Multiplayer...simple solutions?? No bashing please!

[Myzee]

Well... the main reason I set up a sim is because I am currently taking my PPL and figured it would be the best way to help me improve in all aspects.

 

I have been trying to research multiplayer options where ATC is available but I am confused to say the least. I signed onto Vatsim........but I find it a little confusing and what it is I am supposed to be doing.

All I want to do is:

A- Choose an airport (any place in the world)

B- File a flight plan

C- Fly

D- LOL :)

 

Is there such a thing as a simple solution to what it is I want to accomplish? Again, I am quite a noob with simming...so please be gentle! LOL

 

Thanks to all in advance! :D

[il88pp]

I've been away from multiplayer for a while (it's still tantilising though).

But maybe have a look at FSOpen.

http://www.fsopen.co.uk/

Or FScloud.

http://fscloud.net/

[pvarn]

I assume you are wanting to engage in "Mutiplayer" to improve your skills while sim flying in a more realistic environment, working with people instead of AI and where real word procedures are expected.

 

If I am right, then you'll do well with Vatsim. However, if you chose Vatsim thinking it's like a game, it's not.

It's like purchasing FS having only experience with games and power-ups, scores and missions and asking: "what it is I want to accomplish?" and "what it is I am supposed to be doing?"

 

According to the above...

YOU WANT TO: A- Choose an airport (any place in the world)

 

A: There is nothing preventing you from doing this in Vatsim. There are no rules governing WHEN or WHERE you fly.

 

YOU WANT TO: B- File a flight plan

 

A: The Vpilot or FSINN clients have the tools to file a FP. How you create and select the flight plan and the route you use is up to you. There is no difference creating a plan when you fly offline or online.

 

YOU WANT TO: C- Fly

 

A: So what's stopping you?

 

I suspect maybe you thought it was different than flying offline.

Theses are the differences:

1) The planes you see are piloted by real people.

2) When and *IF* you contact ATC, they are real people and all have passed

tests to certify them to varying skill levels.

3) When you fly in ATC coverage areas, the people around you (both pilots and ATC) expect you to adhere more closely to real world rules and procedures than the offline AI built into FS.

 

Your biggest problem at this point is you have not familiarized yourself with the "Vat" and how it works. For this, you need to take the training courses which not only get you going up to speed very quickly, but provides many of the same piloting skills you need in the real world.

 

Please read through these threads which already contain 70% of what you need to know:

https://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?286146-STARs-and-Approaches

https://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?286687-Vatsim

 

------ THEN: ------

Go to the Vatsim web site, click on Pilots, then "Getting Started" then "Training" and get going using the Vat the way it was intended.

http://www.vatsim.net/

 

-Pv-

 

Tags: Vatsim multiplayer flightplan ATC realistic procedure

[Myzee]

Exactly. I want my simming to as realistic as possible. I am not into "games" and I do not consider SFX a game. I'm hoping my experience with it will be as real as possible and a training aid to help my real world training.

 

True I have not familiarized myself with Vatsim that much. I just found it a little confusing and I will admit i was kinda of rushing (pressed for time). I was able to install a client (The simple one as they called it) and could see it connect to FSX when i fired it up....but after that I am not really sure what's next.

 

But what you are saying is should install the Vpilot or FSINN client?

[pvarn]

VPilot is probably the "simple" client you installed. Nothing more to do.

 

Read the threads above, go to the Vat get started and training links and you'll be on your way.

 

"could see it connect to FSX when i fired it up....but after that I am not really sure what's next."

 

What's next is learning the Vat and using it to improve your piloting skills. The tools to help you do that and give you direction are there. What you say you want to do and the tools the Vat provides are a perfect match. And when you're not there to specifically to hone your skills but would rather just have fun, the Vat is a great way to meet other pilots and share the experience of exploring the world through flight with them.

 

-Pv-

[tvieno]

The Vat? :)

[pvarn]

"The Vat? "

 

Read down from the top and all will be answered.

 

-Pv-

[tvieno]

Yeah, I know about VATSIM, I just found the term funny.

[pvarn]

the"hood"

 

-Pv-

[PPSFA]

I dont know if it's still around but a while back there was a online group that is exactly what you are looking for. They were all ATC controllers and guaranteed coverage in the southern California area. Darned if I can remember the name though, maybe someone else does.

 

Vatsim is hit or miss, you might get controllers who know what they are doing, or you might get a 12 year old kid on a break before his mommy calls him for dinner, ya never know :-)

[pvarn]

"who know what they are doing, or you might get a 12 year old kid on a break"

 

Yes, but Mommy, work, or a baby crying could affect anyone. At least on the "Vat" all the controllers (even the base-skilled C1) have had to pass multiple written and online supervised tests before allowed to control and everyone is reviewed regularly.

I've had some 12 year olds on sessions with me who would impress the most seasoned pilots and controllers.

I've had some adults whose areas I would never fly in again.

 

At least there is a base level of skill and the supervisors respond quickly to disruptive problems. There is something to be said for a system which has been around for over 15 years and is still growing. They must be doing a few things right.

 

-Pv-

[tvieno]

What's with this 12 year old strawman? In the Vat's forum, in the Controller's section, they always bring up this 12 yr old pilot flying Air Force 1 who has lost 3 of the four engines and needs to declare an emergency.

 

But of the two, I would rather have the 12 year old controller. Bouncing off what pvarn said, being a controller takes time and learning. One just doesn't decide one day to be a controller like one does a virtual pilot. It is an investment of time. So it is uncommon to have a controller that is flippant in their attitude.

 

That being said, you will come across a wide variety of levels of controllers, those from being brand new GROUND S1 level controllers to either retired or still active real world controllers. There are even a couple of controllers whose name I recognize and if I see they're online will make an effort to find a flight that'll fly in their airspaces.

[Myzee]

Looks like I better spend some time with the "Vat" and do some learning :)