Experimental and Fictitious Aircraft Operations on VATSIM

[VATSIM]

There have been many recent questions about whether certain experimental or fictitious aircraft operations are allowed on VATSIM. Whilst many civilian experimental aircraft operations are allowed and provide a unique and rich contribution to our community, many experimental aircraft operations and all fictitious aircraft operations are either not allowed or restricted to approved VSOA Organizations.

Additionally, many of the operations that would be conducted with experimental aircraft are restricted by VATSIM's Code of Conduct A13. This is because high speed or high-altitude operations can have an immediate negative impact on other users’ VATSIM experience.  A list of all restricted operations can be found in the VATSIM Special Operations Policy and Procedures Manual found here.

Examples of aircraft which are not allowed on VATSIM include but are not limited to unmanned aerial vehicles, the space shuttle, a space station, the Darkstar, the Millennium Falcon, etc. Misuse of these and similar types of aircraft can easily have a negative impact the enjoyment of other VATSIM pilots and Air Traffic Controllers.

We thank you for your understanding.