I ask because I was trying to find out what VATSIM is. In my searches, I of course came across youtube stuff that frightened the life out of me! Firstly, I couldn't understand 70% of what was being said and furthermore it all sounded so...serious. I had no idea. So the question is, how many people go to these lengths? (and that's not an inferred criticism, I'm all for realism) and who does what I do, fly, land, make a flight plan sometimes, go Ooo! at the scenery that's just cost you and arm and a leg and generally have fun. Perhaps I'm still at the stage where putting the thing down in one piece after getting to where you wanted to go is considered an achievement and VATSIM will come. :(

As of 2300 zulu today, there were 434 pilots and 77 ATCs online in VATSIM, according to vroute. It's a global, online networked environment with real time, human air traffic control and pilots flying very manner of freeware and payware aircraft, commercial, general, and military. It's fun.Start here: About VATSIM

I have used it in the past, but I found the coverage was a bit too patchy to make the kind of flights I was doing realistic enough, so I use Radar Contact now. That said, when the coverage is good, there is no substitute for the level of realism VATSIM offers, but as serious as it might have sounded to you, you will find that people are aware there are some on it who might not have 15,000 hours in real jets, so don't feel too intimidated, and in any case, it's surprising how quickly you can pick it all up. Unlike real world ATC, it's worth remembering too, that as seriously as some might take things, it doesn't really matter if you get the odd thing wrong on VATSIM.Al

Just like in the real world, you can also fly VFR on VATSIM (i.e. no flight plan necessary but you have to stay in visual meteorological conditions). Then you can do your sightseeing flights and just have to talk to controllers when you want to enter controlled class B, C or D airspaces (in the US) or you want flight following. But you have to know about airspaces, how to fly a traffic pattern, some radio phraseology and to follow and read back instructions on the ground (if the airport is controlled) and in controlled airspaces. Much enough for starters. Also, when VFR, you are not allowed into class A aispace 18.000ft & higher (US). But you won't do a sightseeing flight in the flight levels anyways. Airpace regulations in other countries vary. The realism added by all this is huge and I can really recommend it.

My friend and I fly on Vatsim regularly using the awsome Shared Cockpit feature of FSX and just recently we started using the Maddog MD80. We choose routes under 2 to 3 hours and use Vatspy or browse the Vatsim forums for any "fly-in" events and ususally get coverage 98% of the time for our complete route.One of us begins the flight as PF(pilot flying) and the other as PNF(pilot not flying) then mid-way thru the flight we'll switch roles. The PF is in command and handles control of the aircraft while the PNF handles all communications with ATC, tuning frequencies, monitoring instruments, etc. We rarely use the FMC and fly all (non-rnav) SIDS and STARS, manually using VORS, ADF and DME, calculating our TOD and all altitude/speed constraints. This is a great challenge but with 2 people in the cockpit eases the workload and we wouldn't do it any other way. We use Skype for our communications, dep/arrival briefings, checklists, etc. Shared Cockpit flying on Vatsim is such an immersive, addictive, realistic and exciting experience that for us flying any other way is not even an option anymore, unless we are just practicing some cross-wind landings or certain deps or arrivals or whatever.I urge everyone to find themselves a good flying buddy and give it a try!Thanks for listening :(

I'm a fairly serious IFR vatsim user. I fly anything from GA singles, to larger bizjets. It takes a few flights to get used to the procedures, but most the "controllers" are helpful. I would stay away from the big facilities at first if you want to do VFR. Usually they have published vfr routes and you'll need to understand charts, like sectionals etc to fly in the class B. Skyvector is free and a good aid:http://skyvector.com/You can get free charts in the USA from faa's naco site:http://aeronav.faa.gov/digital_tpp.asp?ver...;end=06-03-2010 You can if you want just ask tower if you can do closed traffic (patterns) and as long as its not LAX, JFK or the other big 10 you should be able to.I actually think IFR is easier sometimes hehe. Just file a flight plan, use sim routes or just file direct (you'll need Departure Procedures and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes if departing/arriving larger airports - ask the controller what to file) and write the stuff down on a pad of paper. It makes it easier to remember. For taxiing, for routing changes etc. I write a lot of stuff down for vatsim flights. You're not elite cause you can remember all this stuff lol... I work real traffic and we write down a lot of things! I also wrote down things when flying... so do the same on vatsim!Most of all, don't be afraid to speak on the mic.... the majority of the "controllers" are simply aviation enthusiasts on the other side of the mic. There are a lot of pilots on vatsim who fly for real, myself included, and will be able to help you with questions as well.See the PRC on vatsim to get started:http://www.vatsim.net/prc/

I was hoping to get a flood of "I tried it and it frightened the life out of me" type posts. :( One thing you've convinced me of though, is that I've a LOT to learn before I go anywhere near VATSIM. :( Hopefully I'll make the transition one of these days. :(

I ask because I was trying to find out what VATSIM is. In my searches, I of course came across youtube stuff that frightened the life out of me! Firstly, I

Some Vatsim Flying captured on Video from the VC

Simple! :( *******, you've just convinced me...........I'm not ready! :( That was fascinating, thanks.

I found VATSIM sort of intimidating for sure

Great post Danny. Very encouraging. Funnily enough, sitting in the parking lot and just listening was on my agenda. Also I have question the reality of jumping in aircraft I've owned for two minutes and figuring stuff out as I fly. :( I WILL get there but I'll adopt a different approach to my sim flying in future. Thanks for your input fellas. :(

I started flying on VATSIM about 5 or 6 months ago, at first I was dead scared as well, but after a couple of flights the nervousness disappeared. I highly recommend it, it improves the flightsim experience by alot in my opinion. btw are you Doorman from RSC?

I started flying on VATSIM about 5 or 6 months ago, at first I was dead scared as well, but after a couple of flights the nervousness disappeared. I highly recommend it, it improves the flightsim experience by alot in my opinion. btw are you Doorman from RSC?

I thought I'd start a new life, then you show up! :( Yes. Is that wimsholm or similar? Don't laugh, but this evening I did a flight from Rockhampton to Hervey Bay and in my mind said what I imagined one would say as I passed through various airspaces. Wasn't too bad.

I thought I'd start a new life, then you show up! :( Yes. Is that wimsholm or similar? Don't laugh, but this evening I did a flight from Rockhampton to Hervey Bay and in my mind said what I imagined one would say as I passed through various airspaces. Wasn't too bad.

I ain't laughing at you,if you use the proper calls that is a great way to build mic confidence.I've been a member for 8 years now,but I started using voice communication only about a year ago.It was nervewracking at first but having studied what to say and flown lots of times using the receive mode i.e receive voice reply on txtI now fly all flights using voice and it is really great.Beginners are warmly welcomed as the rookie pilot of today is the seasoned veteran of tomorrow as Ian Elchitz put it rightly.I think you will be warmly welcomed no matter if you fly for fun or take it serious.I do know it is a tough addiction to give up,though,so know what you are getting yourself into.I cannot fly offline anymore,I find that boring,I'll only ever fly offline if trying out a new plane,or to practice a really complex procedure.I do recommend you to use voice from the getgo though,it is much harder to start using voice if you are used to textand flying with voice is so much more immersive.cheersJP.

Make no mistake I've no problem with voice comms, it's just that I have to know what I'm talking about. There's 40,000 acronyms to learn for a start! :(