Better than a Rubik's Cube

I sat contentedly in my tower watching two small aircraft practicing touch-and-go. Every few minutes I'd call them over the radio to clear them for the next touch as they circled the runway pattern like a cat chasing it's tail.

Without warning another aircraft appeared on radar, coming in fast. According to its data tag it was a Boeing 737, and it was obviously heading for the runway. I punched my radio call button:

"Alaska two zero zero bravo romeo, Eugene Tower. State your intentions."

The radio cackled and a distorted voice came over it:

"Alaska zero bravo romeo, sorry about that. On eight mile final for ILS, runway three four left."

I glanced apprehensively at the two small aircraft flying the pattern. I consulted the radar. Yeah, I can make this work.

"Alaska zero bravo romeo, fly straight in ,runway three four left, clear to land."

I wasn't off the hook yet. I called the small aircraft that was to land next:

"Zero papa charlie, traffic is a 737 inbound for three four left, caution wake turbulence, extend down wind pattern, will call your base."

"Roger, traffic in sight. Will wait for your call."

I took a deep breath and leaned back in my chair. Everything was on track. In two minutes the 737 landed and the other aircraft continued their pattern as normal.

This story isn't fictional, but the aircraft were. I was in training for virtual air traffic control, though a dedicated organization that provides life-like ATC services to flight simulator pilots. Unbeknown to most the "real world", the virtual airline industry is booming. Every day there are thousands of online flights flown by as many pilots, usually guided by hundreds of virtual air traffic controllers. Imitation (Virtual) airlines have staff, training courses, and schedules. Pilots range from young gamers looking for a little realism for a change to retired commercial airline pilots keeping the dream alive.

Yes, it's true; even the big boys who have spent their whole lives doing the real thing seem to derive great enjoyment flying their old routes on their home computer. There is even a small dedicated group that build life-like cockpits in their basements and garages. Some pilots use simulators to fly things they were never rated for in real life. For instance someone who was rated to fly commercial twin engine props might enjoy flying some of the heavy jetliners in the simulator. The presence of these professional pilots online has helped raise the standard for expectations of skill and professionalism of pilots online.

Virtual air traffic control is even more demanding than piloting. It usually takes a dedicated recruit two years to reach senior controller, often longer. "Why..." you may ask, "would someone volunteer to put themselves for that? Isn't air traffic control one of the most stressful jobs in the world?"

The common answer you'll hear from most virtual controllers is the same as mine: it's about the challenge. Its like a 3D puzzle that is in motion. Why does someone sit down with a Rubik's Cube? Why does someone build a 10,000 piece puzzle that is all white? While some people depend on thrills like bungee jumping and skydiving, others need high mental challenges to stay sane.

We have a few advantages over real life in that if we mess up no one dies, and our traffic is generally much lighter in real life. For example Seattle Tacoma International may have 50 flights in and out in an hour, but SeaTac online may have 50 flights in and out in a day. We also derive satisfaction from knowing we're making the experience for pilots better. They appreciate it, and they tell us so.

So when you're ready to learn how to fly, but find your budget is more like $100 total rather than $100 an hour, there is a whole world out there to be flown in the comfort of your home. Or if you like a little power and a huge challenge, join VATSIM as a controller and start training, and training, and training...