I'll try that when time is allowing med to. Haven't got a lot time for FSX atm. I really need to do some VFR training offline as I have litteraly no idea how to fly VFR. I know the rules, but I have no clue what to do with ATC etc. I can easily fly the default Cessna but I have no clue how to put in the route either. But that's what you don't do, right?

 

I know VATSIM has some pilot training and I have already passed my first test over there. (Nor VFR related)

 

Right now my plan is as following:

 

• Do some VFR offline and check some videos about basic VFR flying, VATSIM ATC videos and VATSIM flights.

• Connect to VATSIM, go to a busy airport and just listen to ATC.

• Do some VFR flying (VATSIM)

• Basically becomming familiar with VATSIM.

•After training go 737 and IFR.

 

I don't know about FSinn. Seems a bit complicated from what I've seen. Might just stick to vPilot until I have become familiar with VATSIM. I don't know really. What would you guys say? Thanks for your tips and help, too. It's highly appreciated. If I don't reply to posts straight away it's because the holidays are over. Unfortunately :-)

From what I have read so far in the Forums FSInn doesn't work with FSX-SE but Vpilot does. Not sure if this issue has been fixed though.

 

VFR flights are pretty straight forward. When contacting the Controller request clearance for your VFR flight and the Controller will then issue you with a squawk code and an altitude limit, generally up to 3000ft. Main aspect of VFR is that you must maintain visual contact with the ground, if the weather suddenly changes and you find that visual contact with ground is no longer possible, you can request Controller for a VFR to IFR clearance or alternatively request controller to give you vectors to the nearest airfield to land. Obviously if you are going to go from A to B you must at least be able to identify landmarks, rivers, cities, etc that would allow you identify route to your destination. You can also request VFR to fly around and area and land at same airfield from which you departed.

 

You don't need to feel under pressure with your learning and practice schedule, do it when you can and it helps if you tell the Controller that you are a new pilot and if he would be willing to give you some advice/assistance if required. Unless they are very busy most will be glad to assist you.

 

I know from my own experience how daunting it can be at the beginning, but if you can accept that it will take some time to go through the learning curve the end result will be very satisfying and extremely educational.

Might be a stupid question - but then what difference does it make and in which way will it help me to move on to IFR flying if the only time I need to interact with the ATC is when getting my clearance? If it's to become familiar with ATC I do see the reason but it will not help me when flying IFR later on as it's a completely different ATC experience as far as I've heard, right?

 

And in order to fly VFR I guess I need to practise the route offline right? I guess I need to learn the route somehow as going from A to B VFR for the first time will be impossible as I've most likely never been on that specific route ever before.

 

Yup, vPilot is apparently right now the only client that works.

 

And when filling in my route on Vatsim.net/fp they suggest to put "Newbie" in the section with the comments thingy. That's what I'll do for sure

Here's a great youtube channel to check out if you need atc vids.

 

youtube.com/musicalaviator

I have uploaded a bunch of clips featuring online flights on VATSIM in PMDG's NGX. Some of the clips are with English commentary while others are with Swedish commentary but I guess the English ones could give you some tips on how to fly on VATSIM.

 

You can find my videos if you do a Google search for my name Richard Åsberg.

Might be a stupid question - but then what difference does it make and in which way will it help me to move on to IFR flying if the only time I need to interact with the ATC is when getting my clearance? If it's to become familiar with ATC I do see the reason but it will not help me when flying IFR later on as it's a completely different ATC experience as far as I've heard, right?

 

And in order to fly VFR I guess I need to practise the route offline right? I guess I need to learn the route somehow as going from A to B VFR for the first time will be impossible as I've most likely never been on that specific route ever before.

 

Yup, vPilot is apparently right now the only client that works.

 

And when filling in my route on Vatsim.net/fp they suggest to put "Newbie" in the section with the comments thingy. That's what I'll do for sure

Under VFR rules you can fly from point A to B or just fly around at will over a wide area. In real life a pilot would normally carry  VFR Sectional Chart/s which contain details of roads, landmarks, etc. which would enable him to find his way to the destination. Granted that FSX doesn't have as much detail as real world but nonetheless you could still fly from say Los Angeles area to San Francisco following the coast line.

 

The advantage to start flying in this way from a practical point of view would be to be able to listen to the RT (Radio Telecommunication) between Controllers/Pilots providing you with valuable information which you can later incorporate in your flights. Also become acquainted with basic instruments like heading, artificial horizon, basic Auto Pilot, etc. Even under VFR a Controller could suddenly contact you give you a different heading or a level change to avoid conflict with other traffic in the area. You could also start practicing VOR navigation and request from Controller to change your flight from VFR to IFR. Although in FSX you can jump straight into a jet

that in itself won't teach you many things you need to know to be an effective pilot.

All Real Life pilots have to undertake basic flying training before they are allowed to fly a multi million dollar aircraft.

 

At the end of the day it's up to you how you want to proceed.

If VATSIM looks scary, have a look at this channels videos. He recorded his first ventures and carries on to record his step into the world of Vatsim etc. Whilst I have yet to find the time it did open my eyes to world of VATSIM and realise how welcoming and simple it would be once I am able to join in the flight sim aviation fun in a new immersive online arena.

 

He's flying VFR and IFR in GA aircraft but the basic principles are the same and the general overview of how you will be treated as a VATSIM newbie are all in the videos and it comes off very well.

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC750ha1F4T18nB6Px6vvIJA

 

cheers,

Lewis

Under VFR rules you can fly from point A to B or just fly around at will over a wide area. In real life a pilot would normally carry  VFR Sectional Chart/s which contain details of roads, landmarks, etc. which would enable him to find his way to the destination. Granted that FSX doesn't have as much detail as real world but nonetheless you could still fly from say Los Angeles area to San Francisco following the coast line.

 

The advantage to start flying in this way from a practical point of view would be to be able to listen to the RT (Radio Telecommunication) between Controllers/Pilots providing you with valuable information which you can later incorporate in your flights. Also become acquainted with basic instruments like heading, artificial horizon, basic Auto Pilot, etc. Even under VFR a Controller could suddenly contact you give you a different heading or a level change to avoid conflict with other traffic in the area. You could also start practicing VOR navigation and request from Controller to change your flight from VFR to IFR. Although in FSX you can jump straight into a jet

that in itself won't teach you many things you need to know to be an effective pilot.

All Real Life pilots have to undertake basic flying training before they are allowed to fly a multi million dollar aircraft.

 

At the end of the day it's up to you how you want to proceed.

 

I'll try looking into some VFR flying then.

 

Thanks for the videos, all. I'll check them all tomorrow! Hopefully I will find some more time soon to do some VATSIM flying!