WELCOME TO VATEUR

Well with VATSIM it is not only possible but can be quite easily achieved. The VATSIM network is a realistic simulation of procedures followed by pilots and air traffic controllers everyday around the world. Each day there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of aircraft flying on the VATSIM network with each pilot following real world procedures for their flight. Pilots need Air Traffic Controllers to help them to conduct their flights as they takeoff off from A, fly hundreds of miles to B and land safely. All of this must be done while other aircraft are doing the same. The job of the Air Traffic Controller is to keep them moving but, more importantly, to keep them separated. Can you imagine how it will be controlling at London, Frankfurt, Athens or Vienna? There could be many aircraft in your airspace each needing precise instructions and clearance from you. Of course you will need a little training but that’s not a problem since VATSIM will provide the training and is there help you as you progress as a controller, see Controller Training.

The Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network, known as VATSIM.net or "VATSIM" was created in 2001 by a group of individuals who came together with a goal of creating an organization which truly served the needs of the flight simulation and online air traffic control community. With an eye towards more than just providing a network of computers for users to log into, VATSIM is an online community where people can learn and, at the same time, enjoy the pastimes of flight simulation and air traffic control simulation all while making new friends from all over the world. VATSIM is not just for individuals who have experience in online flight simulation and ATC. It is perfect for both the new user, and the long time "simmer". For someone who has just learned about online flight simulation and air traffic control and is interested in real world procedures, VATSIM and its members, many of whom bring real world experience and expertise to our community, offer an ideal environment to learn real world skills. For pilots, you'll be able to fly with radar service by air traffic controllers who issue instruction and assistance in all phases of flight from getting your clearance to arriving at your destination airport. For air traffic control enthusiasts, the entire world is simulated meaning you can work ATC virtually anywhere from a general aviation airport to the busiest airports in the world. Nearly all of the real world positions are available for you to choose and learn to work.

The best part of all of this is that VATSIM brings real people together who share with you the passion for flight and air traffic control. When you contact that controller or pilot, you aren't contacting a computer generated voice or image - you will be communicating with a real person who shares the same interests as you! And VATSIM is even more than that. It is a worldwide community of approx. 200.000 members who share the idea, the fun and the adventure of flight simulation. The local communities around the world are really good places to meet and to share information, and of course: not everything we are talking about is about this hobby. The communities are real life member communities. You can be a part of VATSIM All it takes is a few moments to register and join VATSIM. Once you do, prepare to learn and be rewarded with friendships that will span the globe. In addition, you'll receive the appreciation and thanks of the online flight simulation and air traffic control communities. So why not head over to the VATSIM Members page and sign up? It is free of charge but not free of time. You will love flying in our environment.

VATSIM is a global non profitable network (registration and connection to the network are free) where virtual pilots, connect via their Flight Simulatorin order to fly around the virtual airspace. There are also virtual Air Traffic Controller connecting on the network to provide air traffic control (ATC) to the virtual pilots. VATSIM allows each connected pilot to view others connected on the same geographical area (and consiquently they are able see you), while it is possible to simulate real weather conditions of the area you fly. If the area you fly is covered by an Air Traffic Controller then the comunication is performed over voice on the (virtual) radio frequency of each controller (or alternatively over text where voice is not applicable), while real radiotelephony and flight rules are being used. The scope is for each virtual pilot to perform a virtual flight as a real aircraft whould do it! Flying rules, based on real flight rules, also apply, in case the area you fly is not covered by a controller (uncontrolled airspace), where it is obligatory to announce your itentions over predifined commonly used radio frequency, called Unicom (freq.: 122.800). In VATSIM there are numerous virtual airlines (known as VAs) and communities such as aeroclubs, that either simulate flights of their real counterparts or even the internal procedures of an airline, such as promotions, virtual payments, and buy/sell of aircrafts! More about virtual airlines may be found here.

First of all you have to read, understand and comply with the rules that apply to the VATSIM network. Do not forget that on this network many people coming from different habitats, from all over the world, with a common scope; to have a very nice simulation expirience. No one oblies you to connect to VATSIM, and it is not "your right", but your choice! Before your first connection, you have to learn the basics of flying rules, navigation and radiotelephony. If you have no previous experience you must read at least the bsics from Tutorial I. Almost everyone starts with very low knowledge and many.... misunderstandings regarding procedures! If you are one of the aviation lovers this will be your first step towards the fantastic world of aviation. Last but not least, you should have a minimal ability to control the aircraft you choose for your flights. That means, be able to properly navigate, maintain a constant speed and altitude and of course be able to takeoff and land. For the aforementioned knowledge, there is no absolute limit regarding what is required for flying, at least while being a beginner. Mood for learning and personal ability to see when you are ready to perform your first flight, is more than enought. Being a virtual pilot requires a certain ammount of studying, with the difference being that you are the only one to set the standards regarding the way you fly, as long as you will not spoil the fun of others, pilots and controllers.

• A PC with Flight Simulator (2004, X, Prepar 3D, XPlane) installed.
  This applications come with equivalent clients for connecting to the VATSIM network.
  Most virtual pilots though use the Microsoft Flight Simulator (2004 / X)


• A headset or a microphone and speakers installed on your PC


• Internet connection


• The proper client for connecting to the network


• Active email account for registrations and further communication


• Good mood

First of all you must register to VATSIM, to gain connection privilege.
Pay attention to the documents you will be asked to read.
Do not forget to choose preferred region: Europe, preferred division: Europe (except UK),UK or Russia and as vACC your desired from the list.
Use real world personal data, otherwise your account may be locked down!
After registration, while having your VATSIM ID, you may continue with your desireable vACC register.