The State of ZOA...

[Paul Biderman]

As the end of 2009 approaches I intended to write a "state of ZOA" forum post probably next week or after New Year's. But some changes to ZOA took place today that are important enough that I've decided to make my post tonight.

First off, I want to thank all of you for your service and hard work at ZOA. We only succeed because of you guys and we really appreciate your efforts and contributions. I know 2009 has been a bit tumultuous for ZOA and I know you join me in hoping that 2010 is better, more stable, more fun, and more exciting. Together we can reach our goals.

I'm going to ask that other FAB members post replies to this thread to discuss the aspects of ZOA that they have direct impact on. I know there are some interesting plans in the works.

But I need to spend tonight discussing the ZOA training department...

I've received a lot of feedback from many of you regarding the general availability of training and the amount of time it's taken some of you to progress through the various stages of training. This feedback has not fallen on deaf ears.

After having discussions with Chuck and David, this morning I accepted David's resignation as ZOA Training Administrator. I will state clearly for the record that I appreciate David's past contributions and I look forward to his continued involvement in ZOA in whatever capacities he chooses. I just think we all agreed that it was time to take ZOA in a new direction. There are absolutely no hard feelings and no regrets.

I have also approached VATUSA with some ideas on how to get our training department moving in the right direction, and we're going to pursue those ideas as vigorously as is possible.

The first idea was that Chuck & I have now been appointed I1 (Instructors) by VATUSA so that he and I can assist Lucas in getting through some of the back log of people who need SMT or a PV. The new role Chuck & I are taking on is effective immediately and I can promise that we'll do our best to get people moving in their training again.

Now with the holidays coming up our availability will be a bit limited over the next 10 days or so, but after that you can expect a "full court press" on training.

To that end Chuck and I have agreed to kind of split the day up. I will continue to typically be available in the mornings, on some weekend days, and by pre-arranged times. Chuck will try to assist Lucas in covering the afternoons and evenings. We will be posting our training availability in the forum and if you need training you need to request it.

Now let me assure everyone of something. Don't expect a "free ride" just because we want to get people moving in their training. You'll find that I'm as tough and detail oriented as any instructor, and I know Chuck will be too. If you get a promotion from us you can be sure you earned it.

I know what some of you may be thinking. "How can these guys be instructors? Chuck still hasn't been certified on CTR. Paul hasn't even started ZOA APP training yet?". I am fully confident that Chuck can work with a student and fully and accurately evaluate if that student has the skills needed to take that next step in his training. And I have been an instructor before on VATUSA, including in the VATUSA academy when it was operating, and I think that plus my overall experience makes me more then qualified to determine a controller's capabilities.

Also, if any of you have been considering offering to help ZOA in some training capacity, either as a mentor or an instructor, please email me. I don't know yet if we'll actually add any new training staff until we select a new TA, but we'll certainly consider it.

Finally, I will be posting the ZOA Training Administrator position for applications tomorrow. Feel free to post comments or questions.

Now I'm going to go eat my dinner, which I understand is cold now. :(

Looking forward to a great 2010 for ZOA!

[Jay McFerdy]

Dear Paul & Chuck,

Thank you both and most certainly all of the staff, for your hard work and dedication to ZOA during my short tenure here.

I can of course only speak for myself and while circumstances and tough decisions sometimes may alter the course of an operation, responsibilities ultimately fall back on the hard working core group of individuals. You all have shown, that you care about ZOA and about the people who make up ZOA. Rest assured, your hard work has not gone unnoticed and it is for this quality group of people, that I have found a home here at ZOA.

I wish the entire staff all the best in the efforts of recreating a training department most suitable to an operation of ZOA's caliber. If I can be of any assistance, granted I currently only hold mediocre skills, I would always be happy to assist.

Having said that, I am also looking forward to a fantastic 2010 with ZOA! You have my full support, keep up the great work!

Happy Holidays!
Jay

[Steffen Franz]

the quick overview from the Facilities Engineer's corner:

as most of you know and hopefully be using it by now ;) the last bigger project I finished was the SFO GND Cheat Sheet. There already has been an error found (and corrected) on that document. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I missed or forgot something. Working on these documents is on and off something goes unnoticed really quickly.

There is one for OAK in the works as well, so bear with me on that one. I plan to extend them over time to SJC, RNO, SMF at the least.

A bigger project that I am in the middle of right now is related to APP. David brought to my attention a few months ago, that CTR, APP and APP sectors that are split are not working in harmony together as the SOPs sometimes state. I am not pointing fingers here, it's just something we need to stress more. Pending a procedure to be implemented and some minor fixes, the Norm Ops version of this immense document is almost ready. East Ops will follow.

I believe our sector files are pretty solid at this point for you guys to use. Sure, they can be improved, but at least there is no important information missing. No, I will not add taxiways to the sector files at this point in time. You all know how to read charts, those are readily available at many sources. Make good use of them.

I am also still available for mentoring, though my times are a bit limited at this point as my work day revolves around 12-14 hour days and i also want to spend some time with my little son. I posted my availability in the forum.

I think that covers it for the most part. If you guys have any questions, just shoot me a private message. As many of you know, I am usually pretty good in responding.

Last but not least, speaking of 2010, a little advertisement in our own interest. Read about "Saturday at the Scopes" in the Event Forum :D

[Michael Mund-Hoym]

Here is my point of view on 2009:

In January of '09 I was looking for a place to do some "pretty real" virtual ATC, something better than FSX multiplayer and I chose ZOA because of my past real world flight training, causing me to know the area and airspace pretty well.

I have met a "family" of dedicated controllers, not to mention an awesome staff, which, I agree, changed a few times. ZOA is a place where I love to hang out, because we share this one unique hobby.

I know that many people are not too satisfied with the training situation as of now, and I understand you guys fully. Not only is Paul trying to switch things around and is he working out a plan to constantly improve ZOA, he, along with all other staff members, is putting alot of time, energy etc. into ZOA behind the scopes. For him, as new ATM, I definately think that I speak for all saying thank you Paul, thank you staff!

In 1 year, I succeeded very well at ZOA. Thanks to many professional training sessions from CV, DC, GM and LD, I got all the way upto SMT on most approach sectors of NCT. Thank you guys very much! Being appointed as mentor at ZOA really gave me a feeling of belonging to ZOA family, thank you for the trust in me and I will do my best in helping out.

Now have a merry christmas, a prosperous new year and enjoy the time with your families and friends.

[Daniel Oordt]

My view on ZOA in 2009,

I came back from an LOA in April and started training on the single approach sectors and continued on to my completion of the APP PV in August. Up until then, I think things were running smoothly in the Training Department because we had enough Instructors and a smaller roster. End of August, everything broke down. DC and GM resigned, there were no available mentors/instructors and the roster was growing everyday. Then Paul stepped in. From then on, we have been making great steps to rebuilding ZOA as a whole, from the FAB to the Training Department to the overall feel of this place. Everyday, and I know it's been slow and frustrating for everyone, including myself, we are making progress. "Luctor et Emergo". I feel proud to call ZOA my home, and look forward to continuing with Paul and the rest of our team to put ZOA back on top, because in the end, it's just another challenge!