If you haven't flown on the VATSIM network before this page is aimed at you. The basic principle is that individuals who love to fly flight simulators, connect to a server which becomes a virtual Real World Environment. If you are leaving an airport and there is someone else leaving the same airport, or even in the same area, you will be able to see them. It is as real as it gets, without the costs of real flying.

VATPAC is a Division, within VATOCE (region), within VATSIM (global organisation). There are numerous other regions and even more divisions. The beauty of VATSIM is that even though you belong to our division, you are free to fly anywhere in the world at any time. The divisional boundaries only really apply to the Controllers.

Did I say Controllers? Yes on the network there are guys that love to simulate co-ordinating aircraft traffic, and yes if an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) is online, then you will be assisted and co-ordinated by them. So it just got even more realistic, but don't let this scare you.

VATPAC is about Community, Education, and Fun. If you need help or aren't enjoying yourself, jump on the forum and ask for help. Or seek out the Director of Pilot Services (VATPAC4) on the staff list.

It is important that you utilise all the resources etc at the VATSIM PRC before getting online. This page is a supplement to what is provided by VATSIM.

What to I need to fly online?

Firstly you need a Flight Simulation program and the majority of members use Microsoft Flight Simulator. The version does not matter, although as at late 2008, FS9 (2004) is probably the best bet. Once you have this installed and running on your computer, I'd suggest strongly that you get a feel for it. Even though a Boeing 747 may seem attractive, starting in something smaller will help.

On Aircraft selection, even though FS9 has a couple of nice aircraft, there are thousands of aircraft built by other members which you can "add-on". There are some very good quality web sites that cater for Aviation Simulation and provide FREE downloads. I mean free, without any fear of some extra software coming with it. This is a huge friendly community and we are all here to help. So, find an aircraft that you are happy with and able to control reasonably well.

To be able to connect to the 'Server' and join the rest of us 'online', you will need one extra piece of software which once again is FREE. There are currently two options, and either one will do the job. Have a look on our forum if you wish to decide before downloading one or the other.

Squawk Box 4

or

FSInn

Download and install these using their respective guides and manuals.

You should now be ready to connect and join the rest of us 'in the real world'

There is some nice to have stuff that isn't compulsory, but does make everyones roles a little easier to manage. In the real world pilots dont generally talk to each other or ATCOs via text messages, so if possible grab a headset (headphones and mic). The software to enable voice communication is already in either FSInn or SB.

Connecting to our world:

I'm not going to tell you how to specifically do that, because the differences between SB and FSInn are to big. I will list some things that you should consider when connecting;

Servers; There are 6 or more servers which you can use to connect with, just choose one from the list in the software. I use 'Oceanic' only because it is based in Australia and seems to give better connection speeds for us.

Location, location, location; Please make sure that you are not on a runway when you press connect, because it scares the hell out of other pilots when a plane appears in front of them when they are about to land or takeoff. Best place is to be at a Gate or Bay at your selected airport.

Communication; because we are a community on line, we consider it important to interact with other pilots (not in a social, coffee room way!) so that they know what we are about to do, and also so you know what they intend to do. Community is about communicating with others (Text or voice is fine).

Text On your aircraft you should be able to find a radio stack. When online, and there is no ATCOs around we must have our primary radio set on 122.800 The software and server knows what frequency you are on, so unless we are all on the same one, your text messages won't be seen.

Voice In our part of the world we use voice as our main means of communication. The basic rules that apply for voice are:

1. If ATC is online you will be able to see it in your list of 'others' and when you tune your primary radio to their frequency, your voice should automatically join them.
2. If no ATC is online, then you need to manually connect to a 'voice room'. There are subtle differences between FSInn and SB, but the rules are the same. If you are at a major Australian Airport (BNE, SYD, MLB, etc) then join this server rw1.vatpac.org and the voice room is /unicom-au and then stay on that server. If you are at a non-major Airport then you should use the same server rw1.vatpac.org however the actual voice room is the four letter airport code eg /YAMB is for Amberley.
3. Voice communication on these rooms should be brief, clear and meaningful. There is a whole set of realworld procedures which we try and follow, so use them as a guide. Basically just let other pilots know what you are going to do, before you do it.

Crash; Please set your Flight Simulator Software to ignore crashes. This may not be realistic however the problem online is that if you crash, the software will immediately send you back to your last departure location, or save point. Remember we don't like aircraft suddenly appearing anywhere other than at Gates or Bays on the ground.

Learn More; As mentioned earlier, we are all about Community, Education, and Fun. Get involved on the forum, ask questions, surf the Air Services Australia (ASA) web site. The goal of flying online is to be as real as possible using ASA procedures while having fun. Also VATSIM has a Pilot Resource Centre which is extremely useful as a learing tool.

NOTE: We do strive for realism, so this isn't the place for those that want to be in the 'game' category, rather we put ourselves in the 'simulation' category. Please consider the VATSIM rules before connecting up.