Newbie Need help with ATC

[Sean Atton 878888]

Hi All,

 

I am new and understand the basics of IFR/VFR but have yet to get to gips with ATC my questions are.

 

1. How do I know when I am crossing into cotrolled airspace?

2. Who controlls what airspace?

2. What controllers do I need to contact when ie. APR, TWR, CTR, UIR?

 

can you point me in the right direction

 

thanks

[Matthew Horan 901577]

Try www.vatsim.net/prc

[Ross Moir 844817]

Hello Sean ,

As Matthew suggested , the Pilot Resource Center has a wealth of information for the new online pilot. Here are some brief answers to your questions :

 

1) The easiest way to determine if a particular ATC Position is being staffed is to download and install a program called SERVINFO. It displays on a world map any ATC or Online Pilots that are connected to the VATSIM Network. Therefore , if you are flying into controlled airspace , SERVINFO will show you graphically on a map if that airspace is being controlled .

 

2) The name of the controller , the ATC position he is staffing and the appropriate frequency is also displayed by Servinfo. This information will also be displayed in the SB3 Window .

 

3) Typically , the order of contact for a fully staffed airport would be as follows : Ground ( GND) , Tower ( TWR) , Approach (APP) Centre (CTR). Some major airports may also have a Director positon available . Sometimes , an Approach (APP) controller will also cover the GND and TWR postions if these are not manned . Likewise , a Centre (CTR) controller may do the whole lot if there is no one else available . A simple text or voice query to that controller will inform you of what positions he ( or she) is controlling.

 

Ross Moir