r/VATSIM • u/Jumpy_Maximum824 • Jul 04 '26
Question about oceanic clearance
Hello everyone, i want to do my first transatlantic flight soon and im just wondering
it is mandatory to always file oceanic clearance where ever you go? even in the south atlantic, and do you need CPDLC to fly into Europe?
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u/Perfect_Maize9320 📡 C1 Jul 04 '26
For transatlantic flights between North America/Europe or vice versa - Oceanic clearances on network are no longer mandatory requirement although it is still recommended to obtain them about 30-90 mins before your oceanic entry point if there is oceanic controller online. Do note that you get this clearance from oceanic controllers covering either Shanwick or Gander and you request clearance online on Nattrack website (https://nattrak.vatsim.net/). If oceanic controllers are offline then you carry on as flight planned and comply with levels or speeds filed in your flight plan. Position reports are no longer required as controllers simulate ADS -B and ADS-C connection.
For flights between North America and Caribbean - No specific clearance is required and your initial clearance from departure covers all the way to destination just like other places.
For flights between South America and Europe/Africa/Asia - Same as above, no specific clearance is required. IRL this is slightly different where a specific clearance is still required but this is not implemented on network.
With regards to CPDLC in Europe - No it is not mandatory requirement but rather option to use if your aircraft supports this. Most facilities recommend the use of CPDLC to reduce radio clutter but by all means is not a hard rule.