Pilot Basics
This page is intended to give you a quick guide to getting started as a VATSIM pilot.
Fundamentally, please remember that this is a simulation network, not a game. We expect that you have at least a foundational level of understanding in order to participate on our network and in our community. This includes familiarity with your simulator, how to fly your aircraft (both using its automation and how to hand-fly when appropriate/necessary), and how to follow air traffic procedures and commands.
1. Join VATSIM
If you haven't already, sign up for an account. You can Join VATSIM here.
2. Familiarize Yourself with the Basics
Before you are able to log onto the online VATSIM servers, you must:
- Review the New Member Orientation Course
- Pass a short exam
Check your welcome email for more information on how to find the course (Hint: It's in myVATSIM). After successfully passing the exam, your account status will become active, and normally within one hour (often much less) after passing the exam, you will be able to log on.
The Pilot Learning Center has lots of information available for you to read that will help you get started. It's important that you know how to fly your aircraft before connecting.
3. Choose a Pilot Client
In order to connect to the network, you need to install (free) software to connect your flight simulator to our network. You can choose which one you prefer from our Software page.
4. Situational Awareness
There are lots of other programs which might be useful to you when you are on the network:
- To see who is currently online (pilots and ATC), check out map.vatsim.net
- There are similar standalone programs available (e.g., VAT-Spy)
These tools are optional, but may help you figure out where you'd like to start.
Recommendation: We highly recommend that you start at a small, slow airport so that you don't get overwhelmed. Busy events are no place for brand new pilots!
5. Prepare Your Simulator
Load up your flight simulator at a location of your choice. You should be:
- Parked on the ground (i.e., on an apron or other parking area)
- Not blocking taxiways
- Not on the runway
- Not in the air
If you connect to an airport with a Ground (GND) or Tower (TWR) controller, they are likely to be able to give you some help if you need it.
Tip: For your first few flights, it may be advisable to connect to a smaller airport that isn't very busy, so that controllers will have more time to help you if you need it.
6. Connect to VATSIM
Using the pilot client software you installed in step 3:
- Connect to VATSIM entering your username, password, and callsign
- You can select any server you wish — they are all connected to each other
When you have connected:
- You will get a message back from the VATSIM server
- You may see other pilots at the airport or controllers in your pilot client's ATC list
Check to see if there should be someone nearby and verify that you're connected to the network using one of the Situational Awareness tools mentioned above.
Note: The various maps only update who's online every minute, so don't worry if you don't appear immediately.
7. Listen and Begin
How you progress from here is your choice:
- It might be advisable to tune to a controller's frequency and just listen for a while to get an idea of how things work
- You are welcome to connect on the ground at an airport to watch and learn if you aren't ready to make your first flight
Take your time — there's no rush!
8. Additional Help
There are many resources available to help you along the way:
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Pilot Learning Center | Lots of articles, especially the General Lessons, to help you get started |
| Supervisors | If you are on the network and need help, you can contact a Supervisor. More information can be found in the Pilot Learning Center Basics Section |
| Pilot Training Programs | Available should you need additional pilot training |
| VATSIM Forums | Great place to ask questions and find answers |
| VATSIM Community Discord | Connect with other pilots and controllers in real-time |
| Local VATSIM Organizations | Forums and Discords of local divisions often have plenty of people available to answer questions |
Don't be afraid to ask if you're stuck. The VATSIM community is here to help!