On September 1, 2023, the VATSIM Board of Governors approved a new Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP). The purpose of GCAP is to define access to Air Traffic Control positions for VATSIM account holders and to maintain a standard of quality Air Traffic Control service.

With this updated policy, GCAP s8.5(e) sub-divisions must provide a route for controllers to achieve their S3 rating without requiring them to obtain endorsements. Edmonton International CYEG and Calgary International CYYC are both designated Tier 2 facilities requiring endorsements to control.

CYXY_APP was created for VATSIM-specific training operations to comply with GCAP. The position can be controlled by an S2 Student certified to control it, whereas its real-world counterpart would require the student to have an S3+ rating already. CYXY_APP is a 50nm radius airspace centred on CYXY Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International. It provides a simulated position that controls CZEG low-level sector “Edmonton Whitehorse” but in a way that doesn’t disrupt or confuse VATSIM pilots or VATSIM maps. CYXY_APP provides top-down control of CYXY SFC-FL210 and is the IFR authority for underlying uncontrolled airfields.

Real World Airspace

VATSIM Airspace