new member, Need some help...

Chris Mailloux · « **on:** May 02, 2010, 05:02:23 PM »

Hi guys, I am new to VATSIM entirely. I am not new to flying. (I am actually a member of the Us Civil Air Patrol.) I need a lot of help. I need a play by play on how to commence a flight on vatsim. I want to know EVERYTHING. I mainly need to know how to get started with fly, as far as procedures. I also would like to know if there is anything I need to do before i can start flying. ( for example, training, exams, or any sort of setup) I would like to know how to start a flight, from everything to filing a flightplan, to ending a flight, and anything in between. All help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

Bryan Wollenberg · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2010, 05:13:42 PM »

Hi Chris and welcome!!

The VATSIM Pilot Resource Center is a great place to start: http://www.vatsim.net/prc/

That should answer several of the questions you have.

Brian Pryor · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2010, 05:14:00 PM »

Hi Chris and welcome to VATSIM and VATUSA.

This link goes to the VATSIM Pilot Resource Center and has lessons there to guide you from preflight to landing steps.

http://www.vatsim.net/prc/

It's good to give the lesson a read through first then give it a try. In your flight plan make sure to note you are new to the network, you'll find most controllers are quite helpful.

Feel free to post any followup questions you may have,

Brian Pryor · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2010, 05:15:15 PM »

Us Brian/Bryan types have the same mindset it seems, although he's a bit faster of a poster than I.

Bryan Wollenberg · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2010, 05:21:42 PM »

Now that's scary.

Chris Mailloux · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2010, 05:40:14 PM »

Ok, a couple of questions. What are the procedures for initial contact with controllers? How do I know what Frequency to tune to for initial contact? That's what most of my questions are about; Inital contact. details appreciated.

Thanks, Chris

Chris Mailloux · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2010, 05:42:03 PM »

Also need to know about procedures for using chat box since i have no mic.

Brian Pryor · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2010, 05:49:00 PM »

Hey Chris,

The PRC basic lessons will walk you through step by step for the initial contact. The frequency will show up in the 'ATC' list which you will find in the software. Simply tune your radio in the simulator to the frequency.

Answering your question on the chat box, you can type what you would say to ATC.

Chris Mailloux · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2010, 06:17:54 PM »

Ok. How do i physically connect to vatsim. I am using fsinn, but i dont get it whatsoever. how do i plan a flight. the interface in that is VERY confusing.

Daniel Hawton · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2010, 01:13:19 AM »

Quote from: Chris Mailloux

Ok. How do i physically connect to vatsim. I am using fsinn, but i dont get it whatsoever. how do i plan a flight. the interface in that is VERY confusing.

At first it is confusing. However, I recommend you head on over to the VATSIM Forums under the "FSInn" forum there is a sticky titled "The FSINN Installation Sticky" that will help you get it installed and references a video to show you how to connect to the network. Linky to the forum.

Welcome to VATSIM!