Its really great to hop on VATSIM, load up Servinfo 2.0 and hit the map and see this...http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3e35ecd352948011.jpgThanks again to all the controllers who help us pilots get that extra level of realism that makes this hobby so satisfying! :)Regards,Steve Dra

Just after I took this pic, Fort Worth Center came online so there was only one little hole in the center (pun intended) of the U.S.:-lolWon't be long until the West coast gets off work and lights 'em up! :)I'll grab a shot if all the U.S. centers are up at the same time...that would be a grand sight! :)Regards,Steve Dra

Steve,I noticed that last night as well. I would have opened up Oakland Center except I was making an approach into Reno at the time (look for Green circle) .

What? You mean to tell me that you can't fly and control at the same time? :-lolGreat job on the event last Friday/Saturday...even though I only sneeked in on domestic flights, I had a great time sharing the same airspace with such a talented group of controllers and pilots! :)Regards,Steve Dra

Now if only the amount of planes in the sky would increase :)then both pilots and controllers would be facing a challenge...i mean... flying on vatsim is still kinda... empty skies(i know events are great but not everlasting... unfortunately)It would be wonderfull don't ya think?hehehecheers

Yeah Lenny,but on the good side, at least we have wonderful free tools to let us quickly find what controllers are up and what sections of the globe have the most traffic. :)I know that now that I'm starting to fly online alot more, I find myself flying places I normally wouldn't if there is traffic and ATC coverage. :)I feel alot more would join if they knew that you don't need a cable modem or DSL to run SB and RW on VATSIM (Acronyms....gotta' love'em) :-lolI was running all of it on a 56K that couldn't connect any faster than 24.6 for the longest time with no problems at all! Now that I have a cable modem...its even better. :)Once you get all the stuff installed and run through the startup procedure a few times...it becomes automatic (like getting a 767 up in the air perhaps?). I know I was pretty intimidated the 1st few times...but now its easy...with FSB, SERVINFO, WASSUP, FSNav (hehe...more acronyms).I hope we can get more people up...its really fun to see the skies dotted with targets! :)Regards,Steve Dra

Quick Question. How difficult is it to use voice communications with VATSIM as opposed to typing commands?

Its the best thing since sliced bread.Ofcourse thats just IMHO.

Its extremely simple.Just get a free copy of Roger Wilco(RW), an el-cheapo microphone, and just right-click on the squawkbox(SB) screen and click ATC directory. It will show all the controllers in range.Just double-click on the desired controller and your radio auto-tunes and you join that controller's RW voice channel.:)You can also join the controller's channel if you have Servinfo (freeware again...gotta' love it).:) This won't auto-tune the FS2002 radio though, and the controller may not really be in range...I use it mostly to just listen in without connecting to SB.And believe me, once you go voice....you'll never want to type an ATC command again! :)Regards,Steve Dra