IVAO Oceanic Region - Getting Started

Get started in 5 minutes

1 Create an IVAO account

If you haven't done so already, you should now create an IVAO account. Make sure you read and understand all the instructions when signing up. Ensure that you select "XO-Oceanic Region Multi Country Division" as your division. It is also adviseable to add yourself to the division mailing list, so that you receive constant updates about the division from the staff. You can create your IVAO account here.

2 Download & install the software

To fly or control online, you'll need to install the following software:

Pilots
Controllers

Pilot Software

IvAp is the Virtual Pilot Client. This is the software that connects your flight simulator to the network. Users of FSX can download the FSX version, and X-Plane users can download X-IvAp.

IvAe is discontinnued, we now use The WebEye which is loaded in your interest browser. It gives an overview of the live network without having to connect. You can obtain information about flights in progress, ATC positions online, METAR's, events, scheduling, network statistics and much more.

Controller Software

IvAc is the Virtual ATC Client. This is your "radar" and will enable you to provide Air Traffic control services to pilots. Make sure you download the latest sector file(s) from the resources section. These will draw the map onto the radar screen.

Pilot Preparation

To fly, you don't need to be an aviation expert. However, it is important that:

You are already familiar with your flight simulator software (e.g.FS2004, FSX, X-Plane, Prepar3d etc.)
You are comfortable flying with the aircraft you want to use on IVAO.
You have a basic understanding of Air Traffic Control and have read the IvAp manual. This will prepare you for your first theory exam.
You have started to have a look at the various articles within the "Pilots" section of the website.

If you have any doubts about any of these points, it would be best to ask for advice before attempting to fly. The [ICAO] division has a reputation for its excellent training department, so make the most of it.

Controller Preparation

To control, you don't need to be an aviation expert. However, it is important that:

You have attempted to familiarise yourself with IvAc, the ATC client.
You have read the manual supplied with IvAc. This will prepare you for your first theory exam.
You have started to have a look at the various articles within the "Controllers" section of the website.

If you have any doubts about any of these points, it would be best to ask for advice before attempting to control. The UK division has a reputation for its excellent training department, so make the most of it.

4 Guidelines

Ensure that you have read and understood the Pilot Guidelines and or the Controller Guidelines before operating in the Oceanic Region.
We also recommend that you familularise yourself with the IVAO's Rules and Regulations which can be found here.

5 Connect

Here are some tips you may find useful when it is time to make your first connection to the network:

Use an aircraft which you know well and are comfortable with.
Position your aircraft on the apron of a parking position away from the runway. Do not connect to the network parked on the runway, for obvious reasons.
Ensure that the Unicom Frequency in your Comms 1 radio is set to 122.800.
Indicate in your flight plan comments that this is your first connection. If the air traffic controllers aren't too busy, they will be more than happy to help you.
Whilst still learning the ropes, Indicate in your flight plan comments that you are a new member. This will show others that you may not be up to their level of knowledge.

If your controlling for the fisrt time, we highly recommend you connect as an Observer and observe the other controllers and Network Traffic before making an active position.
To do this, Log on as [ICAO]_**_OBS with ** being our initials. (Example YSSY_AJ_OBS).

Pilot Training

For our new pilots, we always run a 'first connection' lesson, where we help you log on for the first time. You'll fly circuits under expert instruction, all in a buzzing multiplayer environment. This is a great introduction to IVAO, and you're sure to be hooked on flying!

Experienced pilots looking for a challenge are sure to be rewarded also - we cover tough topics like NDB approaches, engine failure procedures, use of Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS), and more...

For more information or to book a training session, check our training department.

The IVAO community is friendly, informative and laid back. Dont worry about making a fool of yourself - You won't. Everyone had to start somewhere. Be sure to sign up to our forum and launch yourself into the world that is IVAO.

See you online!

Getting Started On IVAO