Considering VATSIM - a couple questions

[Scot Quintel 1379499]

I'm considering beginning to use VATSIM for my FSX flying. Two questions:

 

1) Can I continue to use FSP[Mod - Happy Thoughts]engers while flying using VATSIM?

 

2) Can you adjust the simulation speed (normal speed, x2, x4, etc.) while flying on VATSIM?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Norman Blackburn]

1. Yes

2. Yes although when operating under ATC or in the vicinity of others you should really not. Best to only use it on those long flights in cruise.

[Scot Quintel 1379499]

Thanks for the info. As to the acceleration, what you suggest is the only time I would use it. That is also why I try to stick to shorter flights.

[1275389]

As to the acceleration, what you suggest is the only time I would use it. That is also why I try to stick to shorter flights.

Hey Scot. I honestly would suggest disconnecting if you want to use time acceleration and then reconnecting when you are at a normal speed (being sure that you won't cause any conflict with other planes or issues with ATC when you reconnect). No one will really see you zooming past at 8x speed and you likely won't be speaking with ATC while you do it, so I don't really see much of a purpose actually being connected while doing. That's just my 2 cents.

[Deon Mathews]

Accelerated flight in controlled airspace can cause havoc and as a controller can log on at any time I would advise against it if you are not going keep to a very close eye on the airspace you are in at all times...

[Andreas Fuchs]

I disagree with some of the statements. With a bit of common sense accelerated flight can be performed without annoying ATC or fellow pilots. If you are inside controlled/active airspace, simply ask ATC for permission. Should you be outside such airspace, it is advisable to use programs such as Qutescoop or VatSpy to check for ATC and other pilots along your route. Maybe someone is cruising at the same level and he would not be amused to have a fly-by, so check back every 10 to 15 minutes.

I do use accelerated time as well when I am on a longhaul trip and/or want to arrive at my destination at a certain point in time. There's no need to logout as long as you monitor the greater area ahead. Common sense! Simples!

 

EDIT: added a little bit more detail

Edited January 14, 2017 at 10:37 AM by Guest

[Wygene Chong 1089621]

I agree with Andreas here, a bit of common sense goes a long way. At least when I'm on Reykjavik Control, I'll almost always approve pilot requests for time acceleration transiting Iceland and Greenland. It's a long distance (1000-2000nm depending on route) and some people just want to cross quicker. As long as they are not going to conflict with other planes, particularly aircraft arriving or departing Iceland, then I've got no issue with acceleration.

[Andreas Fuchs]

That's the spirit!

 

Not everyone has got 10 hours on his/her hands, but still loves to perform longhaul flights on one of the fantastic birds made by PMDG or the like.

[Scot Quintel 1379499]

Thank you all for the input. I fly mostly short routes and when I use time acceleration, its only the x2 setting.

 

For Vatsim, I'll refrain.

[Andreas Fuchs]

Hi Scot,

 

that would be your choice. As long as it is coordinated or restricted to inactive airspace, you'll be fine.

[Kirk Christie]

In the past, a pilot flying an accelerated flight, while in the vicinity of my aircraft caused my flightsim to drop down to a slide show.

 

It started when the pilot who was flying accelerated entered my "session" and finished when the accelerated pilot left my "session"

 

The only thing I could attribute it to, was that the pilot client had to work harder to update the position of the accelerated aircraft, due to the speed it was moving through my "session" that as a result my sim suffered a performance loss.

 

My sim is quite fine with dealing with high level traffic situations, in and around airports. The above instance took place during cruise, where there is normally no noticeable performance loss during normal flying, planes enter and exit your "session" with almost zero effect on performance.

 

Due to this instance, I always suggest that accelerated flight is not performed in and around other users.

[Andreas Fuchs]

Wow, I never heard about this kind of behaviour. This has never happened to me, when some supersonic pilot raced by me.