Draft:New Controller Orientation Guide

New York ARTCC

New Controller Orientation Guide

Rev. 11 — Revised: 2026-03-27

Welcome

Dear New Member,

Welcome to New York ARTCC! Here you will have an opportunity to work with an outstanding team of individuals; these individuals make New York ARTCC a great place to control and a great place to develop your skills. The knowledge you gain, along with a positive attitude and self-motivation, will make you a highly regarded addition to our team. While New York ARTCC is one of the best ARTCCs VATSIM-wide, it is also one of the most difficult. This difficulty stems from a demand for high standards and the complexity of New York’s airspace. It is very important that you understand what you are getting yourself into. New York ARTCC demands a large amount of self-discipline and self-motivation. You are required to do a large amount of reading and self-learning to prepare you for the advanced and fast-paced one-on-one training sessions.

The New York ARTCC training program is both challenging and rewarding. Our Training Staff will assist you with any questions, ideas, and/or concerns that you might have. New York ARTCC has three Tier 1 major facilities: John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR). A new controller is assigned to one of these facilities based upon current facility staffing needs. Altogether, New York ARTCC has jurisdiction over 3.27 million square miles of airspace, of which, 17,000 square miles are comprised of mainland airspace, and the remaining 3.25 million square miles are Oceanic airspace. Each primary facility has its own training team comprised of Instructors and Mentors, under the leadership of a Facility Coordinator. All of us want to make your tenure at this facility as enjoyable, educating, and rewarding as possible.

New York ARTCC is proud to be one of the largest and busiest ARTCCs within VATUSA and VATSIM, and represents the first en route control facility in the world. We have a rich and accomplished legacy, and a long and continuing line of dedicated controllers. I look forward to working with you, and would like to welcome you again to our team!

Sincerely,

New York ARTCC Air Traffic Manager

Characteristics of an Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers are super humans. Well, almost. How else are these professionals able to maintain safety and order in the increasingly busy skies above us? Sure enough, there are tools to help get the job done, but the human element is an important piece of the puzzle and cannot be ignored. Here are a handful of characteristics that air traffic controllers must possess (like the stripes on a tiger) in order to succeed at what they do:

• Spatial awareness – the ability to mentally build a three dimensional picture of where each aircraft is relative to the others and to foresee any potential conflicts is one of many characteristics an air traffic controller must possess.
• Simultaneous capacity – multitasking ranks in the top tier of characteristics that air traffic controllers must possess. Reading instruments, transmitting or receiving and writing simultaneously are just part of the routine of controllers on duty.
• Excellent memory – the task of controlling aircraft requires air traffic controllers to remember both distant and recent events, even thought these may be aided by memory joggers. The multiplicity of air traffic control tasks competing for attention can easily interfere with one’s ability to remember.
• Respect for authority and the rules – aviation is a highly regulated industry, which requires adherence to maintain safety. Regulations are the products of many years of industry experience and conventional wisdom and are undoubtedly superior to any single person’s judgment. Having respect for these will be a controller’s greatest asset.
• Making decisions under pressure – air traffic controllers must think faster than an aircraft can fly if they are to keep safety in the air. Decisions cannot be postponed when working live traffic traveling at speeds as much as 8 miles a minute. Every wasted minute brings conflicting aircraft dangerously close to one another.
• Exercising effective personal authority – the word “control” can only have meaning if air traffic controllers exercise their authority effectively. Being resolute earns a controller respect and gives pilots confidence in his/her ability.
• Paying attention to details – “never assume, determine” is a phrase that air traffic controllers have repeatedly heard, and is synonymous with getting the details right. Like making quick decisions, the lack or wrong assumption of some detail can lead to dire consequences.
• Visual-motor coordination – try playing a video game without this ability… the result will be a resounding defeat. Controlling air traffic is like a complex video game, except that real lives and millions of dollars worth of aircraft are involved. Radar controllers and aerodrome controllers particularly must rely of visual-motor coordination for observing traffic and issuing instructions accordingly.
• Teamwork skills – a chain is as strong as it’s weakest link. That said, air traffic controllers must work together like the proverbial chain to maintain the safe and orderly flow of traffic. One blunder in the order can replicate itself throughout the chain. The defense mechanism in place, however, is often sufficient to stymie the development of any problems.
• Tolerance to frustration – this is easier said than done, but controllers cannot allow extraneous issues to interfere with their performance. When a controller enters an ATC unit, he must check all annoyances at the door if he is to carry out the exacting tasks ahead on his watch.
• Emotional stability – emotions almost always clouds one’s judgment, and air traffic controllers must keep these at bay. Like frustrations, emotions must be checked at the door.
• Willingness to accept criticism – an observer on the outside looking in is likely to be at an advantage, and criticism of from him/her should be accepted. It is likely that controllers can achieve the same objective using different methods, so it is wise to accept other points of view [hmmm…controllers are gods unto themselves]
• Resistance to boredom – boredom leads to complacency.

Facility Information

New York ARTCC (ZNY) is one of the largest and busiest control facilities in VATUSA with an average roster of 220 controllers. Controller administration is managed by the state-of-the-art New York ARTCC website. Despite such a large roster we maintain a training staff of around 17 Instructors and Mentors to facilitate a 10:1 student to teacher ratio.

Upon joining the New York ARTCC, you will be assigned to one of our primary major facilities – John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR) – based on facility staffing needs. The amount of time it takes to certify on cab positions is generally consistent among the major facilities and averages between 1-3 months. Once you complete the facility (certified on Approach), you will be able to choose and begin training at your next major facility. The amount of time it takes to become fully certified at ZNY, and eligible to work New York Center, varies from controller to controller but on average takes 1-3 years.

New York Center (ZNY) owns 3.27 million square miles of airspace which is divided between mainland and Oceanic sectors. Sector shelves start as low as 0 AGL (ground level) and top out as high as Flight Level 600 (60,000 ft) AGL. ZNY handles a total of 28 sectors, excluding those that are Oceanic. These are broken down into 16 low altitude, 12 high altitude, and 2 super high altitude sectors. Incorporated within the Center, although worked as a separate position, are two Oceanic areas – collectively designated New York Oceanic (ZWY) – one of which one has control over Bermuda (BDA). Generally the mainland sectors are combined into 1 or 2 operational positions.

New York TRACON (N90), widely considered to have the most complex airspace in the world is a large, consolidated facility that has the primary responsibility for arrivals and departures at three major airports (the New York Metros) – John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA). Additionally, N90 is responsible for satellite general aviation fields that provide much of the area’s Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic, including Long Island MacArthur (ISP), Teterboro (TEB), Westchester County (HPN), and Republic (FRG). The TRACON is divided into 5 areas, Newark, LaGuardia, Kennedy, Islip, and Liberty. The Newark Area covers EWR along with satellite airports including TEB, Essex County (CDW), and Morristown Municipal (MMU). The LaGuardia Area controls LaGuardia and two satellites, HPN and Danbury Municipal (DXR), and is known to many as the world's hardest area due to airspace less than 6 miles wide and bordering Kennedy and Newark on either side. The Kennedy Area controls JFK and its only satellite FRG, and controls many international flights from Europe. The Islip Area controls all low altitude flights along Long Island in addition to ISP. The Liberty Area controls high altitude departures from the all Areas as well as aircraft in the north portion of the airspace, the Catskills. New York TRACON is one of the busiest facilities in the nation and handles an average of 300 operations per day.

Philadelphia TRACON is not a stand-alone facility but rather an up/down facility, meaning it includes both a TRACON and ATCT (Air Traffic Control Tower) in the same facility. The primary responsibility of the Philadelphia ATCT and TRACON are arrivals and departures at Philadelphia International (PHL) and satellites including Northeast Philadelphia (PNE), New Castle (ILG), Trenton Mercer (TTN), and several smaller general aviation fields. The TRACON's airspace overlies a total of three states including New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, and is bordered by both New York Center (ZNY) and Washington Center (ZDC).

New York ARTCC is one of the only facilities in the nation to have a fully operational Traffic Management Unit (TMU) and a traffic management training program. The TMU’s mission is to balance air traffic demand with system capacity to ensure the maximum efficient utilization of ZNY’s airspace. A safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic, while minimizing delays, is fostered through continued analysis, coordination, and dynamic utilization of traffic management initiatives and programs.

New York ARTCC Leadership Team

The following organizational chart depicts the structure of the New York ARTCC Management Team.

Please refer to https://www.nyartcc.org/roster/staff for an up to date staff roster.

Getting Started

“So I joined the New York ARTCC, now what?”

Your journey here at the New York ARTCC begins with gaining a general understanding of the procedures used here to guide you to Level 8 certification (the end of the training program). The following steps should be completed first:

• Check out the ZNY Discord
  • Check out the New York ARTCC Discord to gain access to a great deal of information that we strongly encourage you to take advantage of.
  • Feel free to introduce yourself in a new post, and read the questions and answers of your fellow students.
  • In the #level-training channel, the post New Controllers: Start Here has links to additional information to help get you acclimated to vZNY including links to introductory videos.

Configure the ZNY TeamSpeak Server

New York ARTCC uses a TeamSpeak server for operational coordination and all live instruction. Using TeamSpeak is also a required part of training and controlling at ZNY. Here you can speak with other controllers in the ARTCC, ask any questions you may have and meet new people with common interests.

Use following information to connect to the ZNY TeamSpeak Server:

• Set-up TeamSpeak
  • Go to http://www.teamspeak.com and download and install TeamSpeak 3 Client.
  • Install and run the application
  • When the TeamSpeak3 application is downloaded to your computer, navigate to "Connections" > "Connect"
  • Enter the following information:
    • Server Address: ts3.nyartcc.org
    • Nickname: Controllers must logon using only their full names.
    • Password: No password is required.
    • Click "Connect"

• New Members
  • TS Privilege Keys can be found in the welcome email that all controllers get when joining the ARTCC. In order to receive this email, you cannot be using AOL or other legacy email addresses. If you can't find the email, and have a modern address such as Gmail, then it means it the welcome email was sent to spam. If you have a legacy email address on file with ZNY, email datm@nyartcc.org and we will change it and resend the welcome email so that you will receive your TS Privilege Key.
  • Take the TS Privilege Key from the email and open TS. Go to "Permissions" > "Use Privilege Key" and enter the key. If you are unable to enter the key, that means you have privileges already of some sort. In order to first use this key, you cannot have any privileges at all such as S1 tags, Visitor tags, etc. If you do, a staff member must remove these tags first before they key is entered.

• Old Members

Your previous TeamSpeak Server accounts are no longer being used. Please see the instructions above to connect to the TeamSpeak Server.

All controllers are encouraged to set up a myTeamspeak account, which will synchronize permissions across your devices and allow you to log in to Teamspeak from any of those devices.

Required Reading

The next step is to read and understand all of the documents required to begin training at ZNY. There are several documents that must be carefully understood prior to moving on. Reading the following documents is mandatory

• New Controller Orientation Guide (this document)
• New York ARTCC Regulations and Policies
• New York ARTCC Training Procedure
• Clearance Delivery and Ground sections of YOUR assigned major facility’s SOP
• All General SOPs

Additionally, FAA Order JO 7110.65 should be used as the reference for proper phraseology and procedures. Controllers providing Clearance Delivery and Ground service should read chapters 1-4, controllers providing TRACON and Center service should also read chapters 4-7, and controllers providing Oceanic service should read chapter 8.

The Training Process

The exact training process can be found in the New York ARTCC Training Procedure document. Below is a basic overview of the first few steps in the overall training flow:

Computer-Based Training Classes
Once you have read the required documents and have become familiar with the information therein, you will be ready to begin taking our Computer-Based Training (CBT) Modules. While the Instructors and Mentors are here to help you understand the material, it is entirely your responsibility to gain a complete working knowledge of all of the material contained within these classes. The ZNY training program is based upon self-study; you may complete these classes at your own pace. The more time you spend studying and learning the material, the better the controller you will be.

These CBTs are designed to teach you the basic fundamentals of air traffic control and the knowledge required to perform air traffic control functions. The training staff is there to teach you how to apply this knowledge. Take your time reviewing each CBT and study them carefully. It is a good practice to watch them several times and write down any questions you may have.

Complete the ZNY S1 Examination
After completing all of the above steps you will have the opportunity to take the ZNY S1 Examination. This exam tests you on all of the knowledge necessary to work Clearance Delivery and Ground. None of the training exams are timed and you are able to use the resources on the ZNY web site to look up information needed to answer each question. If you do not pass the ZNY S1 Examination, the test will automatically be reassigned in 3 days. It is unnecessary to inform the training staff that you have failed, we are notified automatically. If you do not pass after your second attempt, an Exam Review training session is required.

Facility Specific Practice Clearances
Once you have passed both the ZNY S1 and VATUSA S1 Examinations, you will be eligible to complete a set of Practice Clearances. You should use your knowledge from the CBT modules as well as the facility SOP to complete this test. When you pass the Practice Clearance exam, you will be able to schedule training for DEL/GND through the Book Training page on the web site.

Remember, the more time and effort you put into studying, the more you will learn and the better the controller you will become. The training staff is here to help you along the way, but the majority of the work is up to you and to be completed at your own pace. If you have any questions let us know. Good luck!

Level Specific and Facility Specific Training Criteria
For each level of training at New York ARTCC, the training program aims to teach a specific set of topics to the trainee and eventually evaluate the trainee on the same topics. These topics are listed in the Level Specific Training Criteria. Additionally, for each major facility at the ARTCC, a set of Facility Specific Training Criteria exists; this includes Kennedy (JFK), Newark (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), New York Center (ZNY), and New York Oceanic (ZWY).

Learning Stages and Assessment
You will be provided every opportunity to become fully successful. You are expected to have a satisfactory working knowledge of the subject areas contained within the computer-based training modules. Failure to a have satisfactory understanding of these classes will adversely affect the learning process.

Early Stage of Learning: (examples)

   Phraseology
   Airspace
   SOPs/LOAs
   Position relief briefings
   Clearance Delivery, Ground and Local Control operations

Intermediate Stage of Learning: (examples)

   Vectoring techniques
   Airspace sectorization
   Adjacent sector operations
   Effective coordination and communication
   Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) operations

Late Stage of Learning: (examples)

   Multi-tasking
   Controlling vs. putting-out fires
   Timely execution
   Combining transmissions
   Traffic awareness in other sectors
   Not thinking while transmitting over the frequency
   Ability to filter out superfluous conversation
   Ability to adapt to changing situations/traffic scenarios
   Full realization of priority of duties from adjacent positions
   Offshore/Oceanic procedures

Best Operating Practices

Overall Guidelines for Tower Cab Positions:

• SCAN, SCAN, SCAN. Be vigilant!
• Do not overload the departure controller.
• Consider aircraft performance for successive departures.
• Be aware of aircraft performance, language problems, etc. when arriving and departing from the same or intersecting runways with minimal separation.
• If you intend to change an assigned departure runway, inform the pilot as soon as possible so they can make changes in time to be ready upon reaching the runway.
• Use “Memory Aids.”
• Ground Control should scan the appropriate final and runway prior to asking Local Control for permission to cross the runway.
• Local control should always check for ground traffic before exiting or crossing runways.
• Be alert for aircraft pushing-back on to a movement area without authorization.

Overall Guidelines for Radar Positions:

• Anticipate sector capacity (including adjacent areas) when high volume is likely.
• Request assistance early during periods of high traffic density such as events.
• Restrict traffic appropriately so that your ability to provide separation is not compromised.
• Ensure that instructions are read back correctly.
• Consider aircraft performance characteristics as you work.
• Coordinate early and often with adjacent sectors.
• Don’t be complacent during periods of light traffic.
• Use positive control, issue control instructions early enough to be effective.
• Be cautious immediately after assuming position responsibilities.
• Avoid vectoring too close to adjacent airspace when it is not necessary.
• Use available diagrams to meet Class B airspace and MVA requirements.
• Set/coordinate aircraft sequences as soon as possible.
• Sequence slow arriving traffic by vectoring to the shortest possible final.
• Be cognizant of wind direction and speed when conducting Land and Hold Shot Operations (LAHSO).
• Consider compression on final and assign speeds as necessary.
• Ensure that VFR aircraft receive advisories in your airspace.

Our Expectations of All Members

The New York ARTCC expects all members to:

• Come to training sessions, be on time.
• Be prepared – mentally and physically.
• Understand facilities policies and manage your conduct appropriately.
• Be cooperative and professional.
• Treat people with respect and dignity.
• Respect the contributions of others.
• Take initiative.
• Be accountable.
• Lead by example – be a good role model.
• Do not tolerate or engage in any form of harassment or discrimination.
• Actively participate in training.
• Seek the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences required to stay productive and to continue progressing forward.
• Participate fully in training and developmental activities by applying what is learned to the operational environment.
• Know your airspace, procedures, and equipment.
• Use prescribed phraseology/correct facility and equipment names.
• Follow rules and procedures.
• Be open to feedback – provide honest information.
• Be an effective team member.

Management Roles and Responsibilities

• Create an environment that supports and encourages the contributions of all members and is free of inappropriate and prohibited behavior.
• Communicate openly and honestly your expectations for behavior in the facility and accept nothing less.
• Treat all members with dignity and respect.
• Create and maintain a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes participation by all members in activities for the benefit of the individual and the organization.
• Communicate promotional and developmental opportunities to members in a timely manner.
• Identify, eliminate, and prevent discrimination and harassment.
• Discipline those who create, foster, condone, or tolerate an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or abusive environment.
• Serve as a role model for the behavior that fosters a productive and hospitable learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get help with training?
Each major facility has its own training team comprised of Instructors and Mentors under the leadership of the Facility Coordinator. They are the specialists for that facility. You can post your questions in the #ask-staff Discord channel and they appropriate personnel will respond to your message. If you wish for a more private response, submit a ticket through the web site.

I'm a visitor/transfer from another area with a(n) XX rating. How does this affect my training at ZNY?
If you are a Transfer to ZNY, you will NOT lose your rating unless you are an I1 or I3. I1 and I3 ratings are ARTCC assigned. However, if you are a transferring controller, then you must still pass the exams before you can control anywhere inside ZNY.

If you're a visiting controller, you will need to pass the exams before controlling at ZNY just like a transfer or new member. Visiting controllers will not lose an I1 or I3 rating upon becoming a visitor at ZNY.

Note that in order to control New York Center you must progress along the major training scheme at your assigned facility and others at ZNY. If you are a visiting I1 or I3, your I1/I3 rating does not apply within ZNY. While you are free to pass on tips, knowledge, etc. that you have gained, you are not authorized to function in a teaching capacity without the explicit permission of the TA. Additionally, visiting controllers who possess a rating of C1 or higher are eligible for certification on New York Oceanic (ZWY) and Minor New York Center (ZNY) Sectors.

If you are a highly experienced controlled, the Training Administrator has flexibility to tailor a program suited to your needs. Please contact the TA and set up a meeting for evaluation.

What is a SweatBox?
The SweatBox is a dynamic simulator interface where Instructors and Mentors can add simulated aircraft for you to control in scenarios used to demonstrate technique, operational principles, airspace, etc. It can also be used to test your limits and push you until you sweat, hence, Sweatbox. It's actually quite fun to do and good practice.

How do I become a member of the training staff?
Instructors and Mentors are appointed at the sole authority of the Training Administrator. Please do not solicit staff members about becoming an Instructor or Mentor. To be considered for a training staff position controllers must be at least S3 certified, in good standing with the instructional staff, demonstrate considerable skill and ability at working their certified positions, express eagerness and willingness to learn new material, accept criticism and show desire to improve upon preexisting abilities, have excellent oral and written communication skills, show great patience during adverse and difficult situations, be well respected among peers, express leadership qualities, follow directions, and respect the rules that govern teaching positions.

Okay, I'm good so far. What’s next?
Go back to Getting Started and follow the steps. Also, login to your Controller Panel and get acquainted with the New York ARTCC website. Learn the material, ask questions, practice, and have a good time at ZNY!

Terms of Reference

• Training Team – Designated individuals who facilitate a facility’s training program
  • Mentor (MTR)
  • Instructor (INS)
  • Facility Coordinator (FC)
  • Training Administrator (TA)
• Computer-Based Training (CBT) – Instructional delivery method using interactive computer technology.
• Classroom/Group Training – Instructional presentations administered away from operational positions.
• SweatBox Training – Practical training conducted by an Instructor or Mentor that provides direct experience in a dynamically simulated operational environment.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) – Training conducted by an Instructor or Mentor that provides direct experience in the operations environment.
• Consolidation of Learning – A period of time after certification where the student uses the new skills he or she has just learned to control live online traffic.
• Observation – When an Instructor or Mentor critiques the student and assesses the student's understanding of the material for the appropriate level and preparedness to move on.
• Practical Assessment – An operational assessment of proficiency and mastery in the operational procedures and phraseology required of the position under assessment, with an Instructor or Mentor observing over-the-shoulder.
• Certification – An ARTCC assigned endorsement of a controller’s proficiency.
• Early Stage of Learning – The period in which the student relies heavily on referencing facility SOPs. The student should begin to have a clear understanding of what is to be learned.
• Intermediate Stage of Learning – In this stage of learning, the student knows the expectation and skill but still requires practice to eliminate excess verbiage and apply the proper procedure.
• Late Stage of Learning – In the late stage of learning, a skill set becomes habit or second nature. The developmental executes because he or she knows this is the correct action for the situation without thinking or hesitation.
• Proficiency – Knowing, understanding, and applying air traffic procedures in a safe and efficient manner.
• Refresher training – Training conducted to maintain and update previously learned knowledge and skills.
• Remedial Training – Training provided to correct specific identified operational deficiencies.
• Skill Enhancement Training – Training used to improve knowledge level or skill performance.
• Self-Study – Training situation wherein the study/learning is accomplished by the individual.
• Consolidated Positions – Operational positions of the same nature which are routinely combined, (New York Approach, for example).