David Voogd 857885 Posted January 29, 2005 at 12:48 PM Posted January 29, 2005 at 12:48 PM Hello, I've currently started flying VFR on VATSIM (mixing in IFR as well of course), I'm just curious as to how VATCAN prefers VFR pilots to work with the controllers. I'm a student pilot and have always flown from a controlled airport, so I understand how to interact with a tower controller fully. However I have not yet done my cross country, but from what I understand VFR pilots in real world flying in Canada will contact Flight Service Stations for weather information and filing their flightplan. Can VATSIM pilots contact a centre controller for this when flying in Canada? Also last night I did a flight from Nanaimo to Victoria, and then up to Vancouver. The weather in Vancouver was below normal VFR limits, but was within the special VFR limits. When should a pilot request special VFR? The weather in Victoria was fine, so should I request special VFR after p[Mod - Happy Thoughts]ing Victoria and then turning to Vancouver? There was a centre controller online and that is when we did that (though I initially requested it on the ground in Nanaimo, which I [Mod - Happy Thoughts]ume is incorrect). Also Victoria is a towered airport. I know from my IFR flying that sometimes centre controllers will act as towers as well, and sometimes not depending on work load. Does this also apply to VFR flights? When I approached Vancouver I had trouble maintaining visual flight so I filed IFR inflight, how do you go about doing that? The reason I'm posting here is that obviously Visual Flight Rules vary from country to country, and also since VATSIM does not have FSS it's not exactly the same as the real world. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks. David V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Bishop 900685 Posted January 29, 2005 at 06:12 PM Posted January 29, 2005 at 06:12 PM David, Basically VFR in Canada you will be controlled within control zones (where TWR is active). The basic zone is typically 10nm around the tower but control zones vary from airport to airport. VFR in Canada means you are clear of cloud and can see the ground, with a ceiling of 1000ft AGL with 3sm visability. VFR pilots are responsible for their own separation and navigation. VFR pilots fly, westbound at even altitides plus 500 ft, and easybound at odd altitudes plus 500 ft. Special VFR can be requested within control zones. Again you must be clear of cloud and can see the ground. Minumums for SVFR are; Ceiling 500ft AGL or greater and visibility 3 sm or greater, or Ceiling 600ft AGL or greater and visibility 2 sm or greater or Ceiling 700ft and visibility 1 sm or greater. Controlled VFR is available in Cl[Mod - Happy Thoughts] B airspace as well. OK nuff of the rules. Basically at a controlled airport you will be given T/O clearance with a turn towards your intended route, possible altitude [Mod - Happy Thoughts]ignment within the control zone, and once you are out of the control zone, you are on your own. If CTR controller is on you can request weather data etc. from them, much as you would in real life from the FSS's that are scattered all around the country. I hope this helps. Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Phelan 810114 Posted January 29, 2005 at 07:57 PM Posted January 29, 2005 at 07:57 PM To clarify what Greg said, you would have to specifically request for SVFR authorization before entering the control zone, and remain clear of the zone until you are granted such authorization. If you are in a fixed wing, you will not be getting authorization for SVFR at night for any purpose other then landing (our MANOPS states, except for helocopters, do not permit aircraft to depart or transit the zone at night; with regards to SVFR) You also need to know when you have to talk to ATC, there is cl[Mod - Happy Thoughts] C/D airspace around many of the busier airports. Also, make sure you remain below the cl[Mod - Happy Thoughts] B airspace. Hope this helps, Greg Phelan Director - Flight Training VATSIM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Voogd 857885 Posted January 30, 2005 at 03:36 AM Author Posted January 30, 2005 at 03:36 AM Thanks Greg, and Greg, - see you online (I'll be either C-GTLY or VI007). David V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Bishop 900685 Posted February 1, 2005 at 02:02 PM Posted February 1, 2005 at 02:02 PM David, Tomorrow evening, come out to "Winnipeg Wedesdays" and fly with us. Every Wednesday the CZWG FIR is staffed with friendly, helpful controllers (many are real life pilots). We start at 0000Z and operate until at least 0400Z. There is a number of airports in the CZWG FIR for short hops or longer cross-country flights. CYAV is just a short 10 minute flight from CYWG, or CYBR is about an hour in a 172. Come on out and have some fun with us. Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Blackwell 925656 Posted June 13, 2005 at 06:25 PM Posted June 13, 2005 at 06:25 PM I'll have to check out Winnipeg on Wednesday as well! Toronto FIR - Senior Student Real World Pilot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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