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Oceanic Procedures on VATSIM

Obtaining Oceanic Clearance:

  1. Filing Flight Plan:

    • Before entering Oceanic airspace on VATSIM, file your flight plan with either Gander (Atlantic Eastbound) or Shanwick (Atlantic Westbound) Oceanic Centers.

  2. Clearance Filing Links:

Special Oceanic Procedures: SELCAL:

  1. SELCAL System:

    • Aircraft flying transatlantic or transpacific routes must be equipped with an HF radio due to VHF limitations over the ocean.

  2. SELCAL Code Entry:

    • Enter your aircraft's SELCAL code in the pilot client or refer to the real SELCAL at rzjets.net.

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  3. ATC Contact Using SELCAL:

    • Ensure your SELCAL is entered in your flight plan, allowing ATC to contact you using this unique identifier.

Special Oceanic Procedures: Position Reports:

  1. Position Reports in Oakland Oceanic Airspace:

    • In areas without radar coverage, pilots must make occasional position reports to maintain separation.

  2. Oakland ARTCC Format Generator:

Special Oceanic Procedures: Radio Telephony:

  1. ATC Communication in Oceanic Airspace:

    • Within Oceanic Airspace, pilots communicate with a messenger, often referred to as "Radio," who relays instructions from enroute controllers.

  2. Sample Communication:

    • Use phrases like "Gander Radio, UAL948 Heavy is overhead 50N040W, time 1840 Zulu" when contacting "Radio."

North Atlantic (NAT) Oceanic Procedures:

  1. Advisories for Crossing the Atlantic:

    • Be alert to SELCALs, traffic advisories, and weather. Request climbs or descents to avoid weather.

  2. Check-Ins with Gander/Shanwick:

    • Regularly check in with Gander/Shanwick to avoid missed handoffs, especially when approaching 030 West.

  3. Handoffs Between Gander and Shanwick:

    • Be prepared for handoffs between Gander and Shanwick approaching 030 West.

Pacific Oceanic Procedures:

  1. Continuous Contact with San Francisco Radio:

    • Unlike the Atlantic, expect continuous contact with "San Francisco Radio" without frequent handoffs.

  2. Position Reports for Oakland Oceanic:

    • In Oakland Oceanic airspace, inquire with San Francisco Radio about the need for position reports.

  3. Hawaiian Islands Clearance:

    • Oakland Oceanic does not control the Hawaiian Islands; do not request clearance from them.

  4. Radio Check and CPDLC:

    • If you lose radio communication with San Francisco Radio, request a radio check. If issues persist, switch to CPDLC services.

By adhering to these procedures, pilots contribute to the orderly and safe flow of traffic over oceanic airspace on VATSIM, enhancing the realism of their virtual flights.

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