Hi,I have been thinking of joining a VA, but I need some basic help:Based on what criteria should I decide which one to join? If I will fly mostly in Europe, what would be the best choice? Ivao, Vatsim ..? What are really the differences between them? What VA are you flying for and can recommend?Can I fly on line with my old fashioned modem v.92 or do I need broadband connection?Thanks for your suggestions.

Elprim,You would do well to join a 'VA'. The pleasure turns into purpose and with a little imagination, you will feel as though you really are there.'IVAO, Vatsim and Flight Project International' all handle European coverage, excellently. The choice is yours as to what one you choose.I will say that 'FPI' is much better to learn the ropes with as their 'ATOC' system is, to my mind better than 'SB-3'.Some 'VA's allow you to fly off-line as well but most do not and insist on using 'on-line' multiplayer useage.Of these, www.knightair.com is the one I used to fly with and recieved a multitude of help by asking questions in their forum. I always had more than one answer to everything. So you should consider them as their system is, in my opinion the best and you will be able to fly anywhere and everywhere. I even carried out three RTW's (Round the World) trips while with them.I have since moved on to a VA that is more local to me. Namely www.freewebs.comdevonairva where I am much more at ease.I wish you good flying and pleasure in whatever you choose but, will tell you this. If you have a broadband connection you will certainly enjoy your session in multiplayer more.I will never forget the first time I flew on-line and had all the feelings of actually being there! With ATC manned by countless and very, very good controllers, it was unforgettable. I still remember being told off for crossing a disused runway without asking the controller first.--------------------------------------------------------Right, should I do another quick lap of the 'old' Nurburgring circuit with 'GT4' or go flying?Dave T.

"Some 'VA's allow you to fly off-line as well but most do notand insist on using 'on-line' multiplayer useage."Not entirely true, guess it depends on what kind of flying you do, commercial big iron as opposed to GA types. The biggest ship my VA flies in the Citation X, we have a couple of pilots that use VATSIM for their flights, but most is done offline as well as a few other GA type VAs I know.The main thing I love about being a part of a VA is the interaction with like minded people and it also gives you a purpose to your flights as well a few guidelines (roleplaying) to make it more realistic.Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://www.calvirair.com/mcpics/mcdcvabanner.jpgCalVirAir International

This site should help http://207.127.218.107/advsearch.wcgi

The criteria is really a matter of personal choice.What type of flying and aircraft do you like, low & slow GA or Jet 'liner?Do you need training in flying, flight planning, on line flying, if so does the VA offer this?Would you like to fly different liveries or are you happy with just one?How much freedom do you want?Not to be outdone :-) try the VA I fly for, a direct link in my sig.Based in the UK, simulates a typical UK holiday charter airline so most flights are within Europe although we do have long haul to the USA.You can fly to the sun in summer and to the snow in winter.You can fly a charter airline livery or our own VA livery and any suitable aircraft.You can fly on line or off, use FSACARS or not.Training for any part of virtual flying.Friendly, helpful bunch of people.Check out our ops manual and have a look round the site, if you decide to join us I look forward to seeing you in our pilots forum.End of commercial :D

I've no idea whether your idea of fun is sitting at 36,000 feet for seven hours or skipping through the treetops in a Piper Cub ... but we have the most fun over at DC-3 Airways, and have the added bonus of being able to fly the world's finest aircraft. On or off line.http://www.paxship.com/dcalogo.jpgDo drop by. www.dc3airways.comMark "Dark Moment" Beaumonthttp://www.swiremariners.com/newlogo.jpg

Please give us a look!!http://www.air-source.us/Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Sales and Supporthttp://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004proudsupporter.jpg

I'll say only this: British Airways Virtual. Solely it's member number and number of people usually flying BAW*** simultaneously in the evenings (there are different Callsigns, but you can always count at LEAST 10-15 BAW pilots, if not much more). They have organized flights each 2nd weekend, you can sign up for assigned flights and fly assigned routes if you wish. Your hours are being kept logged, and as you accumulate them, you get the higher rank etc... Excellent support from their staff and on the forums. Their memebers are usually people who know what they are doing (in most of situations :-lol), and airports like EGLL and London Control are usually controlled by very capable controllers. Enough said? :-)

Gee, how many offerings... :( What to do now? My dilemma is now greater than before I've posted my question. Well, seems the only way to learn it is to go ahead and try it. Nevertheless, some things are clearer to me now. Many thanks for your explanations, guys.

A second recommendation for Air Source from me.Today, a 297 leg Continental Tour kicked off that will run over 6 months. You can do all continents or pick individual ones like Europe. An excellent on-line ACARS system and a great bunch of dudes to fly with, including Jim "weather man" Skorna :-hah And if tours don't take your fancy, theres schedule, personal and airlift/humanitarian divisions to choose from, with any airline or aircraft that takes your fancy.Gary (AS69)

FYI There is a VA forum on AVSim that you can read for more info:http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=146

You bet, Gary!!Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Sales and Supporthttp://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004proudsupporter.jpg

Might want to check outwww.flywestwind.comOne of the oldest and best VAs on the net.Regards,Ed

Another thing to consider is whether you want to fly passengers or cargo. The one I fly for flies cargo strictly.http://www.maxfreightva.com(shameless plug :))