Great ATC session on Westcoast tonight

[JBaymore]

Just did a great flight for "beginners" to live ATC on the Westcoast server tonight.

[Jared]

lol, yeah it can be kind of nerve racking when yoiu have a crowd of people watching you!

[737NGCapt]

Why not try VATSIM? Miami ARTCC hosts sessions for new pilots and we use real flightplans... With Squawkbox3, it's now easier then ever to connect to VATSIM, also...

[JBaymore]

N272JB,

The reason I haven't really participated with VATSIM is composed of two parts, so far.

The first part is that I found that the setup routine necessary to actually use VATSIM rivals the complexity of getting the Shuttle launched.  The information published is VERY confusing and difficult to wade through.  Too many steps and too complicated to be "worth" it.  And I am pretty computer literate.

The second "half" of the experience is that in the few contacts I have had there....... it came across as  not very "Noobie Friendly".  Seemed like it was a place for the "old regulars" and if you weren't one of them........ you were just an "outsider".

First impressions are powerful...... and that was my first impression there.  It may be wrong.... but that is what I felt.

I tend to hang out now flying online at Westcoast and WSPilots.  Easier to setup and quite welcoming.

best,

..................john

[JBaymore]

lol, yeah it can be kind of nerve racking when yoiu have a crowd of people watching you!

jared,

Yeah..... I kept saying to myself "Don't screw up...... don't screw up......... don't screw up."

[Jared]

Aye! The AI pilots make even guys like me look GOOD!

[Rocket_Bird]

eskyworld.com is a good place in substitute to VATSIM as well.  Very easy to set up, the controllers are pros, and you can make virtual money

[GA_Pilot]

I do my online flying on IVAO...They dont use squawbox anymore, but have their own pilot client, which is easy to download, install and use. I deal mostly with people in the US division, and they are all very nice people, willing to help new people with any problems that arise, without the attitude.  8)