vatsim,

[olseric]

there are no examinations for pilots.

Ah okay, as I thought. IVAO has it on both ends. You can be promoted on both pilot and ATC end of things.

I wouldnt IVAO if it wasnt all europe oriented.

It's unfortunate that perception exists as IVAO has a very good US and CA division. The thing you have to remember is that it is a
worldwide organization that is held under one roof rather than seperate entities. For example, the tests that I have taken in the US
Division are the same tests that a controller in Germany, Japan, or anywhere else would take as well.

All in all, there are questions that are not pertainent to the USA and there are some that, for our friends in Germany or Japan, are not
pertainent to them. In the long run, you end up being more knowledgable about procedures everywhere and how to operate with them.
This is especially important because there is nothing restricting me from working in Germany or Japan or anywhere else for that matter
provided I have the necessary ratings.