Washington ARTCC Policies

Roster Removal

• The ZDC Basic Exam shall be issued within 48 hours of joining ZDC and will expire in 30 days. New ZDC members who do not attempt to take the test within 30 days shall be removed from the roster without notice. New ZDC members are responsible for keeping their training current by:
  1. attempting examinations as required, and
  2. requesting that failed examinations be reassigned after the mandatory 7 day waiting period has elapsed, and
  3. requesting training sessions through WATS after the ZDC Basic Examination has been passed.
• Any lapse of activity of 30 days or more prior to receiving authorization to work a position solo within ZDC is grounds for removal without notice.

  Note:  If you are not assigned the test within 48 hours of joining ZDC, contact the Training Administrator and request the test.

• Members and Visitors of ZDC who are unable to log at least one (1) continuous hour at an active ATC position in a 30 day period shall be considered inactive.
• Members and visitors of ZDC who are inactive for an additional 60 day period (for a total of three (3) months) shall be removed from the roster.  If a controller is considered inactive, they must email the Air Traffic Manager (atm@zdcartcc.org) to request that they be returned to active status.
• Controllers may request a Leave of Absence of no longer than 90 days by emailing the Air Traffic Manager. Controllers on LOA must email the Air Traffic Manager to request a return to active status. Failure to contact the Air Traffic Manager after 90 days from the start of the LOA will result in being removed from the roster. No more than one LOA may be requested in a rolling twelve month period.
• Controllers who are inactive for more than six (6) months but less than one (1) year are required to undergo OTS testing to demonstrate that they have retained the ability to control in ZDC before being allowed to return with the same privileges as before.
• Controllers who leave ZDC for more than one (1) year must email the Air Traffic Manager to request to be returned to active status. The controller will retain their controller ranking (S1/S3/C1/C3) but will be evaluated upon their return to determine if any re-training or re-testing is required. This may include passing the ZDC Basic Exam, passing all written tests at Major and LCTP facilities and OTS testing as needed. These measures are taken to ensure the controller is familiar with all current ZDC procedures and to demonstrate the controller's ability to perform at a level equal to their VATSIM rating.
• The following conditions are grounds for removal of an individual from ZDC:

• Failure to comply with ZDC policies and procedures.
• Continued or willful violations of ZDC policy.
• Suspension from VATSIM