PilotEdge Forums

Hey,

I've been flying various flight sims for a number of years, mostly simpler stuff and recently started getting seriously into FSX with GA planes. Pilot edge sounds like a lot of fun, and I like the idea of more pilots in one area as well as drones to fill out the skies. I haven't used VATSIM or the other options before though, only the ATC built in to FSX so I was wondering how friendly PilotEdge is to the Noobish among us? I saw also there were some training options for VFR etc, so would one be able to learn how to properly use ATC?

I don't fly in real life due to cost/health reasons (Though I wish I could of course), but I'm eager to learn more and fly with others in the sky.

Welcome!

We have a Pilot Training program that should get you pointed in the right direction if you're willing to read the material, watch the videos, study the supplied transcripts, etc. If you do those things, you're likely to do a reasonable job when it comes time to do the flight online (you'll be nervous or even borderline terrified, but don't worry, that's quite normal when you're getting started!)

If you simply show up, connect and "give it a shot", the outcome is not likely to be a positive one. Yes, you can be up and going in a few minutes, but it will be like drinking from a firehose, and beyond. Not a lot of actual learning will take place if you don't already have a foundation from which to work. Don't worry, though, that training program is a good start (albeit, not perfect).

We will be offering workshops in the near future for people who are in your exact situation, but in the mean time, don't hesitate to ask questions here on the forum, and doing some of your own reading regarding airspace and radio procedures. I know that doesn't sound exciting, but I assure you, if you build a firm grasp on how to read a sectional chart, how to work out what airspace you're in, and what the requirements are for entering that airspace (both in terms of weather and communications), life becomes MUCH easier as a VFR pilot!

If you're interested, I'm sure one or more of the users here would be happy to mentor you as you get started, in lieu of our formal Getting Started workshops. If you're up for that, let us know and I'll try to pair you up with someone.

If you're willing to take the flying relatively seriously and you want to learn more about the procedures that are employed when you undertake a real-life flight within the norcal/socal airspace, then you're in the right place, and in fact, to my knowledge, there isn't a better system out there to meet those specific goals. If ATC is simply a 'nice to have' for your sim flying, there are more affordable and suitable options out there, such as VATSIM, BVATC, etc.

Cool, I have bookmarked the training center site and will be going through it and getting in some practice in single player.