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Vatsim
Dec 19, 2018 20:54:23 GMT
Post by Mike Monce - HJG on Dec 19, 2018 20:54:23 GMT
Now that I have a lot more time (retirement!), I've started exploring the idea of using Vatsim. I'm working my way through the first lesson set on Vatstar, got squawkbox up and running and just did a short VFR flight where I just listened to a controller in Cleveland; I was in New England..(there was no controller available in my area for flight following).
Listening to the controller interact with several planes I was greatly impressed by the quality and professionalism of both the controller and the pilots. This could be really fun! One drawback seems to be that there might not be a controller available for the flight one might want to do. There's several resources that show who is available so the flight could be planned to coincide, but then the controller might just drop out also.
So.....any experienced vatsimmers here who could give me some advice,thoughts???
Mike
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Vatsim
Dec 20, 2018 0:59:03 GMT
Post by christrott on Dec 20, 2018 0:59:03 GMT
I fly the flight I want to fly. If ATC gets on, great. If not, then oh well. Typically, if you want the best chance at having ATC online, then fly when it's most likely for ATC to be online - local evening or weekends. Otherwise, it can be hit-and-miss. You can also check the Events Page at VATSIM or VATUSA and see when and where events are happening and participate in those. Then you'll have guaranteed ATC, but you might also experience some delays because there will also be some not so great pilots show up that make life harder for everyone involved by either not listening or intentionally doing stupid things in the middle of the event.
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Vatsim
Dec 20, 2018 8:58:24 GMT
Post by canuck on Dec 20, 2018 8:58:24 GMT
Has the quality of the audio been improved then? I understand they were looking into a better development. I tried it many years ago and was put off among other things by the sometimes inaudible audio.
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Vatsim
Dec 20, 2018 20:29:37 GMT
Post by Mike Monce - HJG on Dec 20, 2018 20:29:37 GMT
Just completed a flight from Tampa to Raleigh Durham (if anyone has looked at the weather today RDU is just above minimums) using a Phenom300. After TO from Tampa (no controller on line for TPA) I contacted JAX CTR, he gave me a squawk code and then a bit later gave me a shortcut from my filed flight plan. Was handed off to ATL CTR for short while but then was let go as there was no APP/TWR online at RDU, so landed on my own. The audio is very good...sounds just like what I've heard on youtube videos. Some of the pilots don't quite have their radio voices, but the controllers are really easy to understand. I was really impressed with the controllers...helpful, but also instructive: the ATL controller had to tell a pilot to reset his ALT to 2992 above 18,000. I'll have to try a flight out of a big airport to see if I can follow taxi instructions. It truly makes the flight environment as close to real as I've experienced. You have to do COMPLETE flight planning; that is essential. And, if the controller changes your filed route you have to be able to adapt quickly. I downloaded a utility I found on flightsim that allows one to input and edit the flight plan in the default FS9 GPS. That saved my bacon when he gave me a more direct routing. I also pulled out my wife's ipad and had all the approach charts pulled up on it....also a necessity for vatsim.....just like the real thing! The only thing missing is that vatsim disables all your AI traffic. It's understandable as the traffic is supposed to be the other planes flying around. IT was a bit disconcerting to land at RDU and be the only one there I'll do some more flights. Just shows me that you really have to think before speaking when doing aviation communication. Mike
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Vatsim
Dec 21, 2018 2:05:45 GMT
Post by christrott on Dec 21, 2018 2:05:45 GMT
Canuck - The audio right now is the same it's been for years, but it's still good for 99% of users. They are working on a new codec that will make things much, much better and on par with modern radio systems, but it will probably be late next year before it comes 100% online. It will also allow better VHF and HF radio simulation (line of site/range/etc) and finally enable voice UNICOM/CTAF use worldwide.
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Vatsim
Dec 21, 2018 7:41:58 GMT
Post by canuck on Dec 21, 2018 7:41:58 GMT
Thanks for the info.
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Vatsim
Dec 23, 2018 22:32:07 GMT
Post by simpilo on Dec 23, 2018 22:32:07 GMT
I have a very hard time understanding the audio on VATSIM. Some ATC sound muffled and other's talk so fast I can't keep up with it. I think ATC is required to speak in a manner that the pilot's can understand them. Not all pilot's have the best hearing including me. We all just want a fair chance to read back clearances and such without having to ask ATC to repeat themselves. After all it is a learning environment with a touch of fun to it. Just saying my experience. I feel content flying with AI.
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Vatsim
Dec 24, 2018 0:26:14 GMT
Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on Dec 24, 2018 0:26:14 GMT
Probably just an "adaption" thing more than anything else Through initial inexperience (everyone has to start somewhere) I've even known good communicators to actually "freeze" .... and not know how or what to respond in some situations. Mark C BOG/CO
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