One other idea you may want to consider: If you have a suitably qualified controller, perhaps a volunteer on the network that you are not paying, why not offer credits for flight time. So maybe for every hour on the network you earn a 50 cents or $1 credit. Perhaps 50cents off peak and $1 peak time. This way volunteer ATC can fly the network, coverage goes up and cost to you does not increase. The hard part here is getting qualified ATC. I am a C1 in Toronto but not a professional so maybe I could not do it but other guys that are much better would be suitable. Mark.

Mark, all of our controllers already have complimentary access to the network as pilots. I'll outline the various programs that we'll have in place, if it helps to get the lay of the land:- Frequent Flier: a limited number of members who fly at least xxx hours per month will have the next month's subscription fee waived. This entices sim enthusiasts to take part, in return for guaranteed participation, helping to build the baseline traffic level - Charter Member: the first xxx members who join the network after launch will receive a permanent discount on their monthly subscription. This entices people who are watching the venture around launch time to join, rather than wait a few months to 'see how things go first'. If everyone were to wait and see, we'd have no users. This program rewards those that pull the trigger early - Partnership programs: We'll establish partnerships with select VA's and flying organizations (both real and virtual) to bring users onto the network in bulk. I hope this helps. Please know that an incredible amount of effort has been put into the development of this venture (despite the terrible appearance of our current web site).

Hmmm must revive the idea of that link on the main VATSIM webpage which would allow ATC booking through either VATBOOK or something else. At least one could see where ATC will be available on a particular day...like a daily event page. Will surely build traffic for any position which is (almost) guaranteeing staffing. I would certainly book and let pilots know even if it was an ad-hoc session on the day. I know I would fly to any airport where a controller is informing me of his availability. Now if only someone could help me with developing this idea.... Shez

In theory, this sounds like a good idea, but in reality how practical is it? With the exception of our weekly FIR event or if a VA asks for ATC for an event, I do not know well in advance when I am going to control. When there is time available, I simply hop on and start controlling. Even with scheduled events, I may book as being a Center controller, but may end up controlling another position as another controller is controlling the Center position. vRoute already has this functionality and it not used that often by controllers.

I think it is only practical if ARTCC leaders are committed to using it. Some points to consider,

1. It should have a functionality whereby anyone who logs in should upload an estimated off-time.
2. This requires the system to be linked to the vatsim website for it to be effective.
3. If you do take the time to plan time online then you can post to the system and have pilots see it on the vatsim website as the ATC online times for the day. I know if I saw someone book time I would fly there...
4. If you don't plan in advance then maybe while you are online unplanned you can post when you would go offline.
5. and if you don't use it then it really does not matter anyway. You are on current baseline.

If someone could help build functionality I would volunteer to run the project. Shez