Welcome to the Dutch VACC! As a new virtual pilot, you’ll quickly notice there’s a lot of information coming your way. We’ve got you covered! This webpage is here to help you navigate the essentials of VATSIM and enjoy your first flights with confidence.

What is VATSIM, and why is it awesome?

The Dutch VACC (Virtual Area Control Center) is part of VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network), a worldwide online flying community. VATSIM adds a whole new layer of realism to your simulator by connecting pilots and air traffic controllers in real-time.

Here’s what makes VATSIM special:

• Real communication: Pilots and controllers communicate over voice (and text when needed). You’ll need a headset or microphone
• Real procedures: Flights follow authentic airways, SIDs, STARs, and ATC procedures.
• Real people: Instead of AI controllers, you’re talking to real humans (with varying accents)
• Real fun: Flying with and around other live pilots makes every flight unique

And the best part? It’s free! All you need is a headset, internet connection, and your simulator.

VATSIM is divided into regional divisions. The Dutch VACC is part of VATEUD (Europe Division), and each country has its own VACC community.

1. Register on VATSIM

Make sure to select ‘Europe (except UK)’ as your region. You’ll receive your VATSIM ID and password by email.

Read the VATSIM Code of Confuct. It’s not just legal stuff, it helps you avoid rookie mistakes and helps to understand what you MUST be able to do with your airplane before connecting to the network. Section B is especially important to read!

2. Register at Dutch VACC

And get access to our community on Discord.

3. Install a pilot client

To connect to VATSIM, you’ll need a pilot client. This program sends your position data and flight plan to air traffic control, allowing them, and other pilots, to see you. Of course, you’ll also be able to see the other traffic.

You can read here which client you need. It depends on your simulator.

In addition to having a pilot client, it’s important to be able to visually identify other traffic. To make this possible, there are various traffic packs available that include models for most airlines and aircraft types. Since these packs are frequently updated and can change over time, we recommend doing a quick search online (“VATSIM model matching”) and watching tutorials on how to install them. Some of the more detailed packages may require a specific installation process.

4. Planning where and when to fly

So, you’re ready to fly, but where to? VATSIM Radar is a website that lets you see exactly which controllers and pilots are online. It’s very handy when deciding where to fly! It will show you ATC bookings for the upcoming 24 hours, and so much more!

Another option is VATSPY, which is a desktop app. It is a bit old, but very easy to use.

On the Dutch VACC homepage, you can also see which ATC positions are currently online in the Netherlands, or which ones are booked for tonight and tomorrow. Very useful information when planning your flight!

5. Read and fly the Dutch VACC intro flight

We’ve created a step-by-step tutorial flight from Rotterdam (EHRD) to Eelde (EHGG) tailored for beginners.

It teaches you, among other things:

• How to file a flight plan
• What to say on the radio
• What to expect from ATC and vice versa

6. Gain experience

Once you’ve done a few flights, you’ll notice your simulator feels alive in a way you’ve never experienced before. The more you fly, the more fun (and realistic) it gets. Flying online is one of the most immersive experiences in flight simulation. It’s interactive, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.

Bonus tips:

• Listen before you talk: You can log on at a gate and just listen to ATC to get used to the phraseology.
• Install the latest AIRAC cycle to keep your FMC routes up to date.
• Check out the VATSIM Pilot Resource Center.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions in the Dutch VACC Discord or forums, we all started somewhere!