VATSIM Oceanic Tutorial - The Basics | Cross the Pond and Keep it Simple!

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to successfully fly Oceanic routes on the VATSIM network, focusing specifically on a flight from Manchester Airport (EGCC) to New York JFK (KJFK). It covers pre-flight planning, essential features of your aircraft, and important communication protocols while flying across the Atlantic. By following these steps, you will be better prepared for long-haul flights in the VATSIM environment.

Step 1: Pre-Flight Planning

• Visit British Avgeek Resources: Go to britishavgeek.com/vatsim to access VATSIM tutorials and download the VATSIM Oceanic Basics PDF.
• Use SimBrief for Flight Planning:
  • Input your departure airport (EGCC) and destination (KJFK).
  • Set your aircraft type and adjust departure times.
  • In the route section, look for NAT tracks (e.g., Track Alpha) and oceanic waypoints.
  • Identify alternate airports:
    • Takeoff alternate: Choose a nearby airport to return in case of issues after departure.
    • On-route alternate: Select airports for potential diversions.
• ETOPS Calculation: Set the ETOPS scenario to auto and visualize diversion routes on the map.

Step 2: Setting Up the Aircraft

• Load the Flight Plan: Import your flight plan from SimBrief into your aircraft’s FMS (Flight Management System).
• Input Waypoints:
  • Enter oceanic waypoints manually if needed (e.g., 53N020W).
  • Ensure your departure SID and arrival STAR procedures are correctly set in the FMS.

Step 3: Connecting to VATSIM

• Prepare for Connection:
  • Ensure your aircraft is ready and all pre-flight checks are completed.
  • Connect to the VATSIM network with your assigned squawk code and match your call sign.

Step 4: Communicating with ATC

• Initial Clearance:
  • If controllers are online, request departure clearance and inform them you are ready for pushback and startup.
• Oceanic Entry Request:
  • 30-45 minutes before entering NAT airspace, submit an entry request via the Gander Oceanic Clearance Generator, including:
    • Call sign
    • Requested flight level
    • NAT track and entry point
    • Estimated time at entry point (TMI format)

Step 5: Position Reporting

• During the Flight:
  • If required, perform position reports at key waypoints. Use the Gander Position Report Generator to format your message:
    • Example message: "Osprey 165 reporting at MALOT at time 1500, flight level 380, estimating [next waypoint] at [ETA]."
• Revising Estimates: If your estimated arrival changes by more than three minutes, update ATC with the new estimate.

Step 6: Managing Flight Changes

• Adapting to Changes:
  • If you receive a rerouting or altitude change, acknowledge and read back the instructions in full.
  • Use the progress page on your FMS to monitor your flight path and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

Flying Oceanic routes on VATSIM involves careful planning, effective communication, and continuous monitoring of your flight status. By following this step-by-step guide, you can enhance your confidence and competence in managing long-haul flights. For further learning, explore additional resources available on the British Avgeek website and the Gander Oceanic site. Happy flying!