Hawi Gee 1284693 Posted March 22, 2014 at 09:30 PM Posted March 22, 2014 at 09:30 PM Please help! I am trying to use the Unicom frequency, but I have no idea what to do. I connect, using OCEANIA.VATSIM.NET. Then I tune to 122.80, and file my plan. Nothing is happening. What am I doing wrong? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradford Lee Posted March 22, 2014 at 09:48 PM Posted March 22, 2014 at 09:48 PM Unicom is not an ATC frequency, Unicom is an advisory frequency for you to let other aircraft in the area know what you are doing so that you don't cause problems for them such as running into them or mess up their approach, etc. If you want to receive ATC services, you have to make sure you're in an area that currently has ATC online. I'd recommend a program such as VATSpy which you can download here: http://www1.metacraft.com/VATSpy/#download This allows you to see where ATC is active in the VATSIM world and plan your flights accordingly. Also, have you read the Pilot Resource Center material at http://www.vatsim.net/prc yet? I highly recommend it to you as it will help you understand more of the ins and outs of how VATSIM operates. Also, I recommend looking into an Authorized Training Organization, also known as an ATO. While not mandatory, these training groups are an excellent source in helping pilots transition from the somewhat more "arcade" world of solo flying to the more realistic world of VATSIM network flying. This is also how you achieve ratings such as P1, P2, etc. You can find a list at http://linksmanager.com/vatsimvas/authorised-training-organisation.html A good majority are airline-based, in that their training services are offered in conjunction with their Virtual Airline. Some offer their ATO services independent of their VA aspect, plus there are a couple that operate as part of a VATSIM Region/Division, such as VATEUD and VATPAC. Since you mentioned you connected to the Oceanic server, I would highly recommend VATPAC's ATO department, which can be found at http://www.vatpac.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=746:p1-pilot-rating-training-procedure&catid=113:pilot-ratings&Itemid=65 Once again, welcome to VATSIM and we look forward to you flying with us! Brad Lee ZJX ARTCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawi Gee 1284693 Posted March 22, 2014 at 10:07 PM Author Posted March 22, 2014 at 10:07 PM Thanks for your reply =D. I ran two flights in an ATR72 with the ATC, and seemed pretty comfortable after the controller gave me a few tips. Bit of a shame, I saw the VATSpy link you gave me. I'm a Apple Mac user, but it seems like VATSpy is a microsoft application. 2.0 NZZC NEW ZEALAND DOMESTIC FIR Pilots flying in the NZZC DOMESTIC FIR who are not under the control of an online ATC Position shall tune to the VATSIM UNICOM Frequency of 122.80 and set their private voice room in Squawkbox, XSquawkbox, FSInn or any other VATSIM approved Pilot Client to rw1.vatpac.org/unicom_nzzc. That is a quote from VATNZ. I guess a more appropriate question for my problem is, how to I set my private voice room in XSquawkbox? Oh, and thanks for the tip on VATSIM pilot training! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Evans Posted March 22, 2014 at 10:19 PM Posted March 22, 2014 at 10:19 PM Mac program similar to VATSpy is here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=64138 It's still under development, but that should get you started! Mike Evans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradford Lee Posted March 22, 2014 at 10:20 PM Posted March 22, 2014 at 10:20 PM 2.0 NZZC NEW ZEALAND DOMESTIC FIR Pilots flying in the NZZC DOMESTIC FIR who are not under the control of an online ATC Position shall tune to the VATSIM UNICOM Frequency of 122.80 and set their private voice room in Squawkbox, XSquawkbox, FSInn or any other VATSIM approved Pilot Client to rw1.vatpac.org/unicom_nzzc That is a quote from VATNZ. I guess a more appropriate question for my problem is, how to I set my private voice room in XSquawkbox? Oh, and thanks for the tip on VATSIM pilot training! You're welcome. As to your second question, that would be a local procedure to VATNZ which I am unfamiliar with. A more local member should be able to help you out. Try checking on the VATNZ website or see if they have a pilot area on their TeamSpeak. Brad Lee ZJX ARTCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawi Gee 1284693 Posted March 22, 2014 at 10:24 PM Author Posted March 22, 2014 at 10:24 PM Thanks fellas for your help. I'll try that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradley Grafelman Posted March 22, 2014 at 11:31 PM Posted March 22, 2014 at 11:31 PM Just remember... no local procedure will change the fact that UNICOM information must be transmitted at least via text. Thus, if you want to use voice on UNICOM, you'll have to duplicate your transmission via text as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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