"Realism" Servers?

[LionRampant]

So although I am not *new* to flight simulation, I am still fairly juvenile regarding my knowledge. So far, all I have found on the Steam Edition browser is a handfull of servers with 2-10 guys flying around, military jets doing stupid stunts around others and just general messing about.

When I watch original FSX videos on youtube, there is realistic ATC and communication; and everybody is having a good time communicating and simulating 'real life'.

Will this come to FSX:SE? Has it already come? Ive heard of things like VATSIM but honestly don't really understand what it is.. I am a man with a computer, mouse, keyboard and a joystick - not a hugely technical brain. If you give me a list of instructions and an introduction, I will learn and I will be able to do things - but currently I am a bit overwhelmed.

So, will these 'realism' servers begin to appear or will these stay strictly with FSX box version? Anybody planning on starting one or know where I should go?

Thanks for the help,

Dave

[kimchoc]

That's because they sold the game at $5.00. Which allowed all the Kidde punks to get on mp. Best thing is hook up with guys from avsim and real simulator sites. The SE mp is ruined with $5 punks. So find yourself some friends and password a server.

[BVA_Admin]

As you said, there are several realism servers available on FSX (boxed version). We aren't aware of any established realistic ATC communities on FSX: Steam Edition yet. It's possible some may pop up but I imagine that, like us, established realism communities have too many members using FSX to support FSX: Steam Edition right now.

Do you have the box version of FSX? If so, you can find several realistic ATC communities available in the built-in multiplayer (and we would humbly suggest we are one of them). More information about Boston Virtual ATC at http://www.bostonvirtualatc.com/welcome (remember, you need FSX, not FSX: Steam Edition). We would love to be able to support FSX: Steam Edition at some point in the future, provided that Dovetail creates backwards compatibility with multiplayer. However, at this point, we can't ask our almost 4,000 members to purchase another copy of FSX and try to migrate all of the add-ons and configuration changes they've made to Steam.

If you are stuck using FSX: Steam Edition, a community like VATSIM that supports multiple platforms is likely your best option for realistic ATC. Unlike multiplayer communities in FSX or FSX: Steam Edition, users connect to VATSIM through their VATSIM's own proprietary pilot client.

Specific steps on how to connect to VATSIM should be available from their website. However, in general, the idea is:

• You become a VATSIM member (by registering on their website)
  
• You download a "pilot client" (there are three; it sounds like vPilot works with FSX: Steam Edition).
  
• You start a flight in FSX: Steam Edition's single player.
  
• You use that pilot client to connect to VATSIM.

Hopefully you'll be able to find these instructions on VATSIM's website.

If you're from Europe or another area outside of North America, IVAO (www.ivao.aero) is another great option that's more focused on Europe.

The trouble with the large servers like VATSIM and IVAO, in our opinion, is that you lose some of the personal and community elements you get from being part of a smaller community like ours.

[kimchoc]

BTW. You're welcome to hook up with us sometime. We don't use ATC, but keep it pretty realistic within guidelines of having fun. You don't need anything more than what you have, but more buttons, switches are always nice. Which is nothing more than plugging in an extra joystick or controller. We.re happy to help.

[BIRD]

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[BIRD]

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[LionRampant]

Thanks all for the replies. Are all these communities listed willing to teach the basics? As I said I'm a bit of a begginner and I don't want to intrude on any communities and get laughed/kicked/annoy anybody else and ruin it for them if I dont know jack :/

edit: I may consider picking up a boxed copy of FSX after Xmas when the stores open again.

[kimchoc]

You won't get instruction on Vatsim. You are expected to act like a real pilot. But yes, many of the servers that are passworded are happy to help.

[BVA_Admin]

It depends on the group. As a general point, it's fair to say that most people you'll meet in the world of flight simulator are generally happy to help share their knowledge. Each community will go to different lengths to do that, however.

At Boston Virtual ATC, we work hard to ensure that we have resources available for those new to flying. We love seeing new members start with almost no aviation knowledge and grow to become pilots -- sometimes even getting their real-world licenses. As part of that, we have an entrance exam that helps ensure the people who join the community are interested and willing to learn about aviation.

Once you become a member, Boston Virtual ATC offers:

• A step-by-step "getting started guide" to walk you through how to connect.
  
• A "Virtual FBO" that offers one-on-one orientation and training services. Our coaches actually share your aircraft and can help you through procedures or just show you the ropes.
  
• A "Pilot Hub" that has reference materials on how to file flight plans, fly realistic routes, check weather, and talk to ATC and other pilots.
  
• A regular pilot seminar series called Ground School that focuses on different aspects of aviation. You can find a few of these sessions posted on our YouTube channel.

So you can see, there's a lot of material we have to offer. We are U.S.-based, so our materials and ATC availability is based on that time zone.

Of course, each community is different as far as how much support they provide.

[BVA_Admin]

Originally posted by shootout010:

edit: I may consider picking up a boxed copy of FSX after Xmas when the stores open again.

If you do that, you'll find a list of servers and a lot more information about FSX multiplayer at http://www.fsxbeyondgamespy.com.

There are some really cool "non-ATC" realism communities like msFlights.net that offer a great starting point and lots of in-person learning before you 'take the plunge' with ATC.

[kimchoc]

Good advice bva.

[LionRampant]

Thank you so much for your help BVA - I'll take this into account, really appreciate it.

Enjoy the holiday season!

[Roo]

Hi Shoutout,
I control on a few different servers (msflights.net usually) and am always looking for more traffic to control.
If you want to add me as a Steam friend feel free, that way you'll know when I'm next online.

[kim090980]

Wow very helpfull this.

I´m new to the whole steam thing too and was kinda shocked entereing a room where helicopters just land in runway queues and jets taking off though buildings etc.

I just kept doing my thing an abiding the ´rules´ without paying attention to the acrobats around, thinking i was the only one trying to be serious on Steam.

But all these comments are serioulsy worth checking out.

Thnx!

[104th_Knight ¦ вlϊтz]

Just have gotten VATSIM to work with FSINN

[Dan-TXHills]

Originally posted by kim090980:

Wow very helpfull this.

I´m new to the whole steam thing too and was kinda shocked entereing a room where helicopters just land in runway queues and jets taking off though buildings etc.

I just kept doing my thing an abiding the ´rules´ without paying attention to the acrobats around, thinking i was the only one trying to be serious on Steam.

But all these comments are serioulsy worth checking out.

Thnx!

I agree with all above - if you really want to learn you do need the right environment. Since our colleague at BVA opened the door to "shameless self-promotion" (I am overly in favor of that - I think there are many who are put off by the game-playing kiddies but need to get the info out there for others that are not aware of the large number of sim flyers that do it right) you can visit us at http://www.elitepremairvirtual.com/home.html . We fly on the Steam server, FSOpen (the 'box' version since GameSpy died) and VATSIM. We've just gotten ourselves started and have adopted the "we're all here to learn, and teach when we can" attitude. Members include RW pilots, VATSIM controllers and a good batch of experienced Sim pilots.

I'll send you a 'friend' request but no obligation to accept but please do check us out. And - check out Boston Virtual Air - one of the "gold standard" flying groups for sim flying.

If you are interested in flying on VATSIM our folks can help out with that also. And, I have found (after several years of trial and tribulation with FSInn/FSCopilot) that their vPilot connection application works wonderfully (including with FSX-SE).

Dan