Ive been flying on VATSIM for almost two years now. Yeah not a lot. Anyway when i first started VATSIM, i wanted to shoot in the default FS 737 make a silly call sign, and shoot to my favourate airport. But when i logged on it was much different than i though. Everything was like the real world, and everybody was very serious. I can remember it took me 20 minutes before i said a word to the controller as i was that scared to say something. After a year flying the default FS737, i moved on and bought myself the CS757. I hated it, i couldnt start the engines and i didn't know how to put in a route, not like the easy FS file a flight plan. So one night i was coming into LEPA, and there was a guy on the tramac in a 767. He had only just bought the LEVEL D 767-300, and didn't have a clue. He asked me for help and with in 2 or 3 hours he was flying the LEVEL D, because i told him what to do step by step. So after then, i started to think what if i set my own website up for VATSIM pilot training. If i could get a handful of some voulnteers, who are experinced vatsim flyers we could start a pilot scheme up maybe? I was thinking if i asked VATSIM to do this, could they provide me with my own frequency to talk to the pilots who are training. And could VATSIM somehow connect me to the learning pilots panel to see what they are viewing and what they are doing. The training would be like so: -No theory -reccomend to read VATSIM tutorials -Reccomend to have at least 4 hours in the default FS C172, with one of our instructors before moving on to IFR and payware aircraft. -Member for VATSIM -Vroute installed -Reccomend scenery -Training only BASED in the UK-To speak fluent EnglishThe reward after completing training with our instructors, would to obtain a V.A.L (VATSIM Approved license) The VAL would be in specific aircraft though. Say if you choose to train in the PMDG 737 800/900 you will have a valid V.A.L for the PMDG 737 800/900 series. Once you have passed th V.A.L it will automatically say in your VATSIM I.D you are a V.A.L holder, and in what aircraft type. Training will be booked for a certain time. If one of our instructors can acsess the specific time you have required, they will approve it. If not they will mail you back and offer a time when they are availible, you can accept it, or you dont have to. There will be a choice of aircraft wich to train in, from the default FS C172 to the QW757 etc. But you have to have the add on and so does the instructor. It will work; On the booking page there will be a list of instructors who you would like to have. You can see what instructors there are and the instructors PC setup , and also what add ons the instructor has. Also it will show weither they have FSX or FS2004, you will have to have the same version as the instructor: E.G Jack Bloggs V.A.L Instructor VATSIM I.D: 104229System setup: NVIDIA 9800GT 2.0GHZ FS aircraft add ons avalible: all default FS aircraft, Captain Sim 757-200, Level D 767-300, Quality Wings 757 base pack. FS Other add ons: UK2000 scenery part 1-8, Active Sky 6 FS type: FSX and FS2004 If you have an add on wich is shown on this example and the correct FS type you are ready to fly with the instructor, now you have to make a booking, wich will be somthing like this: Chosen Instructor: Jack Bloggs (VAL INSTRUCTOR) Chosen aircraft: Level D 767-300 (V.A.L Level D 767 license) Your VATSIM I.D: 1087994 Date: 11/12/10 Time UK LOCAL Z: 21:00pm Comments: First time flying Level D 767-300 After the flight with the instructor, the instructor will give you a flight log and put all the necessery info down in it, and of course your hours on what aircraft type youve learned in.Adavantages: -step by step tutorials, quicker and easier way to get flying on VATSIM -Have more knowledge of VATSIM -Rewarding -Easy understanding of of payware aircraft what are similar to real world aircraft -Virtual Airlines, will sign you on with out taking a theory test, if you have a V.A.L in a certain aircraft type what they operate. -Makes it easier for VATSIM ATC, as they know if you have a V.A.L, they dont have to worry about issues.So this is just a bit of what it would be like, if you have any questions please reply, and tell me what you think about this: Cheers, Wowk YEAH i know the grammer is rubbish in this!

Hi wowk, This is a great idea. However Frank Plummer VATUK6 (I believe) from VATUK has already put this sort of thing into motion and should be ready in the new year or sometime later.If you are a VATUK'er' then it has beem mentioned many times on the VATSIMUK forums - it will be just like the RTS system but intead of it for controllers, it will be for pilots. I like your thinking though with the VAL, and a specific type rating. Jordan

VATSIM now has a Pilot Rating Program that does exactly what you mentionned. You can take the required training and then take an exam through and Authorized Training Organization (ATO) and upon successful completion receive your VATSIM P1 rating.Here is the current list of VATSIM ATOS: http://linksmanager.com/vatsimvas/authorised-training-organisation.htmlRegards,

Hi, I apologize if this question is off topic but I wasn't sure where to look for information about Vatsim.I have never flown the heavies, is Vatsim basically an Airline operation and the training is for Airliner pilots?I read a little about it in the current (Jan.2011) Computer Pilot magazine but couldn't quite understand the range of flights operations.

Hi,VATSIM caters for all flights from GA VFR flight up to commercial jets. Admittedly the latter is more common but certainly there is a wide variety of flights. As a start have a look http://www.vatsim.net/prc/Phillip

Hi,VATSIM caters for all flights from GA VFR flight up to commercial jets. Admittedly the latter is more common but certainly there is a wide variety of flights. As a start have a look http://www.vatsim.net/prc/Phillip

thanks for the reply, I will take a look.