Just had my first VATSIM experience!!!

[MadDriver]

... and WOW!!  I've been trying to get onto this network for a while now, but have always given up due to me not being bright enough to figure out how to set it up.  Well, today I sat down and forced myself not to get up until I got it to work... and wow, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.  I must have just given up too early the previous times.  

Well, set up was a little daunting, but I got it... I kept seeing these warnings about not getting on VATSIM if you are not expierenced in IFR flying.  And let me tell you, it's absolutely true.  If you don't know how to execute every aspect of an IFR flight, then you better learn before you try to fly on VATSIM.  Luckily for me, I'm in my second year of ATC schooling and it wasn't too bad for me, since I understood all of it.

My first flight was from KSFO to KLAX... and what an experience.  I was in constant control throughout the flight, and was even talking to a english controller for a while.  I was told a departure to do (can't remember which right now), then proceeded as filed.. then told to cross the FIM VOR at 13,000 ft... then vectored in for a visual 24R approach.

I'm going to get back on after I post this.. it's so addicting to have real people to tell you real DP's and STAR's and all that good stuff to do.  

[t_alexander21]

Yeah, Vatsim is pretty addicting but for your next time online you should generally have your airports departure and arrival SID/STARS on board, it helps the controllers out a lot.

...and the one thing I cannot stress enough to new pilots is if a controller asks you to execute some sort of procedure or command and your not familiar with it, just ask, you'll learn something the next time you fly. And if your embarressed to ask over the wire just give the controller a PM.

[TacitBlue]

Yes, I can see how that would be addictive.

[JBaymore]

Still working on trying VATSIM...... but it is certainly complex and an investment in my most valuable commodity..... time.

I am slowly now working my way throgh the VATSIM "New Pilot Class" (supposedly required) information.......... it is like taking a school course...and yes, it does have quizes  ;).  I am not sure that I will ever have enough "spare time" to invest in this to actually EVER get flying on VATSIM.  

Meanwhile, I just did an IFR ATC flight last night from Newark International to Raleigh Durham on ESkyWorld under ATC control the whole way also............ along with a couple dozen other pilots flying into RD from various origns.  Some used SIDS and STARS and some just got verctored via VORS to the fliled flight plan or vectored to the ILS on approach.  Once on the ground we got sent to appropriate gates for what we were flying (North Cargo Terminal for me... FEdEx).

So let's see....... fly ... or study?  Hum.................


best,

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

[t_alexander21]

Baymore, the Vatsim classes are there for your benefit so when you get in the air your not lost. Also, the first half of the tests are basically the rules of Vatsim i.e. are simulated failures allowed over the network?

Trust me, if you push through the boring stuff you wont be dissapointed once you get online.

[Saitek]

I just don't have the time myself to give to learning what is required. It is disappointing and I think Vatsim should be a bit more flexible myself. I never get lost and there is enough in the way of navigational aids. I think they are taking the realism requirement too far when it becomes a rule that everyone has to follow.

[JBaymore]

Also, the first half of the tests are basically the rules of Vatsim i.e. are simulated failures allowed over the network?

Why... yes, they are... up to a point.

[PH_AJH]

Hi there John and Saitek,

Not sure if I agree with you on the picture being wrong...
Vatsim aims to be as real as it gets - that's a fact. It is stated everywhere on the vatsim site etc. Now is that is not your cup of tea - no problem. As you say, there are plenty other networks that aim at having fun. So that's cool - just pick the network that suits your appetite and fly!!
I for one fly at Vatsim all the time, just because it is as real as a computer game can get. I like it that way and the other people at Vatsim - both pilots and ATC - seem to feel the same.
I tried other networks too; IVAO is cool as well but a lot more laid back and that's why I left. At IVAO you can get away with not knowing what a SID or STAR is, you'll get vectors all the way if you want. Very convenient if you don't feel like studying but not very realistic IMHO. There's no airline pilot that can say "I'm sorry, don't know what a SID is. Can I have vectors please?"

So, about the picture; the Vatsim picture is clearly very realistic and difficult, but not necesarily (is that spelled the wright way?) wrong if you ask me. It takes some time to learn the things you need to know but trust me: once you get the hang of it you will feel very very excited and will probably never want anything else.

If extreme realism does not suit you just try some other options, like IVAO. Vatsim will not likely get more flexible - that's just not what it is aimed at.

And MadDriver, welcome aboard the Vatsim lunacy. (and lunacy it is, all this Flight Simulator stuff. Thats what some people seem to forget sometimes at Vatsim - have to agree on that one.)

Cheers
AJ

[MattNW]

Yet I still feet totally unprepared to attempt to fly anything other than maybe a Cessna 172 VFR into a small GA airport on VATSIM.

Something is wrong with that picture, I think.


best,

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

That is as real as it gets. Most pilots I know generally just fly from one small airport to another (usally one with a good restaraunt), spend a few hours talking aviation and showing off their airplanes and pictures of their grandkids then fly back home.  ;D

Never tried VATSIM myself. Got too slow a connection for VON utilities so I usually fly on Bushnet. Does VATSIM allow VFR flights? Seems it wouldn't be very realistic without some VFR traffic.

[t_alexander21]

So.... is there a VATSIM equivalent of the FAA review board.... which will strip you of your "licence" for infractions?

I've heard of people being kicked off but only for multiple infractions, mostly along the lines of not checking into a controller, not responding to a controllers directions, refusing to comply with ATC requests, cursing at other pilots over the wire, cursing at controllers, crap like that...not sure if anyone remembers this but a few months ago there was a guy that was simulating terror attacks and crashing into other planes and buildings- he got banned really quick. But if your wondering if you'll be reprimanded for small things like missing taxi ways or flying a wrong heading or altitude the answers no. Nearly every ATC is accepting of the newer pilots and will do everything in their power to make your experience easier...but my one suggestion for when your startin' off is stay away from large airports when there is a lot of traffic around flying around. ATC has a hard enough job as it is and having a new pilot mistake their requests makes their job even harder, so just take it slow and have fun.

[JBaymore]

That is as real as it gets. Most pilots I know generally just fly from one small airport to another (usally one with a good restaraunt), spend a few hours talking aviation and showing off their airplanes and pictures of their grandkids then fly back home.

LMAO........

Yup....... and to do that, you have to ALSO be able to afford a couple hundred thousand dollar aircraft!  Certainly not in my future anytime soon.  ;)


And yes, VATSIM does allow VFR.  But in keeping with the "as real as it gets and then some" approach......   the same kinds of issues as in "real life" seem to apply.


best,

......john

[JBaymore]

Also, the first half of the tests are basically the rules of Vatsim

Have you ever walked in to a place of business and immediately were confronted with a bevy of very obvious signs hanging up on the walls saying something like:

"Shoplifters will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

"If you break it, you own it."

"Children are the responsibility of the parent.  Please control your child."

"No refunds."

"Minimum $10 for credit cards use."

"Wait here for next cashier."

"No public bathroom."


The impression of that stuff, at least to me, is that I probably do not want to do business with these folks.... and I walk out.  It is not welcoming and friendly.  It is offputting.  It makes me feel like, as the customer intending to support the buusiness, I am looked at as an interuption and annoyance to their perfectly ordered day.... not the reason they are there to start with.

I think VATSIM's obvious "rules focus" for potential new members is very much like that.  Have you taken the time to read the stuff that you are supposed to read when you join VATSIM?  I did.  It was like reviewing legal documents for work!    I guees they are somehow worried they will be mistaken for "The Zone"  ;).

I am really hoping that when and if I ever get the time to actually gain the skills enough (and memorize the rules enough) to fly there, that the people who are on VATSIM actually are people.......... you know... with sense's of humor, other lives besides flying on line, the understanding that this is supposed to be fun, that a screw up flying online is merely "bits thru the copper", and so on.

best,

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

[VOHY_VO0I]

Since Vatsim is the 'hot' topic at present i've got few questions regarding it.

1. In the flight plan - how does one file in the route? I checked the quickstart (in SquawkBox) guide and the route is something like this "DCT AD W315 WHA W274 AYE DCT". What the heck is this and how do i know it?

2. In the comments section (again in file flight plan) of SquawkBox quickstart, there is something like this "REG/VHOCZ PER/B NAV/GPSRNAV OPR/SSA". So, what is this?

3. Finally, why does the controller disappear from the list (on the right of the main squawkbox window) when i send a flight plan?

I was on vatsim for the first time the other day but could not fly IFR (as the controller kept disappearing when i sent the flight plan) but i took a short VFR flight. My experience was good...........not sure about the controller though  ;)

So, anyone care to help  ::)

[jrpilot]

Well you have to go to Start (it in the upper left corner, I think its start) then connect, once connected you choose your aircraft name and vatsim number (all under the start button).  Next click on flightplan (under start on the squawkbox) and send your flightplan.  Most people on there fly real world flightplans.  You also have to see who is online which means go to the side and see. Say you are departing LAX and the only person on is LAX DEP 123.45 (which stands for Los Angelous Departure).  You would then put 123.45 into your radios and ask for departure.  You'll probally have to get clearance from them and request pushback info., just like in real life.  Then you'll most like get a runway to depart and a STAR (not sure if any freeware planes are capible of programing SID/STAR since I don't fly freeware aircraft).  From there you'll receive vectors to your first waypoint most likely.  Then after you have departed LAX DEP will tell you "Contact BLAH on 111.11" you'll repeat and then contact BLAH with your COM radio and tell them where you are.

It is a little more in depth than that but if you got that then you have some of the basics.  

[Saitek]

John, I can't echo you more emphatically. That is such a brilliant and in-depth expression of just how I feel at Vatsim! While I recognise the great performance of others I feel so put off by their attitude of pros and pro-learners only. I can fly planes safely and happily without stupid mess ups or crashing into other planes etc and I use GPS to help me along my way.

I hope others enjoy it though and I wouldn't want to take that enjoyment away from them, so a big well done to MadDriver again and may you have many a happy time with the folk there.