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"
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...