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Taking part in Group Flights

MyAir Virtual operates regular group flights, advertised both through the newsletter, and on the Discord server. To take part in those group flights, it's really helpful if you know how to operate the aircraft you're using, and have some idea about radio telephony request/response patterns. You're welcome to sit in on flights to learn the ropes, or dive in straight away if you're brave enough.

Here is a list of some things to review that really help (scroll down to read more about each subject):

• Know your aircraft (so you can operate your aircraft in a timely manner when issued instruction)

• Know (a little about) how to communicate via radio (so you can talk to air traffic services using expected patterns)

• Find out when group flights are planned (so you know where and when to arrive in the virtual world)

• Join the Discord server (for voice communications)

• Install and configure Transmitter (to report your aircraft position to air traffic services)

• Configure Flight Simulator for Multi-Player (if you want to see other aircraft)

• (optionally) Join the Airline (to record your flights for prosperity)

Know your aircraft

The most helpful thing you can do before taking part in a MyAir group flight is to know your aircraft. Flights will always start cold-and-dark at a gate or parking spot, so you'll need to know how to start, configure and operate your aircraft to a basic standard before an event starts. We have no problem with pilots using the short-cut methods available in many aircraft to help.

The basic areas to become proficient with are:

• Powering your aircraft up from cold and dark, and configuring a flight plan (feel free to use short-cuts if you're still learning)

• Ability to fly the aircraft manually if required (always your fallback when things go wrong)

Stretch goal:

• Operation of autopilot to control heading, altitude, climb, descent, and airspeed, with the ability to respond to instruction as needed (for example, if a controller requests you fly a specific heading away from your flight plan to aid in separation).

Know (a little about) how to communicate via radio

Communicating with air traffic services follows some simple and straightforward patterns that you will be encouraged to learn and use.

Examples:

• When requesting something of air traffic services, always lead with the service name, followed by your callsign.
  Example:
  Pilot: "Stansted Ground, MyAir 123 requesting pushback and engine start"
  Ground: "MyAir 123 cleared for pushback and engine start, facing northwest. Call when ready for taxi."

• When responding to a request from air traffic services, always read back the instruction, then finish with your callsign
  Example:
  Tower: "MyAir 123 cleared for take-off runway 22 then following the BKY5R departure. Climb and maintain 4,000ft"
  Pilot: "Cleared for take-off runway 22 then following the BKY5R departure. Climb and maintain 4,000ft. MyAir 123"

Alongside trying to use appropriate radio language, there are two "musts" for taking part in a controlled flight:

• Always use "push to talk" (see the Discord page for how to configure it)

• Try not to talk over other pilots unless declaring an emergency

While learning, a useful practice on a group flight is to not be first - then you get to listen to other participants communications before your turn, and can learn from and copy them.

Mistakes will happen - don't worry about them - everybody makes them. Remember it's supposed to be fun.

Find out when flights are planned

You can find out about upcoming group flights in two places:

• The Discord Server has an events area, where future group flights are listed.

• The regularly updated Newsletter can either be checked online, or you can subscribe via email for free.

Join the Discord Server

Discord is an application that allows you to talk in real time with other members of the community while taking part in group flights. This ability allows us to simulate air traffic services - with community members volunteering to "staff the tower" during events. To use Discord you'll need to:

• Install the Discord client softare

• Join the MyAir Virtual Discord Server

• Configure Discord to use "Push to Talk" (so the group only hear you when you intend them to)

You can find out how to do all of the above in the Discord Server page.

Install and configure Transmitter

Transmitter is a small Windows-only application (sorry XBox users!) that reports the live position of your aircraft to an online service, which can then be used by air traffic services to simulate radar - monitoring the position of all aircraft in a group flight. To use Transmitter you'll need to:

• Install the Transmitter client software

• Find out the current "pin" number, and configure it

• Optionally configure LittleNavMap so you can see other aircraft positions too

You can find out how to do all of the above in the Transmitter page.

Configure Flight Simulator for Multi-Player

In order to see each other in Flight Simulator, there are three basic areas to address (regardless of which version of Flight Simulator you are using):

1. Make sure that multi-player data is enabled

2. Make sure you are using the same multi-player server as the rest of the group (MyAir typically uses SOUTH EAST ASIA)

3. Make sure your Flight Conditions stipulate ALL PLAYERS - not "LIVE"

If you ensure the above points are covered, you should be able to see each other within the simulator.

(optionally) Join the Airline

If you would like to record your flights for posterity, and score your performance en-route, MyAir Virtual operates a virtual airline, employing ACARS software to track the aircraft condition and your performance during the flight. To become a member of the airline and use ACARS you'll need to:

• Apply for an airline account

• Install and configure the ACARS client

• Use the ACARS client during flights

You can find out how to do all of the above in the Virtual Airline page.

If you get stuck...

If you can't figure out how to setup Transmitter, Multiplayer, or ACARS, jump onto Discord and post your problem in the #support channel.