Rev 1.1 - September 12, 2004 22:15

Welcome to the Chicago ARTCC, TEAM_CHICAGO

In the real world, Chicago ARTCC contains arguably the busiest airport in the world - Chicago O'Hare (KORD).
    In the VATSIM world the same is true, mainly due to the fact that Microsoft Flight Simulator has always used nearby Meigs Field (KCGX), as its default starting situation. Many new pilots start in the Chicago ARTCC simply for this reason. That in turn attracts VATSIM ATC, specifically because they find activity in the ARTCC at almost any time of the day or night, no matter what part of the world they live in. Check the Chicago ARTCC and you are likely to find traffic!
    Due to the relative complexity of the area surrounding Chicago O'Hare, given the Primary Approach airspace encompasses Chicago Midway (KMDW), and Meigs Field, together with a collection of satellite airports that do have some additional traffic, the primary focus of SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures), concerns this area of the ARTCC. This does NOT mean the remainder of the ARTCC is forgotten. Areas such as Champaign/Urbana (KCMI), Milwaukee/General Mitchell (KMKE), Madison (KMSN), Oshkosh (KOSH) and several other areas, share a reasonable traffic load, and several have their own Approach airspace, contributing to a large number of potential ATC positions that can be staffed, giving all levels of controller a chance to participate.
    The goal - at the Chicago ARTCC is to provide ATC at as many facilities as is practical at any time with the staff available. The "real as it gets" by-line being strengthened with use of near-real world procedures and use of the available real-world Arrival, Departure and Instrument approach procedures.
Please take the time to review the available information, whether a pilot or controller, since it will enable you to more thoroughly participate in the TEAM_CHICAGO experience...

Welcome and enjoy yourself

Ian Abel - Chicago ARTCC Chief

Copyright @2004 Ian Abel/Chicago ARTCC Chief - All Rights Reserved.