IVAO International Virtual Aviation Organisation

IVAO (international Virtual Aviation Organisation)is a non-profit organisation (registered Belgium in 2007) that operates a global and free-of-charge online flight-simulation network. Following a simple free registration users can connect to the IVAO Network (IVAN) either as a virtual Air traffic controller or as a virtual pilot and engage and interact with each other in a massively multiplayer environment utilizing real-world aviation procedures, phraseology and techniques.

IVAO

Early attempts to simulate real life aviation operations were limited to PC-PC connections and could support only 1 pilot and 1 ATC services. Later in 1990`s using Microsoft Flight simulator series games as a platform and various other connecting programs(SquawkBox and ProController) a massive on-line capability could be attained.using those platforms and services SATCO (now VATSIM) was the first large network to create an online air traffic simulation environment

IVAO was formed after a split on the ranks of VATSIM. In 1998 members or VATSIM decided to separate and start a stand alone non-profit organisation dedicated to aviation by developing the appropriate servers and software.The plan was to evolve the VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network) project even more.

IVAO today has more than 130.000 subscribed users , and supplies free services worldwide. Numerous divisions are formed and more communities are collaborating so all the users can enjoy the best and most entertaining services .

IVAO is striving to provide rigorously authentic flight-simulation environments to players in both pilot and air traffic controller roles.

A virtual pilot needs to have installed a compatible Flight simulator. Compatible simulators are Microsoft flight simulator series and Xplane series. After the registration and and the download/installation of IVAP(IVAO virtual Pilot client) the user can connect on IVAO servers and enjoy the sensation of the online community.

Many newcomers are shocked by the amount of information and regulations, that are used on IVAO which are mostly a direct copy of real aviation world. CAA rules apply directly and as is on the IVAO community and all flights that are contacted are supervised and registered.

Training is supplied by the local divisions, which have staff members trained and dedicated to train members to different levels of proficiency. Higher levels of proficiency and rating are supplied by main IVAO training department.

For a virtual pilot in order to attain a higher rating he/she has to undertake training (on how the network software works, aviation regulations, aircraft operations, operational procedures etc) and pass exams both written and practical contacted by specified examiners.

Many many side activities are incorporated in IVAO such as special events and tours both on the virtual(flight events and challenges) as in the real world(Visits to Civil aviation facilities, aerodromes,flightclubs).

Virtual Controller is the other side of the aviation community. They are the the people that regulate and direct all the traffic before and during flight operations.Virtual controllers, unlike virtual pilots, can`t start directly control after their initial registration. They undertake a written exam and after they pass the are allowed to log in as controller in IVAO network stations.

All ratings in controllers are attained with hours logged and exams passed. ATC is the big deference which drives many people to flight simulator communities where you can interact with other people worldwide and learn many new things.

• IVAO Training

Training its members to the highest and most realistic standards

• IVAO software development

Developing software for use in IVAO network and intergration with it.