Greetings, I have a question regarding operations when few controllers are on-line. Specifically, suppose I want to fly from an airport with no controllers to an airport with at least APR. I know that if the Center is manned I should connect directly there and ask for flight plan clearance. Now:a). Will the center clear me for departure as well or should I takeoff from the unmanned airport on my own?:(. If there is no Center controller who should I contact for clearance and when should I contact the APR of the destination airport?c). Finally when I am flying with no ATC present and I am conected to the UNICOM channel, should I transmit advisory messages with my actions and how often (e.g. only on takeoff, landing)? Thanks for the help beforehand. PS: Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this.

> Greetings, Hi there..> >>a). Will the center clear me for departure as well or should I>takeoff from the unmanned airport on my own?If the Center is open he will clear you for departure.>:(. If there is no Center controller who should I contact for>clearance and when should I contact the APR of the destination>airport?No need to contact anybody. Just tune to 122.80 and state your intentions (taxiing, lining up, taking off, SID you are following etc.). Approach has to be contacted 10-20 nm before you will enter its TMA.>c). Finally when I am flying with no ATC present and I am>conected to the UNICOM channel, should I transmit advisory>messages with my actions and how often (e.g. only on takeoff,>landing)?It is good to inform other pilots on your intentions. Not only during the taxiing etc. but also when you are on the air. There is no specific rule for that, but if you have ServInfo and you see other planes nearby then send also a message stating your altitude and position.Regards,George PapanikolopoulosVATSIMData Audit Manager

Thanks a lot. This has been very helpful.