Hi guys; I've an idea that I'd like to throw out for comment and hopeful inclusion into a future version of RC. Many of us use both RC and online ATC like VATSIM. I generally prefer a live controller when available, but VATSIM coverage is nearly always spotty and unpredictable. What I'd love to see is a way to engage and disengage RC as I transit unmanned ATC sectors in VATSIM's cyberskies. As a starting point, I'd envision an interface that allows a means (menu option or squawk change) of placing RC into a "ride-along" mode while under ATC from a live online controller...upon entering unmanned VATSIM airspace, a menu option to request direct to a fix along the flight plan route would put you back under RC's control. I'd guess that there'd have to be a limit to how close to destination such a handoff (from SB to RC) could occur...but the opposite (RC to SB for approach vectors) should be doable even late in the game. It'd also be nice to be able to engage RC's chatter mode while in the ride-along mode, as the cyberskies are often far too quiet even when under ATC control. The best of all solutions would be a collaborative effort with Joel DeYoung, who is writing the next-generation version of SquawkBox now, and Mike Evans and David Hendlemen, the writers of the new ASRC controller client. An automated way for an online handoff would be way, way cool, and a major step up in a hybrid live/automated ATC environment with virtually 100% coverage. The ideal would be an ability for an online controller to handoff an airplane going out of controlled airspace straight to RC, or to request handoff from RC to VATSIM, with only an approval dialog required from the online pilot.Thoughts?CheersBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-V

interesting ideas. not sure i know how to fool rc into thinking you're doing everything he is telling you to do, when in fact, a real person is directing you. especially during ground, tower, approach/departure.i could see handing off during center, maybe. unique rc transponder code could be used to toggle from online to offline.let me ponder this some more, and i'll post further thoughts when i have them

JD et al;>not sure i know how to fool rc into thinking you're >doing everything he is telling you to doThe program already has some tolerances that can be changed by the user...perhaps you could just set the tolerances internally to ridiculously high values during VATSIM online mode (e.g. heading +/- 180 deg, track error +/- 500 nm, altitude +/- 50000 ft etc). Then Mr RC will think virtually *anything* you do while under online control is OK.A very simple way of effecting a mid-flight entry into RC control would be a request direct to a waypoint on the flight plan route, much the same as the current Dir Wpt menu request. The one-size-fits-all response would be clearance direct to the point, with a climb to final altitude and a new squawk. When you reach that first point, the tolerances get reset and the game's on again with RC, until it lands you or you transition back to VATSIM again. A menu option at the beginning, as an alternative to requesting an IFR clearance, could be a delayed-entry "Online Departure" mode, where RC would wait for the aforementioned direct to waypoint request. It could perhaps be implemented internally as a clearance for immediate takeoff with the aforementioned "sloppy" tolerances...so RC doesn't really care when you takeoff, which direction etc. Then you do your ground ops and departure with VATSIM. That way you can depart under VATSIM control (even if you think you'll have coverage the whole way) and RC will ride-along piggybacked on the system and ready to take over if the VATSIM controllers go "on strike" or the VATSIM system burps or whatever. Of course you have to make sure the RC flight plan route and VATSIM-cleared route remain the same.When you reach a predetermined distance from destination, for example 100 nm out, RC could hit you up with a "last chance" reminder to get under RC control for the arrival, and if not, RC sticks around only for chatter but not control.This would also be very useful for resuming saved flights or setting up a flight mid-course...put it in delayed-entry mode, restore the saved sim state, request direct to next waypoint, and you're back in the game. It'd be great to be able to set up 200 nm out and fly just the arrival this way. I drew out a state diagram to see if there's a logic flaw in here...but it looks like a pretty straightforward add to your elegantly simple but effective state logic.CheersBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-V