I’m really excited to join VATSIM and dive into the world of virtual aviation!
As a newcomer, I’d love some recommendations on how to make the most out of VATSIM. What are the best ways to get started and connect with others? Any must-have software or tools for flight planning, weather info, and communication? I’m also curious about how to use the training resources effectively—are there any courses or tutorials you’d suggest?
I’d appreciate any tips on interacting with other pilots and ATCs. Are there any forums, social media groups, or events that are great for beginners? Speaking of events, how do you stay updated on upcoming fly-ins and group flights?
Also, if you have any advice on communication protocols and etiquette, that would be awesome. I want to make sure I’m doing things right while chatting with ATCs and other pilots.
Thanks a ton in advance for your help! Looking forward to flying with you all.
Most pilots use Simbrief for flight planning purposes, though it’s always best to double check the routes and other details it populates for you, to make sure that it’s all valid. Paired with a navigraph subscription, it should keep you set for your time in VATSIM :).
Other useful tools to check ATC coverage is through VAT-spy or SimAware. The former is a lightweight file that sits on your desktop, easy to use to check where ATC is available. SimAware does the same, but it’s web-based, and is able to show you the airspace coverage more accurately.
On interaction with other pilots and controllers, you may wish to join our Community Discord servers via https://community.vatsim.net/ . There is the official VATSIM Discord server in there, as well as Discord servers run by different VATSIM Departments and Divisions/ARTCCs/vACCs.
What are the best ways to get started and connect with others?
you can join the discord servers of your region and division to make the best and keep yourself updated about the latest happenings and events. this way, you will also get to interact with others
Any must-have software or tools for flight planning, weather info, and communication?
this is what i use but many more seasoned pilots can suggest something else based on their experience
flight planning - Little Navmap and simbrief
wether info - generally when you login, use the ATIS brodcast for best information on winds and other factors. other than that, i use SimAware for looking at the wether
communication - it is inbuilt feature if you are using Vpilot
I’m also curious about how to use the training resources effectively—are there any courses or tutorials you’d suggest?
apart from the training resources, there are YouTube tutorials and playlists which explain things practically by doing them which makes you understand things better. apart from this, you will keep learning with every flight as other pilots and controllers are generally friendly and tend to understand that new pilots face difficulties and need guidance. apart from this, you can always fly offline to improve your skills and do ample of mistakes without disturbing the pilots on the network. and mistakes do teach you what you are not supposed to do in a situation so do not be scared to make mistakes (PS any real pilot reading this, please do not start correcting me as i am aware that in real life situation you cannot afford to make mistakes but simulations are to make mistakes and learn so that you do not make a mistake when in a real life situation.)
Speaking of events, how do you stay updated on upcoming fly-ins and group flights?
you can join the discord servers of VATSIM, your region, division and sub-division to make the best and keep yourself updated about the latest happenings and events.
Also, if you have any advice on communication protocols and etiquette, that would be awesome. I want to make sure I’m doing things right while chatting with ATCs and other pilots.
if you are new, usually mention it in the comments that you are new while filing a flight plan. this way, controllers will know that you are a new pilot and help you out the best way possible to get comfortable. also do not be scared to ask anything. if the controller is not aware of the thing, there surely will be other pilots on the frequency who will be knowing it and will be more than happy to help you out.
Connect in observer mode at an airport with ATC and listen to the interactions between pilots and controllers. Follow the progress of a couple of aircraft getting their clearance, taxiing, taking off, etc and a few arrivals. Do this a couple of times at a couple of different airports to get a feel for the process.
Connect to a quiet airport just Ground online. Get your clearance and taxi instructions, then once you’re at the runway you’re on UNICOM. Do that a couple of times. Then connect to an airport with GND and TWR or just TWR, get your clearance, take off, then you’re on UNICOM. Do that a few times. Then somewhere with APP. Then work up to full ATC but away from the busiest airports.
I can highly recommend joining a VATSIM First Wings event specifically designed for newbies. There is one in Europe this weekend (book a slot here) but they are held monthly in a different region each time.
See if your local division/region has any events for newcomers.
