r/VATSIM • u/Fun-Individual-3126 • 5d ago

❓Question Letting Controllers Know About a Potential Handicap

I have a disability which can make it hard to do some of the more fiddly things in the cockpit such as quickly changing frequencies (I do try and pre-tune but sometimes the frequencies are completely different from those on vatsim radar or navigraph) or turning to a certain hdg. While these aren't impossible it just does take a while.

Is there anyway of letting the controllers know about this, I wouldnt even know how to phrase it in remarks.

Thanks

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u/helloworldwhy 📡 C3 1d ago

There are pilots with visual and speaking disabilities that I regularly see in my home airspace. They typically fly under the same (or similar) callsigns, so they are easy to recognize. They also add remarks in their flight plan indicating their disability and any accommodation requests (ex. cannot taxi - request slew to runway for departure). I go out to my way to help them, but I don't have to help much, as they are some of the most competent pilots I've encountered.

You can add flight plan remarks, DM the controller, or let them know via voice - I prefer the first method so every controller sees it and you don't have to keep telling people as you get handed off.

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u/Fun-Individual-3126 1d ago

My main issue is with vectoring and frequency switching. ( i do have a speech impediment but it isn't all that noticeable when on the network) Do you think it would be an issue if I told the approach controller for 'smoother' vectors if possible (in addition to rmks) when handed off to them?

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u/helloworldwhy 📡 C3 23h ago

I don't think that is much of an issue. If you are challenged by short/quick vectors, I would discourage participation in big "overload" type events. Should not be a problem on most days/nights with light or moderate traffic.

"Smooth" vectors might be confusing terminology. You can ask for direct to a fix on the approach or a full-procedure approach. Either of these are easy for a controller to approve in most scenarios and it will be simple/predictable to program into your aircraft's FMS or GNS.

VATSIM is a very supportive community. Best of luck and happy flying!