Hello everyone,
my experience was flying for years offline until one day I discovered the VA Universe and soon after that the online networks.
I too was intimidated and really worried terribly about messing things up and making some very fundamental and 'ridiculous' mistakes.
However, I took the cautious approach, listening first to other people, reading our Online Flying Manual and slowly starting with VFR flights first and then IFR ones.
At first, even though I had a mic I didn't use it. Preferring the safety of text.
That was until I was offered some training. Trust me, everybody knows and welcomes a new pilot and people on the whole are very understanding.
Yes, some hard-headed people do like to stick to those 'as real as it gets' rules spoiling one's fun. But they are few and far between.
At first I was very slow to respond, taking me ages to think the phraseo sequences in my head etc. But within say 10hrs, that was it. I was fluent as ever. It really is easy and simple and remember that controllers are there to assist and help you out. Not to boss anyone about.
Of course, don't expect to turn up for your first flight in the middle of a mega event and ask the controller to be understanding and helpful. It just won't happen when he's also stressed to bits with another 20 planes about.
But visit ANY controlled area under normal circumstances (3-4 other planes) and you can expect people to help you out and accommodate you all the way.
Also, a small remark that you're a new pilot stands you out and you get extra polite treatment and loads of extra patience.
For me, once I went online I never flew offline again!
And remember for those of you that feel intimidated I can assure you it is unfounded. And our training nights will prove this for everyone.
In fact the most difficult bit is getting a correct flight plan together and not the phraseo or anything else.
So my suggestion is lose your fears, choose ANY network and take the plunge!
You'll never look back from then
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