Just remember after the first flight or first two flights you’ll be significantly more confident flying, and also ask questions if you don’t know something because the controllers will 100% help you out
Does VatSim divide up its servers based on skill level? Just seems like it's not really prudent to ask question live on COMs while everyone is listening. Perhaps start at smaller airports as opposed to something like JFK?
@@thatsoslender I think it does, but I am not entirely sure. I am starting out to and my first ever kind of successful flight was in a Cessna 172 at a small airport in Australia. The controller helped my fly with IFR and it was great. Don't be afraid to ask questions even at places like JFK.
I am an instrument rated pilot and CFII and I did my first flight today in vatsim and I’ve gotta say, the realism is outstanding. Hearing exactly what I’m used to in the real world from the comfort of my own home. Honestly might use this for practice with students in the future because no where else can you find simulated ATC to this degree of accuracy
Sure is! From setting transponder to configuring the correct flight plan into the FMS to having the ability to hand fly it to the charts if it bugs out for any reason, it's why it's my number 1 tip 😃✈️
Get used to hand flying your aircraft - especially on departure. You need to be able to take command at any time as you can be sure autopilot will do something unexpected at just the wrong moment (this is an aspect of tip 1: know your aircraft). At get the free Gatwick scenery otherwise you wont be able to taxi under the airbridge!
Awesome tip! Should have added the ability to handfly the aircraft hours using as a bonus Tip 11! Very important when it bugs out and goes a bit wrong too!
Part of tip 1, i am often flying visual circuits with zibo 737 XP and A23NX MSFT to train hand flying your plane! It improves flying your plane without AP and A/THR 👍🏻
Your tip to start small is quite important. A local small airport is great to start, but not too small. An airport that has ground control can help with validating flight plans. Even after getting comfortable in your local area, you can be a beginner in Heathrow if you're in the UK or KJFK if in the US. You can be a beginner crossing the ocean. You can be a beginner flying into or in another country. As good as P2ATC is, it is FAA ATC phraseology and ATC phraseology is different in Canada. I suspect phraseology (and pronunciation!) is different again in Australia. VATSIM is a huge arena with a huge range of options. Your tips are great. Not all of your viewers are in the UK/EU, so I think that you should mention that not everything is the same the world over - if you have some time left over from your videos and livestreams. Keep up the great work!
@UC5v59lxtGQU-x_r7GM-sDgw you're correct - English the main aviation language... But you'll find some regional differences across the world, though ICAO countries have signed up to some specifics that should be the same nonetheless
I've been doing observer flying for a while and after watching your video today I decided to take the plunge! My first flight was stressful but went astonishingly well. Thanks for the video!
I cannot recommend BAG's downloadable and printable PDF Documents enough. They give you a clear and concise roadmap to what ATC is likely to ask you, and what your responses should be. Print one off for each flight, fill in the blanks, do your flight, and as you gain more experience you can start just writing your own. But they are a great first step, and really help taking away a lot of the stigma attached to flying on Vatsim. 👍
Glad to hear they've been so useful! There wasn't anything out there of that sort as a free guide so wanted to produce something to try and help bolster my video tutorials - then eventually you stop usin them when you get confident enough!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing them. I personally did quite a few offline flights with Pilot2ATC before going to Vatsim. And at the beginning when I purchased MSFS I didn't suspect that I would be that much interested in flight simulators. But here I am 😂, loving MSFS 2020 more than ever with an honeycomb yoke and rudder pedals. I'm still a beginner in my opinion but I enjoy flying on Vatsim. Is it stressful ? Yes. But oh boy I love that stress. And like many other games, something great with Vatsim and MSFS, it does help you with concentration and multitasking, which are useful in everyday's life. Thanks again for sharing those tips! Have a lovely weekend! Cheers
@@BritishAvgeek I use P2ATC when the airports I want to fly that day don't have any coverage. USA Midwest doesn't tend to get coverage nearly as reliably as USA East Coast or West Coast.
Very useful I’m practising Manchester to Edinburgh route a few more times before attempting joining the vatsim network . Certainly will try to follow your tips here. Thanks 🙏
I had my first VATSIM flight today, flying from EGKK to EGSU. It went pretty well all in. Mega mega stressful but the controllers where helpful. These tips are super useful. I’m already excited for my next flight :)
Just finished my first VATSIM flight. These tips do sound like they would help, however I followed most of these tips here but unfortunately did not have a pleasant experience. Let me explain my story real quick: I went to fly a VFR in a Cesna 172 from manchestor just for some circuits. The controller was very nice and talked slow with me when I notified him I was new. I got to the runway but he unfortunately had to go offline. I switched to the centre frequency as that was the frequency we were told to go to once he went offline, and received a response of "I can't help you right now but I would suggest going to an untowered airport". I decided to do that and to fly an IFR. I feel like it may have been a mistake to fly IFR originally and I take blame for that. But, I filed my flight plan and did everything correctly whilst on the ground. Tookoff normally on unicom and contacted london south when I was ascending. There was some mis-communication, and I took that he wanted me to turn right heading a certain direction however he said he wanted me to turn left. As well as him saying "ascend 090" but I heard 050. I guess thats why you're supposed to say fife instead of five, confusing lol. Anyways, the controller was not very pleasant with me. He kept being a bit strict as if he was in a bad mood y'know. I kept apologizing and saying that I was new and I am trying to read back his instructions as fast as I can whilst flying the aircraft. He wasn't very helpful. After some very rough communication due to me trying to readback and him trying to give me more instructions/tell me off at the same time I settled on the navigation he wanted me to do. I was told to continue my own navigation and to monitor unicom. About 5 minutes later I had a vatsim supervisor ask to talk with me. The controller had apparently reported me for not being able to abide to instructions. I admit I should not have flown IFR for my first flight, but I still found it quite rude from his side considering he knew it was my first ever flight. I was in a remote area where there were no other aircraft as well, apologizing and making my best attempts to read back. The supervisor was very very kind to me and offered me a few suggestions. I will definitely be reviewing more IFR docs as well as some offline training. I thankfully didn't end up receiving any punishment but it was overall not a very pleasant experience. I just hope that next time I ask a controller for help, they genuinely do help me. As I really just wanted to learn and having been half-yelled at during my first flight over a minor error is really de-motivating. Overall I will be flying in much less congested airspaces for a bit until I am confident in my abilities. I got a lot to learn and I appreciate the community effort here with these videos! Happy flying guys. 👍
Interesting story thanks for sharing. One of my tips either in this video or another is to avoid VFR - it's quite technical, and you need to follow all manner of strict procedures including the fact that IFR traffic is priority over VFR - so you'll just be pushed away from an airport. Manchester Airport is not an airport for VFR on VATSIM - nor is any other large international airport in the UK and the UK itself has some of the strictest VFR rules in the world - so what you experienced is what many experience when trying VFR on VATSIM ;) If I want to do VFR, I don't bother with VATSIM and just fly offline instead (though I am usually in an airliner so always IFR!) IFR being quite set with procedures, routes and waypoints mean it is actually much simpler than following precise charts, maps and transitioning through various category of airspace like VFR do.
@@BritishAvgeek Thank you very much for the tips! As of today actually I was actually able to fly an IFR flight. I did it once again with a cesna 172 however it was in canada. I feel like I should stay out of the UK and other congested airspaces till I am fully confident. Thanks to the supervisors recomendations and articles he sent me I can confidently say I can fly IFR with a cesna 172 lol. Appreciate the response btw man! :)
Despite the issues with freezing I am getting trying to load into airports after Update 5, I bought the CRJ 550/700 on your recommendation and detailed videos. Really looking forward to getting her in the air lol. Just printing off the manuals now. Yes I buy 3rd party ink 😁
did my first vatsim flight today, super short from edinburgh to dundee in a C172, it was terrifying but a lot of fun. my radio calls were a bit clunky but hopefully will improve. many thanks for all your tutorials
Wow you did it in the C172, IFR? Good on you that's bold! Glad it went well, and great to hear you got stuck in. The airliners are 100% easier for what it's worth... Keep it up!!
@@BritishAvgeek no it was VFR , there was a mad scramble to find a chart showing the VRP i was to report at, but found it on chartfox, I see navigraph in my future!
Thank you for creating these PDF docs, I’ve been searching for something just like this as I’m still getting my head around phraseology etc - this is going to help hugely for sure!
It's a good way to start if you're worried about using voice but text (I've tried it as a pilot, but also dealt with text only as a controller) - it's a LOT more difficult than voice. Often infact I will miss a text only pilots request because it doesn't actually appear on the radar screen but within a very small icon on the bottom of my screen i have to click into. Voice is much much much easier for both pilot and controller
With my first few fliights the most important thing, LEARNING THE AIRCRAFT, personally I fly the 737-800 and I had just bought it when I logged on to the network for the first time. I had no idea how to input Waypoints, make a Flight Plan, set Transitions for my SIDs and STARs, how to remove waypoints and fix Route Discontinuitys, and all that helps so much more.
Absolutely! Every time a new aircraft is released VATSIM put out info saying clearly to not connect to the network unless you know how to fly the aircraft you are flying - if you don't, you should fly and learn offline first
My top tip, after a couple of years on Vatsim, is never speak over anyone else. Wait your turn and when you get your turn, be as clear and concise as possible, because there are 10 others waiting their turn for your turn to be over! If you need to, just practise your lines and phraseology offline to yourself, then you'll be prepared for when you do it live!
Good video. I've just joined VATSIM. Wouldn't a first flight be best with a Cessna perhaps untowered to untowered airport and gradually building up? Flying an airliner with SIDS and STARS with constraints is very daunting few a beginnner. I started with PilotEdge trying their CAT ratings. The first one required no ATC, just UNICOM/CTAF comms. Good tip on PE was not to use the Callsign C172SP, which was exactly what I did! Oh how those controllers must have been sniggering!
It's a good point though VFR is entirely different to IFR in an airliner, and I've made tutorials for SIDs/STARs too to help (and indeed one of the tips was be sure you know how to operate your aircraft) 🙂
Today i was so embarrassed i couldn’t get my ifr clearance (craft) it was so embarrassing todays also my first day. it was just me and the controller and he walked me through it so thankful for him
Note to any prospective VATSIM pilots: If you like to fly smaller aircraft, you don't need to worry. VATSIM is very welcoming to both airliners and GA aircraft. You might just surprise the controller when you call up with a November callsign though, since GA are in the minority.
@@BritishAvgeek Ok thanks. I was just trying to figure that out. I've got a full flight sim built with realsimgear, my computers for my Cherokee 6. So you think this would work for my setup and aircraft? seems like mostly A380's, etc.
@@imfacebookpaul absolutely - though you'd likely be flying VFR so if you're doing that you'd have to follow the correct rules for VFR (same as real life really) - I'd say VFR is a little more complex on Vatsim and avoid vfr during busy events 🙂
I have had a VATSIM experience at a german airport where the controller was anything but helpful. Then I have had the opposite where the controller was chill and handing out landing clearances like Oprah handing out gifts at her show. I like to be prepared for anything so when I get a question like "confirm able flight level 200 at waypoint X" and I'm like "heck, I don't know. Maybe?" it upsets me. I know you're supposed to ask if unsure, but it's so easy to forget when nerves are rampant.
Sometimes it can feel like you're under pressure for sure but you just have to keep at it 🙂 don't let any bad experiences get in the way if you're trying your best and genuinely trying to learn
Many thanks for your recommended VATSIM checklist. I'll make sure to work through these before giving it a go. I don't have a headset or microphone - what would you recommend ?
Go for it one day! Hopefully all the guides I included in the description help too so check them out, and if you have any questions feel free to ask here or via discord discord.gg/britishavgeek
I was in the same boat about 4 months ago. Pick a quiet airport for your first trip and perform some circuits, that’s how i started just to get used to communicate whilst flying. Bristol Newquay or Jersey are great single runway airports with simple taxi layouts. The controllers are always helpful, especially if it’s quiet they will go out of their way to help.
As a general curious question, if im flying say a 737BCF do i mention to the ATC in my clearance that my type is a freighter? Thanks for the informative vids as always :)
Would love a whole video on taxing... this is honestly my hardest thing. I get so lost every time and it takes me way too much time to try and figure out where i'm going by looking at the charts and what not.
It can be tough! If you have a good payware scenery it helps with correct signs + navigraph with the moving maps which is a real godsend! I got lost the other week on Vatsim - it happens 😅
Wish I saw this before my first yesterday, mic broke so typing out, had out of date navdata, had to use a different departure but not many waypoints were on the database, ATC was very patient with me helping me sort out a route and getting it cleared, took an hour on the ground to sort out, trial by fire 😂
But the ATC has no time for long conversation so you have to keep always as quick as possible. That worries me a lot . When I always talk to a an ATC person my heart starts to beat quickly and I become so nervous like hell. In this situation I'm making the stupidest mistakes I usually don't do like for example forget to mention my Callsign which is very obvious. :(
Just joined and passed the test on Vatsim this night, right now I only have the courage to leave from my hometown, do a standard pattern, and land back on the runway I departed from :/
Hello, I am newbie and try to learn how to fly on the net. I just downloaded pdf files from your description and wonder why you describe O letter like OTCOBER when I found everywhere it should be OSCAR. Video is from 2021 so I am wondering if nobody saw it before me? Kind regards Piotr
One of these days I will be on Vatsim... spent the last year and abit learning everything...charts, operations, etiquette, etc... don't want to be a burden to others, embaressed or kicked out. So still learning but will be on soon. One question though - if I custom design a flight plan (say to improve an approach with custom or additional waypoints - for example one that deviates from an approved STAR...) - will the controllers have an issue with that and reject it (even if it is filed in advance)?
Hi! Yes most likely they'll reject the non-standard approach so I'd try and stick to set SIDs and STARs where possible. Regarding connecting, don't be worried about burdening anyone, add the tip about First Vatsim Flight on remarks for the flight plan 🙂 it seems you've done a lot of prep for charts and everything already so just give it a go whenever you feel up to it
@@BritishAvgeek Thanks - I probably am at the other end of people new to Vatsim by preparing too much... I have been using P2ATC alot and that has helped me tremendously. (I actually used to work Airside at CYYZ and had a hard time with real ATC... they talk so fast)... but will likely be on Vatsim soon.... Thanks for the quick reply !:)
@@rangerrick8220 well if you ever see me schedule a controller stream you're more than welcome to connect and give it a go with us if the time zones line up! I'm certain you'll be absolutely fine 🙂
Question. I file a flight plan and no one is online at my departure. Once in flight a controller pops up, do I then open my plan in flight. I'm new and cant find a answer to this
Hi! If you've filed your flight plan, pull it in from vPilot when you connect to the network and then if a controller comes online you just call them up with your current inbound waypoint and altitude and they will be able to see it 🙂
Fly from airports your used to keep it simple like 1 runway and a few taxi ways here I am always flying from Schiphol airport to Frankfurt main Cairo international Kennedy new york or Toronto never in single player and now I'm thinking of doing vatsim
Is there any event where new pilots could connect and try their hand without any hate and pointing from advanced users? I am writing because I asked this question several times on the Polish VATSIM and unfortunately no response.
Disappointing they didn't respond! You can join the First Wings events but sadly they're big events and I now believe they aren't a good thing for new people even though that's their intention. I'd start at small airports with one runway first, use ATC and go from there (Edinburgh is my favourite for new people).
Man so u have any advice how to understand the instruction if the controller tells it pretty quick every time? As a beginner it's so hard for me to understand it for the first time and I really feel bad about answer him with "Say again please". And the bad understand is not caused by my language skills. It's really the speed of the dates I get. I can understand the content of it perfectly. I appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you! And thanks for the video!
I'd try perhaps to take the key information from the message - so for example in a long message of "speedbird 123 descent flight level 140, turn left heading 120" just grab the key bits like the words: Descend FL140 Left 120 Then the more you keep hearing the rapid messages and get used to it you'll pick one extra bit up each time and eventually you'll not even have to ask them to say again 🙂 That said, even Vatsim veterans have to ask "say again" every now and again so don't be worried if you have to ask for repetition
This looks like it would be nearly impossible to do in VR, as the need to keep looking at real-world charts and read/write with a pen and paper isn't practical with a headset on. Do many people manage to fly on the vatsim network in VR?
Hi! I've just tried to fly my first ever flight on vatsim, but when i took off the game switched to another frequency by itself and i could not switch it back and i had to disconnect because of it. The plane was the latest FBW A320. I think it is an assist or something but i could not find where to turn it off. If you could help me that would be great.
Hi! Nope, nothing you are doing wrong so don't let it put you off trying again - it is a bug with the radio stack on the A32NX (and happens to me sometimes on Livestreams too - very frustrating!)
@@avi8_ indeed! If you have access to another aircraft you're confident with enough, 787 with the Heavy Division mod, the Aerosoft CRJ or the Salty Sim 747 I'd recommend using those instead - again, it's not your fault so don't let it put you off 😃
As a newbie to the sim network what would you recommend when for example, I have created a flight plan within simbrief and then the runway I selected for my plan is not in use or I am asked to use a different runway which will generate different sids - is it just a case of amending within my MCDU (A32NX)
Yep, just amend it as required inside the MCDU then check the charts to make sure you know what to expect with that departure too as it might differ to what you originally planned
Hey there British avgeek, I already fly on vatsim and everything not to bad, however for a flight simulator like FSX steam edition, it’s really outdated like AIRAC, and taxiways, what do I do to fix this, or is there no way to fix it?
Today I had my very frist flight on vatsim. I was scared to ask for the clearance departure, I asked and I didn't understand, they helped me until my read back was corect. So don't be scared, ATC controlers help.
@@Ubi-o depends which country you are flying in - they are allowed but for e.g. in the UK you'd need to liaise with ATC for Basic Service, Traffic Service etc where required and use heli-lanes to navigate In/out/around big airports
Hi I am a loyal follower but vatsim does not answer me.I received a number but the password issue is an issue.Tried to join first time and got message saying 419 error.Happened several times.Any ideas?
@@BritishAvgeek No.Seems to me and others who are having similar problems that it should not be so hard just to join.Feel like telling them to screw it.Finally found an email that I contacted.Thx for replying.
@@manuelkimpel3788 that's their fault though, you're trying your best and not doing anything wrong so stick at it, keep learning and trying and don't let bad controllers put you off 🙂
Ah well that's not good! In what way? The tips are intended to give you the heads up on key things to consider so you can enjoy Vatsim as much as possible straight away
I tried at least,i got bullied for not knowing how to reset my transponder,i know how to set frequency sqawk code,ext power and a lot more,but om sad now.
@@tijmen8649 they're usually in the events page inside the Vatsim members part of the website - you want to look for FirstWings or New Pilot stuff in events. Or look for my scheduled live streams when I go controller sessions
Vatsim is the most complex thing i ever heard, I dont know what the ATC was saying to me I dont know where the hell i was taxing, I dont know where the hell i was taking off
Charts are so important, but also learning the complexities of the "realistic" way in which VATSIM immerses us into the simulation... it's designed to replicate real world procedures including radio comms so it's a very very steep learning curve
@@BritishAvgeek I got a navigraph subscription, i watched yt tutorials, I now know how to land all types of approaches, re-directs and all of that, one route I was practicing lately was GCFV-EPWA
@@david-mp6dt Awesome, just have to keep plugging at it. A good detailed airport scenery helps too - because you can see the signs as you taxi along to know where you are
Yes, listening to the frequency carefully to avoid asking for a repetition is key as you say - it can be very frustrating for controllers and pilots when busy to have air time taken up by constant "say again" every few minutes. That's when the pen and paper come in handy!
