Well done, Mike.. :D...!
Sounds like you had lots of fun!
There are dozens of Sites, and Servers, out there, to connect to with Multiplayer, as can be viewed with FS Host Spy...>>>
http://www.chocolatesoftware.com/fshostspy/...with each Server linking to its Main Site and showing its Multiplayer IP Address to type in, and connect to!
Most of them are not Password Protected and you are able to join in, but make sure that you do not intentionally annoy a Session in progress by gate-crashing it!
(The Sim V Multiplayer Server >178.63.253.134< is Password protected to prevent it!).
If you don't experience any communication via the "Chat Window", it is most likely that the other Pilots are using "Teamspeak", and using Mic Headsets to communicate with each other. Their conversations will not appear in the Chat Window unless they "type" something in...(like GO AWAY!...
Win 8.1 64-bit. DX11. Advent Tower. Intel i7-3770 3.9 GHz 8-core. 8 GB System RAM. AMD Radeon HD 7700 1GB RAM. DVD ROM. 2 Terra Byte SATA Hard Drive. Philips 17" LCD Monitor. Saitek Cyborg X Fly-5 Joystick. ...and a Briggs and Stratton Petrol Lawn Mower.