Digital-Flight ATC fly-in rules and procedures

Session Planning

The general are of control extends outward 50 miles from Seattle Tacoma International airport (SEATAC, KSEA) You can begin your flight from SeaTac or fly to that destination from any other point. The only provision is that you time your flight to arrive in the vicinity of the local control area within 15 min. of the end of session. The landing runway is 9,425' long and can accommodate CAT III ILS approaches.

Once you have decided on your route you'll need to build a flight plan. The easiest way to do this is to use the facility found within MSFS. Once that's done you'll need to submit your plan to Seattle ATC via e-mail no later then 30 min. before the start of the event. The submitted information should be as shown in the following example of an IFR plan from Portland to Seattle:

Name: Tony Gondola

Aircraft: De Havilland Turbo Beaver

Call sign: Coastair 339

Curise speed: 140 knots

Curise altitude: 11,500

Flight rules: IFR

Departure Airport: Portland Int. (KPDX)

Destination airport: Seattle Tacoma Int. (KSEA)

ETD: 17:15 local

ETA: 17:55 local

Also make sure that you have downloaded and printed the complete SeaTac chart set. ATC will always give you headings but, if you are told "cleared IFR direct to Spokane, mountain four departure" you'll know what to expect.

Session Set-up

At the prescribed time log into the MSFS host server using the pre-arranged IP address. This address is not publicly posted so if you don't have it, contact Bill Segal and he will provide it. All ATC will be carried over voice using Roger Wilco. Once you are logged into the MSFS session use the chat box to ask for the current Roger Wilco IP. The general protocol is to use Roger Wilco voice for ATC comm. only. Leaving the MSFS message window free for chat and as a back up in the event a pilot doesn't have Roger Wilco if there's a problem with the voice server.

We will be trying to duplicate the local weather conditions as closely as possible. Because of limitations with Real Weather ATC will post on the group list, detailed settings for use on the advanced weather section of MSFS. There will be times when this will make operations very challenging but please take the time to set it up. It will make the experience that much more exciting and worth while.

At 50 miles DME from the Seattle VOR 116.8 make your initial contact with Seattle ATC. There is no need to have any comm. with ATC until you reach that distance. However, keep in mind that you will be in uncontrolled airspace so keep up a good visual scan. Also keep in mind that if you're at high altitude you should begin your standard decent profile before reaching the 50 DME limit just be sure you don't bust the minimum altitude requirements shown on the standard approach charts.

If you're starting a session at SeaTac then please place your aircraft at a proper gate location with the engines off before you log on to the MSFS host server. Popping into existence at the end of 16R tends to ruin the controller's day and he won't be very happy with you. Make your call for clearance as filed as soon as you're ready.

When you are given an instruction from ATC initiate the maneuver, THEN repeat the instruction back to ATC. The person working the radar is dealing with moving objects has to plan ahead. When you're given a course change the controller as already anticipated where that will occur. Any delay in carrying out the maneuver will make it harder for the ATC to do a good job for you so please, comply promptly to all commands.  

Final Thoughts

For many of you, all this will seem much more formal and exacting then anything you've ever done. Keep in mind that although there are a lot of rules, we are no were near the complexity of a real controlled airport environment. It is formal to a degree but we are basically here to learn and to have fun. If at anytime you're confused as to what to do or don't understand a controller's instructions please say so in clear, everyday language. We will be glad to get you sorted out and on your way.