Welcome to the Speedbird Centre of Excellence for Online Flying Training. Within this Training Centre you will find every thing necessary to help you make your first online flight. You will find all the software you need, plus fully illustrated guides to online flying with FS2002 and FS2004 (FS9 COF). Each airframe has its own hangar and within each hangar is an abundance of information which will help you get the maximum enjoyment from your flight simulation. The hangar content is frequently added to, or updated, by the Training Captains; so check back frequently. Our Training Centre is fully staffed by a number of Training Captains, all of whom have been selected for their knowledge and skill in online operations. If you need help then contact the relevant Training Captain. Our Captains have different responsibilities so please select the correct one for your needs. There is a Training Forum and you can post questions here for the Training Captains to answer. This way other pilots get to benefit from their advice.

NEW PILOTS

If you are new to online flying then it will pay dividends to first read the very useful guides available in the Training Centre before you try doing anything else. These guides have been written in such a way as to enable even the least technically-minded amongst us to get online with the minimum of fuss.

You will require either Squawkbox or FSInn. These are the interface programs to fly on the network, and both are available from the Software section. If you decide to opt for FSInn, then, for the time being at least, you will also require Advanced Voice Client (AVC) to conduct voice operations with VATSIM. This is optional but highly recommended. AVC is built into SB3.

If you are new to online flying and would like some help in configuring Squawkbox and the Advanced Voice Client then contact the Training Captain of our Flight School. You can also enrol in an introductory course which will see you safely into your first online flight. Visit our Flight School page.

Self-help is available and several very useful documents can be found in our Guides section.

For full use of this site you will also need Acrobat Reader

MORE EXPERIENCED PILOTS

This Training Centre is not just for new pilots to online flying. If you are an experienced pilot but need conversion training for a different airframe then contact the relevant Training Captain. Even old hands can learn, or remember forgotten tips, by taking part in a training session. They can be arranged for all abilities.

All flying, but in particular, online flying, is so much more enjoyable if you are confident in your ability to properly fly your chosen aircraft. As in the real world, flying online is not always smooth and you may not always route the way you expect. Coping with ATC vectors needs confidence and the ability to do the work normally carried out by a two man crew. It's not easy, but it is a great deal easier if you are well prepared.

Please do not contact Training Captains in respect of queries relating to schedules, PIREPS, the ICC system or general BAV enquiries which should initially go to pilotservices@bavirtual.co.uk

TRAINING SESSIONS