Obtaining Pre-Flight Clearance on VATSIM

Securing pre-flight clearance is a pivotal step before boarding and starting your aircraft from a cold state on the VATSIM network. This section outlines the procedure for obtaining clearance, ensuring you're ready for an immersive and procedurally accurate flight experience. Click here for our useful VATSIM Que Card.

Preparing for Clearance:

ATIS Information: Before reaching out for clearance, it's crucial to acquire the latest Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) details. This can be done directly through your pilot client, such as vPilot, or by visiting https://datis.clowd.io for real-time ATIS updates.
Contacting the Controller: With the ATIS information at hand, you are now ready to request clearance from the available controller, typically ground control at your departure airport.

Requesting Clearance:

The format for requesting IFR clearance is straightforward:

[Controller ID], [Your Callsign] requesting IFR to [Destination], with [ATIS code].

Example:

"Las Vegas Ground, UAL1179 requesting IFR to George Bush Intercontinental, with Echo."

Upon your request, the controller may provide verbal clearance or issue a Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC) via your pilot client.

Example PDC:

Clearance Read-back:

The clearance provided by the controller typically follows this structure:

Cleared to [destination airport], via [departure procedure] [transition or radar vectors], then as filed. Climb [via SID/instructions], expect [cruise altitude] [time] minutes after departure, departure frequency [frequency], squawk [squawk code].

While receiving clearance, it's a good practice to jot down the details in your pilot client's notes. If clarity is needed, don't hesitate to request the controller to repeat the clearance.

Example Read-back:

"Cleared to Houston Intercontinental, via NIITZ3 departure, SSKEE transition, then as filed. Climb via SID, expect flight level 370, 10 minutes after departure. Departure frequency 125.8, squawk 4733."

Following your read-back, the controller will confirm with "readback correct" or provide necessary corrections.

Final Steps:

After the clearance read-back is confirmed, the controller will instruct you on the next steps, typically to "contact when ready for pushback and start" or "contact when ready for taxi."
If instructed to "contact when ready for taxi," you have the discretion for pushback. Conversely, if the controller specifies "Call for push and start," you must obtain ATC approval before pushback to ensure coordination and safety on the ground.

This process underscores the importance of clear communication and adherence to ATC instructions for a seamless pre-flight setup on VATSIM, enhancing the realism and enjoyment of your virtual flight experience.