VATSIM Beginner Guide
VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network) is the online network that connects flight sim pilots with real volunteer air traffic controllers around the world. All vTAC training flights must be flown on VATSIM. This guide gets you from zero to connected.
What is VATSIM?
VATSIM is a free online service that lets flight simulator pilots fly alongside thousands of others worldwide, with volunteer air traffic controllers providing realistic ATC services — clearances, taxi instructions, departure, approach, and tower control — just like real aviation.
When you connect to VATSIM, other pilots and controllers can see your aircraft on their screens, and you can communicate via text or voice using your simulator's radio. It transforms Microsoft Flight Simulator from a solo experience into a shared, realistic aviation environment.
100k+
Registered pilots
24/7
Live ATC coverage worldwide
Free
Always free to join and use
Create a VATSIM Account
Free — takes about 2 minutes
Go to the VATSIM registration page and create your account. You'll receive a VATSIM CID (a unique 7-digit number) — this is your permanent pilot ID on the network. Write it down.
Register on VATSIM →Important — read the Code of Conduct
During registration you'll agree to the VATSIM Code of Conduct. Read it — it covers how to behave on frequency, how to interact with controllers, and the expectations for pilot conduct. Violations can result in suspension from the network.
Complete the VATSIM Pilot Training
Required for new pilots — takes 60–90 minutes
Before connecting to the live network for the first time, new pilots are required to complete the VATSIM Pilot Training — a short online course that covers the basics of flying on VATSIM: how to communicate with ATC, what to do when no controller is online, and how to handle common situations.
VATSIM Pilot Training (my.vatsim.net) →Complete the P0 exam for full network access.
Install a Pilot Client
The software that connects your simulator to VATSIM
A pilot client is a separate program that runs alongside your flight simulator. It connects MSFS to the VATSIM network so other pilots and controllers can see you, and so you can communicate via text or voice.
vPilot (Recommended)
The most widely used MSFS/P3D pilot client. Supports voice, text, and full transponder functionality. Easy setup.
vpilot.rosscarlson.dev →xPilot
Alternative client, originally for X-Plane but also supports MSFS. Good option if vPilot gives you trouble.
xpilot-project.org →Setting up vPilot (quick version)
- Download and install vPilot from the link above
- Open vPilot and enter your VATSIM CID and password
- Make sure MSFS is running with your aircraft loaded
- Select your server (pick the one closest to you geographically)
- Enter your callsign (e.g. VTAC01 or your assigned vTAC callsign)
- Click Connect — you're now on VATSIM
File Your Flight Plan & Fly
Do this before every training flight
Always file a flight plan before connecting for a training sortie. This tells ATC who you are, where you're going, and what rules you're flying under (IFR or VFR).
Easiest: Use vTAC Pre-Mission to Pre-File
The Pre-Mission → File page on this site lets you build and submit a complete VATSIM flight plan with one click — it automatically includes the vtac-msfs.com remark required on all vTAC flights.
Manual filing: required remarks
If you file manually in vPilot or on the VATSIM website, you must include the following text in your flight plan remarks field:
When no ATC is online for your area, fly using UNICOM (122.8 MHz) — make position reports to other pilots at uncontrolled airfields using standard CTAF phraseology. Your Block 1 ground lessons cover this.
After Landing — Get Your StatSim Link
Needed for solo training submissions
After completing your flight and disconnecting from VATSIM, your flight is automatically recorded in the VATSIM stats systems. For solo training flights, you'll need to attach a link to this record when you submit your Post-Mission log.
Finding your flight on StatSim
- Go to StatSim.net/flights
- Search for your VATSIM CID or callsign in the search bar
- Find your recent flight in the list and click on it
- Copy the full URL from your browser's address bar
- Paste it into Block 15a of the Post-Mission form when logging a solo flight
It may take a few minutes after disconnecting for your flight to appear. If it's not there yet, wait 5–10 minutes and refresh.
You can also check your full flight history, hours, and statistics on stats.vatsim.net.
Tips for New VATSIM Pilots
Listen before you transmit
When you first tune a frequency, listen for a few seconds before making your first call. Make sure no one else is transmitting. On VATSIM this is critical — stepping on another pilot's transmission causes both transmissions to be unreadable.
Read back all clearances
When a controller gives you an instruction, read it back in full: "Descend and maintain 8,000, Eagle 01." This confirms you received it correctly and is required on VATSIM just as it is in real aviation.
Don't be afraid of no ATC
Large portions of the world (including many military routes) have no controller coverage most of the time. When no ATC is online, fly the route as planned and make self-announcements on UNICOM (122.8). This is normal — don't wait for a controller before flying.
Use text if you're not comfortable with voice yet
VATSIM supports full text communication — you can type all your ATC communications if you're not ready for voice. Most controllers accept both. Start with text, switch to voice when you feel comfortable.
Squawk MODE C at all times in flight
Set your transponder to Mode C (altitude reporting) as soon as you're cleared for takeoff and keep it on for the entire flight. ATC uses this to see your altitude on their radar. Only switch to Standby when parked at the gate.
Official VATSIM Resources
VATSIM Main Website
Network status, news, and member portal. vatsim.net
VATSIM Pilot Training
Free P0/P1 certification course for new pilots. my.vatsim.net/learn
Code of Conduct
Required reading — the rules of flying on VATSIM.
StatSim Flight Tracker
Find your VATSIM flight links for solo training submissions. StatSim.net
VATSIM Stats
Your full VATSIM history, hours, and pilot record. stats.vatsim.net
vPilot (Pilot Client)
Download the recommended MSFS pilot client. vpilot.rosscarlson.dev
Ready to start flying?