Flying on VATSIM with no ATC coverage

Noob Question

Can I fly on VATSIM if ATC is not available along my intended route or do I have to fly within the available ATC areas on the VATSIM network? (Use the “native ATC” for my sim but just be connected to the VATSIM network)

Example: Simple IFR training flight from KPNE to KFDK. Neither NY nor Washington ATC entities are online at the time of flight.

I file an IFR flightplan with VATSIM and just be one of those “radar” returns on ‘insert favorite map name here’.

Thanks and Kind Regards,

Jim
PPL/ASEL X-PLANE/xPilot

Hi James. You are free to fly wherever you like, whether there is ATC coverage or not. If ATC is offline, stay alert for the possibility of them coming online and be ready to check-in with them.

Matt

3 Likes

If there is no ATC, monitor UNICOM 122.8 and broadcast your intentions if there is other traffic around.

4 Likes

Thanks All!

Just did my first flight! Turned out great.

Jim

3 Likes

i do a lot of long hauls and i start with ATC usually but centers usually shut down or pop up during my flight , keeps me alert waiting for one to show up , vatsim is great