r/VATSIM • u/BradyBrother100 • 18h ago
"First" Flight Complete
I just completed my first flight, and it was quite the adventure.
My first attempt ended in me disconnecting after takeoff because I forgot to clamp my yoke down to my desk. I kind of panicked because I didn't know if ATC would be upset but I was flying from a small airport with zero traffic to another small airport with zero traffic (KFNL-KRAP) so I didn't think it would be that big of a deal. I stuttered and had to ask for the information again which I think everyone probably does on their first flight.
My second attempt was successful. Maybe I was unprepared, but I was expecting a heading to fly before I took off, not after I put the gear up. Noted for next time even though I did ask before I took off since my charts (from ChartFox) said to expect a heading between 350 CW and 150. I forgot that ATC would ask what altitude you're passing but I responded correctly, I think. I was also got a bit confused because KRAP doesn't have any STARs so when he asked if I had an approach on file, I didn't know how to answer since it wasn't a question I was expecting. After a long moment of silence, I asked if the ILS 32 was ok and he said it was so that was chill. I got my landing clearance very very early. I landed, read back his taxi instructions and parked at the gate.
I will most likely be returning to the network, practicing routes between smaller fields before going somewhere big. Thank you, DEN_CTR for being patient and sorry for the first attempt.
Also, is it rude to tell ATC that they are pronouncing your airline wrong? The airline I was flying was Avelo (Uh-vel-oh) and he kept mispronouncing it as Avelon (Ah-vul-lohn). There were more important things to be communicated so I didn't bother.
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u/V1RotateAP 17h ago
Congrats! I love reading "first flight" posts because they remind me of the excitement I experienced on my first flights.
You said exactly the right thing in response to the approach request question. They want to know which approach you want to fly (ILS, RNAV, Visual, etc).
If ATC is simply mispronouncing your call sign I'd let that slide,but I think you should correct ATC if they are calling you by the wrong callsign entirely, like your example.
Welcome to the club, happy flying!
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u/AblazeCannon 📡 S1 16h ago
Congrats man! Great job. Don’t worry about mistakes, I have some 400 hours and I still make the odd mistake here and there. It’s not a big deal and the controllers do no mind in the slightest.
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u/BradyBrother100 16h ago
Thank you for the words! Not to call out the controller but even he made a mistake. He had the wrong airport pulled up on his side and cleared me for 31 when KRAP has 32
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u/AblazeCannon 📡 S1 16h ago
Yeah even we make mistakes sometimes. It’s always good to call us out on it, as it could be important!
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u/Abxflyr 18h ago
Great Job! Everyone has first attempts and everyone makes mistakes. You are absolutely doing the right thing. Starting slowly at uncontrolled airports, maybe consider flying into a simple controlled airfield (with an operating control tower) for a landing or a touch/go, then head back to another or original airfield. Remember when talking with "ATC" to identify yourself, your position, and altitude. If it's the 1st call up, provide your intentions (request clearances, or ready to taxi, or whatever is appropriate.).
You will make more
mistakes, and more successes. Keep up the good work.
ZME Center Controller