Potential subscriber with a newbie Q

[felixthreeone]

Hello,

I am a pilot currently using FSX as a training tool. I have been perusing the forums and believe this to be the most comprehensive and realistic online ATC environment I have seen yet for PC-based simulation. I am looking to join, but was wondering about how the sound portion of the service functions. Particularly, regarding the voice and engine sound. Currently, I have my engine sounds coming from my external speakers, and FSX ATC from the headset only. Can this same setup be emulated with the Pilotedge software? I don't want the ATC voice transmissions coming from my speakers unless I decide I want that. I would prefer that the voice transmissions come in through my headset. But I would like to be able to choose. SO anyone that can answer my question, I appreciate it. I look forward to joining the Pilotedge network!

[Keith Smith]

Hi there, thanks for the kind words about the network.

The next release of the software will make it easier to route the audio to your headset, but for now, this is the procedure:
1) set your FSX audio to come out of the speakers (right now it's probably set to use the default audio device
2) change your default audio device in Windows to be your headset
3) Fire up the sim and PilotEdge, then connect to the network.

When you're done flying, you can set your default audio device back to your speakers again (so that all your regular operating system audio will come through the speakers again).

An alternative approach would be this:
1) set your default audio device to the headset
2) Start PilotEdge (once that's done, PE will have opened your headset as the playback device because it was the default at the time)
3) change the default device back to the speakers
4) fire up FSX and connect PilotEdge to the network.

Long story short, PE uses your default audio device when it launches. If that is your headset at the time, then you'll hear the ATC audio through the headset.

We do have a 2 week, no risk trial. There's nothing to lose by giving it a shot.

[felixthreeone]

Thank you for the quick response, Keith. Very much appreciated. I am eyeing up the monthly subscription, but If my wife sees the real-world training benefits, I might get 'approval' for the one-year membership. I am getting started on my instrument rating, so there is a definite incentive. I am sure I will get it all figured out, and will most likely subscribe very soon and start flying. I have read about the reasons for the smaller area of coverage (which really isn't that small) but are there plans to expand it a bit in the future?

[Keith Smith]

We are open to the possibility of expanding the coverage area, but it doesn't make sense to do it until we have reached the goal of a moderate level of traffic density in the existing coverage area. There is also tremendous expense associated with opening up more airspace. The urge to fly locally is well understood, but when you look at it closely, there isn't a training requirement for it. The approaches you shoot in ZLA will be helpful towards your training regardless of where you fly in the country.

I was learning to fly virtually on the west coast while working on my instrument training on the east coast. I didn't feel I missed out all by not being able to fly virtually in my home airspace. In fact, there's something to be said for not having memorized all the navaids, routings, frequencies, etc. Once you do you have your instrument rating, you're going to want the confidence to be able to fly somewhere that is new and unfamiliar.

This will be a great adjunct to your instrument training, I hope you'll put it to use. This is what it was built for!

[Ryan B]

'Bout time Matt!

[felixthreeone]

'Bout time Matt!

...Haha thanks Ryan! I am bored with the norm, and have to get my head into it a bit more now, so I have decided that this is the way to do it when I can't be up in the Cirrus. Cheaper, too haha

[felixthreeone]

Within the Pilotedge network, is it ok to depart VFR and fly practice precision and non-precision approaches at airports within the coverage area, or do I have to be on an IFR plan? Silly question, I kow, but in my Vatsim days I got scolded from a few folks for that

[Peter Grey]

It is 100% acceptable and even encouraged here.

The simple rule here is: if it can be done in the real world it can be done here.

[Keith Smith]

Welcome...and yes...PLEASE fly those approaches. That's what this network is all about.

Check out the section for Instrument Students on this page:
http://www.pilotedge.net/pages/student- ... home-users

[felixthreeone]

I am curious; What handles the transponder interaction...is it built into the client software or is it handled by the actual transponder in the aircraft?