Frustrated with controllers leaving

[PilotGav 0]

I'm new to Vatsim, and LOVE the conecept - but it's been SO SO FRUSTRATING. ALmost every flight I've taken, by the time I'm in the planned, filed and in the air - the controler in teh space I'm flying in or into is GONE.Is there a regular schedule o ris this just the way it is and you have to deal with it? If so, it's too frustrating to bother.Just venting and hoping there's something I'm missing,Gavinhttp://www.interprom.com/gavhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/ng_driver.jpgSpellink doesn't count!!

[Guest MB327]

Gavin,Normally, there are no daily schedules or assignments for ATC. Often, there are specific nights where the local staff tries to provide dense coverage for their airspace. That is sometimes posted in advance and other times it is more of a local trend or effort. You have to remember that all of the VATSIM staff, including all ATC, are volunteers who do this for the fun of it. Fun is their only compensation. I have many times experienced the same thing you are complaining about. Chasing ATC is really not the best way to go about it.Here are a couple suggestions:Using ServInfo, watch the trends from day to day in your local/preferred airspace. Generally, there are certain nights and time windows where ATC is well staffed. You can also pick up on other areas that are active on a given evening of the week.Check the VATSIM Events Calendar: http://www.calsplus.net/vatsim If you are new to VATSIM, be careful about joining group flights or large events because they can be quite a challenge for someone who is not experienced flying with live ATC.

[PilotGav 0]

Thanks for the quick reply!I understand and appreciate that we're all in this for fun. I'm not mad at anyone :) Just looking for ways to maximize the experience.I appreciate the ideas!Gavinhttp://www.interprom.com/gavhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/ng_driver.jpgSpellink doesn't count!!

[Kyprianos Biris 12]

Gavin in many places arround VATSIM controllers are already using EUROBOOK (it is not only for European controllers).http://www.geardown.de/EUbooking/active.aspIf you click on ServInfo's "Eurobook" button you will see scheduled ATC presence.This will give you a more reliable outlook.The more controllers start using it arround the world the more usefull it will become.To ARTCC Chiefs : Just read the Manuals in the above link and find out how easy it is to install it in your ARTCC website. ATCO's go there and do a minute's worth of clicks and right away you have bookings displayed in ServInfo. I say again : It is a tool for all VATSIM and not just Europe !Kyprianos Biris :-cool[link:avsim.com/greece/hvacc]Hellenic vACChttp://vateud.org/images/vatsim-eurs.gifhttp://vatsim.pilotmedia.fi/statusindicato...tor=OD1&a=a.jpg

[PilotGav 0]

I had a really great flight last night orm CYYZ to CYUL. The MOntreal Center controller was a rally great guy.Anyway, what woiuld be cool is if even in their remarks a controller put thieir planned up-time so that we can plan around it - but Eurobook sounds line an exccellent idea if it becomes unversal.Gavinhttp://www.interprom.com/gavhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/ng_driver.jpgSpellink doesn't count!!

[Guest PushingTin281]

Hi GavinAs a very active VATSIM Instructor and Controller in Virtual ZTL, I always try my best to stick around for all of the aircraft that I can. I know there have been times where I simply could not stay awake any longer or had some other obligation to attend to and had to leave though. As the ZTL Chief Instructor I encourage all of our guys to try to accomidate all of the pilots that they can in the airspace without deserting folks, or at least to try to find a relief controller to take their place when they leave if things are busy. If you have problems with anyone in ZTL though, please let me know. Thanks.

[Guest simpilot757]

Hi Gavin,Glad to see another flight simmer join in on the VATSIM network. I've been flying online for a few years now and find it truly an enjoyable experience. Like you, I initially became frustrated when controllers would leave an area I was about to fly though. I had fallen, as Mike pointed out, into the habit of chasing ATC only to be disappointed. Using the "Who's Online" link at the VATSIM site or ServInfo on a regular basis, I soon discovered which ATC facilities are likely to be staffed at various times throughout the week and planned my flights accordingly. For example, I enjoy flying in the Denver and Southern California areas of the US. I find these areas draw a lot of activity on Friday evenings from about 7PM to 11PM Pacific Time or 0200Z to 0600Z. I normally plan a flight in these regions whether the ATC facilities are staffed or not. Often times your presence in the area will draw the attention of prespective controllers. When looking for a challenging flight, take a look at the current weather map. Flying into airports under IFR conditions can be a lot of fun too whether or not ATC is available.Well, just some of my thoughts on the subject. Hang in there Gav and enjoy the VATSIM network. :)Sincerely,Dave EverhartBurlingame,CA (about 3 miles SE of KSFO)