Simviation Forums

How can I start my flight from the gates instead of the runway?  I know there is a way to backup from the gates and taxi to the runway; however, my flight always starts out with my airplane sitting on the runway.

You'll have to request taxy to the gates from ATC and select the "unfamiliar" option to guide you back to the gate. Then, if you like you can shut down all systems on your 'plane and save this flight as your default. This will then always give you the starting position at the gate. You may even change airplanes while you are parked, neat eh?

Or . . .

When you are setting up your flight, click the list in the lower-righthand corner of the "Create A Flight" menu and it will open a scrolling list of the available parking areas and runways you can start from at that particular airport.  Just select whatever you want and your aircraft will start from that position.

You should always make sure that when you create a flight,that you look to see at the bottom that where its says active runway,that you scroll down and start at a ramp or gate.
As in VA or real flight you will start at a ramp or gate,and after doing pre flight checks,and asking for start up,then "Pushback" and taxi permission to the active runway.
If you were to fly on-line in VA it is important to make sure that you start at a gate,NOT THE ACTIVE RUNWAY.
as atc will not take too kindly to a plane appearing when there are controlling a 747 on final approach.


Jason Howard
Pilot ID 881771
Vatsim UK

Thank you very much for your prompt replies.  I am now able to start wherever I want.  I cannot believe I missed that when I was choosing where to start my flight from under "flight planner."  Thank you all again.