FPI Guide
From FSOnline.dk
You can both fly and control at Flight Project Internatioal, please choose a guide below:
[edit] Pilot Guide
If you want to fly online as a pilot, you first need to have installed Microsoft’s Flightsimulator 2002/2004. Then you need to install some software that makes it possible to fly online on the FPI network. You need the main pilot program ATOC Pilot Client (IPI-ExPress). You will find the software and manuals you need to download from the FPI Software Download Page. Download and install the ATOC Pilot Client (IPI-ExPress).
Before you install ATOC Pilot Client please make sure to close any voice programs running on you PC.
Now you are ready to start flying on the FPI network.
Start your Flightsimulator, place your aircraft at a gate on the airport. Now you start ATOC Pilot Client via the ATOC-Xpress menu in the Flightsimulator menu. ATOC Pilot Client will now automatically create a multiplayer session and the connect window will pop up. First hit the Get Actual Server List button to get a list of currently servers online. Select one from the pull-down list. Now hit the Edit Flightplan button. This will open the Flightplan window. Type in here all the information about you flight. Once done hit the OK button and the window will close.
Now you are ready to connect to the FPI network. Hit the CONNECT button. You will now hear a short tone and you will see the communication window coming up. Also the voice program has now been started automatically. You are now online. Contact now an ATC in your area by double clicking the appropriate callsign of the ATC.
The basic rule is: Learning by doing!
Each country on the FPI network is providing Pilot training trough their Country VA’s. VA stands for Virtual Airlines. You will get step by step explanations and find out which knowledge you should have. Find information about your Country VA partner’s on your Countries website. You could also connect to an active ATC position voice channel, say hello, and listen to the communication.
Do not hesitate to ask for help, explanations or introductions. Remember it is only a hobby! Keep a friendly manner and nobody will deny you any help.
[edit] Air Traffic Controller Guide
If you want to be a controller (ATC) you need first to install some software. You need the main controller program ATOC ATC Client (ICP 3.x) and the sections data for the area you want to control in. You will find the software and manuals you need to download on the FPI Software Download Page. Download the ATOC ATC Client (ICP3.X) and the Section Data for the area in witch you intend to control. First install ATOC ATC Client and then the Section Data.
Before you install ATOC ATC Client please be sure to close any voice programs running on you PC.
Now you are ready to start working as a controller (ATC).
Start ATOC ATC Client and make yourself familiar with it before connecting to the network for the first time. If you print out the manual and have it beside you, it will be much easier to learn how to use the program. It is also a good idea to find some real life information – like charts - for the airport where you want to control from. A good place to find links to charts are the country websites on FPI.
When you have familiarized yourself with the program, you are now ready to go on-line and start your ATC career. If this is the first time for you, it is best to start as Ground or Tower ATC. After some time as Ground or Tower ATC move up to Approach ATC and later to Control/Center ATC, because the workload of the Approach and Control/Center positions tend to cover bigger areas.
ATC types: Ground ATC The Ground ATC’s responsibility is the airports taxiways and aprons. He/she make sure that aircraft move to the right places and don’t get too close to each other. He/She normally also gives the clearance (OK) for the flight the pilots want to fly. Tower ATC The Tower ATC’s area is the runway(s) on the airport and a 10 nm airspace around the airport up to 2500 ft. He/She makes sure that aircraft can Take-Off and Land safely. Approach ATC The Approach ATC’s area is the airspace from 2500 ft above airport ground level and up to approx. FL120 (12000ft) and covers a distance of approx. 30 to 40 nm from the airport. He/She makes sure that aircraft don’t get to close to each other. Center ATC The Control/Center ATC’s area is the airspace from FL120 and above. It covers also a big radar range laterally. He/She make sure that aircraft don’t get to close to each other. Your job will be to provide any kind of information the pilots request.
You won’t have fun (also the pilots won’t) if you start your ATC career as a Control/Center or Approach controller where your job is to control a large airspace with probably more than one airport. It’s much better to start as Ground/Tower Controller, get some training and then move up as Approach or Control/Center controller.
Don’t jump between different ATC stations and locations during your first online hours. Try it that way, and you won’t get stressed but will have a lot of fun. The basic rule is: Learning by doing!
Each country on the FPI network is providing ATC training through their Country VCA. VCA stands for Virtual Controller Alliance. You will get step by step explanations and find out which knowledge you should have. Find information about your Country VCA partner on your Countries website.
You could also connect to an active ATC position voice channel, say hello, and listen to the ATC communication. Do not hesitate to ask for help, explanations or introductions. Remember it is only a hobby! Keep a friendly manner and nobody will deny you any help.
