VATSIM stands for Virtual Air Traffic Simulation and the hobby of the members is to simulate real air traffic with all its fascinating aspects and to do this "as real as it gets".

Not just pilots but also air traffic controllers (ATC) who are responsible for smooth operations and safety inside their airspace belong to VATSIM. To reach a high level of proficiency our air traffic controllers are coached by experienced mentors who sometimes also have an aviation-related profession.

Thanks to the flying in an online network it is possible to meet pilots and controllers from all over the world, to communicate with new people and fly together with them. All this takes flight simulation to a whole new level you have never experienced before.

Formed in 2001 VATSIM is a worldwide network which has already more than 60'000 members. Due to the membership of real pilots and air traffic controllers a lot of know how flows into VATSIM. This makes it more realistic and produces more enthusiasm and fun for the simulator-pilots.

On VATSIM you can make a sightseeing flight with a helicopter, perform a formation flight over the Swiss alps with the F/A-18 Hornet or cross the Atlantic with the Queen of Skies. Here you will experience breathtaking moments and share them with friends from all over the world! We are an international network that offers you the possibility to fly to all the places on earth and meet new people from foreign regions.

To be part of this you need a flightsimulator (Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane) and a client program (Squawkbox or FSInn) that connects your home PC with the world wide online-network. The client program and membership are of course free of charge. The flight simulator and other add-ons (e.g. weather, airport, aircraft etc.) must be purchased.

You do not have to be a pilot or computer expert but good knowledge of the computer, flight simulator and aircraft you are using is very useful and makes your flight well-oiled.