without the consent of a Mentor/Instructor (who must be present).
• Non-Major/LCTP facilities may be classed as an LCTP position for the purpose of events. All position restrictions pertaining to Major/LCTP facilities will be in place during the time 1 hour before until 1 hour after the scheduled event. Notice of this will be given in the vZBW Forums.

vZBW Training Program Position Restrictions

All controllers are welcome and encouraged to join the vZBW Training program. vZBW's training program is robust and in-depth and will provide an excellent and rewarding challenge to the controller. Having a vZBW certification means that, as a controller, you will be recognized as having an exceptional knowledge and skill with ATC procedures. You will also find a great sense of community within the vZBW training program, as everyone is there to help each other. The detailed training outline can be found on our website. Any controller joining the vZBW Training program will agree to be bound by the following position restrictions:

General Conditions

• This policy is in force at all times. However, working time is divided into PEAK and OFF-PEAK periods, all defined in terms of Boston local time (EST/EDT).
• The term "controller" as it is used in the policy refers to any member of the Boston ARTCC regardless of their rating or certifications.
• PEAK periods are 1900-2200 Monday-Thursday and 1600-2200 Friday-Sunday.
• OFF-PEAK periods are all other times.
• Fly-ins, Fly-outs and Events may be designated PEAK times. These include, but are not limited to, VATSIM/VATCAN/VATUSA events, Regional Nights, neighboring ARTCC events etc.
• During PEAK times, a controller is restricted to working at or below the level for which he has received certification unless there is a Mentor/Instructor present for the purposes of training.
• During OFF-PEAK times, a controller may be granted certification to control a position without the presence of a Mentor/Instructor.
• Controllers with no vZBW certifications may work a Major/LCTP position only in the presence of a mentor or instructor. The intent of this requirement is to be sure that the controllers are taught good habits early on in training and to help them achieve major/LCTP DEL-GND certification quickly.
• All Certification OTS examinations will be conducted at any position chosen (by the Mentor/instructor) either online or in the Sweatbox.
• The vZBW ARTCC Air Traffic Manager, Deputy Air Traffic Manager, Training Administrator and all Staff Instructors reserve the right to make exceptions to these rules on a student by student basis if necessary. Mentors can recommend an exception to be made.

Positions for Certification

Certification will be achieved via oral testing and online observation by a mentor or instructor at each of the following positions. Here is the list of current vZBW certifications. Please note that these certifications are in order from least permissive to most permissive. In other words, if you are certified for Class C APP, you may also work TWR, GND and DEL at any Class B/C/D facility.

• Class B DEL/GND: Allows the controller to work KBOS at the Delivery or Ground position at all times.
• Class C/D TWR: Allows the controller to control any Tower position with the exception of KBOS. Also allows the controller to control BOS_TWR during OFF-PEAK times upon passing the Advanced Local exam.
• Class B TWR: Allows the controller to control at any TWR position within ZBW at all times
• Class C APP: Allows the controller to control any Class C TRACON position in ZBW. Also allows the controller to control BOS_APP during OFF-PEAK times upon passing the Advanced Approach exam.
• Class B APP: Allows the controller to control any Approach position within ZBW at all times
• Center/Enroute: Allows the controller to control BOS_CTR at all times

Noncompliance

Any controller found controlling any position within vZBW without the required certifications will be asked to and should disconnect from that position, and reconnect at a position they are certified for. Refusal to do so will result in a Supervisor being called and a possible disconnection from the network with a referral to DCRM (Conflict Resolution) and possible disciplinary action. Controllers found to be repeatedly connecting at positions they are not certified for will be referred to the ATM and DATM and possible referral to DCRM.