I think that the requirements for IFATC are a bit too high. 500 ATC ops? Even 250 is a lot. I think this is why so many popular airports like KMIA or even KLAX are often unmanned - Because the requirements are so high that many people would just choose to fly planes instead. Maybe it would be easier if the IFATC reqs were lowered a bit.
IFATC reqs are so high because they want only the best of the best experienced people. The less ops you have also makes it harder for you in training for IFATC and less likely to pass the tests.
1 Like
Well yes, but 500 ATC ops? 500 is wayyyy too much!
500 OPS aren’t really that high. You can easily achieve that in 1 session, especially if you have moderate to heavy traffic.
IFATC controllers are held up to high standards.
6 Likes
500 is not too many. For beginners it may feel long, I had that feeling too when I started out. But the requirement is there for a good reason. We don’t want people who have little to no previous ATC experience trying to join the team and causing unnecessary stress for the recruitment team.
1 Like
The only issue is, on the Training Server, the airport with a lot of traffic (only EGLL and LFPG from my experience) are SUPER busy, and the ATC slots are already filled. Or you go to (even a huge airport like JFK or LAX) and theres… 1 or 2 players. And they don’t even listen to you.
You don’t necessarily need to control those fields to rack up operations. If you’re open long enough, traffic will eventually build.
1 Like
Also you can make an ATC tracking thread so
What is an ATC tracking thread? I’ve heard of them but am not sure what they are nor what they do? Can you please explain?
I’ve only done a few sessions over the years(albeit for a good few hours each time), and I’m on over 1000ops.
I didn’t think it was that hard if I’m honest.
A tip that’s worked for me. Choose an airport within say 45mins-1hr of one of the usually active main airports & hold tight for a while & watch it build like Darius said.
I always open EGCC(Manchester) close to EGLL and after a while, watch them begin to swarm in. That way you will get tons of ground/tower ops from those wanting to go to EGLL & also those at EGLL wanting a close by active airport to fly to.
Hope it helps. Worked for me(and I never really ATC) 
basically you make a topic on IFC in ATC and people can ask to be pinged, then they do patterns at the airport you’re open at.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll try it out! Right now I’m at KJFK because (for once) there is actually traffic there. But I’ll go there soon!
1 Like
Ahhh. So I create a topic like “ATC online at KJFK on Training Server, looking for traffic” or something like that?
here’s a good example.
1 Like
Ok, I made one. And Im waiting 
excited!
1 Like