I thought it was just a game...

[QuasarZ]

This may sound like a stupid question... but once I hae an account and whatnot, where to I go on the vatsim website to login to fly?

 

[SkyBoy1981]

This may sound like a stupid question... but once I hae an account and whatnot, where to I go on the vatsim website to login to fly?

You'll need to go to the Pilot Software link on the main page and download Squawkbox 3.0. Squawkbox is the pilot software program that you will use in combination with MSFS. Once you've installed it, start up MSFS and place yourself at an airport clear of any active runways or taxiways, then start the Squawkbox software. There should also be more detailed instructions included with the software download.

 

[Flechas]

I thought it was just a game...

It's all games and fun untill somebody gets hurt...

 

[E46_guy]

Here's the link for Squawkbox: http://www.squawkbox.ca/

They just released version 3.0 a few weeks back; it brings integrated voice ATC, improved mulitplayer (so you can see the traffic around you), and a handful of other "nice to have" features. They used to have a pseudo-FMS that came with the package but have since done away with it. Most a/c come with some sort of GPS though.

These guys have a whole virtual world out there... virtual airlines, virtual flying clubs, virtual air force, on and on...I'm always surprised by how much is out there.

TB

 

[QuasarZ]

You'll need to go to the Pilot Software link on the main page and download Squawkbox 3.0. Squawkbox is the pilot software program that you will use in combination with MSFS. Once you've installed it, start up MSFS and place yourself at an airport clear of any active runways or taxiways, then start the Squawkbox software. There should also be more detailed instructions included with the software download.

I have.. but when I try and open it my screen just went black.. maybe my computer is way to slow for it or something

 

[SkyBoy1981]

I have.. but when I try and open it my screen just went black.. maybe my computer is way to slow for it or something

If you're running FS2002 or FS2004 your computer can't be too slow. If you're using a version of MSFS older than these it may not work...I'm not sure. The manual should say which versions its compatable with.

 

[QuasarZ]

I dont know, that whole website is giving me issues. When I tried to sign up for the PRC place, it never sent me an confirmation e-mail or when I try to log into the statisitc page is says welcome "my name" then enter the code below, so I enter it and then it says ERROR... I am getting frusterated

 

[SkyBoy1981]

I dont know, that whole website is giving me issues. When I tried to sign up for the PRC place, it never sent me an confirmation e-mail or when I try to log into the statisitc page is says welcome "my name" then enter the code below, so I enter it and then it says ERROR... I am getting frusterated

Sounds like you have cookies disabled on your browser...that will cause both of those problems. What version of MSFS are you using?

 

[QuasarZ]

Sounds like you have cookies disabled on your browser...that will cause both of those problems. What version of MSFS are you using?

I am using MSFS 2004.. and I check cookies already cause thats what I thought it was.. but I guess not

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Hmm..I'm not sure. None of this should prevent you from using the software. Check out the manual and see whats in there....I'm not into the pilot part of it as much as controlling so I'm less familiar with it.

 

[QuasarZ]

I got squawk box to work, but now when I fly it doesnt seen like ATC is there or will talk to me?

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Probably isn't anyone on this time of the day. Later in the evening usually between 6pm and 10pm eastern time is when most people are connected and there is more ATC available. If you go to http://avsim.com/hangar/utils/servinfo/ and download the Servinfo software it will give you an overview of where ATC is online as well as show maps of where other traffic and such are.

 

[Iceman07]

Iv'e been using MS FS2004 for a few months now getting ready for a long-overdue BFR, and I have to tell you, this thing is addicting! Man, I feel like I could actually pass a IFR Recurrency at this point. Nothing beats being able to fly approach after approach after approach, not worrying about hourly rates, even setting up failures.
Iv'e set it up to do partial-panel NDB approches to minimums. Cool stuff.
Lately I have been finding historic "X Planes" and flying them. My favorite is flying the X-15. I start out at Hidden Hills (near LAS) at FL45 and 500 knts, kick in the rocket, and 3 minutes and Mach 4.7 later, I am setting up for landing at Edwards. Whooo eee.... 300 knts on final, flair at 200 knts, touchdown at 135. Great stuff.

 

[O-Line]

Unless you are on a IFR approach, the AIM advises against straight ins.

Then again, there is no regulation - other than 91.13 careless/reckless operation which you will be charged with should you operate contrary to the AIM's procedures and cause an accident/incident.

Just remember straight-in's are perfectly legal, and according to 91.113 aircraft on final have the right-of-way.
http://www.ntsb.gov/alj/O_n_O/docs/aviation/4236.PDF

The best thing to do when in doubt give way, be friendly, and most importantly see and avoid.

 

[mtrv]

I've personally only tried the demo (7 min limit or something). I was impressed with the Aerodynamics engine, but i didn't like the controls of the game. I prefer the 3D cockpit from FS2004.

But they say x-plane is the best flight sim out there. If someone has it, i'd like your opinion on it please.

What "some" say----------------is all market hype! X-Plane & Microsoft's flight models arrive at their conclusions by different methods, but some excellent flight dynamic models from third parties , are always being created for MS FS2004. You can get good, bad, and in between with both sims. X-Planes FAA certification is only in conjunction with a motion based sim platform. I own both, and prefer FS2004.

As to both sims, many might be surprised by just how many private, commercial, and military pilots there are, that use these PC based simulations.

 

[KigAir]

737-800 at Meigs
http://forums.flightsim.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=10&topic_id=416387&mesg_id=416387&listing_type=search

Hey, don't let Mayor Daley see that. He might send his henchmen to your house to bust your flight sim disk into small flecks of dust.

 

[wrxpilot]

This was a great thing for my student cross countries, and I'm using it now for my inst rating. The stock C172 is a little weird, but there's a great download available (free):
http://www.realairsimulations.com/products/index.php

Just scroll down to the 172.

 

[dseagrav]

Holy thread resurrection Batman! FI needs futaba's 'sage'.

 

[MFRskyknight]

That's pretty sweet. I just flew another one tonight. Total distance about 46NM. All I did was fly the course and note some lakes and another airport along the route. In the end, all I had to do was make a very shallow right turn and I made a straight-in final approach to land. I wonder if it would have really been that easy in a real airplane???????????????

No.

It would have been easier. I have the CH yoke/pedals and I can't land my way out of a wet paper bag with the d@mn things when the weather's set on clear and calm. Flying IFR procedures/certain aerobatics with it is pretty cool though.

MFR

 

[jdlilfan]

The next MS Flight Sim is due out this next Thanksgiving-Christmas time. Check out these screen shots! They will even have birds flying around and realistic cars driving up and down roads!

Here is the Trailer of it from E3. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2477889051321701677&q=Flight+Simulator+X

Screenshots and Article: http://www.fsplanet.com/fsplanet_com_fsx.htm