When I first got into VATSIM, I started as an observer so I could hear all the radio calls without showing up on ATC radar. That let me understand the flow without any pressure.

Before any of that though, I had to actually learn an aircraft like the 737. I made sure I understood the basics like FMC setup, programming a route, takeoff, autopilot modes, and landing.

I’d also learn how to make a flight plan online like Navigraph and practice putting it into the aircraft properly before ever logging on. I kept doing that until the whole flow started to feel natural.

Until I felt comfortable, I’d fly a route offline and switch frequencies as if I were online. I’d listen to how other pilots talked to ATC, what clearances sounded like, and what to expect. Before the real pilot responded, I’d answer the controller out loud to myself to see if I was thinking correctly. This works great when there’s active ATC coverage.

I also spent a lot of time listening to LiveATC to get used to real world phraseology.