Big Update: Terrain-Based Ranging is Coming to VATSIM!

VATSIM Announcements
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VATSIM is rolling out an exciting 24-hour test of our upgraded voice system, featuring Terrain-Based Ranging, starting:

:spiral_calendar: Tuesday, July 15th at 0000z - 2359z

:magnifying_glass_tilted_left: What’s New?

We’re adding a new level of realism by simulating how terrain affects radio coverage – just like in real-world aviation.

:airplane: Flying through valleys?
:airplane_arrival: Skimming low on approach?

You might notice weaker or lost voice contact with ATC or other pilots in those situations.

:speech_balloon: Can’t Hear a Controller?

No worries – just switch to text communication during the test.

We appreciate your support as we continue making VATSIM more realistic and immersive. Happy flying!

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7 Likes
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Exciting. This’ll be good fun for VFR flights in Norway given all the fjords. Given that there are a lot of places where communication should be worse, are there good ways to check what the reception status is for a given location?

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VATSIM Tech is planning to release a endpoint where users will be able to look up the approximate terrain altitude at a given point.

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Text should be removed!