BVA's Getting Started Guide: Introduction
Welcome to Boston Virtual ARTCC's Getting Started Guide. This document will walk you through everything you need to know and do to get connected and start flying.
If you are a member, we recommend moving through each step of this guide as you connect to the server, even if you already have experience connecting to VATSIM.
The initial steps to get set up to connect will take approximately 1 hour to complete. After this first setup, it will take less than 1 minute to connect to the network. While there are faster and simpler ways to configure your simulator, this configuration represents the best possible end experience.
For FSX, FSX:SE, and P3D, the guide includes the following sections:
BVA highly recommends all users follow Sections 1-3 of this guide because those sections provide practical information that you will need to get connected and start flying. The remaining two sections provide useful information about the community and getting help but are not as practical for new users. While you can try to install downloads and connect to the server based on the information in the New Pilot Center, or from your own knowledge, following this guide will give you all the information you need to know to get setup correctly the first time.
There are many ways to connect to VATSIM. In the interest of simplicity for new users, we have recommended one potential option. There is no requirement to follow the steps we have suggested.