I had a brief dalliance with Vatsim last year, but recognised that I was getting easily overwhelmed and wasn’t really ready…
Roll forward a year and I am a slightly more capable virtual pilot and decided I was ready for take two. I’m only 30 hours or so into this adventure, but have already had brilliant experiences in the UK, Europe, South Africa & Australia. The extra depth of immersion is quite amazing and the controllers have all been fantastic - one amazing chap in Johannesburg, no doubt recognising that I was inexperienced, actually qualified my understanding of a procedure before issuing the instruction yesterday. Another chap in Melbourne delayed logging off to get me cleared, pushed and taxied - even though I was the only aircraft there. I really must start noting their names and providing feedback, so that they get the individual recognition they deserve.
I’ve still got a great deal to learn and the fluent professionalism in my communication definitely isn’t there yet, but the last 30 hours have given me a real boost in confidence. AI software such as Beyond ATC has helped me prepare, but just cannot match the personal interaction with human controllers.
Apologies for the rambling post, I guess I just wanted to say thank you! 
