Joe Schewe 955091 Posted March 16, 2006 at 08:25 AM Posted March 16, 2006 at 08:25 AM Howdy all. Just flew my first Vatsim flight tonight.....WOOT... What a rush! I found out about vatsim a couple months ago, but did'nt want to log on until I was familiar with the Carnado V35 I had just bought. Today I finally felt confident enough in it to give it a go! I'm not a RW pilot, though my Dad flew a V35 and I would jump at every chance to go flying. I'm still hoping to get my PPL someday soon. Anyways, I was very nervous through the whole flight, it was quite an ordeal, lol. I've got so many charts scattered around me it looks like a paper montster barfed. I'm thankful to the helpful controlers that put up with my noobness as I know I messed up quite a bit. I'm hoping that it get's easier over time as I'm now hooked. I can't wait for my next flight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wycliffe Barrett Posted April 11, 2006 at 11:45 AM Posted April 11, 2006 at 11:45 AM There should be one of these threads for the first time Controller. Back to the top. Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller "if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Horan 901577 Posted April 11, 2006 at 02:05 PM Posted April 11, 2006 at 02:05 PM Oh, the stories I would have for that thread.. Matt www.vatsim.net/prc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Townend 893724 Posted April 12, 2006 at 02:16 PM Posted April 12, 2006 at 02:16 PM To all Novices - Do not connect to VATSIM. It will consume too much of your time and you will become addicted! My first flight? That's asking a bit! I first logged on as a controller and spent about 4 months just watching - I could sit for 8 hours a day just watching London Gatwick and Heathrow! Crazy person that I am. Anyway, Uni Exams and coursework rear their ugly head and I take a break - that turned into a 9 month break from VATSIM. Logging back in, I once more load up the controller software, then decide that it would be cool to watch the aircraft land from the FS9 side of the network. Mistake? Yeah, think so. Gatwick GND convinces me to have a go, "go one take off and do a circuit... they're easy, I can't control you when you fly as I'm GND and that's TWR's job, but there's no Tower online so stay on this frequency and I'll help you out." I approach the hold line and hear the dreaded words "Contact Tower 124.22" Oh no, he said there wasn't a tower, oh no, now I don't have the help! Tower had just logged on. I take off and am told to "turn left for the circuit and report downwind." Downwind? What in the blazes is that? "Say Again" Controller repeats and I have to put my hands up and admit... "Sir, can YOU tell me when I'm downwind cos I don't know what you're talking about!" (I could just imagine the controller smacking his hand against his forhead and begin weeping) "Sure, Downwind is when you are parallel to the runway heading in the opposite direction... about where you are now" After a slightly bumpy landing (did I mention I was flying at 6 fps?) I get the "Contact Ground 121.8, well done, hope to see you again soon!" Biggest Cheesy grin I've ever worn! And now? I'm controlling and teaching at Gatwick, flying lots of different types of aircraft in lots of countries and have just set up the first (correct me if I'm wrong) Display Pilot Team for VATSIM UK and performed at 2 Air Displays flying the marvellous Concorde. I also vote for this topic to be stickied somewhere as it encourages pilots and controllers to join in the fun! My first flight was back in 2003. wow, it was as well! Have I really been here for 3 years?!?! VATSIM has such a great community, for an example of this, in the General Discussion group, a high profile Forum member has not been seen a while and people are asking to find out if all is well and if he's been seen! A missing person report form the community! Welcome all, old and new! Mark Townend --------------------------- OC 22 Group, vRAF & VFFG Founder BAv Captain (Ret'd), UK SERTS S3 (Ret'd) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redmar Atsma 974903 Posted July 23, 2006 at 09:55 PM Posted July 23, 2006 at 09:55 PM So, I had my first flight today aswell! Signed up for vatsim last week, installed the software over the weekend and was observing the ATC communication at some airports tonight. While listening to Leeds tower I got a Private Message from the controller to try some circuits. Eeeks , I had just joined, read some of the PRC and now I was asked to join. Well, why not, the controller sounded patient and helpfull so I'll gave it a try. I had never flown at the airport before and I had no charts of the airport so I didn't knew what I was doing at all, but with some help over the PM system I made it to the beginning of the runway and flew some circuits: a complete different experience than when you're not flying online, so many other things to take care of, and you need to listen so carefully at the same time of what is said to you..... Well, but after all it was a great experience and I will definetely try it again! Hopefully my ATC skills will improve soon, the first time wasn't an easy task, but it was very helpfully at least. Thanks Mathew Davey, who was the controller at that time, for you [Mod - Happy Thoughts]istance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Parker Posted July 24, 2006 at 01:40 AM Author Posted July 24, 2006 at 01:40 AM Glad you had a good time of it. Sounds like Mathew had a little extra time and took care of you quite nicely. Welcome aboard! Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Vanderkam Posted July 26, 2006 at 04:42 PM Posted July 26, 2006 at 04:42 PM What a great thread. I have not yet flown on VATSIM, and I originally signed up to do ATC, because of lower computer requirements, until I realised that the experience I have flying FS2K2 will get me involved more quickly if I just fly instead. I also read that flyers can just sign up, log on, and fly! Then I found the PRC!!! I'm nervous already and I don't even have my internet access yet on my FS machine, but at least I can see that other people have done it (or not! The wrong way down the taxiway! And still flying! That's great news to me and many others, I'm sure!) I'll be sure to be back and post my first flight story. After I've logged on and sat and listened for a while, I'm sure I'll be happy just to see, and listen in on, other airplanes coming and going. PS - I did log on once with ASRC, and was thrilled just to see an airplane p[Mod - Happy Thoughts] by over my FIR. But I just sat there wishing I could hear someone say something but not knowing how. I did use the chat box but that's obviously not the same. I guess it would have helped to know how to use the radio! Rob Rob Vanderkam Canadian Virtual Airlines (CVA) - in operation since 1997 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry James 901346 Posted July 26, 2006 at 07:22 PM Posted July 26, 2006 at 07:22 PM Robert, welcome to VATSIM. I'm sure you'll be surprised how fast you learn to swim after you jump into the water. -- L. James ------------------ L. D. James [email protected] www.apollo3.com/~ljames sticky: Not a regular post, but a special thread/message stuck to the top with special meaning… containing important forum information. For FSInn/VATSIM issues, please test the FSInn Installation sticky and linked FAQ. It really works! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wycliffe Barrett Posted July 27, 2006 at 10:16 AM Posted July 27, 2006 at 10:16 AM Back to the top for you me laddo. STICKY STICKY STICKY STICKY STICKY If we all chant and put our index fingers on the screen whilst reading this forum, believe in father Christmas and the Force it just might stick. Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller "if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Quayle 973582 Posted July 27, 2006 at 11:21 AM Posted July 27, 2006 at 11:21 AM I am still a newbie and got my mic the day before i was so scared i started just writing in text by the way dose every body wright down what the controller just said or do they read back sorry to bring up a other topic in someone elces thread , Steven Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Parker Posted July 27, 2006 at 11:47 AM Author Posted July 27, 2006 at 11:47 AM Steven, Depends. If it's a simple instruction, then probably not. "Jetlink 932, turn right heading 265". Then I just set my heading bug. (autopilot or not). If it's something long like a clearance, then I write it down in a shorthand. "Jetlink 932, cleared ABC airport via the LAXX5 departure, radar vectors to the THERMAL VOR, then as filed. Climb and maintain 5000, expect flight level 350 10 minutes after departure. Departure frequency 128.65. Squawk 1234" turns into C - ABC R - LAXX5 RV TRM, AF A - 050 350-10 F - 128.65 T - 1234 Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Quayle 973582 Posted July 27, 2006 at 11:51 AM Posted July 27, 2006 at 11:51 AM Thanks but firt time talking to atc man did i get shy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Parker Posted July 27, 2006 at 12:03 PM Author Posted July 27, 2006 at 12:03 PM Steven. Don't sweat it too much. We've all been there. And there's no better place to learn than here. Welcome aboard. Pretty soon, the nerves will subside, and you'll be so addicted there'll be no stopping you. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Reeder 961605 Posted July 28, 2006 at 12:55 AM Posted July 28, 2006 at 12:55 AM My first real-world solo, I got my clearance to taxi. My hands and legs were shaking so bad, I couldn't hold a straight line. Twice, I almost rolled off the side of the taxiway. My first VATSIM flight, I got my clearance to taxi. My hands were sweaty and shaking so much, I couldn't hold a straight line. I almost rolled off the side of the taxiway. Anyone who wants to claim that VATSIM doesn't emulate real life, you'd be hard-pressed to prove it by me. I followed the recipie in the PRC. Start small and on equipment you're familiar with. I started C-172 at Man[Mod - Happy Thoughts]as (KHEF). Familiar with both. I did VFR to Richmond with flight following. After I landed, I was so excited, I immediately logged back on did an IFR flight right back down to Richmond. Same route and everything. Except this time, ATC gave me vectors for an ILS. After I landed, I jumped out of my chair. "Damn that was cool!!" I think I nearly gave my wife a heart attack. Of course, the controller recognized me on that second flight. "Back for more, eh?". Absolutely! Now I'm hooked. i wish i had started small the smallest aircraft i remember using was a 737 I had found out about VATSIM years after i had started flight simulator so i guess that gave me a headstart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Parker Posted July 28, 2006 at 01:15 AM Author Posted July 28, 2006 at 01:15 AM i wish i had started small Some of these stories are so hysterical, it makes me wish I had started out big and gone down in flames! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vivek Vilay 967722 Posted August 7, 2006 at 08:03 PM Posted August 7, 2006 at 08:03 PM I remember my first time on VATSIM...I got so tired reading the PRC and installing the various softwares that I logged on for a few minutes and then called it a day. Charts were a problem but since I got loads of people who do not make use of their printer cards at college... I have the upper hand HeHe He Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Main Posted August 7, 2006 at 10:02 PM Posted August 7, 2006 at 10:02 PM Back to the top for you me laddo. STICKY STICKY STICKY STICKY STICKY If we all chant and put our index fingers on the screen whilst reading this forum, believe in father Christmas and the Force it just might stick. Erm....what he said!! Seriously, this would make a great sticky for those sitting trembling at their PC scared half to death of pressing that PTT key for the first time........ Crikey, I still get "butterflies" before each flight on Vatsim Cheers, Scott --------------------------------------------- Scott Main EGPH --------------------------------------------- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Main Posted September 15, 2006 at 02:11 AM Posted September 15, 2006 at 02:11 AM can you spell "bump"? --------------------------------------------- Scott Main EGPH --------------------------------------------- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Susnitzky 920596 Posted September 15, 2006 at 02:28 AM Posted September 15, 2006 at 02:28 AM can you spell "bump"? No, could you give me the language of origin and use it in a sentence please? Sorry, speeling bee practice at school today Brett Susnitzky FAA PPL-ASEL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wycliffe Barrett Posted September 15, 2006 at 08:35 AM Posted September 15, 2006 at 08:35 AM [bUMP] Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller "if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Priever 819415 Posted September 15, 2006 at 06:48 PM Posted September 15, 2006 at 06:48 PM can you spell "bump"? "F-H-T-U-W-V-D-A-K-G-R-F-D-J-N-V-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Y-P-W-S-Z-T-BUMP" (Only those of you who saw that Saturday Night Live skit with Will Forte know what the heck I meant by the above) Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wycliffe Barrett Posted September 25, 2006 at 03:18 PM Posted September 25, 2006 at 03:18 PM Ron You better let us sad individuals who live in other parts of the world and don't get your excellent programming what it means then. Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller "if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Priever 819415 Posted September 26, 2006 at 09:17 PM Posted September 26, 2006 at 09:17 PM Wycliffe, I don't know if I'd call it "quality programming", but there's a comedy sketch show called Saturday Night Live that's on, ......um...., Saturday nights. This past season they had a skit with one of the performers (Will Forte) being a very nervous contestant in a national spelling bee. The word was "business", and he spelled in with every letter except for right ones..... "Business........J-W-C-G-S-I-R-F-X-L-O-Z-N-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-T-W-C-U-E-H-D-Business" (yes, he used the letter "Q" about 10 times in a row). Trust me, if you saw the show, you'd roll over laughing. Then again, maybe not, as you people across the pond sure have a different sense of humor than we do!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Priever 819415 Posted September 26, 2006 at 10:00 PM Posted September 26, 2006 at 10:00 PM If you look hard enough, you can find EVERYTHING online: http://www.mypartypost.com/watchvideo/1621/SNL_-_Spelling_Bee Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wycliffe Barrett Posted September 26, 2006 at 10:49 PM Posted September 26, 2006 at 10:49 PM Yeah Your right, i just watched it and my face didn't even crack. As they say two countries divided by a common language. But i'm sure its funny to some. Wycliffe Barrett: C3 Controller "if god meant for us to fly, he would have given us tickets" Mel Brooks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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