How to Read the Command Reference Page

The following will e.S NFFxplain the commands available to you via ZLC Alias file. For more information about how the software built-in commands work, refer to the manual of your particular software (such as vSTARS vERAM or VRC) or consult the training department. The Works-With column will show other software that the command works with. EuroScope is not supported at all by ZLC.


Unless otherwise stated, to complete a command, the user is to press their “ENTER” button on their keyboard. If the term ASEL is present after the command, the user is to complete the command by selecting the aircraft, then pressing their designated “Aircraft Select” key on their keyboard. For more info on what the ASEL key is, consult the software manual or training department.


Unless otherwise stated, APTIDs are the FAA code, not the ICAO.


Text with (THIS COLOR) conveys the info that needs to be put in place there.


Text that is (BLUE) indicates that it is optional information and is not required.


(space) indicates when to hit the space-bar at that point.


In the command description, there will sometimes be a note to reference a certain note number. These notes can be found listed at the bottom of this page. It is vital that one reads these notes in order to properly utilize the command. NOTE: Practical training resources for these commands can be found on the Training Department > Computer Based Training (CBTs) > Alias Command Reference Practice

ZLC SITE REFERENCE COMMANDS

Command Syntax Return Example Command Works With
.COMMANDS Opens the Command Reference page for ZLC .COMMANDS VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.FEEDBACK Opens the official ZLC Feedback from Controllers page. You use this when you find issues with anything relating to ZLC ARTCC. .FEEDBACK VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.CHANGE
LOG
Open the Resource Center Change Log of for ease of access for ATC prior to them priming their frequency .CHANGELOG VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.VERSION ZLC_ISR *** You are currently using 26JUL21 data. .VERSION VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
LOA
Opens specified airport Letter of Agreement Quick Reference in default browser .DENLOA VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
QR
Opens specified airport Facility Directives Local Quick Reference in default browser .slcqr VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID or FACID)
APPQR
Opens specified airport/facility Facility Directives Terminal Quick Reference in default browser .s56appqr VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
FD
Opens specified airport Facility Directives in default browser .slcfd VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(Main APTID or FACID)
APPFD
Opens specified Terminal Facility Directives in default browser .s56appfd VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.HOLD
TRACKING
Opens the Google Sheets Hold Tracking sheet in default browser .HOLDTRACKING VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.COORD Opens default browser to the ZLC ATC Coordination Page .COORD VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

EXTERNAL SITE REFERENCE COMMANDS

Command Syntax Action Works With
.ICAO Opens Default browser to ICAO search site for aircraft types VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.SEEAC Opens google images of the selected aircraft filed aircraft code VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.REGISTRATION Opens FAA site concerning the acceptable format of a US N-Number VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.ROF Opens skyvector and draws line from departure to arrival field of selected aircraft filed flight plan. Reference note #5 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.ROF
FA
Opens FlightAware page to help find an acceptable route for selected aircraft departure and arrival airports VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.SKY Opens SkyVector main page VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.NAVAID
(space)
(NAVAID Code)
Opens MyFSim NAVAID page for specified NAVAID VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.GOOGLE
(space)
(Free Text)
Opens google with a search of all the text after the google command VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.EQUIP Opens Tips for Pilots section concerning Equipment Suffix Codes. There is a table included for reference VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.65 Opens the HTML version of the FAA Order JO 7110.65 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.65
P
Opens the PDF version of the FAA Order JO 7110.65 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.CID
(space)
(CID Number)
Opens a webpage displaying the name of the CID. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.ICAO
EQUIP
Opens default browser to the VATSIM Map Equipment Codes Converter page VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TMU
MAP
Opens default browser to the VATUSA TMU Map for ZLC. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

IN-SCOPE REFERENCE COMMANDS

DP & STAR In-Scope Reference

Note – These commands are available for uncontrolled fields too. Click HERE for the Computer Based Training for In-Scope Reference

Also, CTR and APP commands will give ATC the altimeter of the arrival field when that weather station is loaded into the Wx panel.

Command Syntax Return Example Command Example Return Works With
(APTID)
(DP Code)
DEL
Info pertinent to the DEL controller for given DP .SLCRUGGDDEL *** RUGGD 1 ::: RNAV-Hybrid ::: RWY All except 14/32 ::: HOLTR_EKR_MTU_PERTY_OCS ::: Maint 10K ::: CRZ-10Kmin(Listed) ::: DEP FREQ 135.5 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(DP Code)
GND
Info pertinent to the GND controller for given DP .SLCRUGGDGND *** RUGGD 1 ::: RWY All except 14/32 ::: PREF-16R/34L VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(DP Code)
TWR
Info pertinent to the TWR controller for given DP .SLCRUGGDTWR *** RUGGD 1 ::: RNAV-Hybrid ::: (NORTH)-H340 __ (SOUTH)-H280 ::: DEP FREQ 135.5 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(DP Code)
DEP
Info pertinent to the DEP controller for given DP .SLCRUGGDDEP *** RUGGD 1 ::: RNAV-Hybrid ::: Maint 10K issued by DEL ::: CRZ-10Kmin(Listed) ::: TopAlt FL230 ::: Vector to BUBBY / CVS / “Resume Normal SPD” VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.(APTID)
(DP Code)
CTR
Info pertinent to the CTR controller for given DP .SLCRUGGDCTR *** RUGGD 1 ::: CRZ-10Kmin(Listed) ::: TopAlt FL230 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(STAR Code)
CTR
Info pertinent to the CTR controller for given STAR .SLCLEEHYCTR *** LEEHY 5 ::: RNAV ::: [SOUTH OPS] SPANE @ FL190(J) ::: [NORTH OPS] SPANE @ 16k(J). ::: A2992 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(STAR Code)
APP
Info pertinent to the APP controller for given STAR .SLCLEEHYAPP *** LEEHY 5 ::: RNAV ::: [SOUTH OPS] Descend via/Expt 16R (210kts midfield prior to HO to Final) [NORTH OPS] Descend via/@ PLAGE Clrd ILS 34R ::: A2992 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

FAA Charts Recall

Note – These commands are available for non-towered fields too.

Command Syntax Return Example Command Works With
(APTID)
APD
C
Opens Default browser to the designated airport Airport Diagram. .SLCAPDC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(DP/STAR Code)
C
Opens Default browser to the designated DP/STAR diagram. Reference note #3 .SLCARCHZC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(1st 5 Char of Proc name)
C
Opens Default browser to the designated DP/STAR diagram. If the chart does not have an FAA assigned Computer code, use the first 5 letters of the chart name. .GEGSPOKAC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
TM
C
Opens Default browser to the “Takeoff Minimums, ODP & Diverse Vector Area” page that will have the designated airport information on it. Reference note #19 .U42TMC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
DVA
C
Opens Default browser to the “Takeoff Minimums, ODP & Diverse Vector Area” page that will have the designated airport information on it (usually the same as the TMC command). Reference note #19 .SLCDVAC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
RM
C
Opens Default browser to the airports RADAR INSTRUMENT APPROACH MINIMUMS plate. .NTURMC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
HS
C
Opens Default browser to the airports HOT SPOT plate. .BTVHSC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(APP Scratch)
C
Opens Default browser to the designated approach chart. Charted Visual Approaches are a separate command. Reference note #3 and #14 .SLCi6LC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
V
(1st char of each word in proc name)
C
Opens Default browser to the designated Charted Visual approach chart. .SFOVQBC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
LAHSO
C
Opends to the specified airports LAND AND HOLD SHORT OPERATIONS plate. .BZNLAHSOC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.CHARTS
(space)
(APT ICAO)
Opens Default browser to designated airport AirNav webpage .CHARTS KSLC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.CHARTS
A
Opens Default browser to selected aircraft filed arrival airport AirNav webpage .CHARTSA VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.CHARTS
D
Opens Default browser to selected aircraft filed departure airport AirNav webpage .CHARTSD VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

Phraseology & General Help

Command Return Example Works With
.EQUIP
(SUFFIX LETTER)
List of attributes for the specified equipment suffix letter. .EQUIPA
*** /A _ XPDR-Y _ MODE C-Y _ RNAV-N _ GNSS-N _ RVSM-N _ DME-Y
VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.PRC General statement to a troubling pilot with a general lack of knowledge With all due respect, it appears that there is a significant amount of knowledge that is still required on your part to complete flights like this on the network per the VATSIM Expectations and Requirements for Pilots. Please navigate to the VATSIM Pilot Resource Center site and start there. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TIPS Use this command in a private message to a pilot that would benefit from the ZLC Tips for Pilots page There has been 1 or more encounters with you that would make us think you might benefit from some resources we have posted on our site to help pilots with misc procedures. It is our Tips for Pilots section. Take a look at it sometime. Have a great day! zlcartcc.com VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.OVERHEAD General Handling of a military aircraft in the overhead pattern/approach Overhead_Manuever_Phraseology*** WIND ### @ ##. PATTERN ALTITUDE ###. (Right/Left) TURNS. REPORT INITIAL RUNWAY ##. [[Initial Report]] BREAK AT (numbers/midfield/departure end). REPORT BREAK. [[Break Report]] CHECK GEAR DOWN. RWY ## CLEARED TO LAND. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.MIL
CT
General takeoff clearance for military aircraft Military Takeoff Clearance*** Military aircraft (except Cargo and Transport types) CHANGE TO DEPARTURE, WIND-@ RWY– CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.MIL
CL
Military landing clearance Wind WIND-@. Check Wheels Down. RWY ## Cleared to Land. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.RFD Provides the ATC a guide to issue a Release for Departure clearance to an aircraft with a clearance void time of 10min from the time the command is issued. N123AB Released for departure. Clearance void if not off by 0230 zulu. If not of by that time, advise on this frequency no later than 0235 zulu of intentions. Time now- 0220 Zulu. Frequency change approved. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.HOLDING Basic template for a full holding clearance. HOLD (direction) OF (waypoint). ON THE (radial, course, bearing, track, azimuth, airway, or route). (leg length of hold if applicable). (state Left Turns, if right turns are not to be assumed). MAINTAIN (altitude). EXPECT FURTHER CLEARANCE (time). VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.OTP ISR command to help with phraseology with VFR ON TOP requests from pilots. *** CLIMB TO AND REPORT REACHING VFR ON TOP, TOPS REPORTED (altitude, if none “NO TOPS REPORTED”), IF NOT ON TOP AT (altitude), MAINTAIN (altitude), AND ADVISE. MAINTAIN VFR ON TOP. Reference note #24 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.WHAT
RWY
Provides pilot a reason why they will not receive their RWY assignment before calling for taxi. Only send this if a pilot is inquiring WHY you don’t provide them the runway prior to taxi. After you get your clearance, it is standard for pilots to program their main route and leave off the SID portion in the FMS because they usually do not get their RWY assignment until they notify the ATC of their position on the field and request taxi. Then during taxi, the pilot then programs the rest of the SID portion. So you will get that information when you call for taxi. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TWF
FREQ
Provides pilot a quick explanation for why they aren’t told to switch to TWR frequency with a link to the AIM. Upon reaching the departure runway and ready to request takeoff, you are expected to change to the appropriate frequency for Tower on your own, without being told to do so. Reference the Federal Aviation Administration Aeronautical Information Manual 4-3-14.a LINK VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.NAV
(NAVAID Code)
Returns ISR text with the NAVAID Code, Frequency/Channel, and Name .NAVFFU
Would Return:
FAA_ISR *** FFU 116.60 FAIRFIELD VORTAC
.NAVFAIRFIELD would return the same thing.
VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.id
(3LD or Telephony w/o spaces/spec chars)
Returns with the 3LD and Telephony of entered carrier as per the FAA JO Order 7340.2. Reference note #22 .idCanadianExpress would return:
ZLC_ISR *** 3LD: CXA _ TELEPHONY: XIAMEN AIR (Virtual: Canadian Express)
.idCXA would return the same thing.
VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.APT
(APTID)
Returns ISR text with the APTID, Airport Name, Towered/Non-Towered, and Responsible ARTCC .APTSLC
Would Return:
FAA_ISR *** ICAO-KSLC _ SALT LAKE CITY INTL AIRPORT _ 4230′ MSL _Towered ZLC
VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.POS
CHECK
Returns ISR text with the standard ZLC Position Relief Checklists information VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.ACINFO
(Aircraft Code)
Returns ISR text with details similar to the built-in .ACINFO command. .ACINFOB738
Would Return:
FAA_ISR *** [CODE] B738 ::: [MAKE] BOEING COMPANY ::: [MODEL] 737-800, BBJ2 ::: [ENGINE] 2/Jet ::: [WEIGHT] Large ::: [C/D] 4000/4000 ::: [SRS] 3
VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

GROUND TO GROUND COMMUNICATION

Command Syntax Message Contents Example Command Example Sent Message Works With
.RC
(space)
(SECID)
(space)
(Optional Info)
Sends selected aircraft Callsign and Rolling Call message to designated controller as a Private Notification Message. .RC 1S rwy 18 ***KIDA_DAL1234 Rolling_rwy 18 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.RT
(space)
(SECID)
(space)
(Optional Info)
Sends selected aircraft Callsign and Rejected Takeoff message to designated controller as a Private Notification Message. .RT 1S rwy 18 ***KIDA_DAL1234 Rejected Takeoff_rwy 18 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.RR
(space)
(SECID)
(space)
(departure info)
Sends selected aircraft Departure Field, Callsign, Aircraft Type, Additional free text info, Route and Temp/CRZ altitude to designated controller as a Release Request message .RR 1A H210 *** REQUEST RELEASE- N123AB _ KIDA to KJAC _ H210 _ IDA V330 JAC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.RA
(space)
(SECID)
(space)
(# of min from now for release)
Sends release authorization message to designated controller with a time (either current or authorized release time). Reference note #1 .RA 2G 5 *** N123AB RELEASED @ 1208z VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.LT
(space)
(SECID)
Sends the current time as the “Landed Time” for an aircraft to the selected controller. Reference note #1 .LT 2G *** N123AB LANDED @ 2133z VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.M
(space)
(SECID)
(space)
(Free text message)
Sends a general message to the designated controller following the aircraft callsign (if selected). Reference note #2. .M 1G is planning to go missed approach *** N123AB is planning to go missed approach VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.DT
(space)
(SECID)
Sends a “Down Time” message to the designated controller following the aircraft callsign (ensure the reference aircraft is selected prior to sending this message) .DT Q1A *** N123AB _ Landed 1202z VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.MA
(space)
(SECID)
(space)
(Optional Info)
Sends a message to specified controller, alerting them that the selected aircraft is executing a missed approach, along with any additional info ATC placed after the command. .MA AF H120 3K *** DAL1234 ***Missed Approach*** H120 3K VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.PO
(space)
(SECID)
(space)
(Fix)
(Optional Info)
Sends a pointout message to specified controller with the aircraft callsign, position in relation to the given reference location and optional general message. .PO AF FFU Stay with SLC_LC for single pilot heli VFR approach to SLC. *** POINTOUT *** 7 miles north west of FFU N123AB ::: Stay with SLC_LC for single pilot heli VFR approach to SLC. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.HO
(space)
(Controller SECID)
(space)
(Fix)
(Optional Info)
Sends a handoff alert/reminder message to specified controller with the aircraft beacon code, callsign, position in relation to the given reference location and optional general message. .HO AF OGD Wake up and take the handoff please. *** HANDOFF *** 5 miles south west of OGD, Beacon 7382 is N123AB at 12500 feet::: Wake up and take the handoff please. VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.APREQ
(space)
(SECID)
(Optional Info)
Sends an APREQ message to the specified controller with the callsign of the selected aircraft, plus any free-type message afterwards. .APREQ AF After FFU DCT KPVU *** APREQ *** N123AB ::: After FFU DCT KPVU VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

SCOPE SOFTWARE TRICKS

General Commands

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.WHERE
ASEL
Draws a line from DBL VOR to selected aircraft via Anchor feature. See note #7 .WHERE ASEL VRC
.NO
AN
Deletes any assigned anchors .NOAN VRC
.DOF Returns the direction of flight (heading/bearing) to/from Dep/Arr field of selected aircraft. See note #9 .DOF VRC
.METAR
(space)
(WX ID)
Returns specified METAR in frequency chat box. .METAR KSLC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.W
(space)
(APTID)
Returns specified wind and altimeter information .W SLC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.WW Returns the wind and altimeter settings for the departure and arrival fields of the selected aircraft. See note #10. .WW VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.OBS
VIS
Sets all official OBSERVER visibility points on scope. Reference note #12. .OBSVIS VRC
.CTR
VIS
Sets all official Center visibility points on scope. Reference note #12. .CTRVIS VRC
.(FACID or APTID)
VIS
Sets visibility setpoints for specified facility. Reference note #12. .S56VIS VRC
.SECTOR Reloads Sector File from currently set directory. Helpful when actively updating the file. .SECTOR VRC
.ALIAS Reloads Alias File from currently set directory. Helpful when actively updating the file. .ALIAS VRC
.POF Reloads POF File from currently set directory. Helpful when actively updating the file. .POF VRC
.ZLC
AT
Auto track the following fields: KBIL KBOI KBZN KGPI KGTF KOGD KPVU KSLC KMSO Reference note #25. .ZLCAT vERAM
vSTARS
.STOP
ZLC
AT
Stops auto-tracking of aircraft from the fields contained within the .ZLCAT command. .STOPZLCAT vERAM
vSTARS
.S56
AT
Auto track the following fields: KPVU KSLC KOGD Reference note #25. .S56AT vERAM
vSTARS
.STOP
S56
AT
Stops auto-tracking of aircraft from the fields contained within the .S56AT command. .STOPS56AT vERAM
vSTARS
.RLS
FP
Will release the flight plan editing permissions back to the pilot in the event ATC had edited the flight plan already and wants the pilot to be able to submit changes or a new flight plan. Desired aircraft must be selected. .RLSFP vERAM
vSTARS

View Commands

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.C
(space)
(Fix)
Centers primary window over specified Navaid or airport .C OCS
or
.C KJAC
VRC

Flight Strip/Data Tag Commands

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.A
ASEL
Adds selected aircraft’s flight strip to flight strip bay .A ASEL VRC
.D
ASEL
Deletes selected aircraft’s flight strip from flight strip bay .D ASEL VRC
.RS
ASEL
Resets selected aircraft’s assigned squawk code back to 0000 .RS ASEL VRC
.SV
ASEL
Assigns selected aircraft a squawk code of 1200 to help with force-radar track on VFR aircraft .SV ASEL VRC
.S
(space)
(Scratch data)
ASEL
Assigns scratchpad data to selected aircraft’s scratchpad .S D30R ASEL VRC
.H
(space)
(HDG)
ASEL
Assigns heading in scratchpad of selected aircraft per the ScratchPad Directive format. .H 210 ASEL VRC
.RH
ASEL
Assigns RH as scratchpad entry for selected aircraft .RH ASEL VRC
.DP
(space)
(RWY)
ASEL
Assigns Departure Procedure and runway scratchpad data per the ScratchPad Directive to selected aircraft .DP 30 ASEL VRC

Scope De-Clutter/Diagram Setup

Note – The DP/STAR commands are available for uncontrolled fields too.

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.(APTID)
(DP/STAR Code)
F
Draws specified DP/STAR fixes on scope. Reference note #8 and #15. .SLCARCHZF VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(APTID)
(APP Scratch)
F
Draws specified approach fixes lines on scope. Reference note #8. .SLCi6RF VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
(AWY type prefix)
(#)
Draws specified airway on scope. Reference note #8. .V200 VRC
.FIELDS Draws all ICAO codes and locations on scope for controlled fields within ZLC. Reference note #8. .FIELDS vERAM
.vFIELDS Draws all ICAO codes and locations on scope for controlled fields within ZLC. Reference note #8. .vFIELDS VRC
.VORS Draws all ZLC VOR Codes and locations on scope. It also draws commonly used High-VORs in neighboring ARTCCs. Reference note #8. .VORS vERAM
.vVORS Same as .VORS but for VRC. .vVORS VRC
.AS Draws all Class B, C and D airspace lines and altitudes. Reference note #8 .AS VRC
.RESTRICTED Draws all ZLC restricted airspace on scope. Reference note #8. .RESTRICTED VRC
.MVA Draws all Minimum Vectoring Altitudes on scope. Reference note #8. .MVA VRC
.RVM Draws all radar video maps on scope. Reference note #8. .RVM VRC
.MIA Draws ZLC MIA/MVA diagram on scope. Reference note #8. .MIA VRC
.VFR Draws VFR Landmarks and transitions video map on scope. Reference note #8. .VFR VRC
.METER Draws Metering Lines for S56 and to ZOA Reference note #8. .METER VRC
.ZLC
SEC
Draws all ZLC Sectors .ZLCSEC VRC
.AWYS Draws the ZLC AWYS/VORS diagram on scope. Reference note #8. .AWYS VRC
(AWYID)
F
Draws the ZLC Airway Waypoints. (Note: VRC will only draw 5 character waypoints) Reference note #8. .V200F VRC-Partial
vERAM

ATC TO PILOT TEXT

In order to maintain uniformity, all ATC To Pilot Text commands will prefix with a “T”. For example: .TPRC is the .PRC command as above, but the command with the T prefix will be sent out to the pilot.

General

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.TSQ Instructs pilot to squawk their assigned code .TSQ VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCON
(space)
(SECID)
Instructs pilot to contact the next controller .TCON 1A VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TMON
(space)
(SECID)
Instructs pilot to monitor the next controller .TMON T VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCLOSING
(space)
(# of min from now)
Broadcasts a message notifying all that you are closing in a certain number of minutes. .TCLOSING 5 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCLOSED Broadcasts a message that you are now closed .TCLOSED VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TPRC Sends the troubling pilot a professional message describing that services cannot be provided to them and where to find help via the VATSIM PRC site. .TPRC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.THOTMIC Broadcasts a general message notifying all that someone has a hotmic .THOTMIC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TTIPS Does the same thing as the .TIPS command but broadcasts it to the pilot over the text frequency .TTIPS VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TWHAT
RWY
Provides pilot a reason why they will not receive their RWY assignment before calling for taxi. Only send this if a pilot is inquiring WHY you don’t provide them the runway prior to taxi. .TWHATRWY VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TTWR
FREQ
Provides pilot a quick explanation for why they aren’t told to switch to TWR frequency with a link to the AIM. .TTWRFREQ VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TEQUIP Sends a message to the pilot asking for their equipment suffix, also provides a link explaining what an equipment suffix is. .TEQUIP VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TNEW Sends a private “Welcome Newcomer” message to the selected aircraft. .TNEW VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TPDC? Sends a text message over the frequency explaining the idea of a PDC to the aircraft. Note: if you open a private message with the aircraft first and issue the command there, it will not post over the frequency. .TPDC? VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

Clearance Delivery

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.TRBC sends a general message notifying pilot that their readback was correct .TRBC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCRAFT
(space)
(HDG to fly)
(space)
(ALT to maintain)
(space)
(DEP SECID)
Issues basic CRAFT clearance that doesn’t involve a DP. Reference note #16 .TCRAFT 130 10k 1S VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCRAFTU Issues basic “Cleared as Filed” clearance that doesn’t involve a DP when no departure services are provided. .TCRAFTU VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCRAFT
(APTID)
(DP Code)
(space)
(DEP SECID)
Issues a CRAFT clearance with the information pertinent to that DP. Reference note #16 & #27 .TCRAFTSLCARCHZ A1 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TPDC
(APT Code)
(DP Code without version #)
(space)
(DEP SECID)
Issues a PDC clearance via private message to the aircraft that is selected with the information pertinent to that DP. Reference note #16, #26, and #27 .TPDCSLCARCHZ A1 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TPDC
(APTID)
(DP Code w/o ver #)
U
Issues a PDC clearance via private message to the aircraft that is selected with the information pertinent to that DP with an advisory that DEP will be with UNICOM 122.8. Reference note #26 and #27 .TPDCSLCARCHZU VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TNO
PDC
Sends private message to selected pilot informing them that there is an issue with their flight plan and no PDC can be issued, along with an instruction to contact the controller responsible for their clearance. .TNOPDC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

Ground

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.TRTV
(space)
(RWY)
(space)
(Path and any special instructions)
Issues taxi instructions to pilot to the runway assignment .TRTV 20R@K A H C Hold short hotel VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TTPV
(space)
(Path and any special instructions)
Issues taxi instructions to pilot to the parking area .TTPV A H Hold short RWY 16R VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

Tower

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.TCL
(space)
(RWY)
Issues winds and landing clearance to selected pilot .TCL 16R VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCT
(space)
(RWY)
Issues winds and takeoff clearance to selected pilot .TCT 16R VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

Radar-General

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.TSQI Instructs pilot to squawk their assigned code and ident .TSQI VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TRC Informs the pilot that they are Radar Contact .TRC VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TFH
(space)
(HDG)
Instructs pilot to fly a heading .TFH 130 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TTL
(space)
(HDG)
Instructs pilot to turn left to a heading .TTL 090 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TTR
(space)
(HDG)
Instructs pilot to turn right to a heading .TTR 010 VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TRST Informs pilot that their radar services are terminated .TRST VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCM
(space)
(ALT)
Instructs pilot to Climb and Maintain the altitude given .TCM 10k VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TDM
(space)
(ALT)
Instructs pilot to Descend and Maintain the altitude given .TDM 8k VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

Departure

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.THFR Instructs pilot to Hold for Release .THFR VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TRFD Issues a release for departure to the pilot giving a clearance void time 10min from now and to advise of intentions if not off by 15min from now with a frequency change approval .TRFD VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

Approach

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.TPTAC
(space)
(Fix)
(space)
(HDG)
(space)
(ALT)
(space)
(APP type)
(space)
(RWY)
Issues PTAC instructions for general approach .TPTAC UFEMY 130 7.5k ILS 16R VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TPTAC
ILS
(space)
(Fix)
(space)
(HDG)
(space)
(ALT)
(space)
(RWY)
Issues PTAC instructions for an ILS approach .TPTAC UFEMY 130 7.5k ILS 16R VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TRFIS Issues the selected aircraft the destination airport o’clock position and distance and then asks the pilot to report in sight. .TRFIS VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TCVA
(space)
(RWY)
Informs pilot they are cleared for the visual approach to a certain runway. .TCVA 16R VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.T(APTID)
(STAR CODE)
APP
(N/S/E/W for Landing direction)
Provides the pilot standard instructions for that arrival and sets the pilot up for the ILS approach. Reference note #20 .TBVLAPPS VRC
vSTARS
vERAM

En-Route

Command Syntax Action Example Command Works With
.TRCDB
(space)
(NAVAID,FIX, or AIRPORT)
Informs pilot that they are Radar Contact with distance and bearing info from certain NAVAID,FIX,AIRPORT .TRCDB FFU VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.TLMA Informs pilot that they are leaving the airspace and that there is no further ATC services available. Terminate radar services and freq change. .TLMA VRC
vSTARS
vERAM
.T
(APTID)
(STAR CODE)
CTR
(N/S/E/W for Landing direction)
Gives crossing waypoint and altitude to pilot, along with SLC Altimeter. Reference note #20 .TDELTACTRS VRC
vSTARS
vERAM


















^

***NOTES***


The following notes are not meant to be read straight through. In the above “return” column, there will sometimes be an advisory to “Reference note #(#)” to provide further information about that particular command, the following will serve as that note library.



1) If no “min after departure” is given, the message will be sent with the current time automatically. In the example, the scenario shows as the current time is 2128z and the message automatically adds the 5 min that the controller put after the command.

2) If there was no selected aircraft at the time of sending this message, the aircraft callsign would have been omitted automatically.

3) If the chart has a 2nd page to it and the controller wishes to view the second page, the controller needs to place a number 2 before the “C”. 3rd or 4th page, follow the same syntax. Example .SLCRUGGD2C OR .DENAALLE3C

4) If the airport doesn’t have VFR Departure instructions, this command will just return as an In-Scope Reference to display the frequency to issue for VFR Radar Services.

5) Limitations of the basic SkyVector URL format does not allow the selected aircraft flight route to also be added but if the ATC first copies the route of the selected aircraft to the computer clipboard first (highlight route in flight plan window, then CTRL+C), the ATC can then do the .ROF command, then paste (CTRL+V) the route into the skyvector flight route box once opened.

6) These commands assume a control stations setup where the secondary window (designated as /2 in the upper left corner) is zoomed into a ground level and the third window (designated as /3 in the upper left corner) is zoomed to a tower/terminal level.

7) This is helpful for when ATC needs to break realism to find and aircraft on the scope in order to not disrupt others on the network.

8) Repeat these commands when done with needed reference to declutter your scope.

9) This command only works if the DEP/ARR fields are within the used sector file data. This is helpful when determining altitude for direction of flight.

10) This command only works if the weather station is programmed into the radar software.

11) This command could not work as just .FF because the .FF command is a built in command in VRC to draw a specified fix on the scope.

12) Ensure software main visibility range is set per ZLC directive or max per VASTIM standards.

14) Special approaches such as Back-course SA, CAT I/II/III, and Hi-ILS are not available via these commands. But approach variants such as X/Y/Z are. Place the letter after the approach type/before the runway number or letter. Example: .BILRY0L = Billings RNAV Y 10L Approach.

15) For VRC users: It will not draw other published waypoints/NAVAIDs such as NDB or VORs.

16) If the departure controller is the one issuing the clearance, leave the departure frequency/controller SECID off.

17) These commands are only available if the clearance aspects such as “Climb instructions” change with certain transitions.

18) These commands are only available if the clearance aspects such as “Climb instructions” change with certain runway assignments.

19) Once the page opens, due to the nature of how the FAA groups data together, the ATC must then use CTRL+F and type the three character APTID to search the document for the desired airport information.

20) Suggested to practice these commands in sweatbox prior to controlling on the live network.

21) SLC SID is not included, as the initial waypoint is variable.

22) This command includes virtual airlines to a reasonable extent. When you notice an airline missing (including virtual), or any misinformation, submit the issue via the ZLC Feedback From Controllers form.

23) This command is intended to be used inside the private chat box with the ZSE controller who you are coordinating with.

24) When traffic is not a concern you may omit “IF NOT ON TOP AT (altitude), MAINTAIN (altitude), AND ADVISE.” Reference the 7110.65 7-3-1. For more specifics on VFR ON TOP rules.

25) These airports are under the jurisdiction of a TRACON. To remove one of these fields, utilize the route command:
.AUTOTRACK -(airport id)

26) If a PDC is required to be sent and ATC have changed any aspect of the flight plan from what the pilot had filed, complete the .TPDC command as usual except add “CHG” to the end of the root command without a space.
Examples:
-RUGGD Departure, Departure is Q1S
–.TPDCSLCRUGGDCHG Q1S
-RUGGD Departure, Departure is Offline
–.TPDCSLCRUGGDUCHG

27) If the pilot has requested a final cruising altitude that is less than the standard initial climb altitude, do not issue the clearance with this command, but rather written out, or via voice. Given the amount of variables that can’t easily be accounted for, along with development of systems to be used in the future, a variable to account for these situations is not planned to be implemented.