Expectations of both pilots and controllers on PilotEdge

[breadwild]

Yesterday was my first time on PE (X-Plane) and while nervous, I got through it. I received gentle warnings about mistakes and a bit of education about flying out the Palm Springs TRSA. Of course, I was mortified, but remembered back to some of Keith's opening Powerpoint slides pointing out the educational nature of PilotEdge.

However, just to make sure I know the rules, I'd like to know:
1. how often to expect PE controllers to spin their hat around and teach or admonish?
Of course, there are the Rating tests, but from what I read, that's not training—but maybe I'm missing something.
I assume that much of it has to do with work load, traffic, and breaking character as a controller

2. Can I ask questions, e.g., "you gave me a left turn on departure, but I wish to turn right, can and how do I ask for that?"
Or is that best left to the forums?

I just want to make sure that whatever I do is appropriate and polite behavior in this training environment.

Thanks.
Brad

[rgrazian]

Hi Brad,

I’m new to PE, but a real pilot. I can say without hesitation, that the controllers behave EXACTLY like real controllers. The only difference is that the FAA will not come looking for you if you mess up. These guys are awesome! Keith has made several training videos that are tremendous. I’ve watched them all and learned a few things. Personally, I think Keith would make a great CFI.

My advice… Don’t be afraid to ask a controller a question, use the AIM as a procedural resource, and look for/ask specific procedural questions on this forum. For example if a controller gave me a left cross wind departure and I wanted to go right, I’d say: “(call sign), request right cross wind departure” just like I would in a real airplane. Most of all… Have fun!

[Keith Smith]

Hi Brad,

1. We don't have hard and fast rules when it comes to that. Some of it is dependent on workload, and also the amount of feedback/instruction required. Also, keep in mind that our controllers aren't flight instructors, so there will be some limits to the extent of the help they can offer. If it's something they can help with and it only takes 1-3 sentences, they'll generally try to help you out. If more extensive help is required, then the forums are a better way to go.

2. Certainly, you can ask a question, but in that instance, it would be more efficient to simply request what it was you wanted. If they can't give you what you want, they'll tell you. You achieve the same thing in fewer words.

Some of this guidance is driven by a desire to minimize the amount of instruction that takes place in the ATC recordings, but not to the point where we can't answer a quick, tactical question. "Can I turn right?" is normally just fine.... "How do you fly a SID?" is best left for the forum. Hopefully that makes sense.

[Daddy O]

Breadwild, don't feel bad if you mess up. This is Southern California. Some of the densest airport concentrations in the country. Most importantly though, the crankiest PilotEdge controller is nothing compared to a real FAA inspector.

If you can fly in SoCal, you can fly anywhere.

[breadwild]

Thanks for all the positive feedback and encouragement. It's been 30 years away from the mic, so trying to get back in the groove.

A funny story: an airline pilot friend and said the most terrifying part of flying for him is making the "from the flight deck" announcements to the passengers. At least we're not doing that, unless Keith wants to add that as an option.

[Peter Grey]

an airline pilot friend and said the most terrifying part of flying for him is making the "from the flight deck" announcements to the passengers.

I will confirm this fully. It's also fun when your airline does flying for multiple major airlines. It's in your best interest to state the correct major airline in your announcements.

[Pieces]

It's in your best interest to state the correct major airline in your announcements.

*Chuckle*. I sense a story hidden somewhere back there.

[Calvin Waterbury]

It's in your best interest to state the correct major airline in your announcements.

*Chuckle*. I sense a story hidden somewhere back there.

"Hidden?!" This is tantamount to Hollywood "teaser!" LOL

[Peter Grey]

No story, I don't have enough time at the airline to have done that mistake. I've heard of it being done however.

[Keith Smith]

Way to bring it home, PG.