Guidelines for Pilots

OBJECTIVES:

• Explain what to do before connecting to the network
• Explain where to start the flight in FS
• Explain first steps after coming online

Step 1- TO BE DONE OFFLINE:

• Launch your FS

• Choose the relevant airfield and aircraft

• Do not remain on the runway (because you disturb the traffic when connecting).
  Place yourself on the apron of your choice first!!

• Prepare your flight documentation (approach charts, SIDs, STARs, navigation maps)

• Prepare your flight plan elements (Dep and Dest airfields, level requested, estimated Dep time, expected route, SID and STAR if possible)

• Configure your aircraft (fuel quantity, FMS or GPS if any, instruments, engines off, etc...)

Note: According to the degree of realism you want to apply and the type of connection you have (time limit per month or not), you can keep the engines on in order to reduce the delay between connection time and take-off time.

Step 2 - TO BE DONE WHEN CONNECTED:

Note : DO NOT CONNECT UNLESS YOU INTEND TO COMPLETE YOUR FLIGHT.

• In your FS menu bar select IvAp, followed by Start IvAp

• Wait for FS to react and the IvAp panel to open. Click on CONNECT

  
  

• Fill in all fields, choose a nearby server from the dropdown menu.

• Click on 'Main' [1] and right click on the frequency button in the upper left [2], left click on the desired frequency. (
  122.800 is Unicom)

  

• Click on ACARS on the right, followed by Flight plan and fill in your flight plan completely and correctly. Then 'Send FPL' (file it to ATC)

  

• Next select the appropriate ATC frequency and make your first call with ATC.

NOTE: If no ATC available at the departure airport or within the Flight Information Region (FIR) concerned, remain on Unicom and transmit there in text.
Report all your intentions and keep a sharp look out for other traffic.

Step 3 - CONTACT ATC ON THE CORRECT FREQUENCY

When preparing their flight, pilots have to look for the frequencies of the ATC they may have to contact and must have them nearby in the cockpit. Knowing the correct frequency of ATC is very important, particularly when your radio has a receiver failure! Nobody will be able to tell you what frequency you will have to select when "Transmitting Blind".

Contact ATC by selecting the proper frequency via your FS radio. The IvAp client will connect you to the corresponding TeamSpeak channel.

<screenshot illustrating step above in IvAp here>

If you have any doubt, you can view controllers' frequencies in the IvAp client by right clicking on the button to the left of the active frequency. It will list all active frequencies within range. Team-Speak automatically switches your FS radio onto the frequency of the controller you have chosen in the ATC directory, provided that controller filled in the ATIS correctly and accurately created the Team-Speak channel. Although very convenient, this is how it can be done on IVAO only. In real life, a frequency is selected manually via the radio panel.

<screenshot illustrating step above in IvAp here>

General remarks

"IVAO airmanship" covers a broad range of desirable behaviour (courtesy) and ablities (skills) while operating online as a Pilot or ATC.

Below is a shortlist of points that should be respected to keep online flying nice and fun for everyone.

Note: Some or all of these points are listed in IVAO rules and regs http://www.ivao.aero/rulregs/

Before connecting

• Make sure you know the IVAO Rules, in particular the User subparts such as the General and Pilot section
• Read IvAp user manual
• Be familiar with your flight simulator and aircraft
• Know how to deal with communications on TeamSpeak and Text
• Regularly check the IVAO website and its forum, in particular FlightOps and Training
• Prior to connecting online - make sure you are not on the runway, check IVAE <??> if you are not parking on top of another aircraft, set transponder on standby, comm frequency is on 122.8 for now <??>, flight plan details is completed as much as possible.

Online

• Check for ATC (periodically) and when possible contact ATC with ATIS INFO (if applicable)
• When communicating to ATC (text or voice) or on UNICOM (text only) state location and intentions.
• Use "TILT" checks prior to enter or vacating runway. (see further)
• If no ATC - confirm on UNICOM in text and provide text traffic advisory on UNICOM
• Do not SANDBAG (link to IVAO rule and FAQ forum) <SANDBAG = ?>
• If a conflict arises, request a Supervisor (dot command wallop) by typing .wallop and message (state the problem and where you are)
• Do not "SQUAWK IDENT" except if requested by ATC
• If you are using text and communicating to ATC - do not reply on private chat but reply on ATC comm frequency.
• If you are using text, know the difference between receiving text via CHAT or via your COMM frequency, likewise know the difference how to reply via CHAT or COMM freq.
• Proper planning with ATC helps if you advice intentions or request a clearance sooner then later.

Note: TILT

The following mnemonic TILT will help with your checks prior to line up and after landing:

• Transponder / TCAS...................on /off
• Ice (anti / deice / pitot tube)......as required
• Lights (landing / taxi).................on / off
• Talk (ATC / Traffic Advisory)........as required

Use TILT prior to entering the runway for departure and immediately after vacating the runway .

Module Manager e-mail: acm@ivao.aero and acam@ivao.aero

Contributing Author(s)/Support:

• Dan Poelman
• ........................................................

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