Who are we
Belux vACC is part of VATSIM (short for the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network), a completely free online platform which allows virtual pilots, wherever they are in the world, to connect their flight simulators into one shared virtual world. VATSIM also simulates air traffic control in this virtual world, creating the ultimate as-real-as-it-gets experience for you, the virtual aviation enthusiast.
More info on VATSIM can be found on the VATSIM website.
We provide these virtual air traffic control services in the Belgium and Luxembourg region.
Everyone can train to become a virtual Air Traffic Controller with us for free, provided they follow our online and live training course.
Interested? Follow the steps below to sign up!
0. Not a new controller on VATSIM but rather seeking to visit or transfer to us?
First, read the VATSIM Transfer and Visiting Controller Policy and ensure you meet the requirements to transfer or to visit.
- Are you a visiting controller looking to visit our vACC? Submit your request via VATEUD Core and await its approval. As this request will be processed manually, it might take some time for it to be approved. Do not attempt to continue with the next steps prior to your request being approved. Once approved, skip to step 3.
- Are you a transferring controller looking to transfer to our vACC from within the VATEMEA region? Skip to step 2.
- Are you a transferring controller looking to transfer to our vACC from outside the VATEMEA region? Change your region on myVATSIM (VATSIM’s Membership Portal), select your new region as “VATSIM EMEA”, and the new division as “Europe”.
1. Create a VATSIM account
The first step is creating an account with VATSIM. You must skip this step if you already have an account.
During signup you will be asked to select a Region and a Division.
You should select Europe, Middle East and Africa as your Region and select Europe (except UK) as your Division.
2. Assign your vACC to Belux
It is now time to head over to VATEUD Core and request your subdivision (also referred to as vACC) to be set to Belux. You must skip this step if you are looking at becoming a visiting controller.
As this request will be processed manually, it might take some time for it to be approved. Do not attempt to continue with the next steps prior to your request being approved.
Do you want to check if it has? Click here, log in with your VATSIM credentials and look at the bottom of the page at the box labeled “Region – Division – Subdivision”. There you can see what Region, Division, and Subdivision you are currently assigned to.
3. Send a training request
The next step is a training request. Make sure to log in first with your VATSIM account. Fill in your personal info and general availability (left side of the page). Then click “Request (initial) training” under the Endorsements section. You might have to indicate if you are a local controller or a visiting controller.
Local Controller
If you’re new and starting as a virtual Air Traffic Controller with us this is the option to select. Complete the remainder of the form and send us your training request. You should receive an e-mail containing your Canvas login details when your training request was processed.
Visiting Controller
Once you’ve send us your training request, we will e-mail you a special online course to prepare you!Visiting controllers are allowed to control the following airports up to approach level: EBOS, EBAW, EBCI, EBLG and ELLX.
If you wish to visit at EBBR or our en-route sectors, you can request this later on. However, you should be aware that waiting times for training at these positions can be over a year long.
4. Join our Discord server and our forum
We use our Discord server for most communication and coordination. Practical training will also be held via our Discord server.
A login to our forum can be requested via the following link. Once your registration request has been approved, you will receive an e-mail with a forum password. You will now be able to log in on the forum with your VATSIM CID and the password sent to you.
Training process
Now it’s time to start the training process. This is done via theoretical modules on our online learning platform and live training sessions with a mentor.
Take your time to go through these online lessons at your own pace, combined with observing on the network. To become a good virtual ATCO you will have to go through a lot of new theory, we’ve tried to provide this in an interactive and clear way.
If something is not clear or not explained, don’t hesitate to post your questions in our Discord server. Our members are always happy to answer!
Online theory modules
We use Canvas for our online based lessons, these can be accessed via the following link.
You can always come back and check if you missed something or want to revise something.
As stated before, go through this material at your own pace and don’t rush it. It’s important to have a good understanding of the material provided before having practical sessions with a mentor.
You don’t need any previous knowledge when starting these courses, everything will be explained from A to Z.
Observing period
In conjunction with the online training modules we also strongly recommend you to go online on the network as an observer and listen to our controllers. This will help you get used to the EuroScope software, phraseology and procedures.
More information about the observing period can be found in our online training modules.
S1 rating theoretical tests and practical training
Once you have completed the required courses and the recommended observing period, you are eligible to take the S1 theoretical tests. However, in order to manage the influx of trainees into our training system, only a fixed number of trainees will be allowed each month to take these tests. After these tests have been passed, you will be entitled to control our regional ground and delivery stations. Once you have gained sufficient experience, you will be entitled to receive further practical training by one our vACC mentors.
Guidelines for practical training
After completing your online theory modules you will be trained by a mentor. These people are all volunteers and will teach you during their free time. We therefore ask you to keep the following in mind:
- Show up to a session prepared, for a first session this means having properly studied the theory. Write down any questions you still have.
- Show up on time: If something comes up inform your mentor in due time! Not showing up or showing up late is considered very rude and may result in your training being suspended.
- Practical training takes time: We have a high standard for our virtual air traffic controllers and as such we spend a lot of time perfecting your skills. Be prepared to spend some hours on this.
- Time needed until you’re allowed to go online on the network: This depends entirely on you, if you’ve mastered the theory and phraseology before the first session you can be allowed online after around 4 sessions with a mentor (around 1 hour per session). Keep in mind that this can be longer.
Current waiting time for practical ground training
We have a waiting list for practical training, this is currently around 1 to 2 months.