Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network - Overview

Overview

VATSIM is one of the two main providers of flight-simulation networks that allows users to either fly online as a pilot, or direct traffic as an air traffic controller (ATC). Communications between pilots and controllers are carried out using integrated voice-over-IP or in-game text messages. Users require custom software to use the network. Through VATSIM, ordinary people have come together as a network of pilots interacting with air traffic controllers to produce a vast, organic simulation of actual air traffic.

The goal is to keep the simulation as close as possible to real-life aviation procedures, including realistic procedural standards and radio phraseology. This has made VATSIM a training aid to student pilots who lack experience at communication with air traffic control, as well as private and commercial pilots looking to enhance their skills, especially in radio communications. In achieving this the network has been highlighted as bringing more immersion to what was once a solitary exercise, events in the game are no longer just programmed into the software but are introduced by the combination of human effort and error. Networks such as VATSIM have been described as offering very strict experiences, and may achieve very high levels of standards for training and currency even for those already involved in real world flying. The network has been highlighted as being a key component in the development of the Flight Simulation as commodity software.

Much like its real-world counterparts, VATSIM is divided into separate geographic areas each with slightly different operating procedures to handle the various local differences. VATSIM is divided into six regions which are further subdivided into country-specific divisions. The divisions themselves are divided into Flight Information Regions (FIRs), Virtual Area Control Centers (vACCs) and Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs).

The six regions are:

• Africa and the Middle East
• Asia
• Europe
• North America
• Oceania
• South America