I was thinking of finally starting to use VATSIM, which I have wanted to do for quite some time. Can anyone recommend a good first timer route? I fly heavies, so the airport would have to be large enough to accept that, but small enough that I wont make everyone annoyed (KJFK would be a bad idea!). At the same time, it would be best if the flight time was less that 3 hours. Any ideas?Thanks!

Hi Daniel,It is hard to say where exactly to start as manning at the airports are not scheduled like real airports so what you have to do is download VATSPY or something similar to see which airports are manned then get right in there and start your flight.Once you have filed your flight at VATSIM you can connect via FSINN or whatever you use and enjoy the experience. When finished check your stats at VATAWARE, it is an excellent site to keep track of all your flights. Once you get the hang of it and are fully hooked look into joining a virtual airline with a good reputation.One of my first flights was out of JFK in a 767 and although a little nerve wracking I had a great time as the ground and tower locations were manned and the ATC was professional. I have not encountered a single controller with whom I have had an issue with.Good luck!

Thanks for the info!

Until you are used to flying on VATSIM, you may want to consider picking an airport that is manned by ATC, but it not too busy. This way a controller can assist you with any questions you may have, which would not be the case if you pick an airport where there is tons of traffic.

I was checked vatspy yesterday and there were not that many controllers online (middle of the afternoon I guess isnt that popular). Do you think Newark Intl to Tampa Intl would be a good idea?

I was checked vatspy yesterday and there were not that many controllers online (middle of the afternoon I guess isnt that popular). Do you think Newark Intl to Tampa Intl would be a good idea?

Newark is a great idea due to its proximity to JFK, BOS and PHL but isn't as busy. I would also recommend that you have a look at flightaware.com where you can find a route between any airport that arrives or departs in the US and it is especially good for a pilot for finding procedures for airports in the US as well.

In North America, prime time for ATC is between 22h00z & 02h00z (18h00edt & 22h00edt). The virtual skies are usually lit up with ATC all over North America.Friday night and all through the weekend, you tend to find ATC all through out the day as well.

Daniel,First of all I'd like to thank you for your respect to vatsim online users about you have kindly responsibility. There are a lot of choosen for first time less than 3 hrs flights with heavies.Generally Atlanta and Miami,LosAngeles and Oakland(San Francisco) or Washington (Seatlle)opens together and major airports are really effective in thats regions. also the most of time, Phoenix and Houston area gives service in peak times.I strongly advise while you beginning in vatsim, please make preflight issues; flightplan,loading,online at the gate and listen traffics about departing sids, give yourself time for entering FMC or setting up your navigations about first phase of your departing, gets your charts on desk (or screen). After that I belive you will be make great and pleasure flight.

You may also want to consider a VATSIM ATO (Authorized Training Organization: http://linksmanager.com/vatsimvas/authorised-training-organisation.htmlThey can help you get started out on VATSIM and at the same time you can get your VATSIM P1 Rating. :)