Hi,

 

I have poked around the Vatsim site and mainly have one main question.

 

How exactly does this service work?

 

Are there just specific towers/airports that are controlled?  Do controllers cover several airports/airspaces?  Are there specific schedules for when a controller is available?  Is this information readily available?

 

Well I guess it was more than one question :smile:

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Brett

On VATSIM there is no set schedule for ATC to be on, it depends on the availability of enthousiasts like you and me. Remember, it is free and people don't get paid to be controllers on VATSIM. Therefore, they do it in their free time....

Generally, the network tends to be busier in the evening and at the weekend, obviously when people have more time. However, you can still find ATC 24/7.

Usually, ATC is available at the main airports, like New York, Atlanta, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, etc... but it does not mean that secondary airports are never open. For example, Liverpool, in the UK, is online on a regular basis at the moment....

There is one controller per position, but if the controller is in charge of an area, then they would control, as much as they can, all the airports in that area.

There is a calendar/timetable where controllers can book their ATC session and therefore advertise in advance their online presence. The information is readily available on various websites/applications, etc.....

There is so much more to VATSIM, but this is a good start I guess ;-)

Thanks!

 

I appreciate the detailed response