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Frequently Asked Questions About the FlightAdventures Virtual Pilot Center™ (VPC) Adventures            Downloads             Links Updated 10-08-06 Back to FAQ Index The FlightAdventures Virtual Pilot Center (VPC) is a first of its kind, and we believe it is the best. Because what the VPC represents is new, there are bound to be many questions about what the VPC is, what we do here, and how to use it. The following are some of the most common questions regarding the VPC and the operation of VPC features. For your convenience, they have been broken down in sections that correspond to each respective VPC feature. If your question is not answered here, please visit the VPC Tech Forum. About the VPC What is the VPC™? Can anyone join the VPC? How to I join the VPC as a Guest or VPC Crew Member? Who runs the VPC? What do the VPC member icons signify? How can I get a member icon? I have a real pilot certificate, but don't have a current medical, can I still receive a VPC wings icon? I forgot my password/my password doesn't work. Now what? I signed up for an account, but never received my password. Why? How can I troubleshoot Java problems with Internet Explorer? Back to the top of the page ACARS What is FlightAdventures ACARS? I've read/heard about security problems with using ICQ, etc. Does ACARS have such problems? Sometimes I see [away], [chat], [Terminal], [in flight], and [OLR] next to the online users list. What do they mean? Back to the top of the page Adventure Logs What are Adventure Logs? How do I submit some of my adventures for consideration? Back to the top of the page Aircraft Sales Can I really buy a real aircraft here? Why should I buy an aircraft from a FlightAdventures VPC Partner? Back to the top of the page Chat What is a Chat? What is a Passenger? When can I Chat with other VPC members? What are the Terms of Use for the Chat? When I access a Chat room, why does an ActiveX warning pop up? I've added *.flightadventures.com to my Trusted Sites list and I still get an ActiveX warning. Now what? I refuse to enable ActiveX, can I still access the Chat rooms? What is flooding and why have I been disconnected from the Chat server? Can I change the font used in VPC Chat? Can I save a transcript of a chat session? What does the Chat Reset button do? Back to the top of the page FAQ What is a FAQ? How often are the FAQ's updated? Back to the top of the page File Download What is the File Download Area? Are the downloadable files free? How do I suggest files to be included in the Files Download area? When I try to download a file, why do I get error message? You are trying to download a file on the FlightAdventures Virtual Pilot Center-Server from another site. We do not want other sites to steal our bandwidth, so if you want to help us please send an email to filemaster@flightadventures.com and tell us the URL of the site you came from. Thanks! Back to the top of the page FlightAdventures Magazine What is the FlightAdventures Magazine? How can I contribute articles to FlightAdventures Magazine? Back to the top of the page Flight Plan Downloads What are Flight Plan Downloads? Can I use these for real navigation? How can I submit my favorite flight plans to the VPC? Back to the top of the page Flight Terminal What is the Flight Terminal? Do I have to agree to the Disclaimer and Terms of Use in order to enter or use the Flight Terminal? How do I create a Flight or join an existing Flight? I clicked the FlyNow! button but nothing happened, why? How do I change my browser's security level setting? I've added FlightAdventures to my Trusted Sites list and now see a Security Warning box. What should I do? I added FlightAdventures.com to my Trusted sites list and still nothing happens, why? I use a firewall and/or router with my Internet connection and my sim launches, but seems to hang or doesn't enter multiplayer mode, what's wrong? I'm running Windows XP with SP2 installed and the VPC Launcher doesn't load. What can I do? How do I change the Flight Information and ATIS for a flight? How do I become a host? I entered a Flight and was asked to login, which I did, but nothing happened. Why? Fly Now! loads and my sim launches, but I can't connect to anyone else. Why? Back to the top of the page Message Board What is a Message Board? What are the Terms of Service for the Message Boards? How do I join the Message Board? Why doesn't the VPC accept my username and password? How do I do X on the Message Board? What do the icons next to some of the member names mean and how do I get one? What is the VPC OLR (OffLine Reader)? When I try to post a message I receive a "Posting Error" message. What does this mean? How do I upload a file? Back to the top of the page NOTAMs What are NOTAMs? What do the extra numbers in the Zulu time listing represent? Can I stop the NOTAMs window from appearing every time I log on to the VPC? Back to the top of the page Pilot Service Links What are Pilot Service Links? Back to the top of the page Pilot Shop What is the FlightAdventures Pilot Shop? Why should I buy anything from the VPC Pilot Shop? If I buy from an Affiliate, am I dealing with FlightAdventures directly? Back to the top of the page UTC Clock What is the UTC Clock? Why does the UTC Clock look funny? Why is my UTC Clock inaccurate? Back to the top of the page Video Library Why doesn't my QuickTime video stream? How can I increase the size of the video? How can I make the video stream smoothly? Back to the top of the page VoiceCOM What is VoiceCOM? How do I use VoiceCOM? Why doesn't VoiceCOM launch RogerWilco? How can I improve the sound quality of VoiceCOM? What ports does RogerWilco require to be open? Back to the top of the page WAP What is WAP? Why can't I access the WAP pages from my PC? How do I access the VPC WAP site? Back to the top of the page Weather How accurate are these weather maps? Are these weather maps current? Back to the top of the page Web Mail Why doesn't VPC Web Mail accept my Username and Password? Back to the top of the page About the VPC Answers Q: What is the VPC™? A: The VPC stands for "Virtual Pilot Center™." The FlightAdventures Virtual Pilot Center™ is a gathering place for real and virtual pilots interested in aviation, and a portal to all things related to General Aviation and Flight Simulation. Back to the top of the page Q: Can anyone join the VPC? A: There are two levels of VPC membership: Guest, and Crew. Although we don't require that you become a VPC Member to use the VPC's facilities, please consider that funds generated by Guest and Crew-level membership dues are what keep the VPC's virtual doors open. The VPC operates like a museum in the way that we are completely member-supported by donations. All levels of VPC membership are conditionally granted--they are not guaranteed in any way, shape or form. If you violate the VPC Terms of Service, you will unconditionally forfeit your Membership. No refunds will be made as per your agreement (if applicable) and there are no exceptions. The VPC is meant to be a fun place for pilots to meet and interact with each other. If you make a conscious effort not to spoil it for anyone, you'll likely never have to worry about losing your Membership. Back to the top of the page Q: How to I join the VPC as a Guest or VPC Crew Member? A: To join the VPC as a Crew Member, please visit our Pilot Shop and select Memberships from the menu along the left side of the screen. Back to the top of the page Q: Who runs the VPC? A: The VPC was created by, and run by former Moderators, Assistant Moderators, Sysops, and Members from MSN Computing Central Microsoft Flight Simulator Forum, MSN Computing Central Games Forum, the MSN Gaming Zone, CompuServe FSFORUM, the computer flight simulation industry, and general aviation. For list of contacts, please visit our Contact Us page. Back to the top of the page Q: What do the VPC member icons signify? A: VPC member icons signify the following: NOTE: If you are caught impersonating VPC personnel you will forfeit your membership. NO EXCEPTIONS. Back to the top of the page Q: How can I get a member icon? A: Some icons are only available to FlightAdventures VPC Staff and FlightAdventures VIP's. Other icons can be earned. Specifics for member-eligible icons are as follows: Virtual Pilot Wings (silver) = Virtual Pilot Wings signify that you know how to fly virtual aircraft and understand all of the features that the VPC has to offer. To earn Virtual Pilot status you must successfully complete the FlightAdventures Virtual Pilot Checkride with a FlightAdventures Flight Instructor or Virtual Flight Instructor and satisfactorily pass a Virtual Pilot Written Exam. Virtual Flight Instructor Wings (silver) = To be eligible to obtain Virtual Flight Instructor status, you must hold Pilot or Virtual Pilot status and successfully complete the FlightAdventures Virtual Flight Instructor Checkride with a FlightAdventures Flight Instructor or Virtual Flight Instructor. (Note: Virtual Flight Instructors are only authorized by the FlightAdventures VPC to provide instruction in the pursuit of obtaining Virtual Pilot status, Virtual Flight Instructor status, and/or the operation of the VPC. Pilot Wings (gold) = Real world pilots are eligible for Pilot Wings status by providing proof of a current pilot certificate and valid flight medical. You may submit copies of your documents by Mail to: FlightAdventures Administration P.O. Box 767 Avila Beach, CA 93424 Flight Instructor Wings (gold) = Members bearing these wings are current Certified Flight Instructors in the real world. (Note: Although Flight Instructors frequent the VPC, only those that also bear VPC rank above Leader (3 bars and above) are authorized by the FlightAdventures VPC to provide instruction on the VPC. To obtain Flight Instructor status, you must provide proof of a current flight instructor certificate and valid flight medical. VPC Guest Key (silver) = VPC Guest Passes are granted access to most areas and resources of the VPC. VPC Guest Passes cost less than VPC Crew Membership, but access and benefits are greatly reduced. Note that VPC Guest Passes should not be confused with VPC Crew Membership. VIP Star (silver) = VIP stars are given to celebrities and people of prominence with the aviation and flight simulation world. Benefactor Star (gold) = This is our highest honor. Benefactor Stars are only awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to the VPC. With this award comes life-time subscriber-level VPC membership. If you see a benefactor at the VPC, please be sure to thank them for their contributions--without them, there would be no VPC. Back to the top of the page Q: I have a real pilot certificate, but don't have a current medical, can I still receive a VPC wings icon? A: Yes. We believe that earning a real pilot certificate requires a great understanding of aviation knowledge and a known level of aviation skills. The VPC will accept real pilot certificates (minus the medical) as fulfilling most of the requirements for a set of Virtual Pilot Wings (silver). A pilot wishing to pursue this certification will only be required to pass the FlightSim portion of our VPPL written exam, and depending on when the pilot last flew as Pilot In Command (prior to or after the airspace reclassification in 1993), he/she may also need to pass our Airspace written exam as well. The questions for these exams can be found at the VPC Test Center. You may submit copies of your documents by Mail to: FlightAdventures Administration P.O. Box 767 Avila Beach, CA 93424 Back to the top of the page Q: I forgot my password/my password doesn't work. Now what? A: Usernames and passwords are case sensitive. If you need to reset your password, click here, enter your username and email address (the one you have on file at the VPC) and a new password will be sent to you. If you've changed your email address and didn't notify Admin, drop us a note explaining the situation. Back to the top of the page Q: I signed up for an account, but never received my password. Why? A: Several email providers and ISPs such as Hotmail, Earthlink, and AOL have extremely aggressive spam filters installed. This is a good thing, but sometimes they will block FlightAdventures.com emails. To ensure email delivery of your membership confirmation and password please make sure to add admin@flightadventures.com to your safe email sender's list before applying. Back to the top of the page Q: How can I troubleshoot Java problems with Internet Explorer? A: To troubleshoot Java installation problems, please start here. Back to the top of the page ACARS Answers Q: What is FlightAdventures ACARS? A: FlightAdventures ACARS is the VPC's Instant Messaging system similar to ICQ and MSN's Instant Messaging applications. ACARS allows you to see who is online, and exchange messages with other VPC members. In the real world, ACARS stand for Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System. What that fancy name really describes is a fairly basic aircraft IM system--which is why we thought the name was appropriate for our system. Back to the top of the page Q: I've read/heard about security problems with using ICQ, etc. Does ACARS have such problems? A: No. Unlike ICQ and the like which are applications that you need to download and install (allowing it access to the inner working of your computer operating system), FlightAdventures ACARS runs like any other web page that you see while you surf the Net. Using ACARS is no more dangerous than loading any other web page. Back to the top of the page Q: Sometimes I see [away], [chat], [Terminal], [in flight], and [OLR] next to the online users list. What do they mean? A: [away] means the member is away from his/her computer and may not be able to reply to any ACARS message until they return [chat] means the member is currently in one of the VPC Chat rooms. [Terminal] means the member is in the Flight Terminal Chat area. [in flight] means the member is flying in a VPC Flight Room [OLR] indicates the member is using the VPC OffLine Mail reader so they most likely won't receive any ACARS messages until they log on to the VPC again. Back to the top of the page Adventure Logs Answers Q: What are Adventure Logs? A: Adventures Logs are a collection of aviation memories that VPC members like yourself wish to share with everyone. Adventures can cover simulator flights, real flights or even some unique scenery or aircraft paint schemes that you've created in your favorite flight sim. TIP: The Adventure Logs Index can be access by clicking on the pictures above the Flight Training sign in the VPC. Back to the top of the page Q: How do I submit some of my adventures for consideration? A: Submit an account of your adventure (150-200 words maximum and please don't forget to include your name and VPC callsign) with no more than three screen shots and/or pictures [@96dpi and no larger than 800 x 600 for pictures please] to editor@flightadventures.com. If your adventure is unique, inspiring or just simply fun to look at, your exploits might be immortalized in the Adventure Logs. Back to the top of the page Aircraft Sales Answers Q: Can I really buy a real aircraft here? A: Absolutely! Automobiles are sold over the internet every day. With the limited number of models and options available for aircraft, and limited availability, it just makes sense to shop and purchase aircraft from a dealer that also markets online. This is because your local dealer will find it very difficult to match the selection and value that can be offered from a large well-respected dealer. Back to the top of the page Q: Why should I buy an aircraft from a FlightAdventures VPC Partner? A: The answer is you shouldn't if you can find a better value elsewhere. However, because FlightAdventures only partners with the top dealers in the industry, you'll be hard pressed to do better elsewhere, and that's the bottom line. As a side benefit (at no additional cost to you), all purchases made through the VPC helps support the VPC. So if you're going to buy an aircraft anyway, and you do find the right deal here (and we're sure you can), please think long and hard before taking your business elsewhere. It doesn't cost you anything to make an inquiry and you're under no obligation to buy anything. And if you do take our advice and buy an aircraft here, we'll give you a free FlightAdventures flight jacket. Please see the Aircraft Sales area for more details. Back to the top of the page Chat Answers Q: What is a Chat? A: On the Internet, a "Chat" is an electronic conference where all participants "type" to each other in real time. (We also use RogerWilco--a voice communications application during our Chats, but it isn't required. Please see the Voice COM FAQ for more information.) VPC Chats are a great way to hear about the latest news and events in the aviation and flight sim worlds, meet and exchange a few chuckles with other pilots that share the same interests, and last but not least, it's a great way to receive technical support in real time. Note: The FlightAdventures Pilot Lounge Chat requires Microsoft Chat (MSChat) to be installed on your system. TIP: To access the FlightAdventures Pilot Lounge (Chat), click on the couch along the left wall of the VPC. Back to the top of the page Q: What is a Passenger? A: A Passenger is someone who is not signed on the the VPC system with a registered account. VPC accounts are free, why not sign up for one? Back to the top of the page Q: When can I Chat with other VPC members? A: The VPC hosts regularly scheduled moderated chats (see the Chat Info Page for a current schedule), but VPC members are welcome to informally chat in the VPC Lobby or make use of any of our other Chat rooms at any other time. Back to the top of the page Q: What are the terms of use for the Chat? A: The Terms of Use for the Chat privileges are quite simple--they're basically the rules of common courtesy: No profanity. No personal attacks. No flooding (sending the same message over and over again.) Have fun, but not at the expense of others. Back to the top of the page Q: When I access a Chat room I get a Security Warning box, what should I do? A: If you did not use our automatic VPC configuration utility, this is normal. If your browser "Security Warning" dialog box appears, you will need to click "Yes" to install VPC Chat. Sample "Security Warning" dialogue box Back to the top of the page Q: When I access a Chat room, why does an ActiveX warning pop up? A: VPC Chat (our proprietary chat client) is an ActiveX application that requires that you have ActiveX enabled in your browser. The most efficient way to enable ActiveX without changing your security settings for all other web sites is to add *.flightadventures.com as a Trusted Site by your browser with the Trusted Site zone set to the low level (with ActiveX enabled for all ActiveX settings). If you are running Internet Explorer we can automatically configure your browser for VPC operation by using the following utility. Click VPC_cfg.exe, select Run this program from its current location, and answer "Yes" to the warning message. OR If you are running some other browser or wish to manually make these configuration changes yourself, we have step-by-step instructions on how to add *.flightadventures.com to your trusted sites list at the following link. Back to the top of the page Q: I've added *.flightadventures.com to my Trusted Sites list and I still get an ActiveX warning. Now what? A: For some unknown reason, some browsers will not accept *.flightadventures.com. The remedy for this problem is to add the following to your Trusted Sites list. http://www.flightadventures.com http://flightadventures.com https://www.flightadventures.com https://flightadventures.com Back to the top of the page Q: I refuse to enable ActiveX, can I still access the Chat rooms? A: For those that use non-ActiveX-compatible browsers with Java enabled, you can visit our chat rooms without installing any additional software by clicking on the WebChat links. This will load a less capable chat client, but you'll be able to participate in chat sessions on a limited basis. NOTE: Consider using an ActiveX-enabled browser when visiting the VPC. Without one you'll be missing many of the advanced feature areas that we offer. Back to the top of the page Q: What is flooding and why have I been disconnected from the Chat server? A: "Flooding" is the sending the same message over and over. You'll be automatically disconnected from the VPC Chat server if you violate the flooding rule two time. The way to avoid this is to not send the same message more than once within a 6 second period. Back to the top of the page Q: Can I change the font used in VPC Chat? A: Yes. Right click on the main VPC Chat text box and select Change Font from the right click menu. Back to the top of the page Q: Can I save a transcript of a chat session? A: Yes. Right click on the main VPC Chat text box and select Record Chat from the right click menu. The transcript file will be saved with the current date as the name and a .txt extension in the root folder of your Windows drive. Note: If you exit the chat and re-enter again, your chat transcript file will be overwritten. Back to the top of the page Q: What does the Chat Reset button do? A: The Chat Reset button should only be used to reconnect to the VPC Chat Server if you're disconnected by accident or to reset the chat if it's giving your errors. The Chat Reset button will not log you off the VPC and/or log you back in again. Back to the top of the page FAQ Answers Q: What is a FAQ? A: "FAQ" is an acronym for Frequently Asked Questions. You're using one right now. Basically, FAQ's help answer some of the most common questions we receive about the VPC and its features. TIP: To access the FAQ's, click on the FREE INFO rack on the VPC reception desk. Back to the top of the page Q: How often are the FAQ's updated? A: FAQ's are updated to reflect changes and additions to the VPC or when new questions about flight simulator software arise. The last update effective date will be displayed in the upper left corner of the FAQ page. Back to the top of the page File Downloads Answers Q: What is the File Download Area? A: Just as its name suggests, the File Download Area is where VPC members can download essential applications, utilities, updates, and patches for supported VPC flight simulators. TIP: To access the File Download Area, click on the file cabinet under the Pilot Services counter along the right side wall of the VPC. Back to the top of the page Q: Are the downloadable files free? A: Yes--totally free from download charges, however, there are some shareware files available here as well (which require payment if you continue to use them). The VPC also hosts commercial (payware) products that meet our strict criteria are offered through the Pilot Shop, Affiliates section. Back to the top of the page Q: How do I suggest files to be included in the Files Download area? A: Just post a message to the File Search and Download Forum describing why you believe the VPC should carry this file and a link to where the file can be found. Back to the top of the page Q: When I try to download a file, why do I get error message? You are trying to download a file on the FlightAdventures Virtual Pilot Center-Server from another site. We do not want other sites to steal our bandwidth, so if you want to help us please send an email to filemaster@flightadventures.com and tell us the URL of the site you came from. Thanks! A: If you are trying to download the file(s) directly from a FlightAdventures site, the problem is the system is unable to determine where you're accessing the file from. A main cause of this problem is Firewalls have become a little more aggressive over the last few months and by default, now disable http referrers. Known products that cause this problem are Norton Internet Security family and the latest versions of Zone Alarm. If you run either of these, you'll need to enable referrers in the package. The simplest way to do that is to add us to your firewall's trusted sites and enable referrers. Please see your firewall's documentation for details. Back to the top of the page FlightAdventures Magazine Answers Q: What is the FlightAdventures Magazine? A: FlightAdventures Magazine is a publication that features a unique blend of informative and thought provoking articles, reviews, interviews, and editorials about the real world of aviation and flight simulation worlds. TIP: To access FlightAdventures Magazine, click on the magazine in the display rack on the table to your right as you enter the VPC. Back to the top of the page Q: How can I contribute articles to FlightAdventures Magazine? A: We encourage VPC members to share their knowledge and experiences with the rest of the community. If you have an idea for a story, please send an email with your story idea(s) to editor@flightadventures.com. Back to the top of the page Flight Plan Downloads Answers Q: What are Flight Plan Downloads? A: The Flight Plan Downloads area is a collection of member-submitted flight plans that include pre-programmed flights (if your sim supports it) along with charts (and approach plates if applicable), optional weather files (again, if your sim supports them), optional scenery to enhance your flights, and printable flight logs to refer to during your flights. TIP: To access the Flight Plan Download Area, click on the flight plan clipboard on the Pilot Services counter along the right side wall of the VPC. Back to the top of the page Q: Can I use these for real navigation? A: Although many of these flight plans were generated using real world data, they are only to be used for simulated flights. FlightAdventures Flight Plans are not to be used for real world navigation. Back to the top of the page Q: How can I submit my favorite flight plans to the VPC? A: Please send an email with a description of your flight plan (please tell us e which sim-specific files for that flight as well) that you're interested in submitting to flightplans@flightadventures.com. Back to the top of the page Flight Terminal Answers Q: What is the Flight Terminal A: The VPC Flight Terminal is where you and other simulator pilots can fly together online. (Of course, each pilot must have the same version of the same flight simulator installed on their systems first.) Some of the things you can do while flying online with other simulator pilots include many of the same things you can do in the real world such as virtual fly-ins, search and rescue operations, cross-country flights, interact with ATC, or even fly with an instructor! Back to the top of the page Q: Do I have to agree to the Disclaimer and Terms of Use in order to enter or use the Flight Terminal? A: Yes. By entering or using the VPC Flight Terminal or any of the VPC Flight Rooms, you agree to accept the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for the VPC and VPC Flight Terminal. Back to the top of the page Q: How do I create a Flight or join an existing Flight? A: To create a Flight: Enter the Flight Terminal Select an empty Flight. Click the Fly Now! button. (You will receive an ActiveX warning alert. This is normal. Click "Yes" to continue.) To Join an existing Flight: Make sure no games are running on your system before connecting to the VPC Flight Server with Fly_Now! Enter the Flight Terminal Select a Flight in progress. Click the Fly Now! button. Please be patient. Your game will launch automatically when the Controller/Host starts the session. Back to the top of the page Q: I clicked the FlyNow! button but nothing happened, why? A: The cause for nothing happening is usually from having your browser's ActiveX and/or Java functions disabled (e.g. security levels set too high). We can understand wanting to keep your browser's security settings as high as possible. There are many malicious programs out there that can cause all kinds of damage to your system. However, if you set FlightAdventures.com as a Trusted site, your security levels will remain the same at all other sites not marked by you as a Trusted Site. Please see the next answer for details on how to do this. Back to the top of the page Q: How do change my browser's security level setting? A: We can understand wanting to keep your browser's security settings as high as possible. There are many malicious programs out there that can cause all kinds of damage to your system. However, if you set FlightAdventures.com as a Trusted site, your security levels will remain the same at all other sites not marked by you as a Trusted Site. If you are running Internet Explorer we can automatically configure your browser for VPC operation by using the following utility. Click VPC_cfg.exe, select Run this program from its current location, and answer "Yes" to the warning message. To manually add www.FlightAdventures.com to your Trusted Site list, open Internet Explorer and from the Tools menu item, select Internet Options. Click on the Security tab and then click on the Trusted sites icon. Click the Sites... button, type in *.flightadventures.com in the Add this Web site to the Zone box, make sure Require server verification is disabled, and then click the Add button. Back to the top of the page Q: I've added FlightAdventures to my Trusted Sites list and now see a Security Warning box. What should I do? A: FlightAdventures' exclusive proprietary Launcher, Fly Now!, requires that you have FlightAdventures.com listed as a Trusted Site by your browser with the Trusted Site zone set to the low level with all of the ActiveX settings set to Enable. If you manually configured your browser instead of using our automatic configuration utility VPC_config.exe, you may receive two warning messages the first time you access a Flight in the Flight Terminal or if we update Fly Now! with a newer version. In either of these cases, you must answer "Yes" to the two warning messages or you will not be able to use the Flight Terminal. Note: If your browser "Security Warning" dialog box appears, you will need to click "Yes" to install the VPC Fly Now! Launcher. Sample "Security Warning" dialogue box TIP: Stop the ActiveX warning box from appearing at the VPC by opening IE and going to Tools: Internet Options: Security tab, highlight Trusted Sites, click the Custom Level... button and change "Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to Enable. Only sites in the Trusted Sites Zone will work with this new setting, so as long as the sites listed in your Trusted Sites list are sites that you trust, there's no additional security exposure. Sample "ActiveX Warning" dialogue box Back to the top of the page Q: I added FlightAdventures.com to my Trusted sites list and still nothing happens, why? A: The most common cause of this problem is having some security settings set too high for your Trusted sites. Check your browser's security settings for Trusted Sites so they match the following. From IE, Tools: Internet Options: Security tab: Trusted Sites icon: Custom Level..., make sure the following are set to: ActiveX controls and plug-ins Download signed ActiveX controls = Enable Download unsigned ActiveX controls = Prompt Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe = Enable Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins = Enable Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting = Enable Cookies Allow cookies that are stored on your computer = Enable Allow per-session cookies (not stored) = Enable Downloads File download = Enable Font download = Prompt Microsoft VM Java permissions = Low safety Don't prompt for client certificate selection when no certificate or only one certificate exists = Enable Drag and drop or copy and paste files = Enable Installation of desktop items = Enable Launching programs and files in an IFRAME = Enable Navigate sub-frames across different domains = Enable Software channel permissions = Low safety Submit nonencrypted form data = Enable Userdata persistence = Enable Scripting Active Scripting = Enable Allow paste via script = Enable Scripting of Java applets = Enable Back to the top of the page Q: I use a firewall and/or router with my Internet connection and my sim launches, but seems to hang or doesn't enter multiplayer mode, what's wrong? A: Most problems associated with firewalls and/or routers are caused by blocked ports required for multiplayer connections. We have the specific ports that need to be opened listed in the FS FAQ. Back to the top of the page Q: I'm running Windows XP with SP2 installed and the VPC Launcher doesn't load. What can I do? A: Download the VPC Launcher XP SP patch here Back to the top of the page Q: How do I change the Flight Information and ATIS for a flight? A: The first pilot to enter a flight will be presented with tools that will allow them to set the Flight Information and ATIS for the flight listing. Typically the Host will enter where the flight will originate and if applicable, where the flight will end. If there is an destination, the ATIS for the destination airport would be entered. Back to the top of the page Q: How do I become a host? A: The first pilot to enter a Flight will become the Flight's Host. All pilots that join after a Host as been established can only join the Pilot Roster. Back to the top of the page Q: I entered a Flight and was asked to login, which I did, but nothing happened. Why? A: You cannot join a Flight without first logging in to the main VPC system. What's happened is you've been asked to login to the main VPC database. Once you're logged in you can click the Flight button again to join the Flight. Back to the top of the page Q: Fly Now! loads and my sim launches, but I can't connect to anyone else. Why? A: If you're behind a firewall or router/firewall connection, you need to open up some ports for multiplayer connections. To rectify the problem you must open the following ports: INCOMING UDP 2300-2400, 6073 OUTGOING UDP 2300-2400, 6073 INCOMING TCP 2300-2400, 47624 OUTGOING TCP 2300-2400, 47624 If you're running a router you must forward those ports to your specific machine IP address. Each router has specific way of doing this, so please refer to your router's documentation. If you run ZoneAlarm (ZA) firewall with or without the router you also have to configure it to allow the specific ports to pass data. To do this, simply open ZA, click security/internet/customize, fill in the port ranges and check the box to save/enable your new settings. Settings for the Netgear RT-311 and/or the RT-314 router The first thing you need to do is get the firmware version 3.25. Now assuming you already have it configured so you can surf the internet. After configering it for the web click start, run in run box type in telnet 192.168.0.1 (or replace the IP address of your router if different than the default address) and click OK a dialog box will appear asking for a password. Enter your password for your router (factory default is 1234) that will get you to the main menu. From here type in menu option 15 and press enter. You should now see the SVA Server Setup menu. On rule number 1 enter the IP address of the computer you will be using the flight simulator on. After entering the address press enter until the main menu comes up again. Type in 99 and press enter then close the blank dialog box. You should now be set up to use the Flight Terminal Simulator Launcher. The SVA Server Setup menu. Back to the top of the page Message Board Answers Q: What is a Message Board? A: A message board is an electronic bulletin board where members can post messages for other members of the community to read or answer. The VPC Message Board is also a fantastic place to interact with other pilots when you can't attend the scheduled chats or visit the VPC Lobby area. TIP: To access the VPC Message Board, click on the message board found on the front of the reception counter. Back to the top of the page Q: What are the Terms of Service for the Message Boards? A: Please see the Terms of Service (TOS) link on the Message Board Welcome screen. Back to the top of the page Q: How do I join the Message Board? A: Simply click the Please Register link on the upper left side of the Message Board and follow the instructions. Back to the top of the page Q: Why doesn't the VPC accept my username and password? A: Please confirm that you're trying to log in the following way: On the Virtual Pilot Center (VPC) main page click Message Board (either from the picture or the menu at the bottom of the page). In the new browser window that appears click Login. Enter your username and password and click Login (we recommend enabling the remain logged in checkbox). If you are following this procedure but are still having problems this may be due to your browser security settings. At this time the FlightAdventures Virtual Pilot Center (VPC) is best suited to use in Internet Explorer 5.5. To ensure that the VPC website works as intended in Internet Explorer please add *.flightadventures.com to your "Trusted Sites" list. This is done by opening Internet Explorer properties, either by right clicking Internet Explorer from the desktop and selecting Properties or by going to the Tools menu in Internet Explorer and selecting Internet Options. Once in Internet Explorer Properties choose the Security tab at the top of the window and click Trusted Sites, then the "Sites..." button. This will bring up a new window. In this window make sure you uncheck the tickbox "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone", if it is checked. Then type *.flightadventures.com in the textbox titled "Add this Web site to the zone:" and click Add. *.flightadventures.com should now appear in the "Web sites" listbox. Now click OK and return to the FlightAdventures VPC to try logging in again. If you're still experiencing problems, please contact support@flightadventures.com Back to the top of the page Q: How do I do X on the Message Board? A: Check the Message Board Help pages for precise information about how and what can be done on the Message Board. Back to the top of the page Q: What do the icons next to some of the member names mean and how do I get one? A: Icons signify special standing of the member within the VPC community. A list of member icons, and descriptions on how members can obtain an icon can be found in the About the VPC FAQ. Back to the top of the page Q: What is the VPC OLR (OffLine Reader)? A: The VPC OLR is a application that will allow you to interact with the VPC Mesage board with out remaining connected to the Internet. Although people on dial up connections would seem the only ones that would benefit from this ability, there are many other features that make it appealing to everyone including to those with broadband connections. To read up on these features, please visit our VPC OLR Download Area. Back to the top of the page Q: When I try to post a message I receive a "Posting Error" message. What does this mean? A: This error is a result of an invalid referer being sent by your computer. The most common causes of invalid referers are sent by very agressive firewalls, Internet Security software, and some ad blockers and pop-up blockers. The correction for the problem is to configure the offending software so that www.flightadventures.com is a trusted site. Please see your firewall/blocker software documentation on how to do this. The most common known offenders of referer blocking by default are Zone Alarm 3.0+ and Norton Internet Security. To enable referers at www.flightadventures.com in Norton Internet Security: Opening the NIS program (right click on the taskbar button) click Advanced Options | Web Tab | Add Site add www.flightadventures.com select www.flightadventures.com and on the Privacy Tab, change the permissions to allow referrers Back to the top of the page Q: How do I upload a file? A: To upload a file, go to the File Library Forum and post a message with a description of what you're uploading. When you're at the post message screen, you'll see a Click here to upload your file link. Just follow the prompts and you'll be able to upload your file. Please note that when you post a message in the File Library Forum, your message will not appear to the public. Back to the top of the page NOTAMs Answers Q: What are NOTAMs? A: NOTAM is an aviation acronym for "Notice To Airmen." In the simplest terms, FlightAdventures VPC NOTAMs are time-critical information of interest to VPC pilots. Look to VPC NOTAMs for information about VPC system status, news, and information about upcoming events. Back to the top of the page Q: What do the extra numbers in the Zulu time listing represent? A: The first two digits represent the date, the second two digits represent the hour, and the final two digits represent minutes. Back to the top of the page Q: Can I stop the NOTAMs window from appearing every time I log on to the VPC? A: You can disable the current NOTAMs from appearing by clicking the OFF link from the main VPC menu. Note that this will only disable the current NOTAM from appearing again. When a new NOTAM is issued, that NOTAM will appear automatically. You can then select to disable this automatic feature again at that time. This feature option requires the acceptance of cookies by your browser and you can enable it again at anytime by clicking the ON link located in the same area. Back to the top of the page Pilot Service Links Answers Q: What are Pilot Service Links? A: Pilot Service Links are links to FlightAdventures-approved Internet services for both real world and virtual pilots. To name a few, you'll find links to online charts, maps, air traffic control broadcasts, weather reports, and live airport video feeds here. TIP: To access VPC Pilot Service Links, click on the Pilot Services counter along found along the right wall of the VPC. Back to the top of the page Pilot Shop Answers Q: What is the FlightAdventures Pilot Shop? A: The FlightAdventures Pilot Shop is an online store where you can purchase real world and virtual pilot supplies. TIP: To access the VPC Pilot Shop, click on the Pilot Shop shelves on the left rear wall of the VPC. Back to the top of the page Q: Why should I buy anything from the VPC? A: In addition to offering exclusive items found no where else, unconditional guarantees on many of our products, and unparalleled customer service, profits generated by the VPC are what keeps the virtual doors of the VPC open. While we'd love to provide the VPC access for free to everyone, unfortunately, the companies that provide us services to connect to the Internet and power our server charge us for the privilege. So if you like VPC and want to see it continue, please purchase the products that you'd normally purchase anyway through the VPC. Your support of the VPC will help us keep it going. Back to the top of the page Q: If I buy from an Affiliate, am I dealing with FlightAdventures directly? A: FlightAdventures Affiliates are well-known industry merchants that deal directly to you. The only difference between puchasing products through our Affiliates links as opposed to purchasing items directly from the merchant's site is when you "click through" the FlightAdventures link, the VPC receives a small commission to help run the VPC. There is no increase in cost to you. However, should you ever have a problem with an order placed through a FlightAdventures Affiliate link and are unable to resolve it directly, FlightAdventures Customer Service will step in on your behalf. Back to the top of the page UTC Clock Answers Q: What is the UTC Clock? A: Like the FAA, the FlightAdventures VPC uses UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) for all operations. (Note: UTC is also known as Zulu time and Greenwich Mean Time.) UTC clock always displays UTC time. TIP: The GMT Clock can be viewed by clicking just outside the border of the clock on the rear wall of the VPC. Back to the top of the page Q: Why does the UTC Clock look funny? A: A UTC clock displays 24 hours instead of 12 hours typically found on a normal clock. The minute and second hands of a UTC Clock operate the same as on a normal clock. Back to the top of the page Q: Why is my UTC Clock inaccurate? A: The FlightAdventures VPC UTC Clock runs of your computer's system clock. If your system clock isn't set to the correct local time, the UTC Clock will not be correct either. There are several utilities available out there that can synchronize your PC clock with the atomic clocks of the US Naval Laboratories, some of which can be found here. Back to the top of the page Video Library Answers Q: Why doesn't my QuickTime video stream? A: The most common solutions to streaming problems include: Install the lastest version of QuickTime from Apple.com Check your installation of QuickTime installation here. Check your QuickTime installation's streaming here. NOTE: The QuickTime animation will show the letter "Q" being drawn. If you don't see that, you'll need to figure out if any of the following solutions will help. Back to the top of the page Q: How can I increase the size of the video? A: The ability to run larger video sizes depends on your connection speed. The short explantion is you can only push so much water through a pipe, so depending on your pipe size (your Internet connection speed), you may be able to stream our Videos at a larger size. To change the video size, click on the down arrow on the video control bar and select Connection Speed from the menu. The higher the connection speed you select, the larger the video display will be. However, be aware that if you set this to exceed your actual connection speed, you'll start losing frames and/or experience sound drop-outs. Back to the top of the page Q: How can I make the video stream smoothly? A: As we just explained above, because your Internet connection can only pass data at a limited rate, unless you have a fast connection (DSL or better), you will have to change your QuickTime connection speed setting to match your actual connection rate. Running this setting at a rate higher than what you actually connect to the Internet with will cause the video playback to become "jerky"/miss frames. Conversely, if you want smoother video, select a slower QuickTime connection speed, of course the trade off is you'll only see a smaller display with lower resolution if you do this. Back to the top of the page VoiceCOM Answers Q: What is VoiceCOM? A: VoiceCOM is a voice communication over the Internet feature that allows VPC Members to communicate with each other during chats and multiplayer flights. TIP: To access VPC VoiceCOM, click on the radio transceiver sitting on the table next to the VPC couch. Back to the top of the page Q: How do I use Voice COM? A: Voice COM utilizes a program named Roger Wilco (RW). RW is a free, and can be downloaded from the VPC File Download area. Once RW is installed, click on any of the radio buttons posted on the Voice COM Welcome Screen just as you would push a button on your car stereo to change stations. RW operates just like a walkie-talkie; press your assigned transmit key to talk, and release the transmit key to listen. Back to the top of the page Q: Why doesn't Voice COM launch RogerWilco? A: RogerWilco versions earlier than version mk1c do not support autolaunch scripting. You can download the latest version of RogerWilco from the VPC download area. Back to the top of the page Q: How can I improve the sound quality of VoiceCOM? A: At best, VoiceCOM's sound is about telephone quality. There are many things that can affect VoiceCOM's performance, but there are a couple of things that you can try to reduce the "gap" in transmission and reception. First, try rebooting your computer before connecting to the VPC. Some lingering programs and/or memory leaks tend to interfere with Roger Wilco (RW). Next, set RW at High CPU Priority (Adjust tab: Configure button). Other things you can try is shutting down all non-essential programs running in the background such as Microsoft Outlook. Back to the top of the page Q: What ports does RogerWilco require to be open? A: TCP Port 3782, 18009, and UDP 3783 Back to the top of the page WAP Answers Q: What is WAP? A: WAP stand for Wireless Application Protocol. This is the "language" that wireless devices such as browser-enabled cell phones use to surf the Internet. Back to the top of the page Q: Why can't I access the WAP pages from my PC? A: WAP was designed for wireless devices such as browser-enabled cell phones, however, you can view the VPC's WAP pages from your PC if you use a WAP emulator such as DeckIt. Back to the top of the page U> Q: How do I access the VPC WAP site? A: http://wap.flightadventures.com Back to the top of the page Weather Answers Q: How accurate are these weather maps? A: These are the same weather maps that are used by weather forecasters in the US and around the world. However, FlightAdventures only provides weather maps for informational purposes only. For navigational weather, please refer to DUATs or directly to a FSS. Back to the top of the page Q: Are these weather maps current? A: Every weather map has a time and date stamp on them. But once again, FlightAdventures only provides weather maps for informational purposes only. For navigational weather, please refer to DUATs or directly to a FSS. Back to the top of the page Web Mail Answers Q: Why doesn't VPC Web Mail accept my Username and Password? A: Web Mail is a feature only available to VPC Crew level members and higher. To find out more about VPC Crew Membership benefits, please visit our Pilot Shop and click on Memberships. Back to the top of the page Back to FAQ Index Copyright © 2000- FlightAdventures. All rights reserved.