Your First Flight

Create your VATSIM account

Registration is free, at vatsim.net. You get a CID, the number you will connect with.

• Use your real name, as the network requires.
• One account per person.

Learn the network rules

The VATSIM Code of Conduct applies to everyone. The essentials for your first flight:

• Connect at the gate or on the apron, never on the runway or in the air.
• Follow ATC instructions. If you can't comply with one, say "unable" and explain.
• Don't speed up simulator time while connected.
• With no ATC, monitor UNICOM (122.800) and announce your intentions.
• Never leave the aircraft unattended in controlled airspace. If you need to leave, disconnect.
• Be courteous on frequency and in chat.

Install the pilot client

The client connects your simulator to the network and has built-in voice radio.

Set up the client with your CID and password and choose a callsign: the airline code and flight number (GLO1419, AZU4031) or the aircraft registration (PRABC).

Choose your flight

For your first flight, prefer:

• a short route you know, 30 to 60 minutes;
• an aircraft you have mastered: this is not the time to try a new one;
• aerodromes with ATC online, for the full experience.

To see who is online, use a network map such as VATSIM Radar. VATSIM Brasil events, announced at vatsim.com.br, guarantee ATC and traffic.

File your flight plan

Every IFR flight needs a flight plan. You can file it:

• through myVATSIM, at my.vatsim.net, before connecting;
• through SimBrief, which builds the plan and lets you send it to VATSIM;
• through the pilot client itself, after connecting.

Check the route, cruising level and aircraft type. The Flight Plan Manual explains each field.

Connect and listen before you talk

At the gate, with the simulator ready, connect the client.

1. Tune the ATIS of the aerodrome, if available, and note the information letter.
2. Find out who is online and who to call first: see Who to talk to.
3. Listen to the frequency for a few seconds before calling, so you don't interrupt anyone.
4. Plan your message, and only then press the transmit button.

Practise the phraseology

Before your first call, train with the radio simulator: it shows a complete departure from Brasília and hides your lines so you can practise.

On frequency

Fly, land and disconnect at the gate

• Follow the sequence of ATC units: each controller gives you the next frequency.
• Read back clearances, levels, headings, frequencies and the squawk code.
• After landing, vacate the runway, call Ground (if online) and taxi to the gate.
• Disconnect only at the gate, with the aircraft stopped.

Then check that you learned the basics in the pilot quiz.