Bernard Nieberg 1476143 Posted January 25, 2020 at 02:32 PM Posted January 25, 2020 at 02:32 PM I’m newly registered here at Vatsim. I’ve been reading through all of the provided info, and there is lots of it! I get the impression that this is mostly geared to IFR flying. When flying VFR must one always file a flight plan and stick to the planned route? Is it frowned upon to leisurely fly around even though proper communication is maintained with ATC? I am a real world pilot and aircraft owner, I fly purely for my own entertainment. I am based at an uncontrolled airport but fly to and through controlled airspace regularly. I have 600+ hours and have not filed a flight plan since my training. Thanks and cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andreas Fuchs Posted January 25, 2020 at 02:53 PM Posted January 25, 2020 at 02:53 PM Hi Bernard, welcome to VATSIM, it's great to see other RW pilots join our crowd! When flying VFR on VATSIM, you do not need to file a flightplan, but ATCOs surely appreciate if you file at least a basic VFR flightplan so they know what type of aircraft you are using, whether you are using full voice TX+RX etc.. as route you can enter "VFR" if you do not wish to follow a strict route. So, filing a plan is nice to have, but not need to have when flying VFR. Just like in the real world in many countries. When you stay out of of controlled airspace you do not need to talk to ATC, just like in the real world. Basically, you can port most of your real world habits to VATSIM, although there MAY be some small differences in the sizes/definitions of airspace in some areas. Basically, ATC will send you a "contact request" when they want you to contact them and you have not called them up yet. Cheers, Andreas Member of VATSIM GermanyMy real flying on InstagramMy Twitch streams of VATSIM flights and ATC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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