this update, position updates will be increased from 0.2 Hz (5 seconds) to 5 Hz (0.2 seconds) within a 10-mile range. The SquawkBox and FSInn pilot clients were retired for use on the network on April 1, 2021, due to them not being in active development, which made them incompatible with the fast position updates that were brought with VATSIM Velocity. VATSIM announced that the long-awaited update would be released on January 31, 2022 at 22:00 UTC. Preparations for its launch included major updates to pilot clients, as well as the retirement of xSquawkbox, which became incompatible with the network. However, Velocity had no effect on the functionality of controller clients. VATSIM Inc. On January 16, 2023 VATSIM announced the creation of a new 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, VATSIM Inc. and said it would start accepting donations. VATSIM also stated that it would be transferring ownership to a new Board of Directors. Reception Considered the largest online flight simulation network in the world, VATSIM has attracted mainstream media attention. Commentators have praised VATSIM for its realism and quality, describing the network as giving flight simulation an interest and depth it would otherwise lack and lauding its friendly atmosphere. Coverage, although mostly positive, has focused on what is perceived to be the peculiar nature of a hobby so complex that it can closely approximate work and cost thousands of dollars. The experience has been described as more strict, for both air traffic controllers and pilots, than some participants might like. Membership and training VATSIM has over 110,000 active users as of 2021. Joining is free, and there are no usage fees associated with connecting to the network. Pilots must successfully complete a new user orientation program, including a simple exam that helps reinforce the material about basic piloting skills and the rules of the network as of September 1, 2020. They may also undertake optional training to learn how to fly certain procedures on the network. Pilots may also transfer their real world license into a VATSIM rating as many real world pilots fly on the VATSIM network. The current pilot ratings are: P0 - Basic VATSIM User (awarded after completion of the New User Orientation Program) P1 - Private Pilot License (PPL) P2 - Instrument Rating (IR) P3 - Commercial Multi-Engine Licence (CMEL) P4 - Airline Transport License (ATPL) Pilots are able to file their own flight plans either through their