A few weeks prior to writing this two-part flight sim series, the work I had completed with my FlightSimCoach.com instructor was beginning to pay off. With a few instrument lessons under my belt, I felt confident to try a relatively straightforward flight under instrument conditions in the simulator using the VATSIM live air traffic control service. I conducted this flight with “real” ATC, staffed by human volunteers who are welcoming to rookies but expect that you’ve adequately prepared.
Using the ForeFlight Route Advisor, I found a route from Boston (KBOS) to Portland, Maine (KPWM), that seemed like a good match for my current instrument experience. Having recently reviewed how to call for a clearance, I filed my first IFR flight plan, received my clearance from the VATSIM controller, and soon I was following the Logan Four departure out of the Class Bravo and on my way.
