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Get started in 5 easy steps !

1- Are you ready?

Don't be afraid. We receive comments from new members who say that their first impression of IVAO is that it's too realistic and very hard to get in. Our goal with this page is to make the first connection a little bit easier and to help any new member to start on the network.

In order to start flying or controlling on the IVAO network, you don't need to be an expert. The network welcomes everyone who enjoys aviation. What's important though is:

• for the new pilots:
  • you should be familiar with your flight simulator (Microsoft Flight Simulator or any other);
  • you should also be familiar with the aircraft you intend to fly;
  • you should have at least a very basic knowledge of aviation, which means you should be able to fly your aircraft properly and also be able to respond to air traffic controllers and follow their instructions. We suggest that you go practice offline with the flight simulator ATC and that you take the flying lessons available in the simulator. We also recommend that you go through our website to learn more and get an impression of what IVAO is about.
• for the new controllers:
  • If you have a flight simulator, we recommend that you have some knowledge about flying airplanes and responding to air traffic control;
  • Go through the website to get an impression of what IVAO is about;
  • Make sure you are familiar with our procedures by reading online documentation;
  • A very good practice before connecting as active controller is to watch and learn from other controllers. You can connect as an observer (XXXX_OBS) and go on the TeamSpeak channel of the ATC.

These are the basic requirements that you need to fill before getting online. If you don't feel comfortable with one of these points, it would be better to get yourself up to date. If you are unsure if you are ready, you can always contact our staff to ask your questions.

2- Be familiar with IVAO rules and regulations

They can be found here.

You always have to respect and follow those guidelines when playing online.

3- Create an IVAO account

You have to create your IVAO account on IVAO Headquarters’ website.

After your registration has been completed successfully, you will receive by email a personal identification number (VID) and a password. Check the mailbox of the address which you used for the registration.  You need this VID and password now to download the IVAO software tools necessary to connect to the IVAO Network. Later you need them for connecting to the Network.

The email you received looks like:
Here is your Member VID, IVAN Password and Website Password you requested:
Use VID and IVAN Password to connect with IvAc, IvAp, etc.
Use VID and Website Password when requested in IVAO Website.
Member VID : 654321
IVAN Password : bLabLabLa
Website Password : BlaBlaBlaBla

Note that there are two different passwords.
The first (IVAN) is to connect to the IVAO Network with the special IVAO software programs (IvAp or IvAc). The flying and controlling part.
The second (website) is for connecting to the IVAO websites where entry is only possible for registered users.

4- Install IVAO software

IVAO is a network for virtual on-line flying and air traffic controlling. For on-line flying you need flight simulator software, like Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane. On-line controlling uses a radar simulation program, especially developed by IVAO itself for this purpose. With the help of a small IVAO software tool you can connect your flight simulator software to the IVAO Network (IvAn).  You are free to choose yourself what your role will be at that time, either a virtual pilot or a virtual controller, or maybe an observer to get more used to how things are been done.  As a result of this choice next you decide with what software tool you shall connect:

• the pilot one (IvAp), or
• the controller and observer one (IvAc).

In addition to flight simulators if you intend to fly, you have to download the following software to fly or control online:

• IvAp (for PILOTS) is the software that creates a link between your flight simulator and IVAO. X-Plane users need X-IvAp.
• IvAc (for CONTROLLERS) is the software that creates a link between your radar screen and IVAO.
• Teamspeak (for PILOTS and CONTROLLERS) is the software that permits to use voice communications. Not mandatory as you can use text to communicate but makes the experience much more realistic.
• IvAe is a optional software which permits to see all ATC and pilots online on IVAO. Very useful and recommended.

These softwares can be found here.

Don't forget to read all the software’s manuals before using them.

Notice that included in the pilot client, there is a so-called MTL (Multiplayer Traffic Library). You do need at least part of that library, since it helps to add to your realism experience. 
This MTL makes it possible for you to see other traffic around you as they are. That is, a B747 will show as a B747. So, during installation, give this MTL install a chance, as convenient.

Even if you want to only fly as a pilot, it is wise to install IvAc, the controller's software. Use it especially in the beginning to watch (and listen!) to what is happening on the Network at those times you are not flying yourself. It is very helpful to observe and learn more and it is a good additional means to eventually contact people on-line to ask for help. Like the pilot client, it contains chat possibilities.

After you have downloaded what you want for now, install it on your computer and .... have a look at the great manuals that are included in your downloads and that now are installed on your computer. It is a must to read those manuals ....... yes we know, you hate that reading of those manuals ... but then, you do miss a lot of valuable information. Or, you will learn in the hard way :)

By the way, IVAO Canada has great forums (http://ca.forum.ivao.aero/) in case you have any questions.

5- Your first connection

Read the IvAp or IvAc manual carefully to know how to get online properly. It is very simple to get online if you follow the manual instructions, but we would like to give you some tips:

• for the pilots:
  • The first few times use an aircraft that you know well, and fly from a quiet airport;
  • Before logging on make absolutely sure your aircraft is in a parking area of a quiet airport. Otherwise you will cause serious problems for the other aircraft on that airfield;
  • In your flight plan put a note that you are a beginner. Controllers will be happy to help you if they are not busy;
  • For pilots it is highly recommended to start flying off-line with a small airplane, single engine, so as to understand the basics of flying. That is, how the aircraft gets into the air and how you could keep it there, while it listens to your commands as you move the yoke and throttles;
  • A good help could be the manual made by the BE division at http://www.ivao.be/training.php?page=pilotmanual
• for the controllers:
  • Read the online documentation first, do some observing, and then request training before starting to control;
  • Start as an observer (connect as XXXX_OBS). Log-in in on Teamspeak and IvAc and watch your favourite airfield to see and learn what and how things are happening there.

Now you are set to make your first connect. As we indicated before, if you have ANY questions, feel free to send an email to our staff. It will be our pleasure to help you in any step. It is normal that you might feel a little bit afraid or unconfortable but be sure we are to help and do not get discouraged.

IVAO Canada is leaded by staff members who are dedicated to the canadian members. To see who we are, go on the home page of ivao.ca, then click "Staff" in the left menu. If you want to contact us for any reason, click the "Contact Us" option at the top of the page. We want to encourage everyone to fly and control more often in order to increase air traffic and ATC coverage over the country. It's only with you, members, that we can achieve this goal.

If you want to learn more about first connections on the network for controllers and pilots, please go and read the following pages from IVAO Academy:

Connecting instructions: http://academy.ivao.aero/node/3

Guidelines for pilots: http://academy.ivao.aero/node/5

Guidelines for controllers: http://academy.ivao.aero/node/4

 

And if you have some free time, you can start reading "The bare basics".

Other links:
First steps for controllers: http://ivao.aero/training/knowledge/first_steps_atc.asp
First steps for pilots: http://ivao.aero/training/knowledge/first_steps_pilot.asp

From the IVAO HQ and IVAO Canada staff, we wish you good luck and .... enjoy!

Some of the above information was taken from IVAO Academy.

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