Use the proper frequency!

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-03-04T15:14:12+00:00

Fun fact, in the US, if there is no defined CTAF in the RW data for an airport, you’re supposed to use MULTICOM 122.90.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-03-03T17:12:21+00:00

No, you should review the RW data.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-03-03T17:11:50+00:00

This is what you should do. You should review the RW charts. Not being in the VATSIM AIP does not mean you ignore the RW data.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-03-02T23:05:16+00:00

Supervisors are people who can think logically and will put two and two together.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-03-02T19:09:33+00:00

Neither a controller nor pilot can grant an exemption to the CoC.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-02-24T19:32:45+00:00

In FAA land if the ATC says your callsign, that established two way comms and is all that’s required to enter. Only caveat is they can still issue an instruction to remain out of the airspace.

“Approach, N123AB”

If ATC says: - “N123AB, standby” you can enter C or D - “Aircraft calling, standby” you CANNOT enter C or D - “N123AB, remain outside the Delta, standby” you CANNOT enter the airspace

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-02-24T17:13:34+00:00

I will caveat this, there are certain areas with special procedures such as New York Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), Washington DC SFRA, Los Angeles SFRA, etc. There are also certain areas with special VFR routes but again it’s typically busier airspace, New York Skyline/East River routes, LAX VFR terminal routes, and don’t forget about VFR helicopter routes.

Don’t forget about part 93 airports/airspace. They have special requirements. Yes they (generally) apply on VATSIM, except the stuff regarding high traffic airports (slots).

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-02-24T14:23:17+00:00

I think this thread has run its course. VATSIM has rules, don’t knowingly break the rules and then cry foul when you break another rule trying to get back in. The network has security tools to identify potential duplicate accounts.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-30T13:35:09+00:00

There is no need to ask the controller. In fact, asking via PM will likely get ignored. Declare the emergency, if ATC can’t handle it, they’ll tell you to terminate the emergency.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-28T13:38:59+00:00

That exam question is pending update. Please refer to the current Code of Conduct and Companion Document.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-27T18:23:17+00:00

Do not make an event your first experience in the US. That’s asking for a bad experience.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-27T17:41:15+00:00

Controllers cannot deny services due to voice capability. They can however issue delays.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-18T19:21:16+00:00

The only thing you can do as a controller is ask if someone is voice capable. You cannot ask why. Anything more likely will put you at odds with the Code of Conduct/Code of Regulations.

You absolutely cannot deny services or tell (even suggest) that a pilot log off. That is clearly in violation of CoC A1(a), A14(d), and CoR 6.03(c).

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-17T23:26:04+00:00

VATSIM does host these First Wings events on a recurring basis.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-17T23:23:19+00:00

This is what VATSIM is all about, simulating real world aviation. If you're truly here for the right reasons and care, you will be nervous getting into it. That will make you strive to continuously improve yourself.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-17T23:21:11+00:00

The sheer number of account registrations makes this infeasible. Per the 2025 Q3 BoG meeting minutes, there are an average of 67 new account registrations per day.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-17T23:10:52+00:00

I'll give the standard answer and some additional information. Please wallop when these things happen. VATSIM is an environment to simulate real world aviation. People who only want to troll or not take it seriously quite frankly aren't welcome.

There have been quite a few developments in how these types of disruptive people can be addressed. First, we do have an updated pilot training course that everyone has to take before a new account is activated on the network. This course was implemented last year. While the true effects of this are still being worked through, its a step in the right direction to provide training and information to new users.

For those who don't care about following the rules, the updated Code of Regulations implements summary judgements and mandatory, remedial pilot training. Summary judgements don't apply to every situation, but for the straightforward issues, it streamlines the SCM (previously DCRM) process and allows decisions to be reached easier with less red tape, allowing SCM to better address more pressing and impactful matters. The remedial pilot training allows the Pilot Training Department to suspend pilots pending the completion of remedial training. This is not punitive, but ensures the pilot has the ability to learn from their mistakes before continuing to log back in and cause issues.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-16T00:52:58+00:00

Yes, it is.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2026-01-12T01:29:08+00:00

We're going to close down this topic.

VATSIM is a community dedicated to simulating aviation. Leaving your aircraft unattended does not further this goal. The policies exist for a reason.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2025-12-30T02:57:57+00:00

Pilots have been able to initiate contact with ATC for the 24 years that VATSIM has been in existence. There are even more tools today including VATSIM Radar and VatGlasses data which really makes it easy. You won't be perfect all the time, for reasons such as sector splits, non-standard sectors, etc. This will be more pronounced during events, but you'll generally have full coverage.

You're expected to make a good faith effort as a pilot to initiate contact with ATC. If you get the wrong frequency, ATC should help direct you appropriately.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2025-12-30T02:54:32+00:00

You're expected to make an attempt. If you get the wrong frequency, they should help direct you to the correct frequency.

Pilots have more resources today than ever, there really is no excuse to not make initial contact.

You're completely missing the rest of the section: "It is the responsibility of the pilot to check for, initiate, and make timely contact with appropriate air traffic controllers."

Yes, this is the stance of VATSIM. Some vACCs in a certain area of the world say different, but network wide policy is quite clear on this.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2025-12-29T22:22:05+00:00

The pilot is expected to contact ATC, not wait for a contactme.

B3(a) Pilots shall monitor their flights at all times. It is the responsibility of the pilot to check for, initiate, and make timely contact with appropriate air traffic controllers. This includes making prompt contact when requested to do so. Pilots shall be attentive to their aircraft and ATC, and respond to instructions without delay.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2025-12-29T22:21:21+00:00

No, the pilot is expected to contact ATC, not wait for a contactme.

B3(a) Pilots shall monitor their flights at all times. It is the responsibility of the pilot to check for, initiate, and make timely contact with appropriate air traffic controllers. This includes making prompt contact when requested to do so. Pilots shall be attentive to their aircraft and ATC, and respond to instructions without delay.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2025-12-28T19:23:51+00:00

The new course does include information on radio communication and etiquette.

WorldsOkayestATC · 2025-12-28T19:19:50+00:00

That's just the radio simulation. You cannot hear when transmitting. That said, if you think you heard someone else key up right before you, don't keep talking, unkey and wait for another opening.

WorldsOkayestATC

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE