FE Administration Overview

Facility Engineers (FEs) have access to administrative functions for configuring and managing Landline facilities. This guide covers all FE-level features.

Accessing FE Mode

1. Click on the FE Login option in the settings menu
2. Enter your FE credentials (username and password)
3. Once authenticated, the FE panel becomes available

FE Panel Overview

The FE panel provides access to several configuration areas:

Facilities

Manage the facilities (ARTCCs) configured in the system:

• Create new facilities
• Edit facility names and identifiers
• Configure facility-wide settings
• Delete unused facilities

Positions

Define the controller positions within each facility:

• Add new positions with callsigns and display names
• Configure position types (Center, Approach, Tower, etc.)
• Set VATSIM position prefixes for verification
• Organize positions into pages

Channels

Set up communication channels between positions:

• Internal channels (within facility)
• External channels (between facilities)
• Channel visibility and access controls

Pages

Organize the position grid into logical groups:

• Create pages for different areas (e.g., "High Altitude", "Arrivals")
• Assign positions to pages
• Set page display order

Consolidation

Configure position consolidation trees:

• Define parent-child relationships between positions
• Set consolidation routing for combined positions
• Automatic call forwarding when positions are consolidated

Settings

Facility-wide configuration options:

• Enable/disable easter eggs (TMU ringtone, hold music)
• Ring timeout duration
• Default behaviors

Key Concepts

Position Hierarchy

Positions can have parent-child relationships for consolidation:

ZAB_CTR (Parent)
├── ZAB_16_CTR (Child)
├── ZAB_17_CTR (Child)
└── ZAB_18_CTR (Child)

When a child position is not staffed, calls route to the parent position.

VATSIM Position Matching

Each Landline position maps to VATSIM positions using prefixes:

• Position: ZAB_CTR
• VATSIM Prefix: ABQ_
• Matches: ABQ_CTR, ABQ_16_CTR, ABQ_E_CTR, etc.

Shout Lines

Broadcast channels for group announcements:

• One-to-many communication
• Members receive broadcasts but respond individually
• Useful for facility-wide announcements

Best Practices

Position Naming

• Use consistent callsign formats (FACILITY_POSITION)
• Keep display names concise but descriptive
• Match real-world position names where possible

Page Organization

• Group related positions together
• Consider controller workflow when organizing
• Keep page sizes manageable (8-12 positions)

Consolidation Trees

• Mirror real-world consolidation practices
• Keep trees shallow (2-3 levels max)
• Test routing after configuration changes

Troubleshooting FE Issues

Changes Not Saving

• Ensure you have proper FE credentials
• Check network connectivity to server
• Refresh the FE panel after changes

Positions Not Appearing

• Verify position is assigned to a page
• Check that the page is visible to users
• Confirm channel configuration is complete

Related Topics

• Facility Setup - Creating and configuring facilities
• Position Management - Detailed position configuration
• Channel Configuration - Setting up communication paths