VATSIM Celebrates It's First Birthday

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July 27, 2002 - Today, VATSIM.net celebrates its first birthday. Exactly one year ago, VATSIM officially opened its doors to the ATC and Flight Simulation online communities and has never looked back.Surpassing even the most optimistic hopes of its Founders, VATSIM has registered over 35,000 members since that time. Those members create a very active online community where pilots and air traffic controllers can find fly-ins and events on virtually any given day. These members also create content rich websites which allow for the education and entertainment of VATSIM members.In addition, the past year has seen advancements in our network's stability which allow for simultaneous usage by a much greater number of pilot and ATC members along with the virtual elimination of lag. It is no longer uncommon to find over 500 members simultaneously logged on to the network with even higher numbers during major events.The future holds even more promise for VATSIM and its members. Beta testing has recently begun on the next generation ATC client called ASRC. This client software, with its enhanced recreation of real world systems and revolutionary communication capabilities, will allow virtual air traffic controllers to catch up to pilots in terms of simulating their real world counterparts. Also on the horizon is the capability to file flight plans over the internet up to one hour before logging on to the VATSIM network and a new version of the pilot client software Squawkbox.VATSIM would like to thank all of it's members for making our first year a success. Without its members and their dedication to our hobby, it simply could not have been done. Thank you!____________________VATSIM.net is the world's premier online Flight and Air Traffic Control Simulation community with over 35,000 registered members. VATSIM offers aviation enthusiasts an online community to gather, learn and enjoy simulation in an interactive environment with fellow hobbyists. To join or for additional information, please visit the VATSIM website (http://vatsim.net).