Child spoiling things for other users

[flyingdrill]

Hi

Very annoying to have a newbie on today, who sounded like he was about 10 or 12, clearly didn't have a clue on any of the procedures, and could barely control his sim. In fact, he definitely couldn't use his sim! His constant interruptions, ridiculous requests and total lack of understanding of taxiways, runway directions, pattern procedure, airspace, etc., etc., drove at least two controllers to distraction. Obviously, other users were seriously inconvenienced, and I abandoned any hope of my flight, as the poor controller just couldn't deal with me while all this was going on. No blame to the controllers here, I hasten to add. They were extremely patient and professional.

In the past, I remember a controller asking someone to contact them immediately on 123.45 or similar, and/or also recommending them to go through the educational material before connecting again. What I don't know is whether PE can cut someone off - but I suspect this is not possible.

I don't want to sound too curmudgeonly, because we don't want to discourage youngsters who have an interest in aviation, but there has to be a limit to the nuisance that this sort of thing is to the paid-up users. Admittedly, it doesn't seem to happen too often, but it's not the first time I've experienced this.

Rant over

[Peter Grey]

Without going into a lot of details for security type reasons (some people try to get around any roadblocks we place) yes we can and do terminate accounts for users who are underage or who are disruptive to the network.

It's not always instantaneous for a variety of reasons but once identified we can move pretty quickly.

There really isn't a way to "prescreen" these users out unfortunately.

[flyingdrill]

Thanks, Peter. As noted, it doesn't seem to be very often, as I suspect they will never get to the day when they have to cough up the money
Still, reassuring to know you have it well under control.

[Flying Penguin]

I was on at that point and have to say, the controller had the patience of a saint....

Whilst the kid was *trying* (unlike some I've heard), they clearly didn't have a clue.

[Keith Smith]

Peter and I will talk about this internally. In cases where it's painfully obvious that someone is underage and underqualified, my goal will be to ensure that they are swiftly removed. We just can't have it. It's the grey area that comes up if they _might_ be underage and/or are underprepared for their flight where it can be a tougher call. It becomes a slippery slope. However, in plainly obvious cases, we should be able to resolve it promptly. I'm sorry that you opted to cancel your flight and that the controller was apparently so tied up with that one pilot that it was affecting service for everyone else.

[awreaper]

I believe I was on during that time as well. I listened to someone who was obviously very young and not prepared at all. Part of me says "kick them off" and part of me says "remember these kids are interested in aviation and might very well become the next airline pilots, fighter pilots or even some futuristic space ship pilot" all because of their start here. It is a fine line and I think a gentle nudge toward more training before flying on PE would be the first step. Obviously if they don't take advantage of all the great free training that Keith has on the internet, then it is time to give them the boot.

[wmburns]

For my own curiosity I would like to listen to the tapes for myself. It would be nice if date/time range that the "event" occurred could be included. Otherwise one would have to "wade through" several hours of tapes just to stumble across the interchange.

Inquiring minds want to know.

+1 on what Keith said. All I have to do is to think back about my first experiences on PE and how difficult is was. So "thank-you" PE for providing the environment for learning.

However, there is a responsibility to each of us to do our best to come prepared. Sometimes this means homework. I have to agree that we want to be as encouraging as possible but not to the point that the process breaks down.

This is the sort of need that Vatsim may be a better option for.

[stevekirks]

This is one of those cases where it might be beneficial to have a list of ambassadors that can be involved. The new user would be assigned an ambassador first for a "first flight review" and then that person could "sign off" (bad idea?) to allow the person on the full network. If you're on a trial, then it's mandatory. For some, it would be a formality, others it would be a wakeup call.

Kind of like the old Welcome Wagon from the 60's and 70's...

[flyingdrill]

Keith - having to cancel a flight is hardly the end of the world! No worries on that account. My concern was simply that this was spoiling participation (either for recreation or education/practice) for others.

I also concur (as I originally noted) that we certainly don't want to discourage youngsters from their interest in aviation. However, PE tries to emulate RW ATC and, in all my years of RW flying, I have yet to hear a 10 or 12 year old on the radio! You are not allowed to solo below 16, and cannot have a PPL till you are 17. In Canada, the UK and other countries, you cannot use the radio (without an instructor) until you have passed a specific radio telephony exam, and there is a practical test as well. You are then issued with an appropriate radio telephony license. The USA does not require this, as most of you know!

I'm also not inferring that everyone has to get everything right on PE. Far from it. Yes, be prepared, but we all will be making mistakes - even the controllers sometimes. That's what it's all about, and what makes this so much fun, as well as a great learning tool.

Of course, it's impossible to screen a new user who logs on for a trial, but it's a fair bet that they should not be "flying" solo in Class Bravo, flying as Captain in airways in a 777, and making instrument approaches to minima when their voice hasn't broken

[N2897M]

http://assets.pilotedge.net/recordings/ ... _17510.mp3

9th of feb recording

Is this the User ? Sounds like an 8 yo kid starting at the 1:39:31 Mark