VATSIM is excited to announce the trial of a new system within the VATUSA Division. Auto ATC will enhance your flying experience in unstaffed US airspace by providing automated ATC advisories.
What is Auto ATC and what capability does it bring?
Auto ATC determines if you are departing an area without ATC staffing, and provides you your assigned beacon code to make transition to controlled airspace easier later in your flight. Auto ATC Advisory sends advisory messages when you are flying through unstaffed areas. If you’re squawking your assigned beacon code, you might receive an advisory message such as:
- Descent Advisories: e.g., “Descend and maintain 11,000. The Providence altimeter 29.92.”
- Crossing Restrictions: e.g., “Cross CCC at and maintain 12,000 at 250 knots. The Kennedy altimeter 29.92.”
- Arrival Procedures: e.g., “Descend via the JFUND2 arrival. The Boston altimeter 29.92.”
Why Auto ATC Advisory?
For Pilots: Adds engagement to flights in unstaffed airspace, and helps ensure timely descents. For ATC: Helps ensure aircraft arrive in controlled airspace at appropriate altitudes and speeds, easing controller workload.
Where is it Available?
The beacon code assignments are live for all IFR aircraft departing the US. The Auto ATC Advisory trial is live in ZAB, ZBW, ZJX, ZME, ZOA, and ZTL ARTCCs, and will soon expand to ZDV, ZMP, and ZNY. The Auto ATC capability is included in the vNAS architecture, hence why it’s limited to the US.
Important Notes :
While Auto ATC messages are designed to assist controllers, it is ultimately up to pilots to choose whether to follow them, as the system does not provide separation services.
We’re excited to see how Auto ATC enhances your flying experience. If you have received an Auto ATC Advisory message, please share your feedback via the link in the advisory message as we continue to improve this feature.