We have no affiliation whatsoever with VATPAC, VATSIM, FSRoute or any web sites, or programs, mentioned on this site.

OK, I've got FS and an Internet connection. Where do I start?

  ATC take their role very seriously and are as close to real-world ATC as they can get. Reciprocate by taking your role as Pilot just as seriously. If you don't have a good understanding of ATC/Pilot communications, practice offline and read the VATPAC Pilot tuition pages. They are invaluable and will make your flight and the ATC's job a lot more enjoyable!

  We recommend you begin with VATPAC (Virtual Air Trafic Pacific) in order to understand what Aircraft Traffic Controllers (ATC) require of you and of what you can expect of ATC.

  Some of the many aviation terms, questions and answers that you will learn are: (Move mouse over each question)

  Before departing for the online skies, you also should become proficient with the many aviation terms and abbreviations that you will encounter whilst flying. (See the 'Flight Basics' menu above) Visiting the VATPAC Australian Airspace site should be one of the first stops on your list of the many to-do's. There you'll also learn the differences between ATC towers. As well, learning the Phonetic Alphabet is a must, as many ATC terms are spoken using this method.

  Must have: Although not a strict requirement, but very much preferred by most ATC's,  before going online, buy yourself a decent headset/microphone (mic). Speaking directly with ATC expedites instructions and saves your Controller having to spend time typing text to you. At the very least, if you haven't got a headset/mic, turn up your speakers so that you can hear your Controller issue flight/taxi instructions to you. You would need to type acknowledgements to him/her via text, so brush up on your typing skills. You will be expected to answer ATC very quickly, as they may be extremely busy with multiple aircraft arrivals and departures. Remember, you are not the only Pilot under his/her control.  (See SquawkBox information below)

  Must read: Conflict in the Air - How to Avoid a Long Term Suspension

>> More information to follow

What do I need and what do I need to know to fly online?

  Another must see is VATPAC's Pilot Assist site. There, you'll find a router finder and charts for your origin as well as your destination. The instructions at right of screen are simple to follow and you will soon be on your way for your first fully planned online flight. (See more info below)

  You will also need to signup with a server such as VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network) in order to have a User ID assigned to you. You must be aged 13, or older and have an ISP based email address, as free email addresses such as Hotmail are not accepted.

  Once your User ID has been assigned, you should download online interface software such as SquawkBox 3 (SB3) which allows you to communicate via voice and/or text with ATC and other Pilots.

  You will also need a program called FSUIPC which allows SquawkBox and other add-ons to interface directly with FS as an integrated module, rather than as a standalone program.

  When setting up SquawkBox for the first time, you should select 'VATSIM' network and 'OCEANIA' server (AU and NZ), provided by VATPAC, on the connection setup screen.

  Many third party programs require you to enter your VATSIM User ID and Password in order to connect with the VATSIM network. We recommend that you record your details for later use.

  Another handy FS utility called ServInfo shows you all ATC's and Pilots worldwide, as well as individual Pilot flight plans, altitudes, speeds, locations, origins, destinations and maps. This program does not require a VATSIM login to work.

>> More information to follow

Where can I get a flight plan and how do I make it work with FS and SB3?

  For starters, read our Flight Planning article by Greg Wilson. It tells you where to get your plan, as well as how to implement and understand it. 

  As well as the excellent VATPAC recommended AU and NZ flight plan page, RouteFinder is a great site for finding your flight plan for a specified origin and destination. The minimum requirement is to know the four character ICAO (International Civil Aeronautics Organization) code for your origin and destination (i.e. YBBN = Brisbane, YSSY = Sydney, YMML = Melbourne, NZAA = Auckland etc) The site is quite self-explanatory and you shouldn't have any problems with it.

  Desktop programs, such as FSNavigator, will also allow you to plan your course and integrate it with FS and SB3.

>> More information to follow