hovkid wrote:Im 90% sure I already know the answer to this, but can vectors be used at KSLC, or do SIDs and STARs etc have to be used?
Hovkid
In real life you have to file a flight plan, and it would almost certainly include a SID/STAR procedure. So I think yes, you should probably plan on using a SID/STAR in your flight. STAR's especially are quite useful as they start a long way out(way before you'll be in contact with ATC) and bring you into the airspace in a sane, safe, and predictable manner.
However, SID/STAR procedures and vectors are not mutually exclusive, many SID/STAR themselves are just transition points
requiring vectors from ATC. Also it's quite normal for ATC to vector you around a bit for separation and sequencing purposes, or do whatever else they want with you, it's completely up to them what to do with you once in their airspace...no matter what you file in your flight plan.
If your worried about SID/STAR procedures being too complicated or hard to follow, just remember you don't have to be perfectly by the numbers, it's quite often impossible to do that in flightgear anyway. At it's very simplest you can often just stick the waypoints into the route manager and call it close enough. I would encourage trying to find a procedure that can be followed properly with your chosen aircraft though, and try to follow it as precisely as possible....otherwise what's the point of doing all this?
cheers!