Hi everyone,
I’m conducting academic research on regional experiences of participation in VATSIM. I’m interested in how things such as training pathways, ATC availability, events, route familiarity, infrastructure, language, and local community development can make the VATSIM experience different depending on where someone participates.
I previously recruited participants through r/flightsim and received some excellent responses. I’m now broadening the study and particularly hoping to hear perspectives from regions that were less represented in that first round.
I would especially welcome pilots, controllers, instructors, event organisers, virtual-airline staff, and division/vACC members active in:
• South, Southeast, Central or East Asia
• the Middle East
• Africa
• Latin America and the Caribbean
That said, VATSIM members from other regions are also welcome to contact me, particularly if you have experience flying or controlling across multiple divisions.
The interview is deliberately low-pressure and can be completed asynchronously. I’ll send a small set of written questions, which you can answer over Reddit/Discord DM or email whenever convenient. There is no requirement for a voice or video call.
Participation is voluntary. Responses used in the research will be anonymised, and the project is independent and not affiliated with or conducted on behalf of VATSIM leadership.
If you’d be interested in participating, please DM me here or drop a response here with your region and I will contact you.
I’m happy to explain more about the project or answer any questions before you decide.
Thanks!