What's the best ATC simulator?

[captain420 3,099]

I'm curious to know if there are any good ATC simulators out there, either for Mac OS X or Windows. Just want to see what its like being an ATC.

[Chrjs 61]

Vatsim and IVAO - real people teach you for free how to control real simulator pilots! nothing is more realistic besides becoming a real ATC-Controller.

[captain420 3,099]

Is that free and do you need any special software?

[Chrjs 61]

Online networks are for free. You have to join eg Vatsim first, then your local "division". You will then get a tutor to help you through your "education" to become an online atc.

No money whatsoever, but it takes some time, effort and passion - but it is certainly well worth it! it is a great community and a lot of fun.

 

Start here:

http://www.vatsim.net/

 

and for becoming a controller

http://www.vatsim.net/atc/atctraining/

[Mijitman 147]

VATSIM is great and it's almost all the flying I do (and definitely all the controlling), but it is a double edged sword. When it's well staffed (as a pilot) and busy (as a controller) the experience really can't be beat. You also get though the guys popping up to do traffic patterns in a 747-400 claiming to be Air Force One. Or they're operating a Lufthansa flight from Colorado Springs to Dallas/Ft. Worth. For realism it isn't always the greatest, especially since when you're flying off-hours in an area you're basically flying alone.

[LeeL 272]

VATSIM is great and it's almost all the flying I do (and definitely all the controlling), but it is a double edged sword. When it's well staffed (as a pilot) and busy (as a controller) the experience really can't be beat. You also get though the guys popping up to do traffic patterns in a 747-400 claiming to be Air Force One. Or they're operating a Lufthansa flight from Colorado Springs to Dallas/Ft. Worth. For realism it isn't always the greatest, especially since when you're flying off-hours in an area you're basically flying alone.

Yeah but I've found stuff like thus has been happening a lot less recently.

 

Vatsim is fun and if you plan your flights right you can be quite busy with controllers.

[doorstep 46]

For the best and friendliest ATC experience come HERE .   We fly for fun and everyone is friendly. We even have our very own flight academy, if you are unsure of anything at all?

 

You can even train to be an ATC controller too.

 

Multiplayer is available on most nights and in the UK afternoons also.