More than 25 years ago, I created ATSimTest (then called "Eurotest") for our organization, which was still called SATCO back then, to fill a gap in controller training; back then, the rating tests were done manually, which led to long delays in training and rating upgrades. I saw the need, contacted the relevant people, and proposed a solution that would eventually become ATSimTest and has been used by thousands of controllers worldwide to manage their virtual ATC career path.
So when I found out that VATEUD, the division that was the main user and manager of the ATSimTest platform, had silently abandoned ATSimTest some time ago in favor of a different system, without even telling me, I was extremely disappointed, though not completely surprised. Communications within VATEUD has been pretty much dysfunctional in the last few years, my email address never really worked, nobody seemed to really care. But silently abandoning a system that I have developed, maintained and operated for more than 25 years as a volunteer, without even at least letting me know that my services are no longer wanted, is the ultimate, final, disrespect. I did not expect a medal or golden watch; I did not expect a celebration or even a formal "Thank you" for these 25 years. All I expected was some basic respect and human decency. That was probably too much to ask.
It is with great disappointment and sadness that I'm announcing the shutdown of ATSimTest after all these years. I am shutting down ATSimTest today.
To the remaining VATSIm divisions that were still using ATSimTest, I would like to apologize, and I hope that you can find a replacement solution. But I have found that VATSIM is not an organization that I can support any more, and so I won't.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me using the contact form.
ATSimTest out.
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