Jump to content

You're browsing the 2004-2023 VATSIM Forums archive. All content is preserved in a read-only fashion.
For the latest forum posts, please visit https://forum.vatsim.net.

Need to find something? Use the Google search below.

To the newbie - First Time Jitters


Thomas Parker
 Share

Recommended Posts

Wycliffe Barrett
Posted
Posted

Ben

 

Worry not this is a common fault for the new user, from what your saying I think your running FSinn. Go into the settings and disable PNP (peer to peer) and your following aircraft will disappear.

 

PNP is the culprit.

 

Blue skies

 

Wycliffe

 

p.s. do us a favour edit your post and ger rid of the swearing, better a nice member tells you than a supervisor. lol

Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller

atc5o.png

"if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 923
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Wycliffe Barrett

    47

  • Robert Shearman Jr

    31

  • Thomas Parker

    24

  • Johan Grauers

    18

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Wycliffe Barrett

    Wycliffe Barrett 47 posts

  • Robert Shearman Jr

    Robert Shearman Jr 31 posts

  • Thomas Parker

    Thomas Parker 24 posts

  • Johan Grauers

    Johan Grauers 18 posts

Popular Days

  • Oct 17 2005

    19 posts

  • Jan 3 2021

    12 posts

  • Aug 18 2010

    11 posts

  • Feb 14 2006

    9 posts

Popular Posts

Thomas Parker

I was just reading the other thread, "New to this Simulation and Forums".   Andras Kiss wrote:   Oh man... me too. When I found VATSIM, I was completely stoked about trying it out. It sounded e

Tobias Dammers

Totally. You can even take it a step further and anticipate the clearance you will get - it always comes in the same form ("{your callsign}, you are cleared to {destination} via the {SID} departure, [

Wycliffe Barrett

Sadly all my cats are long gone. We now have a Labradoodle called Frank. he is the biggest friendliest labradoodle in the world. here is with my wife last weekend   

Posted Images

Ben Lim
Posted
Posted

Hey Wycliffe, thanks for the help. Flew out of Boston today, crazy traffic! It feels very surreal with a person manning the delivery, ground, controller, depart ; very cool. Now I only need to get better at re-programming my FMC while I'm flying!

 

Ben

 

Worry not this is a common fault for the new user, from what your saying I think your running FSinn. Go into the settings and disable PNP (peer to peer) and your following aircraft will disappear.

 

Soarbywire - Flight Simulation and Avionic Engineering

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ben Lim
Posted
Posted

Day 3 on Vatsim, I think I'm getting the hang of this now. Finally bought a headset, and setup voice and mic to feed specifically into it; who would have known what a big difference communicating with voice does with the realism factor -- I don't think I can go back to text chatting.

 

Still not use to some terminology, and I've got the ATC calling me out then and there for not repeating, but I guess its all part of the learning game

 

Thank you ATC controllers for being so patient.

Soarbywire - Flight Simulation and Avionic Engineering

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Connor O'Brien 1202523
Posted
Posted

I've been a vatsim member for almost 5 months now and I still get the butterflies I fly every weekend if I can and sometimes more. The most intimidating part of flying on vatsim to me is making that first initial contact to an atc to request clearance. (whether it's IFR or VFR) I just don't want to say anything wrong and sound like an idiot. After my read back the butterflies go away and I'm good to go because the rest is just listening to the atc and doing exactly what they tell you. Plus when you read back those instructions, they are 1-3 sentences long, not 5-10+ sentences long. I've met lots of nice people on vatsim whether it's on the forums or in the virtual air who are always willing to help. I'm also fortunate enough to have a father who a RW flight instructor to help me out if I need it. My words of advice to any new member is, don't be afraid to ask questions. I do it all the time. It's better to look like a "newb" on the forums, than to be disconnected during flight by a SUP. (which doesn't happen often by the way)

ZJX I1 - Deputy Air Traffic Manager

VATSIM Supervisor

Louisiana Tech University Professional Aviation Major

Real World Pilot

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Daniel Colclasure 1212844
Posted
Posted

Ok, here goes.....

Discovered VATSIM looking for drivers for my in house equipment that my IFR instructor has me using to practice at home.

Looking for anyone in the KFLL, KMIA, KOBE (Essentially the South Florida area) to hook up with and get the scoop on VATSIM.

Please email me at [email protected] should anyone be down this way and wish to help a newbie out. LOL, I've not been called that since my early days (1999) on EQ!!

And yes, I've tried the MIA VATSIM website. No responses have ever made it back to me. /sigh

Daniel W. Colclasure

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mark Bott 1100894
Posted
Posted
Ok, here goes.....

Discovered VATSIM looking for drivers for my in house equipment that my IFR instructor has me using to practice at home.

Looking for anyone in the KFLL, KMIA, KOBE (Essentially the South Florida area) to hook up with and get the scoop on VATSIM.

Please email me at [email protected] should anyone be down this way and wish to help a newbie out. LOL, I've not been called that since my early days (1999) on EQ!!

And yes, I've tried the MIA VATSIM website. No responses have ever made it back to me. /sigh

 

Daniel,

 

First, welcome to VATSIM.

 

Second, we (as controllers) don't typically schedule our time with individual virtual pilots. Our controlling schedule is the same as the virtural pilots flying schedule, we get online when we can.

 

I would suggest you do two things: (1) Read and review the VATSIM PRC found here: http://www.vatsim.net/prc/, and then (2) download one of the many software programs that show what ATC is currently online (VATSpy, Vroute, Vattastic, etc.). When you see that your area is covered, you can boot up the flight sim and off you go.

 

Good luck!

Mark Bott / I3 - 1100894

NYARTCC Training Administrator

Program Manager for Events - Staff Specialist

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
Miguel Frias
Posted
Posted

For all new users out there, VATEUD has help for you. Please check this out:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=60625

Miguel Frias

Senior Instructor (I3) & Certified Pilot (P4), ZLA I-11 graduate

Portugal vACC Training Director (ACCPT2), VATEUD Operations Director (VATEUD8)

Portugal vACC, VATEUD, VATSIM

1107190.png1107190.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gino Federici 1216057
Posted
Posted

I just found Vatsim and spent the whole day studying...Phew!! Although I am a real pilot and I fly IFR on my sim successfully,

I am not IFR rated. I, too, have some jitters thinking about my first flight!!! We'll see. I'm taking a training cl[Mod - Happy Thoughts] next Sunday. I'm definitely approaching this as the "real" thing. And I'll continue with my Mooney, first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wally Forbush 1191590
Posted
Posted

hello guys and gals, i seen where "Wycliffe Barrett" asked if i had made my first flight yet. no i have not got too frustrated reading somewhere where you need to type text rather than voice most of the time due to some peoples comp setups or something. thats where i said forget it ill stay offline since im a one finger typer and slow at that! wont even try to type and fly at same time except to mess my fmc. but i check in here every couple of months to see whats going on

thanks

Wally

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wim Sjoholm 1133704
Posted
Posted

You do not need to type most of the time, basically only when you need to announce something over unicom (which is very rare for me)

Somehow rated s3

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ernesto Alvarez 818262
Posted
Posted

if you mean on unicom, see and avoid is the primary way of separating yourself. as long as you are monitoring the frequency, you are fine. there is no requirement to type on unicom

 

however, there may come a time where you will run into a controller who is text only (like myself), where you wont have a choice. but its not as hard as some think. you dont need to reply with full sentences, even when im flying i use very short comms.

 

cleared for takeoff = ct

cleared to land = cl

 

turn left heading 050 = tl 050 or just "050"

etc.. etc..

 

as long as the controller can decipher the response, you are set

 

if you work it out with the controller, they may even let you simply push the ident button as a way for you to acknowledge an instruction. ive done that with lots of folks who didnt like typing. no issue there as long as the instruction is followed correctly, works just fine

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wycliffe Barrett
Posted
Posted

Wally

 

My friend, stop over analysing and get yourself online. if youw ant a friendly airport with friendly controllers ( weall are friendly) then time zones permitting come on over to cardiff. I shall make it my personal quest to get you flying online.

 

we even have a system of helpers who will get you through your first couple of hours online. if you want why not write to [email protected] if you really want to try it.

 

Wycliffe

Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller

atc5o.png

"if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Steven Caffey
Posted
Posted

I'll also note here that when you're on text you don't have to type your call sign, on unicom other pilots will see it (not that it matters much) and when there is ATC on if you have to text, it shows who is sending the text in our controller software. So that's a few less characters to type as well.

Steven Caffey (SY) ZLA Controller

"A mile of highway gets you one mile, but a mile of runway can take you anywhere."

1099774.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wally Forbush 1191590
Posted
Posted

thanks for the confidence builder.i guess i dont have to tell all you i have extreame cold feet lol. im getting closer though. just want to practice a little longer. i am looking forward to joining you guys, i know ill wonder what took me so long once ive made a couple of flights with yall Im a Tower Crane Operator and ive mostly been overwelmed with very long hours and 6 -7 days a week for the last 4+ mos.(not complaining) so i havent had much time to fly, need refreshing and brushing up yet keep the little lady happy too. it will all work out see you all soon

thanks again

Wally

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Harley Gordon 1216962
Posted
Posted

glad to see others with the same fright. I am a retired school teacher, use to talking to individuals and groups (that I may not know), but when I load a plane, go to vatsim, place a flight plan, and CONNECT!!!!!!!! my voice box ceases to function, my fingers go numb, have to re-hydrate, and all airplanes,parked or moving, are subjected to the demolition derby exhibited by my runaway airplane . Have no problem flying.....just trying to connect to ATC! Thanks for listening, I feel better now,I think?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Johan Grauers
Posted
Posted

You just made me smile Harley what part of the world so you fly in? Maybe someone could help you out if you're in the same time zone

Johan Grauers

Event Coordinator - vACC Scandinavia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Harley Gordon 1216962
Posted
Posted

Hi Johan, I am residing in Colorado, but am originally from Louisiana. Played with the sim for long enough to be able to fly with ease. Not real good at reading (or 'programming') the navigational equipment. Can follow the GPS heading but to fly waypoints is not working for me. I have X-Plane 10 running off of an iMac 3.1 GHz and can fly anywhere (all scenery is loaded). How about you? Hey! I feel better already....I'm actually conversing with someone ONLINE

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wycliffe Barrett
Posted
Posted

harley

 

Xplane is a whole diffrent kettle of fish than FSX, I have xplane 10 on my machine but find it not to my liking so i will stick with FSX, but what you need to fly online in vatsim is xsquawkbox now I'm not to sure how you will get all this working on VATSIM as VATSIM was really built for the IBM compatible PC Microsoft windows environment.

 

I know many have managed to get FSX running over wine on Macs but that is the limit of my knowledge in this area. Perhaps som of the appleites might be able to help you better.

 

Wycliffe

Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller

atc5o.png

"if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Johan Grauers
Posted
Posted

US pilots tend to recommend the ZLA pilot training program, might be something to get you going?

Johan Grauers

Event Coordinator - vACC Scandinavia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Miguel Frias
Posted
Posted

Even us European ones recommend it

Miguel Frias

Senior Instructor (I3) & Certified Pilot (P4), ZLA I-11 graduate

Portugal vACC Training Director (ACCPT2), VATEUD Operations Director (VATEUD8)

Portugal vACC, VATEUD, VATSIM

1107190.png1107190.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Harley Gordon 1216962
Posted
Posted

running X-Plane 10 on my iMac with no problems. Have Squawkbox and IvAp installed, but haven't gotten online yet...don't care for the internal speakers...going for the headset. Can't get over how friendly and helpful contributors to this forum are! Makes this 'hobby' so much more enjoyable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
Bendik Krogsen 1201392
Posted
Posted

Just finished my first flight. DAAG to LFML (Algiers to M[Mod - Happy Thoughts]illes) and it was awesome, started at a gate waited for some time before filing the Flight Plan and when I finaly got the go ahead to push and start I didnt hesitate, after that I asked for taxi clearence and it was given to me, quite a funny situation followed, I was not given any specific instructions and since I only saw one runway at the airport I [Mod - Happy Thoughts]umed that was were I was going, turned out there was 2 runways and I had managed to start taxiing to the wrong one so I was asked to hold followed by "Where are you going" I simply answered "The runway" then I made a 180 degree turn and finally got in the air sadly after the APP there were no more controllers so that was kinda lame but I did learn how to properly use the Unicom.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Harley Gordon 1216962
Posted
Posted

Trying to make sense out of the SID'S and STARS Procedure sheets is the only problem I have along with following the terminology used in the programmed routes. So when I fly, I'm usually flying a GPS (straight line) coordinate until someone comes online at which time,I dive below radar or climb into the clouds so as not to be seen , hoping they will go away so I can find an airport to land on Have an idea on where to find a layman's explanation of the terms used in navigation "Busy airports scare me because I know someone is watching me!!! and I'm not sure which charts to use for what procedure, which can lead to some very interesting aerial aerobatics on my part, not to mention the (potential) friends I could have made disappearing right before my eyes BUT, Yes online flying is an awesome experience especially for a newbie such as I

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Richard Gerrish
Posted
Posted

check out the voluntary Pilot certs thru your closest vatsim ATO http://www.vatsim.net/pilots/ptd/

 

Or you can also check out the ZLA pilot certs

Richard Gerrish

Developer, STM Applications Group

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Harley Gordon 1216962
Posted
Posted

richard... thanks so much for the feedback. I looked at the sites and that is exactly what I need. Does seem like a lot of material to learn just to fly, but the realism is important to really enjoy flying I suppose. Again, thanks and I hope to see yu in the skies!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 Share