First Steps (Air Traffic Controller)
This tutorial will show you the steps required to join IVAO as a virtual Air Traffic Controller (ATC). It is meant to give you a short overview about the tools used, and some very basic instructions how to “behave” in this new environment.
If you have not yet done so, you will need to join IVAO to create your personal user account.
Note that this is required only once, and valid for both ATC and pilot career!
More specifically, we will show you how to…
The first thing you need to do is download our ATC client, IvAc, which will allow you to connect to the network. This can be downloaded from the Software Development Pages, where you should select the menu entries IVAO ATC client → Downloads.
Once you have downloaded the program, you should run the executable file and install the program.
A manual has been installed, too. Make sure you read it during you first online hours to acquaint yourself with operation of the software.
We use the TeamSpeak 2 program for voice communication. Text communication is permitted but voice is preferred. Teamspeak is included in the IvAc download package, and will be installed automatically during the installation of IvAc.
Important: IVAO is only compatible with TeamSpeak Version 2! Should you have TeamSepak 3 installed already, install our version, too.
Once you have installed and have run Teamspeak, there are some settings you must change. Open Settings → Sound Input/Output Settings.
You should select the “Push to talk” method and select a key by pressing “Set”. Here you can see that Mouse btn 2 (mouse scroll wheel) has been selected as the push to talk key. Now, every time you want to transmit to a pilot on the frequency, you must first press the push to talk key, speak and then let go of the push to talk key. Avoid using the “Voice Activation” method as this opens your microphone whenever noise is picked up so background noise and even you breathing, may set it off. You could then be transmitting over the channel without realising it.
A sector file is the “map” displayed on your radar screen. It contains data layers with information about airport location and layout, navigational data like navigational aids, navigation fixes and airways as well as airspace boundaries. Depending on the detail provided, it also shows geographical information like runway/taiway layout at an airport or coastlines, rivers and roads.
To work at an ATC position, it is essential for you to obtain such a sector file. Most of the time, your local division will have prepared one already and offer it for download on their web site. As a backup, you may also check the IVAO Database section. Follow the menu Aeronautical Data → Sectorfile Creator.
We will now connect you as an Observer at your favourite airport. As an Observer, you are free to watch the traffic fly around and you may listen to active ATC. You have no duties, that means you are not in charge of any traffic yet.
Load IvAc and open the desired sector file, as described in the step above.
An important consideration before connecting to the network for the first time: Your first connections should be as an Observer, without actual ATC duties. This will help you to make yourself familiar with the software and IVAO while avoiding trouble with pilots who will contact you for a clearance sooner or later. Use the chance to listen in on active ATC frequencies and learn!
Now, press the “CONNECT” button.
Enter the details in the connection window:
Once all of the above details are entered, press the “Connect” button.
When you have successfully connected, you will receive a welcome message in the MSG tab of IvAc's COMMBox, and the “CONNECT” button will now read “DISCON”.
Your first connection as an Air Traffic Controller on the IVAO network requires a basic understanding of the procedures employed at the place you will control. Check you division's website for those procedures and charts for the aerodrome.
Some important things to consider before connecting to the network:
Once you have prepared those items, you can attempt a connection. Use the steps as provided in the chapter “First Connection”, with these changes:
As all fields are completed, press the “Connect” button.
Two final, but important steps:
As an ATIS transmits important status information about an airfield, it is important to set it up properly. The weather data is included automatically. You should add runway information and transition altitude/transition level.
Important: Even though runways are mainly assigned by wind direction, and the transition values can be obtained from charts, actual procedures might differ. You should therefore seek information from your local division about standard procedures beforehand!
Work in progress for this part. Sorry!
You may find our IVAO Forum (opens in a new window for better readability) incredibly helpful. A local division forum is also available, select it from the drop-down menu at the top. You can use it to ask any questions or post about any problems you are having. There are lots of people willing and able to help you make the most out of your online flying experience.
If you would like to extend your understanding with regards to virtual ATC, you may find it beneficial to request a training session from your local division's training department. This can be done via the training section of your division website, which is linked to http://xx.ivao.aero/ (replace “xx” with the two-letter code of your division). If you are unsure about the correct code, visit your personal profile page – it is listed there.
Have fun! This is an incredibly addictive hobby. As soon as you start doing ATC online, you will never go back to offline ATC simulations and will wonder why you didn't do it sooner!
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