Flight Simulation in Light Aircraft

Latest News

VATSIM's Code of Conduct was updated in October 2024. They require we read and inwardly digest.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has smoothed out many of its early glitches thanks to recent updates. Alongside X-Plane 12, pilots now have multiple modern sims to choose from. Of course, MSFS 2020 and X-Plane 11 still have dedicated fans, so whether you're exploring new features or sticking with a classic, we'd love to hear what you're enjoying most!

If you are flying in the USA/Canada, make sure you are aware of VATUSA's trialing of real world Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). See VATSIM's official announcement and there's a link to a video in The Friday Rotary club thread on the forum.

The file size limit for the Screenshot Competition has been increased. We look forward to seeing your entries!

CEO.

Club Nights

The Club runs informal group flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, alternate Thursdays and Fridays at present. These are mostly tours of interesting places with spectacular scenery, with the occasional tricky landing thrown in. Whilst flying, members enjoy informal chat and banter on our Teamspeak channel, which makes these events very sociable. New members are always very welcome on these tours and beginners are given all the help they need to get going. The current tours are listed on the simple calendar on the right.

On Wednesdays, as well as the evening tour, we operate lunchtime "on demand" workshop flights for new members and new pilots when there is a request for them, to ease them into the world of on-line flying with other pilots and Air traffic Control (ATC). It's the ATC that often gets new pilots all nervous, just the same as in the real world and these sessions are designed to help overcome nerves. Similar help is also available on our other weekly flight nights, but the workshop flights concentrate specifically on getting new pilots airborne and comfortable in the on-line world.

Max has set up practical training on Thursday evenings, all aspects of circuit joins and procedures. Alternate weeks are with "Club ATC" and "No ATC" (unmanned airfield).The aim is to help you understand (new comers) and practice joining a circuit. If we have more A/C flying you will also get the chance to deal with other traffic. They are informal using JoinFS. NOT online.

October's Event

October's event was the CFI's Challenge, designed by Max to encourage us to pay more attention to the fuel we are loading for our flights. I have to admit I usually just go with half full tanks and hope for the best. What could possibly go wrong! I had two goes at this challenge. Attempt 1, in my trusty Cessna 337 - 5 minutes early arriving at Ronaldsway and 5 gallons more left in the tanks than I'd planned for.

Attempt 2 was with the Wednesday lunchtime group in a Piper Arrow. A bit better, only 3 gallons over this time but still 4 minutes early. At least I'm consistent!

Thanks for an interesting and enjoyable challenge Max.

CEO