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The Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network ('''VATSIM''') is a world-wide network for virtual air traffic simulation. VATSIM is intended primarily for simulating commercial and recreational air traffic (as opposed to military/wargame simulation networks). VATSIM users can both Pilot (using a Flight Simulator , most commonly the current version of the Microsoft Flight Simulator ) and provide Air Traffic Control services (using a Freeware simulated Radar screen program provided by VATSIM). While flying or providing control services, VATSIM users adhere as close as possible to real-life procedures including weather, airport closures and NOTAMS. Users interact using text or voice, although communication by voice is becoming increasingly popular, and their communications closely resemble those heard in real air traffic control. This has made VATSIM a valuable training aid to many student pilots, who often are inexperienced at clearly communicating with real air traffic controllers. Real air traffic controllers also take advantage of VATSIM to practice controlling traffic without putting any life at risk. VATSIM is divided into several regions (such as Europe , North America , and Oceania ), and the regions are further subdivided into country-specific divisions (for example VATRUS in Russia or VATUSA in the United States ). Many controllers on VATSIM provide virtual air traffic control services for areas they live in. The most active areas are North America, Brazil , Europe, and Japan/ South Korea . MEMBERSHIP AND TRAINING Membership and participation is completely free of charge. VATSIM has over 101,000 registered users, and the member count is continuously growing. Anyone interested in aviation and flight simulator is welcome to join and fly on the network immediately. However, in order to become an air traffic controller on VATSIM, one must go through a comprehensive training program, which is usually provided by regional VATSIM divisions and individual FIRs , and pass a series of written exams. A ranking system for controllers ensures that newcomers will not take demanding positions that they are not ready for yet. Recently, VATSIM has begun a similar, optional training program for new pilots. Depending on the workload, air traffic controllers are expected to provide limited assistance to new pilots as well. Newcomers are recommended to start out in less active areas, away from larger airports, and gradually build up their ATC communication skills. Some Virtual Airlines provide their own training programs for member pilots interested in flying online. VATSIM competes with other networks for pilots and staff, the largest of which is IVAO . SOFTWARE To connect to the VATSIM network, either as a pilot or a controller, one must use approved software listed on the VATSIM home page . According to present VATSIM policies, use of software not currently certified for use on the network may result in immediate disconnection or temporary or permanent member Ban . Network connectivity is provided by designated Proprietary VATSIM servers located throughout the world. Pilots VATSIM member pilots connect to the network using an add-on Client application, such as SquawkBox , which usually integrates into the flight simulator software. All currently released clients are free of charge but Closed Source . Controllers The current standard software for air traffic controllers on VATSIM is ASRC (Advanced Simulated Radar Client), which was released to the public in early 2003 following a series of beta tests. ASRC supercedes ProController , an older radar screen simulator with a limited set of features. ProController has officially been declared obsolete and VATSIM servers deny connections from ProController clients. On April 14 , 2006 , VATSIM announced the public release of another radar client, VRC (Virtual Radar Client), which is now an alternative to ASRC for controllers on the VATSIM network. According to the official website, the focus of the VRC project is to support multiple Monitor configurations. Currently, ASRC and VRC only support Microsoft Windows XP or above, and no ports to Linux , Macintosh or other Operating Systems or platforms are intended. However, some users reported limited success in running ASRC on other operating systems using Windows Compatibility Layers such as Wine and Cedega . SPECIAL EVENTS (FLY-INS) VATSIM frequently hosts events such as virtual Fly-ins , which attract a large number of controllers and pilots. These fly-ins are usually centered around a certain Airport , City or region, which leads to a high density of virtual flights and ATC coverage in the area, resembling real-life flight operations by size. Some events are held only once, while others are recurring Annually or otherwise. PILOT USAGE OVERVIEW Once a user has purchased and become familiar with a flight simulator such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, they can freely download, install and configure a VATSIM client such as Squawkbox 3.0. The overall process for connecting and flying on VATSIM is as follows:
(Certain frequencies are skipped depending on the airport and which air traffic controllers are online at the time.) The flight plan, procedures and communication with air traffic controllers is very similar to real-world aviation including airplane separation, procedure turns, departure and arrival charts, takeoff and landing clearance, and noise restrictions. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS VATSIM divisions
Pilot Software
Controller Software
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