Organization:Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network

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Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network
Vatsim
AbbreviationVATSIM
FormationJuly 2001; 24 years ago (2001-07)
TypeNonprofit organization
PurposeProvide an online air traffic control and flying community for aviation enthusiasts
Region served
Worldwide
Members
>800,000 (190,000 active in the last 6 months)
President
Tim Barber[1]
Main organ
Board of Governors
Staff
300+
Websitewww.vatsim.net

Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network (VATSIM) is a nonprofit organization that operates an online flight-simulation network noted for its active membership and realism.[2][3][4][5] Users are able to connect to VATSIM and fly aircraft as a pilot, or direct traffic as an air traffic controller in what has been described as a close approximation of real-life aviation procedures.[6][7][8][9]

Overview

Communications between pilots and controllers are carried out using integrated VoIP or in-game text messages. Users are required to use custom software, designated as approved clients, in order to connect to the simulation.[10]

The main organs of the network consist of the Board of Governors,[11] three of whom are responsible for one of the three geographic regions - namely, the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas region,[12] referred to as EMEA, APAC and AMAS. These regions are further subdivided into divisions, some of which further divide into virtual area control centers, and virtual air route traffic control centers. Operating procedures within each area reflect local standards.[13]

The network also has a volunteer team of supervisors[14] that help those who may need assistance in flying on the network and also help resolve reports of other fellow users breaking the VATSIM Code of Conduct.[15] Upon registering for the VATSIM network, new users have to undertake an entry-level test about basic piloting skills and about the rules of the network.[16] This was introduced on September 1, 2020, alongside a further restructuring of the pilot rating system to teach VATSIM users how to properly use the network and reduce the number of cases of pilots connecting without knowing what to do in busy airspace, causing disruption and frustration for some controllers. An update to this system was implemented in early 2025 as the "New Member Orientation Course", which replaced the older system of initial training for new members.

Because the simulation adheres as closely as possible to real-life aviation procedures and radio phraseology, VATSIM can function as a training aid for student pilots lacking experience and private and commercial pilots looking to enhance their skills in radio communications.[17] Events in the simulation are not hard coded on the network but rather emerge through human interaction and error.[18] Consequently, the network has been described as bringing immersion to what was historically a solitary exercise[3] and credited with playing a key role in the commodification of flight-simulation software.[19][20]

History

Formation of VATSIM

Spearheaded by Harvey Stein, the founding of VATSIM was announced on July 12, 2001, following the dissolution of the Simulated Air Traffic Controllers Organization (SATCO). This occurred after the founding of another network, IVAO,[21] which was more European-oriented, unlike SATCO, which was more American-oriented. The board drew up terms of agreement with Randy Whistler, the then President of SATCO, declaring VATSIM the official successor of SATCO.[22]

In 2020, VATSIM announced it had achieved 100,000 active users for the first time,[23] an increase of 20,000 users in two years.[24]

SquawkBox and ProController

The advent of the Internet in the mid-1990s enabled users of modern flight simulators to fly together using multiplayer functionality. In 1997, SquawkBox[25] was created by Jason Grooms as an add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 95, enhancing the built-in multiplayer features to allow large numbers of players to connect to the game. ProController,[26] a radar-simulation program also developed by Jason Grooms, was created in the same year to connect virtual pilots with virtual controllers. The FSD Server was created by Marty Bochane to provide the signaling infrastructure and logic required to integrate ProController and Squawkbox, enabling users to fly in real-world weather conditions. ProController was retired as an approved ATC client on March 13, 2004.[27][28]

Screenshot of the ASRC (Advanced Simulated Radar Client) program that was used by ATC on VATSIM

ASRC and Roger Wilco

Sometime in 2002,[29] ProController was slowly being phased out in favour of ASRC (Advanced Simulated Radar Client),[30][31] created by Mike Evans and David Hendleman, and was released to the public in early 2003. Alongside that, Roger Wilco was used[32] to facilitate voice communications between pilots and ATC, with ATC denoting that voice communications were available with them with the callsign format XXXX_V_TWR, alongside putting their voice server IP and voice room name in their ATIS.[33][34] Later, however, Roger Wilco was phased out in favour of the Advanced Voice Client, which required VATSIM authentication to prevent any non-VATSIM users from logging into the voice servers.

The ASRC software was retired as an ATC client on April 1, 2021,[35] due to its not being in active development, which will make it incompatible with fast position updates that will be brought with VATSIM Velocity.

Screenshot of the Virtual Radar Client (VRC) software used by some air traffic controllers on VATSIM

On March 27, 2005, an alternative add-on to FS2002/FS2004 and FSX called FSInn was approved for use on the VATSIM network alongside SquawkBox.[36]

Air Traffic Controller clients

On April 17, 2006, the Virtual Radar Client (VRC) was approved for use on the VATSIM network.[37] Created by Ross Carlson, it was mainly used in the American and Oceanic regions, due to its easy setup, but comes with a lack of customizability. After being replaced by the Consolidated Radar Client (CRC) in October, 2023, VRC is no longer the primary controller client for VATUSA controllers. It is now mainly used by network supervisors and controllers in other divisions.

On September 15, 2007, the EuroScope ATC client was approved for use on the VATSIM network.[38][39] Created by Gergely Csernák, the client is reported to be the most used ATC client on VATSIM,[40] due to its custom plugin support,[41] realistic radar screens, and automatic controller coordination. It is designed to integrate with other ATC clients like VRC, vSTARS, and vERAM,[42] however. It is generally used mostly in the Europe, Asia and South American regions.

A screenshot of the EuroScope software utilizing the TopSky plugin used by most air traffic controllers on VATSIM (not vatSys)

On January 14, 2012, the vSTARS ATC client was approved for use on the VATSIM network.[43] Also created by Ross Carlson, the client aims to replicate the real-world STARS system used in many US TRACON facilities.

On February 27, 2016, the vERAM ATC client was approved for use on the VATSIM network.[44] Also created by Ross Carlson, the client aims to replicate the real-world ERAM system used in many US ARTCC facilities.

On July 18, 2020, the vatSys ATC client was approved for use on the VATSIM network.[45] Created by Jake Saw, the client aimed to replicate the real-word TAAATS system used in Australia,[46] but is now modelled off the Eurocat/TopSky systems. It features an advanced profiling system which "means that the look and feel of the client can be adjusted with a simple few clicks".[47]

As of October 9, 2023, VRC, vSTARS, and vERAM are deprecated and replaced by the Virtual National Airspace System (vNAS) suite of products. This software is being actively developed and utilized by all ARTCCs in VATUSA. CRC includes has several display types (STARS, ERAM, ASDE-X and Tower Cab) included within a single client.[48]

Pilot Clients

VATSIM has 3 approved pilot clients as of April 2025

Swift pilot client is a multi-platform (Windows, MacOs, Linux) and multi-flight simulator (X-Plane 11, MSFS, MSFS2024, P3D, FSX, FS9, FlightGear), this pilot client is not as popular among pilots anymore due to its old GUI, nevertheless it is still being actively developed.

vPilot created by Ross Carlson is still being actively developed and used by majority of MSFS, MSFS2024, P3D and FSX users.

xPilot developed by Justin Shannon is a pilot client for X-Plane, as of August 2020 this project was moved to be an open-source to help with development[49]

Audio for VATSIM

From its inception, VATSIM employed a system consisting of voice 'rooms', in which, by using custom-written TeamSpeak 2 servers as a backbone, each virtual 'frequency' functioned similarly to a VoIP conference call, and any pilot(s) can transmit on a frequency and talk to each other on any frequency, but it is prohibited to use the frequencies for any non-operational reasons.[50]

New VATSIM logo vs old VATSIM logo
The new VATSIM logo as of July 23, 2020 (top) compared to the previous logo (bottom)

In October 2019, VATSIM had finished a complete overhaul of its voice system and called it Audio for VATSIM, a key feature of which is simulation of the entire VHF radio range, thus eliminating the need for voice rooms. The system realistically simulates signal degradation, audio quality, transceiver operation, frequency cross-coupling, and altitude effects.[51]

In July 2025, VATSIM conducted a 24-hour public test of its upgraded voice communication system, which introduced Terrain-Based Ranging. The trial took place on 15 July 2025 and was designed to simulate the way terrain affects radio coverage in real-world aviation. Under this system, pilots could experience reduced or lost voice contact with air traffic control or other aircraft when flying through valleys, at low altitudes, or near obstacles, thereby adding a new level of operational realism.[52]

Microsoft partnership

On July 23, 2020, VATSIM, alongside announcing a complete overhaul of their branding, announced that they had entered into a partnership with Microsoft, to ensure that the desktop PC version of Microsoft Flight Simulator would be compatible with VATSIM upon launch.[53][54][55] However, due to technical limitations with Xbox VATSIM does not currently support the Xbox version of Microsoft Flight Simulator. [56] VATSIM did not have launch compatibility for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. vPilot was updated and released on 1 November 2024.

VATSIM Velocity

On March 13, 2021, VATSIM announced a closed-beta initiative to test low latency position updates on the network, named VATSIM Velocity.[57][58] With this update, position updates increased from 0.2 Hz (5 seconds) to 5 Hz (0.2 seconds) within a 10-mile range.

The SquawkBox and FSInn pilot clients were retired for use on the network on April 1, 2021,[35] due to them not being in active development,[59] which made them incompatible with the fast position updates that were brought with VATSIM Velocity.

VATSIM announced that the long-awaited update would be released on January 31, 2022, at 22:00 UTC.[60] Preparations for its launch included major updates to pilot clients, as well as the retirement of Squawkbox, which became incompatible with the network. However, Velocity had no effect on the functionality of controller clients.

VATSIM Inc.

On January 16, 2023, VATSIM announced the creation of a new 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, VATSIM Inc. and said it would start accepting donations.[61] VATSIM also stated that it would be transferring ownership to a new board of directors.[62]

Reception

Considered the largest online flight simulation network in the world,[2] VATSIM has attracted mainstream media attention.[6][21][4][63] Commentators have praised VATSIM for its realism and quality,[64] describing the network as giving flight simulation an interest and depth it would otherwise lack[65] and lauding its friendly atmosphere.[63][19]

Coverage, although mostly positive, has focused on what is perceived to be the peculiar nature of a hobby so complex that it can closely approximate work and cost thousands of dollars.[4][66] The experience has been described as more strict, for both air traffic controllers and pilots, than some participants might like.[8]

Membership and training

VATSIM has over 191,316 active members as of Q1 2025.[67] Of which 176,385 (92%) hold a Pilot/Observer rating, and 14,907 (8%) hold an ATC, Supervisor or Administrator rating. Joining is free, and there are no usage fees associated with connecting to the network.[68]

Pilots must successfully complete a new member orientation course, including a simple exam that helps reinforce the knowledge of basic piloting skills and the rules of the network as of January 22, 2025.[16] They may also undertake optional training to learn how to fly certain procedures on the network. Pilots may also transfer their real world license into a VATSIM rating as many real world pilots fly on the VATSIM network.

The current pilot ratings are:

  • P0 - Basic VATSIM User (awarded after completion of the New User Orientation Program since September 1, 2020)
  • P1 - Private Pilot License (PPL)
  • P2 - Instrument Rating (IR)
  • P3 - Commercial Multi-Engine Licence (CMEL)
  • P4 - Airline Transport License (ATPL)

Pilots are able to file their own flight plans either through their flight plan dialog in their pilot client or "pre-filing" by using the myVATSIM ICAO flight planning form, also used by flight planning sites and flight tracking tools such as projectFLY, SimBrief, SimToolkitPro, and Volanta.

File:MyVATSIM flight plan filing form.png
Pilots can pre-file an ICAO flight plan before connecting to the network using the myVATSIM portal.

Air Traffic Controllers are required to undertake mandatory training before they are permitted to direct traffic.[69][6][70] Global Controller Administration Policy[71] defines the requirements for each ATC rating, preceding local division restrictions. The ratings are as follows:

  • S1 - Developing Controller - validated to control Delivery (DEL) and Ground (GND) facilities.[72]
  • S2 - Aerodrome Controller - validated to control Tower (TWR) facilities.
  • S3 - Terminal Controller - validated to control all facilities up to Approach (APP/DEP) level.
  • C1 - Enroute Controller - validated to control all available facilities, including Center (CTR)
  • C3 - Senior Controller - a special rating awarded to users at the discretion of their local region/division for seniority/recognition. Functionally identical to C1.
  • I1 - Instructor - validated to train and instruct virtual Air Traffic Controllers within their division/subdivison, they have the ability to control the same positions as an enroute controller[73]
  • I3 - Senior Instructor - a special rating awarded to instructors at the discretion of their local region/division for seniority/recognition.[74]
During the 2002 Operation OpenSky event, total online members reached 798 concurrent connections. The "dots" in the screenshot represent aircraft with their routes shown as lines.

Events

The network creates and sponsors regular events to encourage interaction between pilots and controllers, during which traffic can approximate real-life levels.[19][75]

Worldflight

Worldflight Australia is an annual virtual round-the-world charity event that has been run continuously since 2001, where 11 teams from different countries[76] in their own fixed-base aircraft simulators fly to over 40 destinations around the world on VATSIM to raise money for the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service.[77] VATSIM air traffic controllers provide service throughout this event. In 2006, fifteen enthusiasts conducted a 130-hour flight in a full-sized Boeing 747-400 simulator, for which Qantas provided food.[66]

Cross the Pond

The VATSIM stand at the International Flight Simulator Conference in Blackpool, July 2005

Cross the Pond is a biannual event during which pilots complete transatlantic flights across "The Pond" between Europe and Northern America. The event alternates between westbound and eastbound every 6 months. Certain airports are selected a few months prior for which pilots can book slots to fly for,[78] and VATSIM air traffic controllers provide full service for each of these airports throughout the event. The event is meticulously planned and coordinated by all major VATSIM staff members,[79] to make sure that pilots enjoy their service. During the Autumn 2024 event, VATSIM surpassed its record of most unique connections to the network with 3,208, also making it the biggest online flight simulation network to date.[80] The record was once again broken during the subsequent Spring 2025 event, with 3238 unique connections to the network.

VATSIM-Organized Events

VATSIM organizes several recurring events that provide immersive and challenging experiences for pilots and air traffic controllers.

First Wings is held once a month and is designed primarily for newer pilots and controllers, offering them the opportunity to gain experience in a structured and supportive environment. It typically focuses on smaller airports and less congested airspace, allowing participants to practice standard procedures and develop confidence in online operations.

Elite Wings also occurs monthly and targets more experienced participants, emphasizing advanced flight operations and complex air traffic control scenarios. The event often involves high-traffic airspace, multiple airports, and realistic operational challenges, giving skilled users the opportunity to test their abilities under demanding conditions.

The 24 Hours of VATSIM is a large-scale global event held twice a year, on the first weekends of May and October. During the event, air traffic control coverage is provided across multiple routes for a full 24-hour period. It attracts a significant number of pilots and controllers, creating an intense, realistic simulation of worldwide aviation operations and fostering collaboration among VATSIM regions and divisions.

VATSIM and FlightSimExpo

VATSIM and VATUSA Booth at FSExpo 2025.

VATSIM regularly participates in FlightSimExpo, an annual convention for flight simulation enthusiasts, developers, and hardware manufacturers. At the event, VATSIM promotes its network to both pilots and air traffic controllers, providing demonstrations of online operations, training opportunities, and insights into air traffic control procedures. The organization also uses the platform to engage with the broader flight simulation community, recruit new members, and highlight upcoming initiatives, such as global events or technological upgrades to the network.

Regional events

In addition to the global/international events that VATSIM sponsors and advertises, regional events can be found daily throughout the network. These events can range from small in size, including only a few airports or facilities, to very large in size, spanning across multiple regions and facilities. Although they don't typically attract record-breaking traffic, these events have been known to draw enough pilots to simulate, (and often surpass) real-world operations at the selected facilities.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "VATSIM - Board of Governors". October 11, 2023. https://vatsim.net/docs/staff/bog. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Van West, Jeff; Kevin Lane-Cummings (2007). Microsoft Flight Simulator X for Pilots. John Wiley and Sons. pp. 672–685. ISBN 978-0-7645-8822-8. https://books.google.com/books?id=RT9v6Bhl420C&q=virtual+airline&pg=PR17. "VATSIM is the largest network, with more than 110,000 registered members" 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Stewart, Laverne (December 5, 2009). "Flight Simulation". The Daily Gleaner. https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2006/11/air_traffic_con/. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Rheinberger, Joel (November 28, 2008). "Flight simulator takes off in Lauderdale". 936 ABC Hobart. https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2006/11/air_traffic_con/. 
  5. ↑ Radcliffe, Doug; Andy Mahood (2003). Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight (Official Strategy Guide). John Wiley & Sons. p. 188. ISBN 0-7821-4237-0. https://books.google.com/books?id=QDwAFiQ4B1MC. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Sanders, Peter (May 18, 2006). "In Imaginary Skies, Would-Be Controllers Guide Pretend Pilots". Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB114791326544456106?mod=hps_us_pageone. 
  7. ↑ Castronova, Edward (2005). Synthetic Worlds: The Business and Culture of Online Games. University of Chicago Press. p. 158. ISBN 0-226-09626-2. https://archive.org/details/syntheticworlds00edwa. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Wallace, Lane (October 1, 2006). "Microsoft Unveils Mission-Capable Flight Sim X". Flying: 45. http://www.zinio.com/pages/Flying/Oct-06/168660111/pg-47. Retrieved April 15, 2009. "Systems like VATSIM are apparently very strict experiences, however, with standards for training and currency that can be more intense and involved than some pilots want to undertake.". 
  9. ↑ D'Alessandro, Nic (November 15, 2007). Transference of PC based simulation to aviation training: issues in learning (PDF) (Technical report). InSite Solutions (Tas.) Pty Ltd. Retrieved 2022-07-16.
  10. ↑ "Approved Software". https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/approved-software. 
  11. ↑ "Board of Governors". https://vatsim.net/docs/staff/bog. 
  12. ↑ "Regions". https://vatsim.net/docs/regions/regions. 
  13. ↑ Galvin, John (March 2003). "Always a Dull Moment". Wired. https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.03/dull.html?pg=1&topic=&topic_set=. Retrieved April 14, 2008. 
  14. ↑ "What is a VATSIM Supervisor? | VATSIM Inc. Support". https://support.vatsim.net/kb/faq.php?id=18. 
  15. ↑ "Code Of Conduct". https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/code-of-conduct. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Migration to Enhanced New Member Orientation Course" (in en-US). January 22, 2025. https://forum.vatsim.net/t/migration-to-enhanced-new-member-orientation-course/7636. 
  17. ↑ Maharg, Paul (2007). Transforming Legal Education. Ashgate Publishing. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-7546-4970-0. https://books.google.com/books?id=8-zmLbJ8ODoC. 
  18. ↑ McCracken, Grant (May 16, 2006). "How virtual worlds discovered dynamism". Intersection of Anthropology and Economics. http://www.cultureby.com/trilogy/2006/05/how_virtual_wor.html. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Regis, Ed (January 1, 2009). "Welcome to Cyberairspace". Air & Space Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/welcome-to-cyberairspace-96876957. 
  20. ↑ Takeda, K.; Newman, S.J.; Kenny, J.; Zyskowski, M (2008). "Convergence: commodity flight simulation and the future". Aeronautical Journal (California: University of California) 112 (1136): 599–607. doi:10.1017/S0001924000002566. http://www.raes.org.uk/purchase_journal.asp?number=1136. Retrieved May 7, 2009. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Terdiman, Daniel (December 16, 2006). "Into the wild blue virtual yonder". CNET News.com. http://www.news.com/Into-the-wild-blue-virtual-yonder/2100-1043_3-6144347.html. "It formed in 2001 when internal politics in a precursor network, SATCO, caused a rupture that resulted in two rival networks: VatSim ... and IVAO" 
  22. ↑ "2001, Meeting 1 | VATSIM.net". https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2001_1.PDF. 
  23. ↑ "An Incredible Milestone for VATSIM - Announcements & Important Notices - VATSIM Community" (in en-US). September 14, 2020. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/29132-an-incredible-milestone-for-vatsim/. 
  24. ↑ "VATSIM Achieves membership milestone - Announcements & Important Notices - VATSIM Community" (in en-US). July 23, 2018. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/21855-vatsim-achieves-membership-milestone/. 
  25. ↑ "SquawkBox". http://squawkbox.ca/news/. 
  26. ↑ "VATSIM gets it together". AOPA Magazine. 2001-11-19. https://www.worldflight.com.au/worldflight/aopa1.pdf. 
  27. ↑ "Approved Software". 2003-12-10. http://www.vatsim.net/software.html. 
  28. ↑ "Approved Software". 2004-04-03. http://www.vatsim.net:80/software.html. 
  29. ↑ "Introduction". http://www.asrc.info/ASRC%20Documentation/Introduction.html. 
  30. ↑ "Advanced Simulated Radar Client (ASRC)". http://www.asrc.info/. 
  31. ↑ "ASRC video". 2007-11-24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo_tG4GvJuI. 
  32. ↑ "ProController - Observer's guide". http://www.cix.co.uk/~smctighe/getting_started/Procontroller_obsguide.html. 
  33. ↑ "ProController - Observer's guide". http://www.cix.co.uk/~smctighe/getting_started/Procontroller_obsguide.html#anchor494596. 
  34. ↑ "Useful information". http://www.cix.co.uk/~smctighe/Useful_information.html#anchor149155. 
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 "Preparing for VATSIM Velocity - Retirement of Legacy Clients | VATSIM.net" (in en-US). March 14, 2021. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/30959-preparing-for-vatsim-velocity-retirement-of-legacy-clients/. 
  36. ↑ "2005, Quarter 1 | VATSIM.net". https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2005_Q1.PDF. 
  37. ↑ "2006, Quarter 2 | VATSIM.net". https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2006_Q2.PDF. 
  38. ↑ csernak (September 15, 2007). "v2.9 – EuroScope" (in en-US). https://www.euroscope.hu/wp/2007/09/15/v2-9/. 
  39. ↑ "VATSIM.net - NOTAMS". 2007-09-25. http://vatsim.net/entrance.html#newsitem1189889177,32353,. 
  40. ↑ "Software | VATSIM.net". https://www.vatsim.net/air-traffic-control/software. 
  41. ↑ "Plug-Ins – EuroScope" (in en-US). https://www.euroscope.hu/wp/plug-ins/. 
  42. ↑ "Interaction with VRC/ASRC/vERAM/vSTARS – EuroScope" (in en-US). https://www.euroscope.hu/wp/interaction-with-vrc-asrc-veram-vstars/. 
  43. ↑ "2012, Quarter 1 | VATSIM.net". https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2012_Q1.PDF. 
  44. ↑ "vERAM Launched" (in en-US). February 27, 2016. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/18052-veram-launched/. 
  45. ↑ "2020, Quarter 2 | VATSIM.net". https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2020_Q2.PDF. 
  46. ↑ "2020, Quarter 3 | VATSIM.net". https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2020_Q3.PDF. 
  47. ↑ Saw, Jake. "vatSys" (in en-us). https://virtualairtrafficsystem.com/. 
  48. ↑ "CRC Docs". https://crc.virtualnas.net/docs/#/. 
  49. ↑ "xPilot is now Open Source" (in en-US). 2020-08-01. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/28445-xpilot-is-now-open-source/. 
  50. ↑ "Audio for VATSIM launch date announced - Announcements & Important Notices - VATSIM Community" (in en-US). September 29, 2019. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/24602-audio-for-vatsim-launch-announced/. 
  51. ↑ The AFV Team. "Audio for VATSIM User Guide". https://vatsim-afv.s3.amazonaws.com/AFV%20User%20Guide.pdf. 
  52. ↑ "Big Update: Terrain-Based Ranging is Coming to VATSIM!" (in en). 2025-07-09. https://forum.vatsim.net/t/big-update-terrain-based-ranging-is-coming-to-vatsim/9351. 
  53. ↑ "A Big Day for VATSIM!" (in en-US). July 23, 2020. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/28306-a-big-day-for-vatsim/. 
  54. ↑ Bolding, Jonathan (2020-07-25). "Flight Simulator teases a partnership with online flight network VATSIM" (in en-US). https://www.pcgamer.com/flight-simulator-teases-a-partnership-with-online-flying-network-vatsim/. 
  55. ↑ "VATSIM on Twitter: "We're excited to announce that we have partnered with our friends over at @MSFSofficial to ensure day one support of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator on the VATSIM Network!"" (in en). August 2, 2021. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/31773-vatsim-statement-on-xbox-compatibility/. 
  56. ↑ "VATSIM statement on Xbox" (in en-US). July 23, 2020. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/31773-vatsim-statement-on-xbox-compatibility/. 
  57. ↑ "VATSIM Announces Velocity | VATSIM.net" (in en-US). March 13, 2021. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/30949-introducing-vatsim-velocity/. 
  58. ↑ (in en) We Feel The Need..., March 13, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agJl5ebMvLE, retrieved 2021-03-13 
  59. ↑ DeYoung, Joel. "SquawkBox News Blog". http://squawkbox.ca/news. 
  60. ↑ "VATSIM Announces Velocity Release Date and Rollout Plan" (in en-US). January 29, 2022. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/32619-vatsim-announces-velocity-release-date-and-rollout-plan/. 
  61. ↑ "VATSIM Announce VATSIM Inc. Non-Profit corporation". 17 January 2023. https://fselite.net/content/vatsim-announce-vatsim-inc-non-profit-corporation/. 
  62. ↑ "Announcement: Creation of VATSIM Inc. Non-Profit". 16 January 2023. https://forums.vatsim.net/topic/33976-announcement-creation-of-vatsim-inc-non-profit/. 
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 "Gaming News". PC Gamer (GP Publications) 15 (4–13). 2008. https://books.google.com/books?id=e-onAQAAIAAJ&q=VATSIM. Retrieved March 28, 2011. 
  64. ↑ Kimbrough, Steven O.; D. J. Wu (2004). Formal Modelling In Electronic Commerce. Birkhäuser. p. 17. ISBN 3-540-21431-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=rR2oEoun0gkC. "There now exists a vibrant community organized around VATSIM, as well as remarkably complex and robust software supporting these activities." 
  65. ↑ Maharg, Paul (2007). Transforming legal education: learning and teaching the law in the early twenty-first century. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.. p. 346. ISBN 978-0-7546-4970-0. https://books.google.com/books?id=8-zmLbJ8ODoC&q=VATSIM&pg=PA165. 
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 Galvin, Nick (June 6, 2006). "Cockpit capers". Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/cockpit-capers/2006/05/03/1146335804694.html. 
  67. ↑ "Q1 2025 BOG Minutes" (in en-US). https://cdn.vatsim.net/meeting-minutes/bog/BOG_2025_Q1.pdf. 
  68. ↑ Orr, Josh (May 2, 2006). "Teen earns wings for his first solo flight". Sarasota Herald Tribune. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-15082102_ITM. 
  69. ↑ "Becoming a Controller". https://vatsim.net/docs/basics/becoming-a-controller. 
  70. ↑ Margulius, David (May 26, 2006). "Tech jobs take stress to whole new levels". InfoWorld. http://www.news.com/Into-the-wild-blue-virtual-yonder/2100-1043_3-6144347.html. Retrieved April 29, 2008. "...is so realistic that some commercial airlines are starting to use it to train [their] pilots...". 
  71. ↑ "Global Ratings Policy". https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/global-controller-administration-policy. 
  72. ↑ "Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP)". https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/global-controller-administration-policy/. 
  73. ↑ "Global Controller Administration Policy". https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/global-controller-administration-policy. 
  74. ↑ "Code of regulations section G". https://vatsim.net/docs/policy/code-of-regulations. 
  75. ↑ "Events – Hong Kong vACC" (in en-US). https://hkvacc.org/events/. 
  76. ↑ "Worldflight | VATSIM Charity Event". https://www.worldflight.com.au/. 
  77. ↑ "Worldflight Australia". Worldflight Australia Website. http://www.worldflight.com.au/worldflight/whatisit.php. 
  78. ↑ @vatsim. "Cross The Pond is closing in with lighting speed, and we are so excited! We are pleased to announce that booking for this year's biggest event will open March 21st at 1200z! As usual bookings open in bulks, details about specific airports below. ctp.vatsim.net/ pic.twitter.com/vElo4Xwa6o". https://twitter.com/vatsim/status/1240324598413041667.  Missing or empty |date= (help)
  79. ↑ @vatsimctp. "Guess what time it is?pic.twitter.com/uF1aYynrd9n". https://twitter.com/vatsimctp/status/1246181034523332613.  Missing or empty |date= (help)
  80. ↑ @vatsim. "We've broken records on VATSIM for the second time this year! With 3208 unique connections, our global community has reached new levels on VATSIM during the last Cross the Pond event. Thanks to each and every member who made this milestone possible! twitter.com/vatsim/status/1850220982125961722". https://twitter.com/vatsim/status/1850220982125961722.  Missing or empty |date= (help)
  • Official website – Includes links to region and division-specific websites.
  • VATSIM Radar – Official and most widely used live flight tracking map & statistics for VATSIM traffic (and more, such as Events and Bookings calendar).
  • VAT-Spy – A widely used flight tracking tool & statistic viewer for VATSIM. Data can be updated here.
  • VATTASTIC – An unofficial flight tracking map for VATSIM traffic with statistics.
  • vataware – Detailed statistics & live flight tracking for VATSIM traffic.
  • Worldflight Group – Worldflight Group official website.



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