First Things First-reetings
The first thing you should know about NYFC is that it is not real. It is an online organization that flies Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane online on the VATSIM network.
Still interested? Good. Most organizations on VATSIM are called "Virtual Airlines," or VA's. A VA is a simulated representation of a business entity that is an airline. NYFC is not a "VA," it is a simulation of a business entity that is a Flying Club; a non-profit organization whose members buy shares of the company and use aircraft that are owned by the "club." Some clubs offer instruction, as we may, but for the most part, flying clubs allow a low cost alternative to outright ownership of an aircraft by a single owner.
When refering to NYFC, one should call it a "FC," and not a "VA."
With that in mind, NYFC has very little to do with regularly scheduled services. It has quite a lot to do with flying VFR and IFR and logging the time in a logbook, not a pirep. The aircraft in our fleet are typical of the single engine aircraft most flying clubs own, with a number of twins that will allow for a close approximation of commercial charters, should you want to do that as well.
Our "hubs," or "domicile's" are called F.B.O.'s (Fixed Base Operations), so the "FC," although officially a non-profit, can be viewed as a busness entity that is doing well enough to invest in the general aviation market for profit. Our fleet has grown so large that we are now fully capable of servicing transient aircraft and offering tie-down space. Our twins are largely used by pilots to build commercial time, rather than actually make an income.
The area
Our club is situated right in the heart of New York airspace. We like it that way. What is the sense of simply logging on to VATSIM to fly a Cessna around a frequently empty airspace? NYARTCC has some of the most regularly staffed airspace on the network, and that is good for us. However, as with real flying clubs and schools in the area, you will need to show that you understand the “How's and Where's” of class Bravo airspace. NYARTCC wants you to learn it too. Airports outside of New York's Class B are a great place for those new to the area and VATSIM to start. After a while you will learn how to fl;y in and out of those airports inside of the Class B area from your fellow members the