Pilot competency and network use...

[Tim Barber]

 

 

Dear Members,

There has been much discussion in various mediums recently about issues on our network relating to pilots using aircraft that they are unable to properly operate which in turn causes disruption on the network.  The VATSIM Board of Governors has been monitoring this, and while this is not a new problem, it has been exacerbated recently by the release of some amazing new aircraft simulations.  This post is to address this issue.

In 2010, I bought my first PMDG product - the MD-11 for FSX.  It was a complicated product, and even as an ATPL rated pilot, I flew it offline for a couple of months before connecting to the network with it.  I have purchased numerous products since, and for each one, I mastered the systems offline before connecting to the network.

As PMDG, Leonardo, Fenix, and other manufacturers bring their newest and most advanced products to the MSFS 2020 platform, it is important to remind all of our users that VATSIM is an environment for virtual pilots and virtual controllers to come together to simulate the real world of aviation.  The absolute prerequisite to this is that pilots must know how to fly and property control their aircraft before connecting to the network.  For these advanced aircraft, this is not limited to knowing how to fly a heading, an airspeed, and an altitude.  If a pilot connects to the network using a simulated aircraft with advanced automation, they MUST also know how to use that automation.  In almost every case, violating an ATC clearance and blaming it on your autopilot doing something you didn’t expect is a pilot problem, not a simulation problem.

In a recent Facebook post, a VATSIM member and good friend of mine reminded us all what the “R” in “IFR” means.  I would add that we all know what the “SIM” in “VATSIM” means.  As I said in a post when I became President of the network, we are an educational network dedicated to members who want to simulate real world aviation.  Connecting to the network to learn how to fly your aircraft is simply not why VATSIM exists.  You cannot play in our sandbox if you don’t know how to use your shovel.  Follow the Rules, respect the Simulation.

The VATSIM Board of Governors is currently working on updates to our Code of Conduct to codify a stricter requirement for pilot competency on the network.  Additionally, a pilot feedback program is in the final stages of development that will assist controllers in providing meaningful advice and education to pilots through our Pilot Training Department.

In the meantime, network Supervisors and Administrators will be continuing to work hard to assist members.  Please make note that if you connect to the network and are unable to adequately control your aircraft, you will be removed from the network and asked to either increase your skill level with your chosen aircraft offline before reconnecting, or connect to the network with a less advanced aircraft that you can adequately pilot without causing disruption to other members of the network.  Ignoring these requests may require us to remove your ability to connect to the network for a period of time.

As members of this amazing community, at all times I would ask you to please respect the enjoyment of everyone connected to the network.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me president(at)vatsim.net

 

Tim Barber, VATSIM President