The Memphis ARTCC is relatively easy to control because the traffic is mostly overflights as it is in the real world, the DP's at all the airports that have them are radar vectors, and not set procedures and (c) the STAR's are directional dependent, not runway dependent. Most of the transit traffic flows in a North/South or East/West direction, so again making the job of the en-route controller much easier.

We have managed to obtain copies of all the LOA's that the real ZME has with the adjoining ARTCC's and with the major ATCT's. We have based our own policies and procedures off of these documents. Our airspace is structured in such a way that the Class C and D facilities are meant to be a learning environment where student controllers can learn the ways of controlling while still contributing and participating on a live radar scope. Once a controller has mastered the intricacies of a Tower or Approach position, then he or she can obtain endorsements to work at the primary facility, Memphis International Airport (KMEM).

Our position restrictions are as follows:

Student (S1) may work clearance delivery, ground, and tower at any airport within ZME with the option of obtaining a MAJOR Facility Endorsement to control at Memphis International Airport.

Senior Student (S3) may work clearance delivery, ground, tower and approach/departure with the option of obtaining LCTP Endorsement to control Approach and Departure at Memphis International Airport.

Controller (C1) may work clearance delivery, ground, tower and approach/departure at any airport within ZME as well as any en-route position.

Senior Controllers (C3) may work clearance delivery, ground, tower and approach/departure at any airport within ZME as well as work Center.

We encourage students to contact our any of our training staff as soon as they arrive so training may begin without delay. After setting up some training sessions with an Instructor and working some practical scenarios in both a simulated and online environment, the instructor will sign the student up for the written test. After passing the written test, the instructor will set up a time for the Over the Shoulder practical test to be completed by a training staff member.

Our overall goal at ZME is to be as professional, courteous and as helpful as we can be. We strive to be the best at what we do and make it as enjoyable for the pilot and controller as possible.

If there are any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

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Kyle Steever
ZME Air Traffic Manager