What is VATSIM???

[James]

Hi, VATSIM is an online flying network. It provides very realistic ATC for pilots flying on the network but not all airports are manned and most
airports are only manned in the evenings. To begin flying on VATSIM you simply go to http://www.vatsim.net and register online with a proper ISP
e-mail address and you will then be sent your VATSIM id and password to that e-mail address. Then you must download Squawkbox 3 from
http://www.squawkbox.ca and install that onto your system. Also be sure to have a registered version of FSUIPC.
I would reccommend you get someone already flying on VATSIM to give you a bit of mentoring if your're not already familiar with real ATC proecedures,
flightplanning, SIDs/STARs etc. .
Then, when your're ready, take your first flight where it's not too busy and make sure to note in your pilots comments when filing your flightplan
that your're a newbie so as the controller knows to go easy on you. And also if you get stuck with anything or have any questions, ask the controller!
And finally when flying try remember the following: 'First react, then readback', meaning that when told to reduce your speed or adjust your heading,
then do so quickly before reading back so as you don't forget it.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

James