Hello, fellow pilots!

My name is Svyatoslav, and I'm just beginning my journey into flight simulation, specifically within the VATSIM network. My main goal is to learn how to fly as realistically and correctly as possible, so I can feel confident in any airport and under any conditions.

I understand this is a long and challenging path, so I'd like to ask for help from more experienced members of the community.

I'm particularly interested in the following:

• Theory: What books, manuals, or online courses would you suggest for a deep dive into the fundamentals? What are the most important things to know? (For example, flight manuals, FMS principles, meteorology, etc.)

• Practice: Which aircraft are best to start with? (e.g., C172, A320, B737) What are the most crucial stages of flight preparation?

• VATSIM: What resources can help me master proper radio communication? Which procedures should I practice first? How do I learn to read SID/STAR charts?

• General Advice: What are the most common mistakes new pilots make, and how can I avoid them?

I'd appreciate any advice and shared experiences! Thank you in advance!

I'd start with a reasonably simple aircraft like the C-172.  There are tons of Videos on Youtube that will get you started.  I'd make VATSIM a secondary goal.  You will need to be able to actually fly the airplane reasonably well before you can realistically follow a controller's directions.

I'd find a nice local airport, somewhere in your vicinity to start from.  That way you might be familiar with the actual ground.  SID/STARS should come after you are able to navigate.  If you can't find your way from point a to point b, the approach plates won't help much.  Get a local aviation map (sectional) of your area if available and study it.  I'm sure there are more videos that will teach you to use it and develop a flight plan.  Planning is 90 percent of a successful flight.

If you can, sign up for a local ground school to learn the basic.  That my lead to an actual flight.

Goo luck.   

I forget to mention but if you can hang out at a local airport, I'm sure that you can find a mentor who will help you get acquainted with the complex world of flight.