MBI 08-04 - Operating Initials

[David Jedrejcic]

All ZDC controllers have Operating Initials (OI's) assigned to them, unique to each controller within ZDC. The list of OI's can be found here - Operating Initials Table. A controller's OI's are to be used as their personal identifier when responding to Ground-to-Ground communications in text form, and when choosing a callsign for logging onto the VATSIM network. Note that every callsign begins with "ZDC" - the use of "DC" as a prefix is no longer authorized.

The following callsigns will be used in each of the circumstances listed below (replace xx with your OI's):

When logging on as on Observer:
ZDC_xx_OBS

When logging on as a Mentor:
ZDC_xx_MTR

When logging on as an Instructor:
ZDC_xx_INS


Controllers new to ZDC (new VATUSA members, visitors, and transfers) will not have OI's assigned to them until they pass the ZDC Basic Examination, at minimum hold an S1 rating, and are authorized to work solo in ZDC. Until that point, such controllers will use the following callsign when observing, where x is replaced by a number (1,2,3, etc.): ZDC_Nx_OBS. This helps our training staff recognize the new members.

Such controllers should first attempt to log on as ZDC_N1_OBS. If this callsign is in use, choose the callsign ZDC_N2_OBS, etc.

[David Jedrejcic]

(Edited for accuracy)

MBI's will be assigned as specified above - when a controller has:

1) Passed the ZDC Basic Exam
2) Holds a minimum rating of S1
3) Has obtained initial zuthorization to work solo within ZDC


Item (3) above simply requires that a new controller request a session with a MTR/INS by posting a request on the Training Requests forum, and that the MTR/INS grant the controller to work solo on at least one position within ZDC. If the permission is granted only lfor Class C/D DEL positions, that is acceptable for OI's to be assigned. The new controller does not need to get solo authorization to work a Major Facility in order to get OI's assigned. All controllers new to ZDC must, however, obtain initial authorization to work solo from one of the MTR/INS staff before logging onto the VATSIM servers to provide ATC services within ZDC.