For me it is the perceived attitudes. I am a no longer current PPL, and real life flying seemed to have less problems and attitudes to deal with than some of the stories I have heard about on-line dos and don'ts, etc.Joe Lorenc

I'd love to fly online but found it too much hassle to get connected.I managed to figure out GMAX scenery design and it was, although frustrating at times, nothing like trying to get connected for online flying. I'll definitely try again once it's easier because I DO believe it when many people say it's vastly superior to FSATC (though I've got no real gripes with FS's ATC - a huge improvement over previous versions). Also I now have high speed, so I'm sure it would be a great experience. I had very unreliable dial-up before.Also, I heard that there are more and more controllers using voice communication. I'm afraid if I had to rely on my keyboarding skills:-roll I'd lose my "virtual" pilots license. looking forward to some more user friendly software.Adam

Why don't I fly online?This is an easy answer for me. I'm not well versed in ATC policies and procedures. Actually I'm not versed at all. I just jump in the plane, bring up FS's ATC and just select things like take off and land.

1. the VATSIM/etc. stuff is very big iron focused. I fly GA stuff, so my trips tend to be much much shorter than a long haul from Paris to NY or whatever.2. incomplete controller coverage of Approach/Departure/Center. As another RL pilot mentioned, this isn't very realistic. But - never let it be said that I don't appreciate the time that the controllers that ARE in the system put into it. It's unrealistic to expect real-world ATC coverage from engine start to shutdown (but we can hope!).3. difficulty of getting everything working. I've delved into Squawkbox and such a couple times but my conclusion has been to wait until (at least) the SB client is updated. I want 100% voice comms - none of this keyboard nonsense.That all said, one Saturday I got hooked up on an online helicopter session via hovercontrol.com; I was flying a three-ship mission where one of the other pilots was from Germany and the other from somewhere else in Europe (don't rememmber). We were talking via voice, and that was really cool - there was no lag and I couldn't believe it worked as well as it did. But again, sim pilots do things a little differently than RL pilots and I am still looking for that RL experience in my simming.Finally, I'll (once again) put in a plug for FS2004's ATC. It's amazingly realistic (esp. for IFR) and I only wish that it was less predictable. I hope MS can inject some more variety in how it responds. (And it needs to support Flight Service Stations too.)Dave Blevins

After flying with the built in ATC, and it's quirks, I thought about going online for more realistic interaction. Once I checked out the coverage with WhazzUp software, I was disappointed with the amount of coverage, and only at specific times.I just can't see setting up all of the utilities needed to connect if I'm not going to get full coverage between departure and destination. I may get real interaction when I do have a controller online, but what's the point of flying online when no one is controlling the sector, or airfield? I'll stick to FS ATC, even with its quirks. At least I have the freedom to fly where and when I want.

I might if it is easy enough. I have done it before though in FS98.If Microsoft can make a patch which will enable us to use ATC with real people then it would be grand. They can do this, it is not such a heavy task. Also it would help us fly online more and with ease. A pilot just has to press the button with right frequency and talk. With broadband connections you should be able to do this with a real ATC operator and it will conclusively make the experience real, without having to open 50 different programs and get out of the cockpit environment. To be real a pilot needs to be at the controls whilst he is talking.Daniel

When they Go to all voice comm, I will come back.

I fly online regularly and enjoy it because it does offer some unique challenges. When an area is fully staffed for a flyin, it is very realistic and the folks in Europe seem particularly devoted. My only regrets include the spotty coverage at other times, clunky interface, continued support for pilots and controllers not using voice (call me a voice snob ;-)), planes that jump around and sometimes crash into you on the taxiway when they are hundreds of yards away, and planes that do not have night lighting. Some of these things are being worked on, I know.David

As much as I'd love to have an online experience, I know from all the comments I've heard, including some here in this thread, that I'd be frustrated. Too many apps running with the sim to get online. My computer is bogged down enough with complex add-on aircraft, adding more to that is simpy too much.Also, I get a feeling from some that the controllers are too stuffy about communication and procedures. This is a hobby and not like the real world counterpart, where every procedure and policy must be followed to the letter. People should be given a chance to learn the procedures and communication skills, and even then if they mess up, so be it. This is just a game, so some latitude should apply. I also worry about the fact there aren't very many controlled areas.The keyboard is another problem. The only thing I want to use my keyboard for is executing a few commands in the plane. As it is right now, I only use the ATC button, push back, and a few others on occasion. I use the CH Yoke for the majority of what I really need and mouse the panels for the rest. I would be unable to type messages while trying to fly a final or whatever. I prefer hand flying my approaches, so the keyboard won't work.

yes, that's a good one.The number of controllers with massive ego trips I've encountered is what did it for me. I do fly online a lot (in fact, usually) but almost never on vatsim because of that reason.

The only reason why I don't fly online is computing power. I only have a P4 1.6 GHz and if I try to launch all of the software that you need to fly online, my system gets bogged down and I get single frame rates. I just replaced my sound card which helped a little, but now I need to save up for either a new computer (highly unlikely) or a new video card.

I was huge into VATSIM back with FS2002 and was actually ATC ARTCC Chief at ZAB (Albuquerque) for a little while.When FS2004 came out I got sorta fed up with all the steps required to connect etc and decided to just wait for SB3 to come out. Now that SB3 is finally in beta and hopefully nearing public release, I'll definitely get back into it, most likely with the Midcon VA. I'll probably start controlling again as well.

As many other have stated, I'm waiting for a program (Squawkbox 3) that makes it easier to fly online. I always flew online with msfs2k2 but since I've migrated to CoF I find it a bit too much of a hazzle.However with Squawkbox 3 and the ability to control comm frqequencies with my goflight radio modules, I'm sure I'll be back in the online skies. If I only could have my Ultimate Traffic with me though... sigh...

Good question and so far all good answers. I agree that FS9 ATC is not good, its better than VATSIM for the following reasons. a) Lets be honest. The software required is pain in the arse to get working.:( The other aircraft in the sky are very stuttery, disappear without warning and look terrable. There will never be enough AI in the sky. c) There is very very very rarely a controller where you want to go. Like somebody else said, you end up taking off, doing the flight, and then find the 1st ATC you actually speak to is the approach controller or tower controller where your landing.Just my 2c, which with the exachange rate is worth a lot lessKael

So would it be fair to say that the number one reason for people not wanting to fly online is the lack of a simple way to to get online, then there's the lack of coverage and people having experienced less than helpful controllers?I couldn't agree more that we need a simple way to get online and fast. When I fly online I usually do it in Europe and even though the coverage is not complete I have to say that during events it is pretty well covered throughout Europe. As for the controllers not being helpful, that is a real problem if that is the first experience a pilot gets when trying to fly online. I have also encountered this, but not very often. I can to a degree understand if a controller gets a little stressed if you are new and you drop in during a heavy traffic situation at say LAX. I would suggest that new pilots try and log in during off peak hours and just ask the controller there for help. I've often heard controllers helping out new pilots which is very encouraging. People shouldn't be afraid to ask for help, afterall it's in everyones interest that it turns out to be a great experience and they return for more.I just want to make it clear though, that Vatsim is not only for big iron, you can go bush flying if that is what you want just as easily.