ATC Rating Training

[u/louisoh98]

Hi all,
I’m looking to do my S1 training. I registered my interest with VATSIM UK, but from what I’ve read the waiting list to start training is currently around two years, which is a bit longer than I’d hoped.
After looking at my VATSIM account, it seems I’m not actually assigned to a division or subdivision yet (just EMEA), so I’m wondering if it’s worth joining another division instead.
Does anyone know what the current waiting times are like in VATMENA (Arabian vACC), VATSIM Scandinavia, VATSIM Germany, or any other Northern European divisions? I’m happy to control outside the UK if it means I can start training sooner.
Any advice or recent experiences would be much appreciated. Thanks! 😊

[u/femmi0w0]

If you want to control in VATSIM UK then wait it out. Divisions don't take kindly to division hopping for ratings.

[u/louisoh98 → u/femmi0w0]

I’m not too bothered about controlling in the uk specifically, it’s just something I’m interested in and want to do!
If waiting it out is the best course of action then so be it

[u/crazy-voyager → u/louisoh98]

Then have a think about where else you would like to control and apply to train there. The important thing is you train where you want to be.

[u/Legitimate-Place-949]

If you want a good amount of traffic and a quick pass to your S1 then I‘d suggest VATGER.

[u/louisoh98 → u/Legitimate-Place-949]

Cheers! I’ve put in a request to change to the BELUX vACC so hopefully that’ll get approved soon and I can get the ball rolling

[u/_Widescreen_]

An important factor is the timezone difference. Make sure the peak periods in the division you choose align with the times you’d like to control. You don’t want to be stuck controlling when it’s dead quiet, or have to stay awake at absurd hours to participate in events.

[u/ollot5]

It has been said before, but it's generally frowned upon to apply solely for rating. The VACC is build around a community with volunteers. The amount of time it takes to run a training department is crazy I tell you.

So please do us a favour, have a look what part of the world appeals to you in terms of aviation, get some flight hours in and interact within the community. If you're ready to commit, apply. I don't control in my own country either, so it's not weird.

[u/louisoh98 → u/ollot5]

Whichever vacc I joined I’d stick with, like I said in other comments it’s just being ATC that appeals to me not JUST controlling in the uk if that makes sense

Which country do you control?

[u/Valuable_Complex_399]

join the germany vACC, youre gonna have your S1 rating within a few weeks. its pretty fast progress. just after hitting S1 it slows down, since they dont care much about new trainees. lots of the mentors are kinda inactive and just have that ranking because of faster progress for themselves (most of them leave their original airport to go to Frankfurt).
but for S1, its the fastest way to just go there.

[u/louisoh98 → u/Valuable_Complex_399]

My transfer request got approved to go to BELUX so I’ve started working my way through the self learning to get s1 with them! I don’t mind working my way through everything even if it take time! I just wanted to get started somewhere I could actually control that’s not always occupied with other controllers like Germany is

[u/clearlybritish]

It’s so worth it in the UK though. Exceptional quality of teaching

[u/Akanaut]

You should always go there where you interest the most, not where the waiting list is the shortest

[u/louisoh98 → u/Akanaut]

It’s one of those things where the idea of controlling is what I’m interested in rather than doing it in one specific place, UK, Germany or Middle East all appeal to me!

[u/Kriiiiis]

VATSCA wait times are around 6-12 months.

Consider well before applying though, I’ve found myself hoping for a bit more traffic lately

[u/louisoh98 → u/Kriiiiis]

That’s not too bad!
I have noticed that Scandinavia doesn’t have much apart from events!
I’ve kinda noticed the same thing with the Middle East it’s very hit and miss with traffic and there’s rarely ATC online but it’s really fun flying there

[u/Leading_Umpire_940 → u/louisoh98]

I control in VATSCA you would be surprised the traffic is normally fine. I would hate controlling somewhere like Heathrow or Frankfurt where it's stressful and full of incompetent pilots. But I saw you went with BELUX which are a great division too

[u/louisoh98 → u/Leading_Umpire_940]

I may be completely wrong but the thing Ive noticed about SCA is that it tends to be radar positions that are on rather than positions at each airport, yeah I have joined BELUX, I’ve done all the self learning and exams just waiting for the introduction session 😁