Good morning forum,
I know there were a few other threads regarding VATSIM with allot of replies of people stating they were mainly just nervous about getting on and talking with ATC.
I was in the same boat, and had logged into the network a few times, but only at uncontrolled airports and would use unicom to practice my calls (after watching youtube videos).
When I first started simming, actually before hand as I waited for everything to arrive, I signed up with VATSTAR (completely free) who are a training partner with VATSIM. I completed the “ground school” about 30 - 40 hours worth of lessons (all pre-recorded / online) and passed the test.
Next is to do a few flights with instructor to get P1 rating (not required for VATSIM, just something fun to work towards).
What VATSTAR also does, is an orientation event twice a month. This is online through their discord and basically is a meet and greet. Meet the staff, learn about the organization and how to navitae their site etc… Basically preparing you for your first VATSIM flight.
They also host “Discovery Flights” which are also twice a month, and this is where you can login to VATSIM and start to learn how to work vPilot and talk to ATC.
They first brought us to an uncontrolled airport (KAST) and we all got on unicom. The instructor then acts like ATC and we do our call outs. There was about 8 of us and it was really cool to watch everyone taxi, take off, fly the pattern, land etc… all while doing the callouts.
I should say, before you start flying they do a 30 minute presentation with slides to show you how the call outs go and at what points. And then leave it up so you can see it as you fly.
Once you get the hang of it, you move over to a controlled airport and then start talking to ATC. It just so happened that there was an “event” going on last night so they brought us over there to a really busy airport. Was really cool to be “5th in line” watching airliners come and go as we mixed in our GA and flew the pattern.
Everyone did really well and it was a really cool and fun experience and I totally get why people who fly on VATSIM, spend most of their time there. Once you get over the jitters (which happens quickly) it adds a whole other level.
The controller was super friendly and helpful as well, no one gets mad when you make a mistake they just help you along the way, they are all volunteers who just started out at one point as well.
And when you file your flight plan via vPILOT (required) you can put in the remarks that you are new and they can see that and help.
I hope that helps someone get started who has been shy about doing so!
) I need.