This is a bit off-topic: I have never been in an airliner cockpit so I wonder if - like in Vatsim - pilots have the possibility to communicate with atc by typing on a keyboard (for instance in the case of strong interferences or mailfunctions)? Also, do they also have a push-to-talk button, or they can be permanently on-line with atc?Thanks (and dont laugh :)--------

The communications with ATC are mostly done using VHF radios in the frequency range 118.000 to 136.975 Mhz, also known as the 'Airband'.Each air traffic position/controller has a defined frequency to communicate with the aircraft in his/her juristiction, just like in VATSIM.To the questions now.Yes, they do use a Push To Talk button. The PTT button is situatedat the Yoke or Joystick (for the Airbusses) trigger and works exactly the same way as in VATSIM. The major difference is that the transmission and reception is instantaneous and doesn't have the 1-2 seconds lag experienced on VATSIM (obviously).SOME aircraft types, mostly long range (777,340,744), can also communicate with some specific ATC centers using a system called ACARS.Communication is done via text messages written with the FMC keyboard and is performed via satelite.It's mostly used to obtain clearances and it's not used for aircraft vectroring or such important tasks where immediate action is required.George DorkofikisAthens, Hellashttp://online.vatsimindicators.net/811520/1704.png