Thank you for your interest in pursuing further pilot training on the VATSIM Network. Let’s get started!

Pilot Training is provided by one of VATSIM’s many Authorized Training Organizations (ATOs) worldwide. ATOs act as flight schools providing classroom and/or one-on-one instruction with VATSIM members. This training is completely free and can be done at your own pace. All pilot ratings are closely based off their real-life counterpart ratings earned by real pilots in real aircraft!

A list of all the current ATO’s and pilot ratings offered by each ATO is available below.

Note regarding Virtual Airline and Special Operations ATOs

Some ATOs are available for public enrollment and some cater only to a specific their own roster pilots . VATSIM Members are welcome to join a closed ATO though if they wish to enroll in that organization’s training program. Please refer to each organization’s policies and procedures for any addition requirements.

Like real-world pilot training, pilot rating training consist of ground school based learning of knowledge and practical hands on instruction inside of an airplane. At the end of your course you will be given a written and a practical examination by the ATO in which you have completed your training.

Examinations are based on criteria in each pilot rating’s Membership Certification Standards (MCS). The MCS ensurs each member is taught and tested on the same items to the same standards anywhere in the world. Consider each practical test and examination as an open book test as there should be no surprises as to what is included written and practical examinations since all tested items are already included in each rating’s MCS.

Upon successfully passing both your written and practical examination you will be granted your new VATSIM pilot rating. Ratings are designed to be challenging for all members so it is important to stay patient and driven in order to complete each rating.