I joined Vatsim, got my ID#. Just recently joined a flying club. I downloaded Squawk Box, Team Speak 3, FSInn 1.3, FS Copilot 1.7 and Team Viewer8.0.2. Would like to start out by parking at a ramp to observe. What are the steps needed to do that? Thanks

Load at a parking spot / gate.  Log on, pull up the FSInn flight plan (FP button) and enter "Observing Only" in the comments section and click 'Send to Tower' - tune to the desired frequency.  (At least that's the process for FSInn which is what I use).

 

When you're ready to communicate with the VATSIM ATC remember to configure your push to talk keys in FSInn.

 

This info might be of some interest - http://www.ifrjethops.com/air-traffic-control-basics

Do you get on FSX to load to the parking place first? Do you get on FSinn first , then FSX?

I load at the parking space first then connect to VATSIM through FSInn.  Once connected you can pull up the flight plan and put the observing only comment in and send to tower.  Tune your radio to the appropriate frequency for the area / airport you are at - if you are concerned that connecting at a very busy airport will be a problem you can choose another one close by.  I use ServInfo to see where ATC is active and get the frequencies (I think this link still works - http://www.mediafire.com/download/u71vqb93ymdc49s/si202.zip ) but I believe you can also see who is online on the VATSIM website.

I got it, thanks guys!