MBI 06-10: Announcements on ATC channel-SUPERSEDED

[Mariano Buitrago]

In order to keep "chatter" on the ATC channel to a minimum, VATUSA has requested that DEL and GND positions not announce their opening/closing on the ATC channel. Instead, send a private message to the next online upstream controller if applicable.

Thanks for your understanding and compliance.

[robertshenry]

WIE UFN:

This is now VATUSA policy for all positions.

[Mariano Buitrago]

I wanted to make sure it's very clear that VATUSA policy now expressly disallows the use of the ATC channel. I realize that we had issued a statement prohibiting use of the ATC channel for TWR and below openings/closings. Just so there is no misunderstanding, that prohibition has been expanded to include ALL use of the ATC channel.

Without naming names, Bob and I saw several instances in last night's event where controllers, including some of our own, sent messages through the ATC channel that went against both the letter of the policy and its spirit.

Many messages broadcast through the ATC channel last night could have been avoided by just sending PMs to your next upstream and next downstream controllers.

We are trying to get some more clarity from VATUSA management on whether there are ANY permissible uses for the ATC channel, but until we obtain an answer, please do not use the ATC channel for any purposes.

Thanks for your understanding and compliance.

[mbarnette]

Are they making rules just to make rules or is there a reason for this. If I log on as Approach controller, now I have to PM CTR (hopefully just 1), delivery, and Twr. During events, if I get slammed, I dont have the time to PM EVERYBODY to ask for help or have somebody hold. ATC message pretty much covers what I need. Maybe VATUSA should come over to my house and watch over my shoulder so when I need help then they can Broadcast something about an event somewhere.

What is the use of ATC message then?

Mariano/Bob, you can cut and paste this to the VATUSA Forum if you want.

[Mariano Buitrago]

Hang tight. Bob and I have been in conversations with VATUSA management to obtain further clarification and hopefully come to an agreement that leverages the channel while reducing the abuses that unfortunately occur frequently all over VATSIM.

[gsauter]

there is a command in vrc/asrc to set up a group PM.

.group ZDC ? (i'm at work so can't check docs)
.a (add) iad_app
.a iad_twr
etc...

then message in the ZDC box and that message will go out to those in the group.

[Mariano Buitrago]

Superseded by new VATUSA Policy WIE

Mariano Buitrago
April 10, 2007