"Guest Controller Approval" (GCA) program

IVAO Canada has implemented the Guest Control Approval (GCA) program for all our ATC positions regulated by FRA (Facility Rating Assignment) and oceanic positions (FSS). Please read the following page carefully to better understand the program and how it will impact our operations. If you need more information, feel free to contact the division HQ.

What is the GCA program?

GCA program was created by IVAO HQ to improve the ATC quality provided in all participating active divisions. It concerns foreign divisions’ controllers who are interested in controlling in Canada. From now on, any member of other divisions will not be allowed to control in Canada on FRA restricted positions unless they receive approval from the division HQ. Restricted positions for Canada can be found at http://www.ivao.aero/fras/fra.asp?id=CA . All oceanic positions (FSS) are restricted. All control centres are restricted, as well as major terminal units and control towers.

Canada is a very large country and attracts many foreign controllers. Most of them are not familiar with our procedures. We are fully aware of the low level of traffic and controllers in Canadian airspace of IVAO and considered the fact that this new measure could also reduce even more the ATC coverage; however, we believe that this will greatly improve the quality of service (already excellent) in the country and we can limit the reduction of controllers by an efficient communication to the members.

What are the requirements to fulfill by foreign controllers to be approved in Canada?

• Member must speak either English and/or French language fluently. If member only speaks French, he will only be approved to control in the Montréal FIR;
• Member must have been checked by the division training department. The online session will evaluate the skills of the member and his knowledge of local procedures and phraseology;
• Member can be approved for all FRA restricted positions but can also be approved for only a limited number of positions. Member must respect his approval restrictions;
• Member’s suspension and online history will be checked and taken into consideration;
• Member must show interest in Canada;
• Member must respect IVAO Rules and Regulations at all times.

Any foreign ATC controlling in Canada on a FRA restriction position without approval may be disconnected from his position. Any approval can be revoked by division HQ at any time if it is judged that the member no longer fulfill the requirements.

To make your request for your approval, please proceed to the Training Management System (TMS) of IVAO Canada and make your request through that system. Make sure to indicate that you are requesting GCA.

To see who is approved to control Oceanic positions, visit http://world.forum.ivao.aero/index.php/topic,78755.0.html