I have tried before to fly on vatsim before with squakbox but I gave up cause i just didnt understand it.

Ahhh vatsim....

 

1) Know your plane (aka don't go on there and ask the controllers how to fly your plane)

2) Download VatSpy to see where the controllers are

3) Connect to the network on a ramp, not taxiway or runway

4) Listen to the frequency for a few mintues, get a feel for things.

 

Depending on what type of plane you're flying, and if IFR file a route... you'll want to know navigation basics before you fly IFR on vatsim - http://www.navfltsm.addr.com/

Basic route structure in the USA: Departure Procedure (DP) -> sometimes connects to an enroute fix ->Enroute navaids -> sometimes connects to a STAR ->Standard Terminal Arrival Route

 

USA Enroute charts:

http://skyvector.com/

USA Terminal Procedures (Approach plates)

http://aeronav.faa.gov/index.asp?xml=aeronav/applications/d_tpp

 

Be advised... vatsim isn't a network where you simply connect and fly your F18 around the pattern (yes you can do that actually), but the point is if you want to crash into other pilots and act like a 10 yr old vatsim isn't the place for you

 

Also check out the Vatsim PRC (a little wordy imho, but good) for tips as well:

http://www.vatsim.net/prc/

 

Good luck! Oh, they also have forums so you can ask questions...you'll need your CID and password they emailed you...

http://forums.vatsim.net/

Ryan's points are excellent. Know your plane, know where you're going and how you intend to get there and above all, do give the entire PRC a read through. Park yourself at an airport with ATC and some traffic and listen to what others are doing, you'll soon get a feel for the flow of things. Once you think you're ready to fly, take a short flight with another pilot and basically mimic what is heard and said. That made all the difference for me and I clearly remember (A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away) the butterflies I had on my first few flights but once you're flying online, it's like an entirely new world and very rewarding experience. If you're primarily flying airliners, a basic understanding of approach and departure charts is must. If you let the controller know you're new to vatsim, most are very understanding and helpful if they're not too saturated with other traffic. I'll even volunteer to do an intro flight with you if you're interested depending on what type of flying you do. I'm pretty much airliners only, GA procedures are different and someone esle might be a better resource if thats the case. Don't get too intimidated, it's all second nature after the first few flights.

What they ALL said above, but don't be scared of it. HAVE FUN on there, just simulate a flight in the real world, think of it that way. Real rules, real procedures, there is a varrying degree on VATSIM of course, but bottom line is they are ALL there for the same thing, to have fun and enjoy their hobby. If you want a wing-mate lemme know, I can find some time to either lead or follow you on the route. Been wanting to get an AVSIM group flight together, this might be the chance.

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thanks alot guys!

 

and for the record, it is "on topic" because I wanted feedback from fsx users. And I did get the responses I desired so it would seem I posted under the correct forum.

the move wasn't really necessary. -Whatever makes you feel authority i guess.

 

Im still waiting for the FSL airbus to have a copilot.