The main reason for this blog post is to inform POSCON users that the X-CSL package is in the process of being removed from our distribution and should be fully removed by the end of the week. Once this package is removed, the next time you reinstall your X-Plane Pilot Client via the Launcher Client, the models will be automatically deleted from your computer.

An equally important reason for this blog post is to shed light on what transpired to get us to this point, a point where we are taking a drastic step backwards regarding user experience. The reason for this decision is because the founder of the X-CSL model package, a man named Aleksandr (Almik) Mikitas, revoked permission to use these models after our "Out of Beta" announcement was made public. He wrote to me shortly after the announcement and claimed that permission was never granted to use these models, even though a senior developer from his team clearly granted us permission over two years ago (see the email exchanges). As mentioned earlier, I originally wrote X-CSL via their Contact form in September of 2019 to ask for permission and Aleksandr responded and handed me off to his senior developer who subsequently granted permission to use the models with the stipulation that we give credit to X-CSL, which we did: https://forums.poscon.net/docs/support/manuals/acknowledgements/

Despite my best efforts to convince Aleksandr that the lack of communication was isolated internally within his team and not at all POSCON's fault, he has decided to take punitive action against POSCON members by requiring us to remove the models. This action only serves to hurt you, the user, by making it more difficult to use the X-CSL package (i.e. you now have to go download it from their website and use scripts to get it to work with POSCON, which is hardly worth the time). While I have many theories about the timing and reasons behind this new requirement, I want to stick to the facts here as much as possible.

Speaking of facts, here is an important one: Aleksandr Mikitas now works as the MTL Designer and Membership Assistant Coordinator - Eastern Europe and Northern Asia for the International Virtual Aviation Organisation (IVAO). To my knowledge, Almik did not hold this position with IVAO at the time I approached X-CSL in September of 2019.

I have put together an evidence package in case POSCON users want to dig deep into what was said and by who. Publicly releasing my personal correspondence is not something I take lightly, but I find it entirely relevant to the current situation. An important note about the email exchanges is that all respective parties were always CCed on every email so anything said was guaranteed to be seen by both Almik and myself.

Based on the email exchanges with X-CSL, my lawyer concluded that X-CSL and Almik implicitly allowed POSCON to distribute these models. Why else would Almik have referred me to his developer in order to give us technical information which would enable POSCON to include these models in our software? Our intentions were clearly outlined from the very first email sent to X-CSL. Almik and his developer never said, “yes include the package in your installer” directly, but they also never said “no.” Even though Almik was CCed on all the emails from the beginning, I recently reminded him that he was the one who referred us to his developer and as a result, his developer told us how to include the model package in our software. The POSCON developer programmed software based on this representation. The X-CSL developer's role in this was perpetuated by Almik — Almik referred POSCON to his developer, so it implies that Almik knew what this was about, and approved of it.

What's also interesting to note is that Almik says he created this package for the benefit of all X-Plane users, "Each our model is a our free time, effort and even money to give the best results for all XP users as free," but by revoking POSCON's authorization he actually has made it harder for X-Plane users to use the X-CSL package on their preferred network of choice, unless of course that network is IVAO.

At the end of the day, POSCON will comply with X-CSL's demands, but I think it is important to shed light on what sometimes happens behind the scenes in this "community" and why we can't have nice things.

Reflecting back, this whole situation seems eerily familiar to the recent debacle between AIG and FLAi (click here for additional reading material). Bottom line, this type of behavior in our community needs to be called out and more importantly, it needs to stop.

What Happens to the POSCON X-Plane Model Package?

To be honest, this doesn't really affect our model package too badly. There was approximately 70% overlap between BlueBell and X-CSL, so there will be a few unique models that will disappear in addition to some liveries. If you are interested in helping the POSCON model project recover from this loss, please reach out to Jeffory Beckers, our Model Asset Manager.

POSCON ATC Philosophy

Our goal is to create a robust and logical ATC system across the globe. Many on our team are real world aviators, controllers, developers, bringing thousands of hours of experience to the table. We hope to simulate the world air traffic control system to the most realistic way possible, while realizing the limitations of home software use. This has been a long road because the foundations needed for this system are wide and deep. Just one example is our flight plan processing system. This had to be fully developed and fully functioning to even start ATC in any working capacity. We continue to expand realistic features through POSCON technology such as CPDLC, weather radar, ERAM simulation, etc. 

Organizational Structure

Bureaucracy serves no purpose and is highly inefficient when dealing with an online community driven environment. Our division and ATC organizations will be setup to reduce this as much as possible. Division leadership will be optimized to only the essential positions such as Division Manager, Events Manager, Military Manager, Facility Specialist. This approach will streamline information, processes and practices to the members within that division. Any additional members helping a division can be created on a as needed basis through "teams". Example - the USA Facility Specialist wants some people to help with ZDV facility data, he/she can create a "team" of members to help make this happen. Teams will allow a more collaborative approach to tasks and not rely on one single "staff" person to finish the task. 

ATC Authorizations

In order to promote more community involvement and participation ATC authorizations will be division based. Initially these are considered "blanket authorizations" which means if you are assigned USA, you may control any position within the USA. Until divisions are ready to be opened for ATC, we don't see a need to restrict anything. This comes down to manpower and resources, if we restrict positions we must offer training. Additionally SOPs would be required to train on such position, etc. Once divisions are open to join as ATC and they have management structure in place, that local division will decide what positions to restrict that may require training. However divisional authorizations are still in place meaning you may control any non-restricted position at any time within a division. 

ATC Academy(s)

If you have any experience on other online networks, you know how frustrating a long training process can be. This was due to the fact the network(s) itself would push the training (all of the training) to the local level. Training was delayed even further if that particular location was very popular and in high demand such as Atlanta, or London as examples. Our solution to this is to create ATC Academy(s) to bring all the core level training to a central location. Initially we will have two academies an FAA Academy and a ICAO Academy. We figured this was a great place to start as majority of the world uses FAA, or ICAO, or a combination of both. To allow more flexibility a division may select certain academy courses from both academies that suit their local needs. Example - the Bahamas division might want Delivery, Ground, and Tower courses from the ICAO academy and Approach courses from the FAA academy. Once a student completes required academy courses they return to their local division to receive local specific training. This will alleviate major training backlogs at the local level as they do not need to train the basics of delivery, or approach, they can focus on how to control a specific airport and/or airspace. This idea has not been finalized and is subject change. 

Initial Division rollout ATC process

It is expected that the ATC academy will not be ready for some time. We do not want to hold up opening divisions for this process. Therefore users who want to be ATC in a division shall have previous ATC experience. Once joining a division as ATC you will be assigned the ATC knowledge exams. These will work almost identical to the process listed above with three main exams. The highest level of exam passed will determine what you can control in that division. 

What about my controller rating from other networks?

Effectively any previous ratings mean nothing to us at POSCON. We care about what your experience and knowledge are in ATC. I personally strongly feel that a person can have a lower ATC rating from a legacy network but actually possess much greater knowledge. The same goes for higher ratings, some don't have the proper knowledge for their rating. This is why we don't have a controller rating system on POSCON. Everything is based off authorizations, knowledge level, and local division guidelines. 

Why is an S1 or S2 from VATSIM allowed to control Approach or Center?

If a controller comes to us and says they want to control, we believe we should not restrict them based off legacy network ratings. I will assume they have the knowledge to control what they are comfortable with. Our feedback system holds everyone accountable, pilots and ATC. The members of the community have the power to dictate a controller's future on POSCON. If enough negative feedback is received a controller may be removed until we have a formal training program in place. I am a firm believer that if you come to us with the maturity, the patience, and the willingness to learn you can excel at your own pace, not be weighed down by policies and procedures. Especially right now in the beginning stages of POSCON now is the time to push your skills, learn new techniques and have fun!

Can I get training when divisions first open up for ATC?

Potentially yes! We will have no formal training structure in place or ATC academies up and running initially. However if members of a division want to take it amongst themselves to train a fellow member, please do! Example lets say you join a division and only can pass the tower exam, local division members can help you get the knowledge and train for the approach and enroute exam. 

Where do I apply to be ATC?

At this time we are accepting applications via this link https://forms.gle/tu6NbXVid8WAaNMVA. Please be sure to read the rules and requirements for applying. This is a manual process for the time being so processing can take up to 7 days during busy times. Thanks and see you on the scopes!