Danish Airports & Charts

Airports & Briefings

All briefings & charts for all Danish Airports

Airports & Briefings

EKCH - Copenhagen/Kastrup

Available stands

Overview

Copenhagen - Kastrup airport is the biggest in Scandinavia with 25.000.000 passengers served in 2023.

ALWAYS remember, if you are unsure or in doubt then ask. We will always do our best to help you out!

   Copenhagen Airport Pilot Briefing 2024.pdf   

Use of stands

In Kastrup, there are 3 main terminals. Terminal 1 & 2 is for Schengen flights, Terminal 3 for Non-Schengen & Shengen. CPH GO is for low-cost carriers.

Which airline parks where?

Screenshot 2024-04-23 203729.png

A Stands - Shengen only

Screenshot 2024-04-23 173541.png

B Stands - Schengen only

Screenshot 2024-04-23 204127.png

C Stands - NON Schengen only

Screenshot 2024-04-23 204148.png

D Stands - Flexible

Screenshot 2024-04-23 204217.png

E Stands - Flexible

Screenshot 2024-04-23 204253.png

F Stands - Flexible

Screenshot 2024-04-23 204318.png

G Stands - Cargo only

All cargo operators park at stands G120 - G137

Screenshot 2024-04-23 205257.png

General aviation / Business jets & misc.

Screenshot 2024-04-23 205032.pngScreenshot 2024-04-23 205227.pngScreenshot 2024-04-23 205257.png

###

IFR clearance

Initial contact is with Clearance Delivery, reporting callsign, stand number, and latest ATIS identification letter.
Remember to read/listen to the entire ATIS as there might be some specific info related to you, especially if you are unable to perform customized pushback!

Requesting De-Icing

If you require de-ice prior to your departure, request with your departure clearance request.

Push-back

All stands require pushback (except F89 - F91 & Prop/Bizz-jet at A25 - A34) All stands have designated release points and a secondary point. However, ATC can deviate from standard procedures if it's more optimal for the current traffic situation.
If you for some reason is unable to perform a pushback to one of these points, you MUST inform the controller when asking for pushback!
Pushback Routes 2023.jpg

Taxi

In Copenhagen we have standard taxi routes, however, those are subject to traffic conditions, and can at any time be changed by a controller.

Standard taxi routes Runway 22R/22L specific

Group 53EKCH TXI.png

Standard taxi routes Runway 04R/04L specific

Group 52EKCH TXI.png

### Runways

In Copenhagen, we have 3 runways, 04R/22L, 04L/22R & 12/30.

The 2 parallel runways are the primary with the Left being used for landings and the Right for departures.
Runway 12/30 is only to be used when crosswind exceeds 15 - 20 knots on the parallels.

All runways have ILS, which always will be used, if not visual. Only 04L and 22L have ILS CATIII

SIDs

Depending on destination and routing each SID can be chosen at pilots discretion, However.
BETUD is NOT used on Vatsim
KOPEX is PROP ONLY
LANGO & NEXEN is JET ONLY
EKYT & EKAH arrivals must use the GOLGA
If SALLO is a waypoint in the Flightplan this MUST be used and NOT SIMEG

When creating the Flightplan do NOT include the identifier (i.e. 2C), simply write the waypoint name.

ALL SIDS HAVE INITIAL CLIMB OF FL070 from RWY 22R/04R & 4000 ft. from RWY 12/30!

22R SIDS - EKCH.png

STARs

Arrivals into Copenhagen come from 5 directions, and all have the following items to know.

Holdings

Every STAR has a holding, either on the first or second point on the STAR. You can expect holdings in peak hours

STAR Point of Holding Inbound course Turn Time of leg
TESPI ROSBI 103˚ Left 1 min
TUDLO LUGAS 073˚ Left 1 min
MONAK CODAN (CDA) 032˚ Right 1 min
TIDVU TIDVU 294˚ Right 1 min
ERNOV ERNOV 179˚ Left 1 min

The path after handover to APP

When handed over to APP you will continue to fly on the RNAV arrival until you reach the “Vector fix”. After you reach this fix you must continue on the Specified Vector until you are turned in by APP! Even if you don’t hear anything you must continue on this Downwind heading as per the charts.

Make sure you comply with all altitude and speed restrictions on the STAR, and advise Copenhagen Approach if you are unable

Approach

ILS is the only approach type normally used with vectors. RWY 04L and 22L have ILS CATIII, whilst the other runways only have ILS CATI.
Visual Approaches can be approved for all A/C types on request to the APP controller.

Direct routings

If traffic permits you might receive directs from both EKDK_CTR and APP.
Control will normally send directs for the Handover fix, you might also get a direct for the initial ILS fix. This WP is however not part of your STAR or ILS, so you will have to manually input it.

Screenshot 2024-04-23 231233.png

Airports & Briefings

EKBI - Billund Airport

Available stands

Overview

Billund Airport is the second largest in Denmark. The airport was originally built in 1964 by LEGO. The airport was back then built to accommodate visitors to the nearby Legoland. The airport has since been taken over by nearby communes and a private company and then expanded to the size we know today. In 2023 the airport had moved nearly 4.000.000 passengers.

ALWAYS remember, if you are unsure or in doubt then ask. We will always do our best to help you out!

Use of stands

In Billund, there are 3 main aprons. The northern one at the terminal building accommodates all passenger planes.
The stands 25 - 26 & 38 - 40 are flex stands, meaning they can accommodate both Schengen and NON-Schengen.
Stand 27 - 37 is Schengen only.

Stand 65 - 94 is used for longer-term parking.

Southern Apron;
Stand 2 - 7 is Cargo
Stand 1 is VIP
The G area is used for General Aviation

The De-Ice pad (J) may be used for Heavy and Super

IFR clearance

Initial contact is with Tower, reporting callsign, stand number, and latest ATIS identification letter.
Remember to read/listen to the entire ATIS as there might be some specific info related to you!

Requesting De-Icing

If you require de-ice before your departure, request it with your departure clearance request.

Push-back

All stand at the terminal and Cargo stands require pushback. The Mid-Apron (Stand 65 - 94) is taxi-out based on A/C type. (Some heavy might require pushback)

IRL pushback is at the pilot's discretion, However on Vatsim, it is up to the individual controller to simulate this or not.

Taxi

When landing RWY 09 pilots are encouraged to continue taxiing via K to hold short at N
For departures, F intersection may be used upon request.
Intersection M may always be used at the Pilot's discretion.

Backtracking via A is NOT allowed for Mediums+, if you require full length, advise the controller and you will receive a taxi via B, F & D.

Runways

In Billund, there is only 1 runway. Both ends have ILS CATII/III. This is the normal procedure.
During direct crosswind situations i.e. winds 180 or 360, 09 may be used for departure and 27 for landing, to ensure shorter taxi times.

SIDs

Depending on destination and routing each SID can be chosen at the pilot's discretion, However.
EKCH arrivals must use the ABINO

When creating the Flightplan do NOT include the identifier (i.e. 2C), simply write the waypoint name.

ALL SIDS HAVE INITIAL CLIMB OF FL060!

STARs

There are no STAR's in Billund.
Expect direct to ILS fix or Vectors.

Approach

ILS Z is the only approach type normally used.
You might receive "Via [FIX] Cleared ILS Z Runway XX" Meaning after that FIX you are cleared for the ILS approach. (See the specified fixes in the pictures below)
Visual Approaches can be approved for all A/C types on request to the APP controller, it is however NOT allowed to overfly the City south of the airport.

Screenshot 2024-04-24 003152.pngScreenshot 2024-04-24 003225.png

Direct routings

If traffic permits you might receive directs from both EKDK_CTR and APP.
The fixes normally given are the ones listed above.

Airports & Briefings

EKYT - Aalborg

Available stands

Overview

Aalborg, or Ålborg, Airport is the third largest in Denmark. The airport was first opened in 1938 as the first provincial airport in Denmark.
The airport played a key role for the Nazis during WWII, as Aalborg was used as a fueling stop for their planes to reach Norway. The airport was heavily expanded by the Nazis during the war, and most of the military part of the airport was built by them.
Today there aren't any Nazis left in the airport, and in 2013 the airport experienced a major upgrade, almost doubling its capacity. In 2023 nearly 300.000 passengers used the airport.

ALWAYS remember, if you are unsure or in doubt then ask. We will always do our best to help you out!

Use of stands

In Aalborg, there are 10 parking spots.

Stand Destination Aircraft type
1 - 8 Schengen incl. domestic PAX
6 - 8 Non Schengen incl. UK
10 Any destination Heavy PAX aircraft
11 - 12 VFR, VIP & Misc. Smaller Aircrafts
Northern apron Any Military only!

IFR clearance

Initial contact is with Tower, reporting callsign, stand number, and latest ATIS identification letter.
Remember to read/listen to the entire ATIS as there might be some specific info related to you!

As there are no SIDs in Aalborg your departure clearance will sound like this:

“Cleared to Destination via [Point]/[Flightplan route], FL120, expect level change, squawk 1234, after departure follow noise abatement procedure”

 

Push-back

All stands at the terminal require pushback, except stands 1 - 3 where Prop and smaller jets may taxi out.

IRL pushback is at the pilot's discretion, However on Vatsim, it is up to the individual controller to simulate this or not.

Taxi

As there only is one taxiway to and from the terminal, there can be waiting time either on RWY 08R/26L or after pushback on C.

ALWAYS vacate south and hold short of RWY 08R/26L

Runways

In Aalborg, there are 2 runways. Whereas RWY 08L/26R is the primary. RWY 08L have ILS CATI and 26R have ILS CATII/III.
Runway 08R/26L is not to be used.

SIDs

There is no SIDs in Aalborg, hence you will always be cleared via a WP.
For flights bound EKRK/EKCH this will be either TESPI or TNO.

After Departure, you must adhere to the standard noise abatement procedures. These are:

RWY 08L - "Turn must not be commenced until having passed 2NM on R-262 AAL VOR." - Meaning after departure fly runway heading until 2 NM to AAL VOR.

RWY 26R - "Turn to the SOUTH must not be commenced until having passed 2000 feet"

STARs

There are no STAR's in Aalborg.
Expect direct to ILS fix or Vectors.

Approach

ILS is the only approach type normally used.
You might receive "Via [FIX] Cleared ILS Runway XX" Meaning after that FIX you are cleared for the ILS approach. The FIXEs are: RWY 08L - GIPUG & RWY 26R - BAKIT
Visual Approaches can be approved for all A/C types on request to the APP controller.

 

Direct routings

If traffic permits you might receive directs from both EKDK_CTR and APP.
The fixes normally given are the ones listed above, or AAL VOR.

Airports & Briefings

EKAH - Aarhus

Available stands

Overview

Aarhus, or Tirstrup, Airport is the fourth largest in Denmark. Originally built in 1943 by the German Luftwaffe. The 3 boarding communes were built in 1968 the first terminal building and SAS then started their routes to EKCH and a few charter flights. In 2000 the airport became a Limited Company with the nearby laying 6 communes with the main sharehold. In 2017 EU granted money for the expansion, which still is in progress.

ALWAYS remember, if you are unsure or in doubt then ask. We will always do our best to help you out!

Use of stands

In Aarhus, there are 4 normal parking spots.

Stand Destination Aircraft type
1 - 3 Schengen incl. domestic PAX
4 Non Schengen incl. UK
4 Any Destination Heavy PAX aircraft
15 - 16 VFR, VIP & Misc. Smaller Aircrafts
38 - 39 Any VFR

IFR clearance

Initial contact is with Tower, reporting callsign, stand number, and latest ATIS identification letter.
Remember to read/listen to the entire ATIS as there might be some specific info related to you!

IRL, IFR Clearance is given on the taxi to the RWY. It is up to you whether you want to simulate this or not.

As there are no SIDs in Aarhus your departure clearance will sound like this:

“Cleared to Destination via [Point]/[Flightplan route], FL060, expect level change, squawk 1234, After departure left/right turn toPOINT”

Push-back

All stands are self manouvering, if push is needed it can be requested from ATC.

IRL startup is at the pilot's discretion, However on Vatsim, it is up to the individual controller to simulate this or not.

Taxi

Runway 28R/10L is not used on Vatsim, hence you can expect to use this runway as a taxiway.

Runways

In Aarhus, there are 2 runways. Whereas RWY 10R/28L is the primary. RWY 28L have ILS CATII and 10R have ILS.
Runway 28R/10L is not to be used.

SIDs

There are no SIDs in Aarhus, hence you will always be cleared via a WP.
For flights bound for EKRK/EKCH, this will be either TESPI or TNO.

STARs

There are no STAR's in Aarhus.
Expect direct to ILS fix or Vectors.

Approach

ILS is the only approach type normally used.
You might receive "Via [FIX] Cleared ILS Runway XX" Meaning after that FIX you are cleared for the ILS approach. The FIXEs are The 4 in each picture below.
Visual Approaches can be approved for all A/C types on request to the APP controller.
Screenshot 2024-04-24 184406.pngScreenshot 2024-04-24 184351.png

Direct routings

If traffic permits you might receive directs from both EKDK_CTR and APP.
The fixes normally given are the ones listed above.

Airports & Briefings

EKRN - Rønne

Overview

Rønne, or Bornolm, Airport is the fifth largest in Denmark. Originally built in 1940 built by the local commune to ensure frequent and convenient travel between the island and Copenhagen. In 2023 202.000 passengers used the airport.

ALWAYS remember, if you are unsure or in doubt then ask. We will always do our best to help you out!

Use of stands

In Rønne, there are 3 main aprons.
Apron East is the primary passenger parking.
Apron West is for private A/C
GA parking (North) is a grass field.

IFR clearance

Initial contact is with Tower. As Bornhold is surrounded by Swedish Airspace, the clearance comes via Sweden. Therefore you can expect some delay in your clearance, and quite often you will get start-up and taxi before the clearance is obtained.

Remember to state if you require the latest MET-Report.

As there are no SIDs in Rønne your departure clearance will sound like this:

“Sweden control Clears you to Destination via [Point]/[Flightplan route], 4000’, expect level change, squawk 1234, after departure Direct [Point]”

Push-back

All stands are taxi-out. No pushback required.

Taxi


Runways


SIDs


STARs


Approach

Ronne is a procedural tower meaning they have no radar. Therefore you will never receive vectors. 

Direct routings


Airports & Briefings

Charts of EKDK Airports

EKRN charts.pdf

Charts Sonderborg Airport.pdf

EKBI Charts.pdf

EKKA Charts.pdf

EKCH Charts.pdf

EKAH Charts.pdf

EKYT Charts.pdf

General recommendations

General recommendations

When flying within Denmark, some small things can make the experience great for everyone. Here is some great advice from the controllers in Denmark:

 


Charts

All charts can be found on Chartfox or the official page for the Danish ATC provider Naviair

Scenery

Scenery for EKCH can be found at Flytampa and for all other Danish airports at Simnord

NOTAM

All active NOTAMS can be seen here at Naviair

 

Read the frequency

This may sound strange and a bit harsh, but it is essential for our controllers in busy events. If you do not read the room (or in this case frequency), you will most likely cause more stress for both controllers and your fellow pilots. Therefore make sure to:

Be prepared

We can not say this enough - we all win by doing this. It is not unusual for us to issue an instruction that is far ahead in time, such as giving direct routing to a waypoint on the approach while still on a cruise. So make sure to prepare your charts and brief yourself before departure and landing.

Pushback

If you are restricted in any sort from performing the pushback as instructed, notify the controller as soon it's practically possible
All pushback shall be executed to the release point unless otherwise had been instructed.
If unsure, please do not hesitate to ask the controller before requesting the pushback.

Taxi

Taxi clearances to the runway are often given without a specific holding point. If it's the case, taxi to the most reasonable holding point. In most cases, this will be at the end of the runways or the locations which give the shortest backtracks.

If you receive the instruction "HOLD SHORT", we expect you to stop before entering/crossing the specified taxiway.
When entering or exiting the runway we expect all aircraft to stay clear of runway entrance. By not fully vacating or not holding short of the runway entry line, you will be occupying the runway and others may not take off or in the worst case instructed to go around
Report available at any holding point if you can and want to make an intersection departure. Tower will try to accommodate that as long as the traffic situation permits

IFR Departure

When airborne and contacting approach, establish the communication by:

This is to establish both communication and verify data that what we see on the radar is your aircraft.

If traffic permits, you can expect a direct to a waypoint along your route, also beyond the end of the SID. In short domestic flights, even a direct to the IAF (Initial Approach Fix) or waypoint on the expected star is not unusual. If you have a short flight time, we recommend to pre-plan and pre-program the expected arrival and approach before departing from the departure field.

Note: Also make sure to report your altitude also when you are in contact with top/down ATC (ATC covers both the aerodrome and approach sector).

IFR Arrival

An arrival clearance will be given before the end of your routing. A STAR and expected approach will be issued. A confirmation of what approach you can expect will be issued by approach on initial contact. If your destination does not have a STAR, expect vectors or direct to the respective points on the approach.

Some do and don't on arrival:

Descend

Do not descend without clearance, a STAR clearance is not a descend clearance
If you are ready to descend but haven't received clearance, report ready for descent shortly before reaching the Top of Descent (T/D).


Directs and vectoring

Do not ask for a direct, we always try to give the best direct we can when there is room for it. If you have not been given a direct that's most likely due to traffic ahead.
Expect also directs to waypoints along the STAR or on the approach procedures. We will give it to you when there is room for it.


Speed control

If no ATC speed restriction have been given, follow speeds according to the STAR. Also remember to maintain speed 250kt IAS below FL100.


Cleared for approach?

When cleared for approach via a transition point/IAF, you are also cleared to descend according to the procedure.

Report broken or outdated content

If you find any broken or outdated links, pages, documentation and similar. Do not hesitate to report it to denmark@vatsim-scandinavia.org.

ACC Sectors in Denmark

We have many different ACC Sectors in Denmark. See below to Identify which one is for you.

Notice that an entire area is covered even if only one sector in that area is online. 

Notice that these areas are segregated and no online controller in an area will control other areas

EKDK_CTR will provide traffic service for the entire Copenhagen FIR if no other ATC areas are online

If you are in doubt please visit Vatglasses for the most accurate sectorization and top-down coverage.

 

Area-West

image.png.31dd968939da3618acafa3107302664b.png

Area Frequency Callsign Name
Area-West 135.565 EKDK_V_CTR Copenhagen Control
124.555 EKDK_L_CTR
134.680 EKDK_N_CTR
136.555 EKDK_S_CTR

Airports covered when local ATC is offline

Area Lower-East

image.png.0db4094b1c7e0f52a78ac5788f1a1089.png

Area Frequency Callsign Name
Lower East 123.730 EKDK_E_CTR Copenhagen Control
133.155 EKDK_D_CTR
121.380 EKDK_I_CTR
119.555 EKDK_B_CTR

Airports covered when local ATC is offline

Area Upper-East

image.png.6060d0ffb50b309882a58de65c1d2f7d.png

Area Frequency Callsign Name
Upper East 135.290 EKDK_A_CTR Copenhagen Control
128.215 EKDK_C_CTR

Airports covered when local ATC is offline

Bandbox

image.png.b87f8d255cc75bf42c536ca62d949f1e.png

This is a parent sector which only control when other areas are unstaffed

This does not have a native Area of Responsibility

Do's and don'ts

A small guide on what to do and not to do, always ensure that you follow the Vatsim Code of Conduct!

DO DON'T
  • Read VATSIM Pilot Basics before connecting to the network.

  • Understand that VATSIM is a hobby that should be fun for everyone. This includes other pilots and controllers – not just you!

  • Understand that you are not alone in the flight sim world when on VATSIM. If you interfere with another aircraft you might ruin the flight for another actual person, not just pixels on the screen.

  • Understand that controllers are people too.

  • Connect to VATSIM while parked at a gate or parking area.

  • Know how to communicate with text on the radio frequency and via private message.

  • Know how to fly your aircraft. ATC is not your flight instructor.

  • File an appropriate flight plan route for your flight. There are many sources online for routes, for example vRoute.

  • File an appropriate cruising level for your direction of flight. In most countries this means even levels (such as FL280, 300, 320 etc.) for westbound flights (magnetic track 180°-359°) and odd levels (FL290, 310, 330 etc.) for eastbound flights (magnetic track 360°-179°). There may be local variations to this rule so expect a small change in flight level if requested by ATC.

  • Know how to fly the route you have filed. If you file a route via certain waypoints or airways, ATC will expect you to follow this route.

  • File a flight plan with a valid aircraft type designator. This ensures your aircraft type is recognised correctly by ATC as well as other pilots. Type designators are published in ICAO DOC 8643.

  • Indicate whether you can use voice to transmit and receive, voice to receive only, or text only to communicate by including /V/, /R/ or /T/ in the Remarks section of the flight plan.

  • Choose a realistic call sign. For an airline flight this is typically the three letter ICAO airline designator followed by the flight number or another combination of a maximum of 4 numbers and letters, for example SAS123 (pronounced “Scandinavian 123”) or RYR45AB (pronounced “Ryanair 45 Alfa Bravo”). For general aviation flights, the call sign is normally the aircraft registration, for example SE-ABC or G-ABCD. Note that the hyphen (-) is not used for the call sign, so you should connect as SEABC or GABCD.

  • Have charts available for at least your expected taxi route, SID, STAR and approach. If not, advise ATC so they can give alternative instructions.

  • Check if there is ATC online for your area before you start taxiing and periodically during the flight. If you are not sure if a controller is responsible for your airport, send a private message to make sure.

  • Check the controller’s Controller Information also known as text ATIS before making contact. This message can contain important information.

  • Listen to the ATIS, if available, before making contact with ATC.

  • Report your parking position, aircraft type and latest ATIS and QNH received on first contact with ATC.

  • Make sure your transponder is operating (in “Mode C” or “Normal” depending on your pilot client) whenever you are airborne or otherwise instructed by ATC.

  • Ask ATC to clarify if you don’t understand a clearance or instruction. Depending on the situation, this is best done on the communication frequency or via private message.

  • Listen before you speak. If ATC has just spoken to another pilot, allow him to answer before you transmit.

  • Listen out on the frequency, whether using voice or text. ATC expects you to reply promptly to any instructions.

  • Reply promptly to ATC instructions. This is especially important when using voice, as the controller will wait for your reply before talking to other aircraft.

  • Read back altimeter setting instructions. This includes QNH, QFE and transition level.

  • Know the phonetic alphabet as ATC will use it to spell waypoints and callsigns.

  • Descend according to the STAR and instrument approach profile if ATC clears your for approach.

  • Set the local QNH before departure and latest when descending through the transition level. Before departure you can check that the QNH is correct by comparing your indicated altitude to the published aerodrome elevation. An incorrect pressure setting results in flying at the wrong altitude which can cause a loss of separation.

  • Expect ATC to give shortcuts when they can. This saves fuel but could also be done to solve traffic conflicts. If you are unable to accept a shortcut or revised routing you have to advise ATC.

  • Use voice if you can to communicate. Text communications add considerably to the controller’s workload and also take away from the realism of the simulation. Preferably use a headset (there are cheap ones to get!) and calibrate your microphone so that ATC can hear you.

  • Have a pen and paper ready when asking for clearance or weather information. Professional pilots always write down clearances so why shouldn’t you? It’s also almost impossible to remember a clearance if it’s complex so write the important bits down and you’ll be able to reply straight away.

  • Squawk 7000 (for VFR) or 2000 (for IFR) if no transponder code has been assigned by ATC.

  • Know the missed approach procedure. In some cases there can be early turns and level-off altitudes as low as 1500 ft, so be prepared!

  • Know how to fly a holding. Holding patterns can be found on the charts.
  • Connect to VATSIM on a runway or taxiway. You may be in the way of other traffic.

  • File a flight plan route that you are not able or don’t understand how to fly.

  • Expect ATC to “baby-sit” you. Controllers will be happy to help if you have a problem, but are not there to teach you how to use your software or fly your aircraft.

  • Read back a clearance that you don’t understand. It may sound cool on the radio, but you are just creating problems for everyone.

  • Assume you heard what ATC said. If you are not sure, ask!

  • Leave the flight deck when in controlled airspace, unless you have prior permission from the controller.

  • Send a text message if you can’t get a word in on voice on a busy frequency expecting to get a quicker service. The controller is only one person and will deal with you as quickly as possible. Overloading the controller with messages will not speed up the process.

  • Climb straight to your cruising level just because you didn’t hear any altitude in your IFR clearance. Most likely the altitude will be included as part of the SID description.

  • Climb above SID levels unless instructed by ATC.

  • Descend below STAR minimum levels unless the restrictions are specifically cancelled by ATC.

  • Blame the autopilot. If you are going the wrong way “because it’s in the FMS” you should be prepared to intervene, and of course let ATC know if you have trouble following an instruction.

  • Ask ATC to switch to text just because you don’t hear an instruction the first time. This will add considerably to the controller’s workload. In most cases it is better to ask ATC to say again and listen carefully. If you know what to expect it is also easier to hear what is being said, for example if you know the name of the expected SID.

  • Use the 2 character IATA airline code for your call sign (for example SK123 or BA456). This code is used by the airlines for ticketing etc. Flight plans and call signs always use three letter ICAO designators (for example SAS123 or BAW456).

  • Assume that ATC can always vector you. In some areas ATC does not have radar coverage and this may be simulated on VATSIM. In these areas ATC cannot see your position so expect to give position reports over the radio.

  • Assume that there is always an ILS approach. Some runways don’t have an ILS and in this case you have to fly a non-precision approach (VOR, NDB or RNAV) or a visual approach, or go somewhere else!

  • Read back weather information. This is a waste of time on the frequency. The only weather-related information that requires a readback is altimeter settings.

  • Talk if being told to “stand by”. This means the controller will get back to you shortly. If you don’t hear anything after a few minutes, it is possible the controller forgot you (remember they are people too!) so feel free to call again.

  • Push back without a clearance. Some pilots think that “start-up approved” means that they can also push back. This is not correct. (However, national and local airport regulations can be different).

  • Request to shut down engines. Some pilots do this on VATSIM, but think about it, why would you need permission to shut down your engines?

  • Ask for something if you are not ready. For example, if you ask for push-back, be ready for push-back. If you are not ready you are blocking the taxiway unnecessarily.

  • Land without a clearance. If you think you have been forgotten by ATC, give a polite reminder, such as “Air France 123 on short final”. If you are unable to get a landing clearance before you reach the runway threshold you must perform a missed approach.

  • File a route straight from the flight planner in MSFS. These routes are often going the wrong way on unidirectional ATS routes, which is like driving the wrong way down the motorway. You wouldn’t do that, would you? Instead, double-check if the route is reasonable by checking with vRoute or another flight plan source, or you can even check what routes other pilots have filed.