I'm not familiar with flying on Vatsim, a little help?

[Donovan Patrick 1018168]

I know I made a topic like this before, but things have changed.

 

1. I know my aircraft well. I can fly the PMDG 744 on flight simulator 2004 with the fmc computer, and do the startup and shutdown procedure

 

2. I know how to put the fixs and VORs into the fmc, but what do I do when I'm at an airport, with my mic on, waiting for clearance for departure? What does the ATC tell me? And what do I have to say back?

 

Can someone give me an example of what they do? Do they give you your route? Like KIAD BLUES LDN J134 HNN J134 FLM PXV J112 FAM J98 SGF PER LBL J134 CIM TBC J64 PGS RIIVR1 KLAX ?

 

Thanks.

[Anthony Atkielski 985811]

See

 

http://www.vatsim.net/prc/public/publicwelcome.htm

 

It contains just about everything you need to know about VATSIM.

 

For radio communications specifically (on VATSIM and in real life), Bob Gardner's Say Again, Please is a superlative training guide.

[Keith Smith]

Donovan,

 

Check out the ZLA Pilot Cert program (link is in my sig), there are ATC transcripts for every rating, giving examples of what you will hear, and what you should say for your IFR flights. There are 9 IFR ratings, each with a transcript. Read them closely, and also consider doing some observation at a busy field on VATSIM. You can learn a lot by listening. Good luck!

 

Keith

[Andrew Podner 994055]

You must file your own route

 

The controller responsible for Clearance Delivery (after you have requested IFR clearance) will verify your route & cruise altitude and amend if needed. The IFR clearance clears to you a point (normally your final destination) gives you an initial climb with expectation time for cruise alt, gives you a frequency for departure controller, and then gives you a transponder code.

 

You read it back and once you and the ATC agree on the clearance, you will be told to contact the ground controller when ready to taxi.

[Bo Gercke 845743]

Donovan...

 

I'm going to try to rain on your parade, here, but you made two points that caught my attention:

 

 

1. I know my aircraft well. I can fly the PMDG 744 on flight simulator 2004 with the fmc computer, and do the startup and shutdown procedure

 

2. I know how to put the fixs and VORs into the fmc.....

 

Knowing how to fly your plane via FMC is not flying at all. In an environment like VATSIM, there will be times where a controller will specifically take you off of your flight plan to make his plan work. There are few things on VATSIM more irritating than a pilot flying into my airspace that not only doesn't know how to fly his plane without [Mod - Happy Thoughts]istance from an auotpilot, or without reprogramming the FMC, but requires additional separation. I challenge you to get into a plane that you can hand fly, without using the autopilot, and learn how to fly your airplane. It will make for a more enjoyable experience for all of us, on both sides of the scope.