Compare Aerosoft VDGS vs GSX VDGS for MSFS: airport coverage, stop accuracy, profiles, compatibility and the best choice for your setup.
For Microsoft Flight Simulator, Aerosoft VDGS is usually the better pure docking solution at an airport built specifically for it; GSX VDGS is the better all-round choice across many airports and adds full ground handling. Accuracy depends less on the brand than on scenery integration, the active airport profile and aircraft stop-position data.
Aerosoft VDGS vs GSX VDGS at a glance
| Criterion | Aerosoft VDGS | GSX VDGS |
|---|---|---|
| Best use | An airport whose scenery was authored specifically for Aerosoft VDGS | Using parking guidance across numerous airports alongside GSX services |
| Airport coverage | Limited to explicitly compatible scenery and stands | Potentially much broader, but profile quality varies |
| Stopping accuracy | Usually strong when the scenery and VDGS versions match | Strong with an accurate airport and aircraft profile; variable with generic data |
| Visual authenticity | The scenery developer controls the unit, placement and stand integration | The chosen unit and its position depend on GSX configuration or the installed profile |
| Setup | Install and activate the VDGS component, then use compatible airport scenery | Install GSX and Couatl, then verify or customise airport and aircraft profiles |
| Other services | Focused on docking guidance | Includes marshalling, pushback, boarding, baggage, catering and other ground handling |
Aerosoft VDGS does not add working displays to every airport; the scenery must contain support for it. Our Aerosoft VDGS installation and activation walkthrough explains the required relationship between the module and compatible scenery.
GSX sometimes uses the abbreviation VGDS rather than VDGS. It is the same category of visual docking system, but it forms part of a much larger package. See how GSX combines docking, marshalling and ground services before choosing it solely for parking guidance.
Which parking guidance system should you choose?
Choose according to the airports you use and whether you want ground handling beyond the final parking manoeuvre.
- Choose Aerosoft VDGS when your main airport explicitly supports or requires it and you want the scenery developer's intended display placement and stop geometry.
- Choose GSX VDGS when you fly across many airports, already use GSX services or want to customise parking positions that lack dedicated Aerosoft integration.
- Use the airport's built-in system when the scenery already supplies another working docking solution. Adding a second system can produce duplicate displays or contradictory instructions.
If you already own GSX and have a well-made profile for the exact scenery version, there is usually no reason to buy another system solely to improve the word STOP at the gate. Aerosoft becomes the stronger choice when the airport was designed around it or the scenery documentation makes it a dependency.
Why do Aerosoft and GSX give different stop positions?
Different stop commands usually come from stand geometry, aircraft recognition or profile data rather than a fundamental difference in display quality.
- Check the active airport scenery. Duplicate airport packages can leave GSX reading parking data from one version while MSFS displays another. Keep only the intended airport definition active.
- Match the GSX profile exactly. A profile made for another developer's airport, an older layout or a different terminal revision can place the guidance unit several metres away. Follow our guidance on matching and installing the correct GSX airport profile.
- Test with the actual aircraft variant. An A320-family stop point should not be assumed correct for every narrow-body, and stretched or shortened variants may require separate data. Incorrect aircraft identification can also produce the wrong type indication.
- Run only one guide at the stand. A GSX marshaller, GSX VDGS and scenery-integrated Aerosoft display can each use a different reference point. Two simultaneous
STOPcommands are a configuration conflict, not pilot error. - Approach straight and slowly. Join the stand centreline early. Late turns, excessive speed or approaching from outside the detection area can prevent identification or cause an abrupt stop instruction.
A scenery update may move parking spots, jetways or centreline markings without updating an older GSX profile. Recheck customised stands after an airport update rather than assuming the guidance system itself has failed.
Can Aerosoft VDGS and GSX be used together?
Both packages can remain installed, but only one should provide visual parking guidance at a particular stand.
The most practical hybrid setup is to let Aerosoft control docking at airports designed for it while GSX continues to provide pushback and ground services. Configure the GSX airport profile so it does not add a marshaller or VDGS at those stands. At airports without Aerosoft support, GSX can resume responsibility for parking guidance.
Will both systems work in MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024?
Compatibility must be confirmed for the simulator version, the guidance software and the exact airport scenery; support in MSFS 2020 does not automatically guarantee operation in MSFS 2024.
If an Aerosoft display appears blank, fails to detect the aircraft or never activates in MSFS 2024, work through our Aerosoft VDGS fault checklist for MSFS 2024. Typical causes include an inactive component, mismatched scenery, an unsupported stand or competing guidance.
This is primarily a PC comparison. GSX Pro depends on external Couatl software and therefore is not an Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5 option. A PC Aerosoft VDGS installer cannot be transferred to a console either; only rely on a console edition when the specific product and scenery listing explicitly supports that platform.
The better VDGS for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Aerosoft VDGS wins for tightly integrated guidance at a compatible airport; GSX wins for breadth, customisation and overall ground operations. If a favourite airport advertises Aerosoft support, use the system its developer intended. For a varied route network where profiles are available, GSX is the more useful single purchase.