Brian Teh 945968 Posted November 16, 2005 at 02:37 AM Posted November 16, 2005 at 02:37 AM Where to begin?... I'm pleasantly surprised that such a community like this exists, and am glad to be on board. Being completely "new" I hope I would be able to ask for advice and tips to get started. I've gone through and read pages and pages of stuff on VATSIM (including all that on the Pilot Resource Center, PRC) and I have a bunch of questions that I didn't find any answers to. I realize some questions are "ambitious" for somebody starting out, but I ask them to see what I have to look forward to. (I realize this may take a long time, but it doesn't hurt to learn what to work towards, right?) Just before I start asking, I think I'll mention that I'm a new virtual pilot as well flying those Cessna 172s. I've gone through basic Private training in Flight Simulator, and have otherwise familiarized myself with basic flight terminology and (real-life) ATC phraseology. But, having no real-world nor VATSIM experiance, I hope I could ask here... - How bad/disruptive are crashes/landing off-the-runway? I realize this isn't tolerated when intentional, but sometimes I land just off the runway on the gr[Mod - Happy Thoughts]. (I'm working on it!) - Where and how would I learn more about navigation, waypoints, etc? I can't find anything in the FlightSim lessons. Similarly, how do I know I'm approaching controlled airspace? - Where can I get charts/etc? I have a few real aerodrome charts of some airports here in Canada, but is this the best place to start? - Where and how would I learn more about flying VFR/IFR? I've read and know what they are, but how do you "fly" visually, pick out the landmarks, etc in areas that are new to you? - What is the best way to look for and determine which are the small airports to start out at, and which have active ATC? - What are the best airports to start and "observe" at? (small ones or larger, busy ones?) - What does it take to become a Student ATC Controller, all the way through to a full ATC Controller, and possibly an instructor? - FlightSim auto-tunes your radio, squawk codes, etc... how does it work with VATSIM? Is everything manually-controlled now? - I don't really understand how you can simply "disconnect" while in-flight... what happens to VATSIM? Do you just disappear off the radar? ...and when you're approaching controlled airspace, do you re-connect and suddenly "reapper" mid-sky? - How does voice, and more important (for me right now) - how does text-only ATC/communication work? - Are there any "Virtual Flight Schools" out here? I know there are training schools/etc with some of the virtual airlines, but I had the feeling this was for people with more experience and ready to join the airline. - How do you change your VATSIM account p[Mod - Happy Thoughts]word? Phew, that's quite a lot. Like I said, I've gone through very basic training, and hoping to get more information to be able to fly the skies with you all! Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Moir 844817 Posted November 19, 2005 at 02:24 AM Posted November 19, 2005 at 02:24 AM Hello Brian , I will try to answer as many questions as I can , I am sure others will " fill in the gaps !" . - How bad/disruptive are crashes/landing off-the-runway? I realize this isn't tolerated when intentional, but sometimes I land just off the runway on the gr[Mod - Happy Thoughts]. (I'm working on it!) This is a common occurance , and providing it is not intentional , I think most controllers accept it as part of the game . To avoid this happening , turn off " Crash Detection " in Flightsim. That way if you do make a less than perfect landing ( and we have all done this !:)) , Flightsim will not reset , and cause a disruption. - Where and how would I learn more about navigation, waypoints, etc? I can't find anything in the FlightSim lessons. Similarly, how do I know I'm approaching controlled airspace? There are many sites on the Internet that cover this question , one site that I have found invaluable over the years is this one : http://www.tooby.demon.co.uk/FS2002/FS2002_[Mod - Happy Thoughts]istant.html#FSV It not only covers navigation , but just about everything else a virtual pilot needs to know . Definately one to Bookmark!! If you are flying online , you will see in the Squawkbox window , any ATC positions that are active , and in your immediate area . Also , I recommend you download and install a program called Servinfo , this will show you on a map when you are approaching a controlled sector. Frequently , a controller will contact you ( usually by text message to contact him/her when you are in his/her airspace. - Where can I get charts/etc? I have a few real aerodrome charts of some airports here in Canada, but is this the best place to start? Need Charts ? Go here to find charts for most parts of the world : http://forums.vatsim.net/viewtopic.php?p=33310#33310 - Where and how would I learn more about flying VFR/IFR? I've read and know what they are, but how do you "fly" visually, pick out the landmarks, etc in areas that are new to you? The Pilots [Mod - Happy Thoughts]istant is your friend ! (link above) - What is the best way to look for and determine which are the small airports to start out at, and which have active ATC?- What are the best airports to start and "observe" at? (small ones or larger, busy ones?) Servinfo will tell you which airports have current ATC services . If you are only observing ( ie sitting at the gate , listening to ATC ) any airport which has ATC at that time will be fine . As to finding the smaller airports in your country of choice , a quick post in this forum will get you the answer you need . ( I cant answer this one myself as I live in Australia!). - FlightSim auto-tunes your radio, squawk codes, etc... how does it work with VATSIM? Is everything manually-controlled now? You must manually enter your radio and squawk codes via your radio stack , just as you would in real life. - I don't really understand how you can simply "disconnect" while in-flight... what happens to VATSIM? Do you just disappear off the radar? ...and when you're approaching controlled airspace, do you re-connect and suddenly "reapper" mid-sky? Basically , yes , this is correct. - How does voice, and more important (for me right now) - how does text-only ATC/communication work? Simply , Squawkbox 3 connects you to the VATSIM network , and when you tune in the correct frequency , you can talk to an Air Traffic Controller. If however , you are not equipped to use voice , you can then just type your messages to ATC , and have them reply either by voice or text. - How do you change your VATSIM account p[Mod - Happy Thoughts]word? For any membership enquiries , go to this link : http://www.vatsim.net/mememail.php If you have any further questions , please feel free to post them !!! Ross Moir Taxiway ALPHA Landing Expert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Teh 945968 Posted November 22, 2005 at 04:44 AM Author Posted November 22, 2005 at 04:44 AM Thanks for your help Ross! I'll definately explore those links/programs you sent and see what else I can find out there. There's still a long way to go in learning to fly, which I can hopefully do offline, and use Autopilot online! On a good note, I have managed to spend some time observing, and thanks to an approach controller (at CYVR), I managed to fly my first flight, and a second one with help of a Captain online. (Wow, how stressful... especially with that PTT key! ) Thanks again for the advice Ross! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Moir 844817 Posted November 22, 2005 at 08:53 AM Posted November 22, 2005 at 08:53 AM No Worries Brian , I hope your virtul aviating career is a long , happy and safe one !! Ross Moir Taxiway ALPHA Landing Expert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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