Connecting, listening, flying but not communicating. Ok?

[Dean33]

Hi
I'm new here but simming 20+ years. P3d 2.5.
Like Pilotedge very much and plan to subscribe and work through the ratings over time.

However a lot of my simming is during 'family time' and the squeaking joystick is enough distraction without me starting to talk over the TV! Thats just the way it is but it means I can get three or more hours simming in many days.

Anyway I thought I could connect to Pilotedge, listen, and practice circuits and for ratings etc without communicating.

Is this Ok? I was doing this round John Wayne circuit tonight and controller started calling me.

Is there a way to fly 'silent' on the network and advise the controller to ignore me?

Can he see my location even though I'm not using transponder?

Thanks.

[zengei]

If you would have to be in communication in real life, you would have to be in communication on PE. So flying around a towered field without talking to anybody is a big no-no. If you really want to fly on the network without talking then you'd have to restrict yourself to untowered fields and staying out of the bravo, charlie, and delta airspaces. AFAIK, controllers will see you on their scope if you're not using a transponder, you just won't have a squawk or reported altitude. Be aware of the 30nm mode C veil around the bravos which require use of a transponder with altitude reporting, even if you're not in communication with ATC.

Also, you can always use the PilotEdge Receiver to listen to live comms on the network without having to actually connect in a flight sim, or you can listen to past recordings

[stealthbob]

At the core of Pilot Edge is the interactions and communication with ACT...the community is also great to interact with as well.

What is it that you are looking for? ...you don't need a service like PE if you just want to Sim closed traffic without speaking to anyone.

[Peter Grey]

Our view has always been that the best way to learn how to interact with ATC is to go out and do it. We have lots of resources on our website to help you learn the ropes including a first flight recommendation: http://www.pilotedge.net/pages/first-flight and a 14 flight comprehensive training program available here: http://training.pilotedge.net/page/Home

If you want to just listen the best way to do so is using the PilotEdge receiver located here: http://www.pilotedge.net/pages/pilotedge-receiver

Note that you don't need a PilotEdge account to listen to us on the receiver.

Anyway I thought I could connect to Pilotedge, listen, and practice circuits and for ratings etc without communicating.

Is this Ok? I was doing this round John Wayne circuit tonight and controller started calling me.

Is there a way to fly 'silent' on the network and advise the controller to ignore me?

This is not allowed on the network. You are expected to follow all operating rules for aircraft while flying on the network. Due to the nature of the network we can't allow "passive" users on the network who fly in controlled airspace without talking to ATC.

Can he see my location even though I'm not using transponder?

Yes the controller can, and more relevantly other pilots can.

I understand what you are trying to do but unfortunately you can't "opt-out" of the ATC services we provide.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

[wmburns]

I have been doing mostly FSEconomy operations lately. Which is good because it has encouraged me to do more VFR flying. At times to small out of the way non towered airfields with flights completely conducted outside of controlled airspace. No requirement to get clearance or flight following. So theoretically I don't "have" to talk to ATC.

But to Peter's point about PE being a training environment I'm expected to make CTAF calls when departing/arriving at a non-towered field. Which I do. So in that regard I'm still "talking" and my other family members can hear this from time to time. So flying in uncontrolled airspace doesn't get around the need to use the radio.

Bottom line. PE flights being conducted into or out of controlled airspace does require all rules to be followed.

When I first started flying online my Wife would ask me "who in the world are you talking to"? Been doing it enough where it's no longer "strange" to hear Daddy talking to himself.

Suggestion. This is where a headset using a close mouth mic is useful. No one else will be able to hear what's going on. In addition, the close mouth mic allows one to speak softly and still be clearly heard. The close mouth mic is also slightly better about not picking up back ground noises (the mic is still very sensitive but it better than using a built in web cam mic).

At the risk of offense, is it possible there's a case of "mic fright" in play here as well? If so, reset assured you are not alone. I remember my first online flight how long I sat on the tarmac before working up the nerve to just make a radio check call.

Bottom line. Talking and listening to ATC is a learned skill that WILL get better/easier with practice. For my own part online flight simulation has changed the entire simulation experience for the better. IMO well worth the effort to over come any personal apprehensions.

Good luck.

[Keith Smith]

class c airspace requires communication with atc in real life and on PilotEdge.

if you carefully consider what you're asking to do, how would atc maintain runway separation at a given airport if some of the planes aren't on the radio?

a field is either owered or non towered, there is no in between.

The transponder setting isn't relevant, other planes will still see you, and the tower controller can see you out the window as well as on the radar as a primary target.

[Dean33]

Thanks for all the replies, comments and helpful suggestions.
I'd not thought it through properly as this was my first unconnected flight online.

As usual in life it's all about available time and compromises.
Even so, from my proper online sessions last week I really like Pilotedge and the major enhancement this brings to simming.

If I only get a couple of hours online per week I still think Pilotedge will be a great investment.

Cheers all. See you online.

Dean