:) Well, Mark, who knows..maybe one day you'll fly online too ;)

Actually i learned that there is a many ways to have a good time in sim. Online flying only one of em.

CloudSurfer, vatsim is a friendly environment aimed to expand your experience. Its not aimed to create any kind of problems or pressure to pilots. So its easy to join, you'll learn all fast ;) Knowledge of FSX default ATC enough to start.

Squawkbox3 is the simplest client. It shows traffic crappy, but works good and not affecting FPS. Crappy traffic not a big deal, you'll see it only in airports. Inflight traffic showed good.
The only problem i have with SB3 is that sometimes it shows error message (error in MS runtime of something), but i just click "SKIP" option, and it continues to work just fine. I use it.

To see network activity You'll need free client like VATSpy. It shows Flights, online ATC all over the virtual world. Thats a tool to choose where to fly today ;)

Register in VATSIM and choose region you want to assigned to. No limitations, you can fly anywhere. I assigned to YBBN (Brisbane), but i fly in Europe mostly.

Every vatsim region have dedicated website with all info. They also contain tutorials for start. Check this http://www.vatpac.org/ under PILOTS\PILOTS RATINGS and TUTORIALS. There is a complete script of the radio comunications between pilot and ATC. Entire flight shown.

ATC is interested in you. No flights, no need for ATC. So when you calling - "Whiskey 807 shutdown at gate 19, Thanks for the service." - they'll say "Thanks for flying with us whiskey 807, Good night"

Nobody expecting you to do all right from the beginning, so file the flightplan and add a note: "First flight online, Could you speak a bit slower". ATC will read this and help you all the way. Dont forget to say "Thanks for ATC" before you log off after flight ;)

If you flying 707 or 727 like i do, you need to let ATC know what way you want to fly. Say i fly 727 with radio nav only. So i file a fligtplan, and adding a note: NO RNAV, VOR NAV ONLY. ATC will see it and act accordingly. Also while calling to clearance delivery, say-
"whiskey 807 requesting IFR to Vienn Int as filed, please note unable to fly RNAV route, VOR navigation only"
ATC will call - "whiskey 807 can you accept HARDY FIVE MIKE departure(EGKK)"
You will say - "Yes sir, HARDY FIVE MIKE will be good, whiskey 807"
or - "Sorry sir, cant read maps yet, can you provide radar vectoring?"
ATC will say - "No problem whiskey 807" ;D

Computerized jets not a big deal but you gotta program FMC properly.

If you have questions or you unsure, - ask! Like that:

ATC - Whiskey 807 direct to holding point TIMBA, expect holding for 10 minutes
You - "Sorry sir, is TIMBA located  7 miles DME of Mayfield VOR radial 130 is that right "
ATC - "Yes, thats right"
you - unable direct TIMBA no RNAV, can you give me vectors
ATC - whiskey 807 fly heading 250 until TIMBA holding speed 220
You - Heading 250 till TIMBA holding speed 220


Dont be afraid to ask, they will help. Thats a part of fun too :) If you unable to do something - say it. ATC will find another way.

Since clearance comes in CRAFT format Clearance, Route(SID), Altitude,departure Frequncy, Transponder. Engligh second language, so if you know what ATC will say - its easier to understand. Again, ask if didnt understand. Like that - "delivery, say again route and squawk for whiskey 807 please"


So basically you doing this actions:
1 start VATSpy and see where the active ATC is.
2 prepare flightplan. I use default FSX flightplanner. write down all VOR names.
3 check the airports charts at vatsim regional sites
4 start FSX, put the plane to gate or ramp but NEVER to runway
5 start squawkbox, connect to network
6 start battery\APU, listen to ATIS note winds and departure runway. Check map for available SIDs. That way you will know what to expect from ATC = easier to understand.
7 call delivery saying -"American 789 radio check"
8 if ATC said American 789 read you five by five, of loud and clear, call for clearance.
9 prepare aircraft, load passengers and so on...