I know there is VATSIM for online flying. But I'm not really interested in the ATC stuff. I'm more of a casual flyer and would like to go online to fly with some people. Can you do so on VATSIM or is it strictly ATC enforced rules and all? 

Formation flying is allowed on VATSIM, if you are not comfortable with atc chat, then maybe one of your friends can be the leader of the pack.

 

If not, there may still be gamespy(through fsx)

How well does gamespy work for FSX. and how many players can you fly with? Also can you chat while flying?

Its been a while since I have used gamespy, but from memory it was just as good, - no lag(good internet connection dependant), although you do not get ATC. there is no limit to how many are connected. and for voice you can use teamspeak.

So once I create an account on gamespy and log on, are there lobbies with people in them where I can choose one and join and then start flying?

Gamespy for multiplayer FSX is no more.

 

You can go on Vatsim and maybe pick an unmanned airfield to practice from. Obviously you'll still have to stick to the rules an no Mach 2 over Heathrow.

 

Or you can have one person be a host, and the others connect to the IP address of the host machine for multi player mode. 

I have just logged onto my gamespy account, and although GAMESPY is no more, I can still get into a m/p session(host one).

 

I will post my details just now to see if you can join the lobby.

 

LOBBY host - flyingnoob, airport EGPJ

 

94.1.209.134 is my ip, if you cant find the lobby and want to try connect directly

Edited July 24, 201312 yr by flyingnoob

Okay let me try that, give me a few mins to set up an account and connect.

Nevermind, I can't even create an account. Seem like gamespy is dead and only old accounts can log in. No new accounts can be made. I really wanted to fly online with some people to get a sense of how fun it would be.

ah ok, that's a shame.

 

Do you have software to connect to vatsim installed?

 if you want to go to avsim chat I will talk to you there instead of writing posts

 

Seems as if there is no avsim chat.

 

There is SB4 and FSInn, fsinn is a better program, and other aircraft is more accurately modelled although there is a performance it and SB4 the other A/C do jump about a bit more

Edited July 24, 201312 yr by flyingnoob

You can just join up with a few friends and host via direct ip. Theres hundreds of little groups out there flying MP together from GA flyers/fly in's to Wabird flyers and WW2 historical mission recreations and online air racing. Have a google and post on a few forums.

If you wish, install SB4 or FSInn, and we can go and do a few vfr circuits in formation (ATC will allow it).

 

Or as above we can connect directly and do circuits, but that won't give you any atc training.

 

If you are scared of talking to controllers - don't worry, the person in lead of the formation does the cat, - you can just listen in to get the hang of the procedure etc.

 

Do you have a mic and/or headset?

 

Give me a shout if you want to try this, - I will be around most of the day.

If you go to the FSInn page you will see server software along with the client stuff. You can set up your own hosting server using it and never have to go near Vatsim. You can also just logon to the open Apollo server and fly anywhere you want, its free and alway up

Also google FSHost for lobby's to fly in with friends or join one with pilots already there.

Myself and friend fly daily on a server called Apollo which is inside FSInn - when and if you install FSInn make sure you follow the install - old program but very very good in my opinion. Looks daunting at first but becomes "simple" after using.

 

Denis B

Sounds interesting guys. However I have already installed SquawkBox, and I see that FSinn is being primarily mentioned here. Is that better? If so I'll uninstall what I have now and setup FSinn instead, and I'd love to fly with you guys on here if possible. I just made a VATSIM account and this will be my first time flying online. I do have a logitech USB headset. Would be fun to fly with a couple of friends, and do a little sight seeing at the same time.

 

I'm sure I can use a few pointers about flying too. I'm in the US central time, so if you guys want to fly I'm usually on at night.

You can just fly somewhere on vatsim that's not being controlled.