Oakland ARTCC Forum http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/ en Sat, 19 May 2012 08:35:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png Oakland ARTCC Forum http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/ ZOA has a new EC! http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5305-ZOA-has-a-new-EC!&goto=newpost Sat, 19 May 2012 07:49:33 GMT Gentlemen, please join me in congratulating our new Events Coordinator *Christopher Lowe * Chris is taking over the position from Jonathan Cox... Gentlemen, please join me in congratulating our new Events Coordinator

Christopher Lowe

Chris is taking over the position from Jonathan Cox whom has moved on to the position of Facility Engineer about 2 weeks ago. Chris' ideas for ZOA events in the future are great and his continued passion for aviation and ZOA made him the ideal candidate.

Thank you Chris and welcome to the senior staff team. ]]> Staff Announcements Michael Mund-Hoym http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5305-ZOA-has-a-new-EC! TEC routes: ZOAs newest toy! http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5304-TEC-routes-ZOAs-newest-toy!&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 07:26:09 GMT Gentlemen, Have you always wondered which route to give to an IFR pilot flying from Oakland to San Francisco? Or San Jose to Half Moon Bay? The... Gentlemen,

Have you always wondered which route to give to an IFR pilot flying from Oakland to San Francisco? Or San Jose to Half Moon Bay?

The ZOA staff has programmed a page offering you real world TEC routes within the Oakland ARTCC, mainly within the NorCal TRACON area.

The purpose of TEC (Tower Enroute Control) routing as Wikipedia states is the following:

TEC routing is intended to better distribute the load of traffic coordination over different ATC facilities and levels by allowing low-altitude IFR traffic engaged in short flights within congested areas to conduct the entire flight under the control of approach-control or lower levels of ATC. Aircraft flying TEC routes can complete an entire flight without the need to contact major air traffic control centers. Prepared TEC routes have been published for turbojet and lighter aircraft between major airports within large and congested airspaces.

Note that very few airports participating in the TEC system in ZOA are under control of Oakland Center (i.e. Santa Rosa, KSTS).

On some routes, differently powered aircraft are assigned different routes and altitudes. The SFOW routes are to be used when SFO is in normal, west or north operations (landing runways 28L/R or landing runways 1L/R). SFOE routes are to be used when SFO is in east or south operations (landing runways 19L/R or landing runways 10L/R).

IFR clearances should be issued like other normal IFR clearances.

You can access the ZOA TEC routes search page by clicking here or by going to the ZOA homepage, hovering on "Pilot Info" on the top menu bar and clicking on "TEC routes".

Hope you enjoy this new toy! ]]> Staff Announcements Michael Mund-Hoym http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5304-TEC-routes-ZOAs-newest-toy! Welcome to Chris Melhuish! http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5302-Welcome-to-Chris-Melhuish!&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 10:57:46 GMT This is to welcome back a former member from a couple years ago... *Chris Melhuish * rejoins ZOA as a home controller. Welcome to the... This is to welcome back a former member from a couple years ago...

Chris Melhuish


rejoins ZOA as a home controller.

Welcome to the team Chris! If you have any questions, please let us know! ]]> Staff Announcements Michael Mund-Hoym http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5302-Welcome-to-Chris-Melhuish! The Viper Project http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5301-The-Viper-Project&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 22:01:09 GMT The ZOA Off-Topic Forum Charan Kumar http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5301-The-Viper-Project Oakland Opening - Virgin America Virtual (May 20th 1600Z-2100Z) http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5299-Oakland-Opening-Virgin-America-Virtual-(May-20th-1600Z-2100Z)&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 03:54:03 GMT Image: http://virginamericavirtual.com/images/logo.png Celebrating their opening as a new virtual airline, *Virgin America Virtual *will host...


Celebrating their opening as a new virtual airline, Virgin America Virtual will host the "Oakland Opening" event, featuring the San Francisco Airport and a few fields within the Los Angeles ARTCC.

The event is scheduled to be held on Sunday, May 20th 2012 from 1600Z-2100Z (0900-1400 pacific).

Lets staff up the following (shifts are available upon own coordination):

OAK CTR -

SFO APP -

SFO TWR - ]]> The Alex Bower Events Forum Michael Mund-Hoym http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5299-Oakland-Opening-Virgin-America-Virtual-(May-20th-1600Z-2100Z) Some real world color profiles http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5298-Some-real-world-color-profiles&goto=newpost Fri, 11 May 2012 04:46:26 GMT Hey guys,

One of the things I've planned on doing is creating a set of color profiles based on real-world systems. So far, I've got three. I've provided a download for whoever would like to try them out.

The three I've included here are STARS TCW, CARTS ACD, and DSR.


  • STARS TCW (Terminal Controller Workstation) is used for the STARS radar system in place at many TRACONs. STARS radar mode.
  • CARTS ACD (ARTS Color Display) is used for Common ARTS, the current ARTS system in place at many other TRACONS. STARS radar mode.
  • DSR is the system used in the en-route facilities. DSR radar mode.


---

Regarding TCW and ACD: Both of these, as mentioned above, are built for use with STARS radar mode. If you prefer to use ARTS radar mode, then simply change the "Target Symbol" and "History Trail" colors to green and dark green, respectively. In the real world, the map and target brightness can be changed. I built the profile with the colors at 100% brightness. If you find the gray too strong, simply change the items to a darker shade of gray. I would not recommend changing the brightness of the targets, especially if you choose to use ARTS radar mode.

(ACD is used for the Common ARTS system, which is in place at many TRACONs, including NCT. ACD is the true precursor to, and is already being replaced by STARS, which is already in place at many other TRACONs. The color schemes are very similar, with only subtle differences between the two.)

Regarding DSR: Similarly to the others, the brightness of targets and maps can be turned up or down. I built this profile with the colors to be approximate to the peak values. If you find the gray too strong, change the items to a darker shade of gray. I wouldn't recommend changing the brightness of the targets. You can change the background to a brighter blue (I wouldn't recommend anything over about 60 or 65, default is 30) or to a darker blue or even black.

How to Install: All three of these are included in the file I've uploaded. First, download and extract the file. I'd recommend saving it to the desktop, you will need to locate it.


  1. Open VRC, but do not choose a session profile. Instead, click on the "Tools" menu.
  2. Click on "Import Color Profiles."
  3. Locate the file you downloaded and click "open."
  4. Click "Select All" (or if you only want to use one or two of them, click on the respective ones) and click "Import."


Then, when you open up your session profile, the color profiles will be available for you to use.

---

Try these out if you'd like, I'd also appreciate feedback and suggestions. I plan to develop more real-world based color profiles, and a guide to using and tweaking them.

Enjoy & happy controlling!
Attached Files
]]> ZOA - General Discussion Jonathan Cox http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5298-Some-real-world-color-profiles <![CDATA[Let's Congratulate....]]> http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5297-Let-s-Congratulate&goto=newpost Mon, 07 May 2012 12:29:35 GMT Gentlemen, As the second highest ranking staff member of our ARTCC, I would request that you all join me in a joyous round of congratulations for... Gentlemen,

As the second highest ranking staff member of our ARTCC, I would request that you all join me in a joyous round of congratulations for our ATM:

Michael Mund-Hoym

VATSIM's most recently promoted SUPERVISOR. You will now see him online both as ZOA_ATM and MM_SUP on a regular basis. He has committed himself to the highest level of dedicated service by helping our network to be a friendlier place for all members. This promotion also recognizes Michael's generosity and leadership in our community. We're very lucky to have him as our commander-in-chief/staff instructor here at ZOA.

Congratulations, Michael. This is well deserved and a long time coming!!

JE ]]> Staff Announcements Julio Elizalde http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5297-Let-s-Congratulate CJ is our new (old) FE! http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5295-CJ-is-our-new-(old)-FE!&goto=newpost Sat, 05 May 2012 18:20:04 GMT Gentlemen, though working the position to an amazing extent without holding it officially while he was Events Coordinator, * Jonathan Cox ... Gentlemen,

though working the position to an amazing extent without holding it officially while he was Events Coordinator,


Jonathan Cox


has been now officially promoted ZOA's Facility Engineer.

Congrats Jon! Thank you for your continuous and dedicated work and help! ]]> Staff Announcements Michael Mund-Hoym http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5295-CJ-is-our-new-(old)-FE! Oceanic Clearance Procedures http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5294-Oceanic-Clearance-Procedures&goto=newpost Wed, 02 May 2012 18:01:21 GMT *EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY * After a discussion among the ZOA staff, it has been decided that local controllers will no longer be responsible for... EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

After a discussion among the ZOA staff, it has been decided that local controllers will no longer be responsible for obtaining Oceanic Clearances from ZAK_E_FSS via OAK_CTR. Due to the extremely rare instance that both facilities are manned, there is no point in continuing this practice. OAK_CTR will be responsible for obtaining an oceanic clearance from ZAK_E_FSS once any oceanic bound aircraft is airborne and under their control. OAK_CTR will attend to any separation requirements or time adjustment request from ZAK_E_FSS directly.

In the event of a large scale event which includes both ZOA and HCF, we will address specific amendments to this practice, but for day to day use, no local controllers will be required to understand oceanic clearances. Knowledge of the practice will only be expected of C1/CTR controllers.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me or any of the capable members of the training staff.

JE ]]> Staff Announcements Julio Elizalde http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5294-Oceanic-Clearance-Procedures Merging target procedures, anyone??? http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5293-Merging-target-procedures-anyone&goto=newpost Wed, 02 May 2012 13:41:17 GMT The ZOA Off-Topic Forum Julio Elizalde http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5293-Merging-target-procedures-anyone ZSE FNO - Converging Suicide at KPDX (May 25th 1700-2200 pacific) http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5292-ZSE-FNO-Converging-Suicide-at-KPDX-(May-25th-1700-2200-pacific)&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:36:38 GMT Image: http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b53/warhuck/mpb2f.jpg Lets support our northern neighbor - the Seattle ARTCC - by staffing up for...



Lets support our northern neighbor - the Seattle ARTCC - by staffing up for their "Converging Suicide at KPDX" FNO on May 25th from 1700-2200 pacific.

Please be aware that the Second San Francisco Experience event, a ZOA and VATUSA sponsored event, is the day after this ZSE event.

Lets staff the following in 2 shifts (shift 1: 1700-1930 pacific, shift 2: 1930-2200 pacific)



Shift 1:

OAK CTR - Julio Elizalde

SFO APP - Bobby Simmons

SFO DEP

SFO TWR - Michael Mund-Hoym

SFO GND

SFO DEL



Shift 2:

OAK CTR - Julio Elizalde

SFO APP

SFO DEP - Chuck Barlow

SFO TWR - Michael Mund-Hoym

SFO GND

SFO DEL ]]> The Alex Bower Events Forum Michael Mund-Hoym http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5292-ZSE-FNO-Converging-Suicide-at-KPDX-(May-25th-1700-2200-pacific) Some FAA history http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5288-Some-FAA-history&goto=newpost Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:58:27 GMT The ZOA Off-Topic Forum Chuck Barlow http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5288-Some-FAA-history Another FSX Tweak Guide http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5285-Another-FSX-Tweak-Guide&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:51:29 GMT The ZOA Off-Topic Forum Charan Kumar http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5285-Another-FSX-Tweak-Guide Vdo: a Wind Whipped Jetliner http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5284-Vdo-a-Wind-Whipped-Jetliner&goto=newpost Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:16:38 GMT The ZOA Off-Topic Forum Charan Kumar http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5284-Vdo-a-Wind-Whipped-Jetliner The Second SFO Experience - May 26, 4-8pm PDT http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5283-The-Second-SFO-Experience-May-26-4-8pm-PDT&goto=newpost Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:01:12 GMT Image: http://i.imgur.com/tEpmB.jpg The SFO Experience returns for 2012! Get ready for a wild night in the City by the Bay! Thousands of people...

The SFO Experience returns for 2012! Get ready for a wild night in the City by the Bay!

Thousands of people each year visit San Francisco, the fourth largest city in California, for a variety of things. Cable cars, the Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge are just a few of several major attractions in San Francisco. Maybe you want to catch a Giants baseball game or watch a performance at one of the city's major arts centers. All in all, San Francisco is a vibrant, bustling city with plenty of experiences to be had!

With over 1100 operations per day, San Francisco Int'l is the second busiest airport in California and tenth in the nation. Dozens of airlines provide service to a wide range of destinations in CA, across the US and over the globe, giving passengers hundreds of options to choose when traveling. Additionally, SFO serves cargo carriers and plenty of corporate and general aviation traffic.

Bring your planes and see what San Francisco has to offer on Saturday, May 26 from 4pm to 8pm PDT (7-11 EDT, 2300-0300z). All traffic is welcome and we'll have full, professional ATC services covering the airport. This is the second time we're doing this event, and it's gonna be even better than before! You won't want to miss out, so make sure to fly in, fly out, or both and see what the City by the Bay has for you to experience!

---

Sign up for the following positions:

OAK A CTR -- Chuck Barlow (both shifts)
OAK B CTR -- Jonathan Cox (both shifts)
OAK C CTR -- Charan Kumar (both shifts)

SFO APP -- Julio Elizalde (both shifts)
SFO DEP -- Michael Mund-Hoym (both shifts)
OAK APP --
MRY APP (MRY/SJC) -- Bobby Simmons (both shifts)
MOD APP (MOD/SMF) --

SFO TWR -- Kyle Ekas (both shifts)
SFO GND -- Darryl Flora (both shifts)
SFO DEL --

TMU -- Chris Virgilio (both shifts)

---

This is an official VATUSA event. You must be fully certified for the position you want to control.
Traffic levels are expected to be very high to extreme.
Maintain 15 miles on all arrival and 10 miles on all departure streams. Additional separation may be requested.
Always remember to monitor a controller's frequency before talking on Teamspeak.

As is the usual, I'll put together a briefing a couple days before the event.

Let's show 'em what we're made of! ]]> The Alex Bower Events Forum Jonathan Cox http://www.oakartcc.com/forum/showthread.php?5283-The-Second-SFO-Experience-May-26-4-8pm-PDT