I signed-up for vatsim, but have yet to download the software and use it. Just have a quick question in terms of controller coverage. I see a local aiport has someone online acting as ground control. Who then is acting as approach/tower/clnc del/departure for this airport? After talking to ground, who is he/she going to hand me off to?

I signed-up for vatsim, but have yet to download the software and use it. Just have a quick question in terms of controller coverage. I see a local aiport has someone online acting as ground control. Who then is acting as approach/tower/clnc del/departure for this airport? After talking to ground, who is he/she going to hand me off to?

Vatsim does not work that way, there's just not enough controllers, the exception is when its an event, usually posted on the main Vatsim page, then you will find lots of fully staffed airports. Anyways say theres a ground controller, he/she will usually act as ground and tower I find anyways, and vice versa. The best is if a Center is online, he will give you your clearance, taxi instructions, departure, approach, etc etc basically covers everything (very busy person) I find myself flying alot with no coverage at all, so I just make sure I have my charts, weather updates, use the unicom to state my intentions, and just use common sense.

Ok, thanks. I know there's not enough controllers to cover everything, but I was just wondering how it works.I did finally install the software last night and play around with it, but I don't think anyone can hear me, nor can I hear anyone else. My headset works, and I went to LAX and tuned into approach and departure but couldn't hear anyone talking. I tried broadcasting a radio check request, but didn't get any response. There was someone on ATIS but when I tune in all I get is the FS9 automated ATIS recording. Why would a controller be ATIS?So if I'm at LAX and there is only approach and departure controllers online (as was the case last night), you're saying to depart I would dial in ground frequency and hope the guy handling approach acts as ground? What if he doesn't? I just sit there idling forever? I read through the PRC but didn't see anything addressing this scenario.

Ok, thanks. I know there's not enough controllers to cover everything, but I was just wondering how it works.I did finally install the software last night and play around with it, but I don't think anyone can hear me, nor can I hear anyone else. My headset works, and I went to LAX and tuned into approach and departure but couldn't hear anyone talking. I tried broadcasting a radio check request, but didn't get any response. There was someone on ATIS but when I tune in all I get is the FS9 automated ATIS recording. Why would a controller be ATIS?So if I'm at LAX and there is only approach and departure controllers online (as was the case last night), you're saying to depart I would dial in ground frequency and hope the guy handling approach acts as ground? What if he doesn't? I just sit there idling forever? I read through the PRC but didn't see anything addressing this scenario.

What software are you using? I use fsinn, And if there is any controller at your airport contact them ie your example at LAX I would have contacted the departure controller and asked for my clearance, more then likely he would give you your clearance and possibly taxi instructions, worst case is he well just tell ya he is only handling departures, no big deal. Also go into your fs9 settings and turn off all atc sound settings.Here is something from the PRC center explaining the order in which you proceed when requesting your clearanceVATSIM 121e - The Departure Clearance Processby Charlie Rizzi, Ben Supnik, and Mike Bevington When you are departing IFR the first step in the process is getting an IFR clearance from the appropriate controller.� This is probably the Clearance Delivery controller (DEL) but this function is often assumed by a higher position if there is no specific DEL controller available.� Calling for clearance is often confusing to new members.�� Use the ATC menu in your connection software, the VATSIM �Who�s On Line� page, from the Servinfo program, or the Whazzup program (links are in the FAQ document) to determine what controllers are on-line. Start with the Clearance Delivery controller for your location and tune to their frequency. You would request clearance there. If that position is not staffed for the departure airport (xxx), look for ATC staffing in this order: Clearance Delivery�������� (xxx_DEL)Ground ������������ ����������� (xx_GND)Tower �� ����������������������� (xxx_TWR)Approach �������������������� (xxx_APP)Center ������������������������� (xxx_CTR) Flying on Vatsim is a learning curve, but it will come with time.

Ah, perfect. Thank you for the order to contact people. I could have guessed that, but didn't know if it was "appropriate" in vatsim to bother tower for taxi instructions. It seems so regimented that I didn't think that would be a good idea.I'm using Fsinn as well. Had it working last night, but wasn't able to make verbal contact with anyone for a radio check. Today I can't get it to connect, so I have some work to do to get up and running. Such fun.