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2. ARTCC Policies

2.1 - Activity Requirements

In order to maintain active status, members must meet the current VATUSA Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP) standards.

All home and visiting controllers who possess the rating of S1 and higher shall log onto a controllable position a minimum of three (3) hours in a three-month period. These periods will be split into quarters as follows:

  • Quarter 1 - January to March
  • Quarter 2 - April to June
  • Quarter 3 - July to September
  • Quarter 4 - October to December

(i.e., to maintain currency in quarter 3, a controller must log on to a position for three hours between July 1st and September 30th)

If any member does not achieve currency, they will be removed from the roster. If after being removed a controller wishes to be reinstated on the HCF roster, they can make a request with any of the Senior Staff no less than 30 days from the date they were removed. The 30-day requirement can be waived at the discretion of the ATM/DATM on a case-by-case base. At that time, the Senior Staff will consider the request.

Visiting Controllers from Outside VATUSA Division are required to have 50%+1 controlling hours in their Home Division in accordance with the VATSIM Transfer and Visiting Controller Policy §2.2

2.2 - Returning to the ARTCC

Length of Absence What to do:
1.5-6 Months - Rejoin ARTCC.
- Familiarize self with any SOP and LOA changes.
- No certifications have been lost. You may control when ready.
6-12 Months - Rejoin ARTCC.
- Familiarize self with any SOP and LOA changes.
- Schedule a familiarization session with an instructor (This shall be done at the highest level of certification, e.g., a C1 shall control at the CTR level)
>12 Months - Rejoin ARTCC.
- All prior certifications are considered void.
- Must undergo a recertification process.

2.3 - Conduct

All members shall abide by all VATSIM Code of Conduct, Code of Regulations and VATUSA conduct policies. Additionally, HCF reserves the right to restrict members’ usage of Discord and/or any future means of communication.

2.4 - Roster Removal

Controllers may be removed from the Honolulu Control Facility roster for cause or inactivity as stated in section 2.1 of this General Operating Policy. All removals shall be approved by the ATM with referral to the Deputy Director (VATUSA2).

2.4.1 - Removal for Cause

Controllers may be removed from the Honolulu Control Facility with cause for any reason outlined in VATSIM CoC, CoR, and VATUSA policies or the following:

  1. Misrepresentation (cheating, lying to staff, using someone else’s name).
  2. Disrespectful language and/or conduct to HCF staff members.
  3. Continuous harassment of training staff to provide training and/or accelerate training/ratings through unofficial means.
  4. Reasons outlined in HCF General Operating Procedures
  5. Controlling above certified level
  6. Repeated unprofessional behavior on the VATSIM network and/or HCF Discord.
  7. Any activity or behavior that is deemed inappropriate, to include but not limited to:
  8. Attempts to gather IP addresses.
  9. Posting inappropriate links, music, or images in the HCF Discord server.
  10. Any immoral activity, to include mention of illegal narcotics or other illegal activity.
  11. Obtaining personal information and posting it without the consent of the individual.
  12. Failure to meet activity requirements as outlined in 2.1.

2.5 - Leave of Absence (LOA)

Members who will be unable to control and meet activity requirements set forth by 2.1 of this policy may request a LOA by emailing both the ATM and DATM with the following:

  1. Time requested away (minimum of 30 days, maximum 6 months)
  2. Reasoning
  3. Any pertinent other information

Controllers may be granted a maximum of 2 consecutive LOAs (totaling up to 12 months). If a controller logs into the network, it will automatically end their LOA with HCF.

2.6 - Approved Frequencies

Controllers shall only use approved frequencies while controlling on the VATSIM network. Facility specific frequencies are programmed in the CRC software. Controllers found in violation of this policy shall be issued a verbal warning and be asked to correct the mistake as soon as possible.

2.7 - Approved Callsigns

All controllers shall only use approved Roles and Ratings while controlling or observing on the VATSIM network.

While using the VATSIM CRC software, controllers shall select their appropriate role (Observer, Student, Controller, Instructor) and then select their current rating.

2.8 - Conflict Resolution

The ATM is responsible for conflict resolution. If a conflict between controllers arises the following pro-cedure should be applied:

  • Attempt to resolve the issue at the lowest level, this means work it out amongst yourselves. If no resolution occurs, proceed with the rest of the procedure.
  • File an incident via email to the ATM and DATM.
  • After filing, you may receive an email from the Senior Staff asking for further clarification or to set up a meeting.
  • All incident reports are classified as confidential and are redacted after resolution. The ATM, DATM and TA are the only members with access to the incident report system.