How to Use UNICOM PROPERLY | VATSIM Unicom Guide | From a Controller

In this video, I will be taking you through the professional way to use Unicom, including what not to say, what is important to cover at different stages of flight, and the best way to efficiently co-ordinate with other pilots, as well as some on-network examples. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
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[@AllenPortman]

Great tutorial! Much appreciated on information regarding Unicom comms protocols! I would like to know how the new change trial utilizing airport specific CTAF frequencies instead of using the standard 122.800 Unicom? I try to utilize airport specific CTAF frequency but still a little confused at what point do we transition between frequencies? Thanks!

[@KaiYsma]

What is the best headset to buy for this

[@IncidentBreakdowns]

People either don't communicate or blasting random Spotify music. Then my stream gets taken down for copyright!

[@Lou1-1-r9p]

This guy is the chillest atc

[@AllenPortman]

Why is it when I am on unicom and never hear any other aircraft talking even when I know there are aircraft within radio distance??? Using airport specific CTAF or unicom never do I hear anyone talking??? I use Vatsim/XPilot! I hear regular ATC communications on dedicated airport frequencies!

[@mullida]

Thanks. Good advice here. Just double checking on 1 point. CAA Safety Sense 22 AW10 says 'There is nonofficial report 'short final'. But would you still use it on VATSIM ?

[@IncidentBreakdowns]

Another quality video from you Adam! Very seasoned VATSIM professional (aka: my idol) 🤣

[@AllenPortman]

The only thing I disagree is not announcing when departing climbing through altitude to assigned altitude. This is a safety issue if there are other aircraft departing or arriving at the same airport.

[@TheAcousticCitizen]

Personally I just say in which direction I'm taking off. No one knows the names of the SIDs by heart. Same goes for arrivals. I just say ABC123, xx nm (direction), altitude, intentions.

[@thevatsimcontroller]

Good idea. Could always do both, I’ve heard that before. As long as people know what you’re doing it’s okay

[@Icey-steel]

Great video thanks for guiding people , any chance anybody could tell me which app is he using for the airport satellite layout and taxiways ?

[@thevatsimcontroller]

Volanta

[@TazerXI]

Very good video I had always aired on the side of slightly too much rather than too little on unicom, but now I know a bit more about just how excessive I was. One thing which I sometimes include is an ETA/ETE for a certain point, such as when joining final just to give some aircraft an idea of how long I will be, although that might be excessive further out, and unnecessary closer in.

[@themastrofall]

Remember in the United States to utilize the CTAF frequency, this is obviously a UK based instructional, appreciate your work as always @The VATSIM Controller, just wanted to ensure that some of our US bound friends know we have a slight adjustment of procedures to look out for

[@davidwestwoodharrison]

I've had some great experiences on Unicom, with pilots correctly sequencing themselves in without any issue. I've also had a full on argument in the chat (sup soon cleared it up)

[@thevatsimcontroller]

Haha, yeah it’s very 50/50. You either get arguments and chatter or very satisfying coordination

[@MrMartinBoettcher]

Very helpfull for a newbie vatsim flyer as I am, thanks!

[@thevatsimcontroller]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karim4934]

Great video as always, great job today covering EGPH, BAW33Z here if you remember me :)

[@thevatsimcontroller]

Of course, thank you for flying!

[@JDFdoggo]

Thanks Adam, brilliant guide, well done. (VATSIM - Dave EGNH)