Vatsim IFR flight procedures when there is no controller?

[rhodges 6]

I posted this question on the VatSim site, but with the moderator's permission, I thought there possibly would be more observers here, and someone might have an answer.In VatSim, must all IFR flights be filed from and to sites which are currently listed as having active controllers (i.e. ServInfo)?Assuming that it is possible, what is the proper procedure for communication for IFR flights when nothing is available under the ATC directory except Unicom?In the real world, the flight could be filed on the ground and initiated in the air as ctr's are always manned, but in VatSim, when, and to whom if there is no DEL, GND, TWR, DEP; APP, OR CTR within reach, only Unicom?By the same token, if the destination communication sources log off before I am within reach of their region, what is the proper procedure for completing the flight? I have been handed off to a non-existant controller at times, and do not really know what to do in this situation either.Thanks:RTH

[Martin Georg EDDF 0]

hello "RTH"No, you may start your flight from whatever airport you like. The rule of thumb for the "nearest controller" is very simple: 1) Lowest is TWR - he serves only the specific airport. He

[rhodges 6]

Thanks Martin:Makes good senseRTH