Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network

Communications between pilots and controllers are carried out using integrated VoIP or in-game text messages. Users are required to use custom software, designated as approved clients, in order to connect to the simulation.{{Cite web|url=https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/approved-software|title=Approved Software|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}}

The main organs of the network consist of the Board of Governors,{{Cite web|title=Board of Governors|url=https://vatsim.net/docs/staff/bog|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}} three of whom are responsible for one of the three geographic regions—namely, the Europe, the Middle East and Africa region, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas region,{{Cite web|title=Regions|url=https://vatsim.net/docs/regions/regions|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}} referred to as VATEMEA, VATAPAC and VATAMAS respectively. These regions are further subdivided into divisions, some of which further divide into virtual area control centers, and virtual air route traffic control centers. Operating procedures within each area reflect local standards.

{{cite magazine

| last = Galvin

| first = John

| title = Always a Dull Moment

| magazine = Wired

| date = March 2003

| url = https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.03/dull.html?pg=1&topic=&topic_set=

| access-date = April 14, 2008}}

The network also has a volunteer team of supervisors{{Cite web|title=What is a VATSIM Supervisor? {{!}} VATSIM Inc. Support|url=https://support.vatsim.net/kb/faq.php?id=18|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}} that help those who may need assistance in flying on the network and also help resolve reports of other fellow users breaking the VATSIM Code of Conduct.{{Cite web|title=Code Of Conduct|url=https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/code-of-conduct|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}} Upon registering for the VATSIM network, new users have to undertake an entry-level test about basic piloting skills and about the rules of the network.{{Cite web|title=Restructuring of the Pilot Rating System|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/27240-restructuring-of-the-pilot-rating-system/|website=VATSIM Community|date=April 28, 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-01}} This was introduced on September 1, 2020, alongside a further restructuring of the pilot rating system to teach VATSIM users how to properly use the network and reduce the number of cases of pilots connecting without knowing what to do in busy airspace, causing disruption and frustration for some controllers.

Because the simulation adheres as closely as possible to real-life aviation procedures and radio phraseology, VATSIM can function as a training aid for student pilots lacking experience and private and commercial pilots looking to enhance their skills in radio communications.{{cite book

| last = Maharg

| first = Paul

| title = Transforming Legal Education

| publisher = Ashgate Publishing

| year = 2007

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=8-zmLbJ8ODoC

| isbn = 978-0-7546-4970-0

| page = 165

}} Events in the simulation are not hard coded on the network but rather emerge through human interaction and error.{{cite web

| last = McCracken

| first = Grant

| title = How virtual worlds discovered dynamism

| work = Intersection of Anthropology and Economics

| date = May 16, 2006

| url = http://www.cultureby.com/trilogy/2006/05/how_virtual_wor.html

| access-date = July 14, 2008

| archive-date = August 31, 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090831073124/http://www.cultureby.com/trilogy/2006/05/how_virtual_wor.html

| url-status = dead

}} Consequently, the network has been described as bringing immersion to what was historically a solitary exercise and credited with playing a key role in the commodification of flight-simulation software.{{cite journal|last=Takeda|first=K.|author2=Newman, S.J.|author3=Kenny, J.|author4=Zyskowski, M|year=2008|title=Convergence: commodity flight simulation and the future|url=http://www.raes.org.uk/purchase_journal.asp?number=1136|journal=Aeronautical Journal|location=California|publisher=University of California|volume=112|issue=1136|pages=599–607|doi=10.1017/S0001924000002566|s2cid=58712971|access-date=May 7, 2009|archive-date=January 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111124246/http://www.raes.org.uk/purchase_journal.asp?number=1136|url-status=dead}}

Spearheaded by Harvey Stein, the founding of VATSIM was announced on July 12, 2001, following the dissolution of the Simulated Air Traffic Controllers Organization (SATCO). This occurred after the founding of another network, IVAO,{{cite news

| last = Terdiman

| first = Daniel

| title = Into the wild blue virtual yonder

| quote = It formed in 2001 when internal politics in a precursor network, SATCO, caused a rupture that resulted in two rival networks: VatSim ... and IVAO

| publisher = CNET News.com

| date = December 16, 2006

| url = http://www.news.com/Into-the-wild-blue-virtual-yonder/2100-1043_3-6144347.html

| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130104052722/http://www.news.com/Into-the-wild-blue-virtual-yonder/2100-1043_3-6144347.html

| url-status = dead

| archive-date = January 4, 2013

| access-date = April 29, 2008

}} which was more European-oriented, unlike SATCO, which was more American-oriented. The board drew up terms of agreement with Randy Whistler, the then President of SATCO, declaring VATSIM the official successor of SATCO.{{Cite web|title=2001, Meeting 1 {{!}} VATSIM.net|url=https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2001_1.PDF|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}}

In 2020, VATSIM announced it had achieved 100,000 active users for the first time,{{Cite web|title=An Incredible Milestone for VATSIM - Announcements & Important Notices - VATSIM Community|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/29132-an-incredible-milestone-for-vatsim/|access-date=2022-07-16|website=VATSIM Community|date=September 14, 2020 |language=en-US}} an increase of 20,000 users in two years.{{Cite web|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/21855-vatsim-achieves-membership-milestone/|title=VATSIM Achieves membership milestone - Announcements & Important Notices - VATSIM Community|website=VATSIM Community|date=July 23, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2022-07-16}}

The advent of the Internet in the mid-1990s enabled users of modern flight simulators to fly together using multiplayer functionality. In 1997, SquawkBox{{Cite web|title=SquawkBox|url=http://squawkbox.ca/news/|website=squawkbox.ca|access-date=2020-05-01}} was created by Jason Grooms as an add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 95, enhancing the built-in multiplayer features to allow large numbers of players to connect to the game. ProController,{{Cite news|date=2001-11-19|title=VATSIM gets it together|work=AOPA Magazine|url=https://www.worldflight.com.au/worldflight/aopa1.pdf|access-date=2020-05-03}} a radar-simulation program also developed by Jason Grooms, was created in the same year to connect virtual pilots with virtual controllers. The FSD Server was created by Marty Bochane to provide the signaling infrastructure and logic required to integrate ProController and Squawkbox, enabling users to fly in real-world weather conditions. ProController was retired as an approved ATC client on March 13, 2004.{{Cite web|date=2003-12-10|title=Approved Software|url=http://www.vatsim.net/software.html|access-date=2021-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031210114150/http://www.vatsim.net/software.html|archive-date=December 10, 2003}}{{Cite web|title=Approved Software|url=http://www.vatsim.net:80/software.html|date=2004-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040403231732/http://www.vatsim.net:80/software.html|access-date=2020-05-04|archive-date=April 3, 2004}}File:Vatsim screenshot 1.jpg

Sometime in 2002,{{Cite web|title=Introduction|url=http://www.asrc.info/ASRC%20Documentation/Introduction.html|website=www.asrc.info|access-date=2020-05-03}} ProController was slowly being phased out in favour of ASRC (Advanced Simulated Radar Client),{{Cite web|title=Advanced Simulated Radar Client (ASRC)|url=http://www.asrc.info/|website=www.asrc.info|access-date=2020-05-04}}{{Cite web|title=ASRC video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo_tG4GvJuI|date=2007-11-24|website=YouTube|access-date=2020-05-04}} created by Mike Evans and David Hendleman, and was released to the public in early 2003. Alongside that, Roger Wilco (software) was used{{Cite web|title=ProController - Observer's guide|url=http://www.cix.co.uk/~smctighe/getting_started/Procontroller_obsguide.html|website=www.cix.co.uk|access-date=2020-05-03}} to facilitate voice communications between pilots and ATC, with ATC denoting that voice communications were available with them with the callsign format XXXX_V_TWR, alongside putting their voice server IP and voice room name in their ATIS.{{Cite web|title=ProController - Observer's guide|url=http://www.cix.co.uk/~smctighe/getting_started/Procontroller_obsguide.html#anchor494596|website=www.cix.co.uk|access-date=2020-05-03}}{{Cite web|title=Useful information|url=http://www.cix.co.uk/~smctighe/Useful_information.html#anchor149155|website=www.cix.co.uk|access-date=2020-05-03}} Later, however, Roger Wilco was phased out in favour of the Advanced Voice Client, which required VATSIM authentication to prevent any non-VATSIM users from logging into the voice servers.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021|reason=Info sourced from an old member of the VATSIM UK Discord server}}

The ASRC software was retired as an ATC client on April 1, 2021, due to its not being in active development, which will make it incompatible with fast position updates that will be brought with VATSIM Velocity.File:VRC showing LA center.png

On March 27, 2005, an alternative add-on to FS2002/FS2004 and FSX called FSInn was approved for use on the VATSIM network alongside SquawkBox.{{Cite web|title=2005, Quarter 1 {{!}} VATSIM.net|url=https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2005_Q1.PDF|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}}

On April 17, 2006, the Virtual Radar Client (VRC) was approved for use on the VATSIM network.{{Cite web|title=2006, Quarter 2 {{!}} VATSIM.net|url=https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2006_Q2.PDF|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}} Created by Ross Carlson, it was mainly used in the American and Oceanic regions, due to its easy setup, but comes with a lack of customizability. Discontinued as of October 9, 2023, besides the Network Supervisors VRC isn't used by anyone.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}

On September 15, 2007, the EuroScope ATC client was approved for use on the VATSIM network.{{Cite web|title=v2.9 – EuroScope|url=https://www.euroscope.hu/wp/2007/09/15/v2-9/|last=csernak|date=September 15, 2007 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04}}{{Cite web|title=VATSIM.net - NOTAMS|url=http://vatsim.net/entrance.html#newsitem1189889177,32353,|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070925003927/http://vatsim.net/entrance.html#newsitem1189889177,32353,|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-09-25|date=2007-09-25|access-date=2020-05-04}} Created by Gergely Csernák, the client is reported to be the most used ATC client on VATSIM,{{Cite web|title=Software | VATSIM.net|url=https://www.vatsim.net/air-traffic-control/software|access-date=July 29, 2016|archive-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617095209/https://www.vatsim.net/air-traffic-control/software|url-status=dead}} due to its custom plugin support,{{Cite web|title=Plug-Ins – EuroScope|url=https://www.euroscope.hu/wp/plug-ins/|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04}} realistic radar screens, and automatic controller coordination. It is designed to integrate with other ATC clients like VRC, vSTARS, and vERAM,{{Cite web|title=Interaction with VRC/ASRC/vERAM/vSTARS – EuroScope|url=https://www.euroscope.hu/wp/interaction-with-vrc-asrc-veram-vstars/|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04}} however. It is generally used mostly in the Europe, Asia and South American regions.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}File:EuroScope_at_Dublin.png plugin used by most air traffic controllers on VATSIM (not vatSys)]]

On January 14, 2012, the vSTARS ATC client was approved for use on the VATSIM network.{{Cite web|title=2012, Quarter 1 {{!}} VATSIM.net|url=https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2012_Q1.PDF|access-date=2022-07-16|website=www.vatsim.net}} Also created by Ross Carlson, the client aims to replicate the real-world STARS system used in many US TRACON facilities.

On February 27, 2016, the vERAM ATC client was approved for use on the VATSIM network.{{Cite web|title=vERAM Launched|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/18052-veram-launched/|website=VATSIM Community|date=February 27, 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-04}} Also created by Ross Carlson, the client aims to replicate the real-world ERAM system used in many US ARTCC facilities.

On July 18, 2020, the vatSys ATC client was approved for use on the VATSIM network.{{Cite web |title=2020, Quarter 2 {{!}} VATSIM.net |url=https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2020_Q2.PDF |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.vatsim.net}} Created by Jake Saw, the client aimed to replicate the real-word TAAATS system used in Australia,{{Cite web |title=2020, Quarter 3 {{!}} VATSIM.net |url=https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2020_Q3.PDF |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.vatsim.net}} but is now modelled off the Eurocat/TopSky systems. It features an advanced profiling system which "means that the look and feel of the client can be adjusted with a simple few clicks".{{Cite web |last=Saw |first=Jake |title=vatSys |url=https://virtualairtrafficsystem.com/ |access-date=2021-02-23 |website=virtualairtrafficsystem.com |language=en-us}}

As of October 9, 2023, VRC, vSTARS, and vERAM are being deprecated and replaced by the Virtual National Airspace System (vNAS) suite of products. This software is being actively developed and utilized by all ARTCCs in VATUSA. CRC includes has several modes (STARS, ERAM, ASDE-X and Tower Cab) included within single client and it is highly customizable unlike its predecessor VRC.

Pilot Clients

VATSIM has 3 approved pilot clients as of April 2025

Swift pilot client is a multi-platform (Windows, MacOs, Linux) and multi-flight simulator (X-Plane 11, MSFS (FS2020), P3D, FSX, FS9, FlightGear), this pilot client is not as popular among pilots anymore due to its old GUI, nevertheless it is still being actively developed.

vPilot created by Ross Carlson is still being actively developed and used by majority of MSFS, P3D and FSX users.

xPilot developed by Justin Shannon is a pilot client for X-Plane, as of August 2020 this project was moved to be an open-source to help with development{{Cite web |date=2020-08-01 |title=xPilot is now Open Source |url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/28445-xpilot-is-now-open-source/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=VATSIM Community |language=en-US}}

From its inception, VATSIM employed a system consisting of voice 'rooms', in which, by using custom-written TeamSpeak 2 servers as a backbone, each virtual 'frequency' functioned similarly to a VoIP conference call, and any pilot(s) can transmit on a frequency and talk to each other on any frequency, but it is prohibited to use the frequencies for any non-operational reasons.{{Cite web|title=Audio for VATSIM launch date announced - Announcements & Important Notices - VATSIM Community|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/24602-audio-for-vatsim-launch-announced/|website=VATSIM Community|date=September 29, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2022-07-16}}File:VATSIMLogoComparison.png

In October 2019, VATSIM had finished a complete overhaul of its voice system and called it Audio for VATSIM, a key feature of which is simulation of the entire VHF radio range, thus eliminating the need for voice rooms. The system realistically simulates signal degradation, audio quality, transceiver operation, frequency cross-coupling, and altitude effects.{{Cite web|url=https://vatsim-afv.s3.amazonaws.com/AFV%20User%20Guide.pdf|title=Audio for VATSIM User Guide|last=The AFV Team|access-date=19 October 2019}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On July 23, 2020, VATSIM, alongside announcing a complete overhaul of their branding, announced that they had entered into a partnership with Microsoft, to ensure that the desktop PC version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 would be compatible with VATSIM upon launch.{{Cite web|title=A Big Day for VATSIM!|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/28306-a-big-day-for-vatsim/|access-date=2020-07-27|website=VATSIM Community|date=July 23, 2020 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Bolding|first=Jonathan|date=2020-07-25|title=Flight Simulator teases a partnership with online flight network VATSIM|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/flight-simulator-teases-a-partnership-with-online-flying-network-vatsim/|access-date=2020-07-27|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=VATSIM on Twitter: "We're excited to announce that we have partnered with our friends over at @MSFSofficial to ensure day one support of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator on the VATSIM Network!"|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/31773-vatsim-statement-on-xbox-compatibility/|website=VATSIM Forums|date=August 2, 2021 |language=en}} However, VATSIM does not and likely never will support the Xbox version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.{{Cite web|title= VATSIM Statement on Xbox Compatibility|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/28306-a-big-day-for-vatsim/|access-date=2020-07-27|website=VATSIM Community|date=July 23, 2020 |language=en-US}}

On March 13, 2021, VATSIM announced a closed-beta initiative to test low latency position updates on the network, named VATSIM Velocity.{{Cite web|title=VATSIM Announces Velocity {{!}} VATSIM.net|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/30949-introducing-vatsim-velocity/|access-date=2022-07-16|website=VATSIM Community|date=March 13, 2021 |language=en-US}}{{Citation|title=We Feel The Need...| date=March 13, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agJl5ebMvLE|language=en|access-date=2021-03-13}} With this update, position updates increased from 0.2 Hz (5 seconds) to 5 Hz (0.2 seconds) within a 10-mile range.

The SquawkBox and FSInn pilot clients were retired for use on the network on April 1, 2021,{{Cite web|title=Preparing for VATSIM Velocity - Retirement of Legacy Clients {{!}} VATSIM.net|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/30959-preparing-for-vatsim-velocity-retirement-of-legacy-clients/|access-date=2022-07-16|website=VATSIM Community|date=March 14, 2021 |language=en-US}} due to them not being in active development,{{Cite web|last=DeYoung|first=Joel|title=SquawkBox News Blog|url=http://squawkbox.ca/news|access-date=2021-02-13|website=squawkbox.ca}} which made them incompatible with the fast position updates that were brought with VATSIM Velocity.

VATSIM announced that the long-awaited update would be released on January 31, 2022, at 22:00 UTC.{{Cite web|title=VATSIM Announces Velocity Release Date and Rollout Plan|url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/32619-vatsim-announces-velocity-release-date-and-rollout-plan/|access-date=2022-07-16|website=VATSIM Community|date=January 29, 2022 |language=en-US}} Preparations for its launch included major updates to pilot clients, as well as the retirement of Squawkbox, which became incompatible with the network. However, Velocity had no effect on the functionality of controller clients.

On January 16, 2023, VATSIM announced the creation of a new 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, VATSIM Inc. and said it would start accepting donations.{{cite web |url=https://fselite.net/content/vatsim-announce-vatsim-inc-non-profit-corporation/ |title=VATSIM Announce VATSIM Inc. Non-Profit corporation |author= |date= 17 January 2023 |website=FSElite |publisher= |access-date= 17 January 2023 |quote=}} VATSIM also stated that it would be transferring ownership to a new board of directors.{{cite web |url=https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/33976-announcement-creation-of-vatsim-inc-non-profit/ |title=Announcement: Creation of VATSIM Inc. Non-Profit |author= |date= 16 January 2023 |website= VATSIM Forums |publisher= |access-date= 17 January 2023 |quote=}}

Considered the largest online flight simulation network in the world, VATSIM has attracted mainstream media attention.

{{cite journal

|title= Gaming News

|journal= PC Gamer

|volume= 15

|issue= 4–13

|publisher= GP Publications

|year= 2008

|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=e-onAQAAIAAJ&q=VATSIM

|access-date= March 28, 2011

}} Commentators have praised VATSIM for its realism and quality,

{{cite book

| last = Kimbrough

| first = Steven O.

|author2=D. J. Wu

| title = Formal Modelling In Electronic Commerce

| publisher = Birkhäuser

| year = 2004

| quote = There now exists a vibrant community organized around VATSIM, as well as remarkably complex and robust software supporting these activities.

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=rR2oEoun0gkC

| isbn = 3-540-21431-3

| page = 17

}}

describing the network as giving flight simulation an interest and depth it would otherwise lack{{cite book

| last = Maharg

| first = Paul

| title = Transforming legal education: learning and teaching the law in the early twenty-first century

| publisher = Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.

| year = 2007

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=8-zmLbJ8ODoC&q=VATSIM&pg=PA165

| isbn = 978-0-7546-4970-0

| page = 346

}} and lauding its friendly atmosphere.

{{cite news

| last = Regis

| first = Ed

| title = Welcome to Cyberairspace

| publisher = Air & Space Magazine

| date = January 1, 2009

| url = https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/welcome-to-cyberairspace-96876957

| access-date = December 4, 2022}}

Coverage, although mostly positive, has focused on what is perceived to be the peculiar nature of a hobby so complex that it can closely approximate work and cost thousands of dollars.

{{cite news

| last = Galvin

| first = Nick

| title = Cockpit capers

| newspaper = Sydney Morning Herald

| date = June 6, 2006

| url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/cockpit-capers/2006/05/03/1146335804694.html

| access-date = January 14, 2009}}

The experience has been described as more strict, for both air traffic controllers and pilots, than some participants might like.

VATSIM has over 140,000 registered users as of July 2022.{{Cite web|title=About VATSIM?|url=https://vatsim.net/docs/about/about-vatsim|access-date=2022-07-16|website=www.vatsim.net|language=en-US}} Joining is free, and there are no usage fees associated with connecting to the network.{{cite news

| last = Orr

| first = Josh

| title = Teen earns wings for his first solo flight

| publisher = Sarasota Herald Tribune

| date = May 2, 2006

| url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-15082102_ITM

| access-date = July 14, 2008

| archive-date = January 11, 2009

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090111234032/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-15082102_ITM

| url-status = dead

}}

Pilots must successfully complete a new user orientation program, including a simple exam that helps reinforce the material about basic piloting skills and the rules of the network as of September 1, 2020. They may also undertake optional training to learn how to fly certain procedures on the network. Pilots may also transfer their real world license into a VATSIM rating as many real world pilots fly on the VATSIM network.

The current pilot ratings are:

• P0 - Basic VATSIM User (awarded after completion of the New User Orientation Program since September 1, 2020)
• P1 - Private Pilot License (PPL)
• P2 - Instrument Rating (IR)
• P3 - Commercial Multi-Engine Licence (CMEL)
• P4 - Airline Transport License (ATPL)

Pilots are able to file their own flight plans either through their flight plan dialog in their pilot client or "pre-filing" by using the myVATSIM ICAO flight planning form, also used by flight planning sites and flight tracking tools such as projectFLY, SimBrief, SimToolkitPro, and Volanta.

File:MyVATSIM_flight_plan_filing_form.png before connecting to the network using the myVATSIM portal.]]

Air Traffic Controllers are required to undertake mandatory training before they are permitted to direct traffic.{{Cite web|title=Becoming a Controller|url=https://vatsim.net/docs/basics/becoming-a-controller|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2022-07-16}}{{cite magazine

| last = Margulius

| first = David

| title = Tech jobs take stress to whole new levels

| quote = ...is so realistic that some commercial airlines are starting to use it to train [their] pilots...

| magazine = InfoWorld

| date = May 26, 2006

| url = http://www.news.com/Into-the-wild-blue-virtual-yonder/2100-1043_3-6144347.html

| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130104052722/http://www.news.com/Into-the-wild-blue-virtual-yonder/2100-1043_3-6144347.html

| url-status = dead

| archive-date = January 4, 2013

| access-date = April 29, 2008

}} Global Controller Administration Policy{{Cite web |title=Global Ratings Policy |url=https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/global-controller-administration-policy |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.vatsim.net}} defines the requirements for each ATC rating, preceding local division restrictions. The ratings are as follows:

• S1 - Tower Trainee - no particular competencies, validated to control some aerodrome positions (defined locally)
• S2 - Tower Controller - validated to control Delivery (DEL), Ground (GND) and Tower (TWR) facilities except procedural tower (subject to training)
• S3 - TMA Controller - validated to control all facilities up to Approach (APP/DEP) level
• C1 - Enroute Controller - validated to control all available facilities, including Center (CTR)
• C3 - Senior Controller - a special rating awarded to users at the discretion of their local region/division for seniority/recognition, giving unrestricted access to all ATC in their division
• I1 - Instructor - validated to train and instruct all virtual Air Traffic Controllers, they have the ability to control the same positions as an enroute controller
• I3 - Senior Instructor - a special rating awarded to instructors at the discretion of their local region/division for seniority/recognition, it is also used for Chief Instructors within a region/division {{Cite web|title=Code of regulations section G|url=https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/code-of-regulations|website=www.vatsim.net|access-date=2023-04-27}}

File:Vatsim opensky1.gif

The network creates and sponsors regular events to encourage interaction between pilots and controllers, during which traffic can approximate real-life levels.{{Cite web |title=Events – Hong Kong vACC |url=https://hkvacc.org/events/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |language=en-US}}

Worldflight Australia is an annual virtual round-the-world charity event that has been run continuously since 2001, where 11 teams from different countries{{Cite web|title=Worldflight {{!}} VATSIM Charity Event|url=https://www.worldflight.com.au/|website=www.worldflight.com.au|access-date=2020-05-01}} in their own fixed-base aircraft simulators fly to over 40 destinations around the world on VATSIM to raise money for the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service.{{cite web|work=Worldflight Australia Website|title=Worldflight Australia|url=http://www.worldflight.com.au/worldflight/whatisit.php|access-date=January 14, 2009|archive-date=February 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201145553/http://www.worldflight.com.au/worldflight/whatisit.php|url-status=dead}} VATSIM air traffic controllers provide service throughout this event. In 2006, fifteen enthusiasts conducted a 130-hour flight in a full-sized Boeing 747-400 simulator, for which Qantas provided food.

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Cross the Pond is a biannual event during which pilots complete transatlantic flights across "The Pond" between Europe and Northern America. The event alternates between westbound and eastbound every 6 months. Certain airports are selected a few months prior for which pilots can book slots to fly for,{{Cite tweet|user=vatsim|number=1240324598413041667|title=Cross The Pond is closing in with lighting speed, and we are so excited! We are pleased to announce that booking for this year's biggest event will open March 21st at 1200z! As usual bookings open in bulks, details about specific airports below. https://ctp.vatsim.net/ pic.twitter.com/vElo4Xwa6o|access-date=2022-07-16}} and VATSIM air traffic controllers provide full service for each of these airports throughout the event. The event is meticulously planned and coordinated by all major VATSIM staff members,{{Cite tweet|user=vatsimctp|number=1246181034523332613|title=Guess what time it is?pic.twitter.com/uF1aYynrd9n|access-date=2022-07-16}} to make sure that pilots enjoy their service. During the Autumn 2024 event, VATSIM surpassed its record of most unique connections to the network with 3,208, also making it the biggest online flight simulation network to date.{{Cite tweet|user=vatsim|number=1850220982125961722|title=We've broken records on VATSIM for the second time this year! With 3208 unique connections, our global community has reached new levels on VATSIM during the last Cross the Pond event. Thanks to each and every member who made this milestone possible! https://twitter.com/vatsim/status/1850220982125961722|access-date=2024-11-19}} The record was once again broken during the subsequent Spring 2025 event, with 3238 unique connections to the network.

In addition to the global/international events that VATSIM sponsors and advertises, regional events can be found daily throughout the network. These events can range from small in size, including only a few airports or facilities, to very large in size, spanning across multiple regions and facilities. Although they don't typically attract record-breaking traffic, these events have been known to draw enough pilots to simulate, (and often surpass) real-world operations at the selected facilities.

{{Portal|Aviation}}

• Virtual airline
• Flight simulator
• Massively multiplayer online game
• Air Traffic Control
• International Virtual Aviation Organisation
• FlightSimCon

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• {{Official website|https://www.vatsim.net}} – Includes links to region and division-specific websites.
• [https://map.vatsim.net/ SimAware] – Official live flight tracking map & statistics for VATSIM traffic.
• [https://www1.metacraft.com/VATSpy/ VAT-Spy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125014613/http://www1.metacraft.com/VATSpy/ |date=January 25, 2021 }} – A widely used flight tracking tool & statistic viewer for VATSIM. Data can be updated [https://github.com/vatsimnetwork/vatspy-data-project/ here.]
• [https://www.vattastic.com/ VATTASTIC] – An unofficial flight tracking map for VATSIM traffic with statistics.
• [https://www.vataware.com vataware] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811190114/https://vataware.com/ |date=August 11, 2021 }} – Detailed statistics & live flight tracking for VATSIM traffic.
• [https://www.worldflightgroup.com Worldflight Group] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526020554/http://www.worldflightgroup.com/ |date=May 26, 2022 }} – Worldflight Group official website.

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