Learn how to change ATC radio frequencies in FSX, tune COM1 automatically or manually, find valid channels and fix missing ATC options.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, open the ATC window, select the listed controller or airport service, and FSX can tune COM1 automatically when Easy Communications is enabled. For manual tuning, enter the frequency in COM1's standby field, press the transfer switch to make it active, then contact or monitor the station.
How do I let FSX tune ATC automatically?
Easy Communications is the quickest way to change ATC frequencies because FSX sets the active COM1 frequency when you select the appropriate ATC menu item.
- Enable Easy Communications in FSX's settings.
- Open the ATC window. The default key is the accent or backquote key (
`), although keyboard layouts and custom assignments can change it. Our FSX radio and ATC keyboard command reference lists the relevant commands. - Select the service or controller. Use the numbered menu options or click them with the mouse. The Nearest Airport List provides airport services within range.
- Follow handoffs in order. Acknowledge the instruction on the old frequency, then select the option to contact the next controller. FSX changes active COM1 and presents the available call.
Stock FSX ATC does not require a push-to-talk key. Select a numbered response and FSX transmits it, playing the pilot voice if that option is enabled. ATIS, AWOS and ASOS are receive-only broadcasts, so tuning the listed frequency is normally enough to hear them.
How do I tune an FSX ATC frequency manually?
Manual tuning gives you control over the radio and is the better choice when practising normal cockpit procedures.
- Find the assigned frequency in the ATC message, airport information or FSX map.
- Open the aircraft's radio stack and identify COM1. Do not enter an ATC frequency into NAV1 or NAV2.
- Set the COM1 standby frequency with the radio knobs, mouse wheel or assigned keyboard controls. Many default radios have separate controls for the whole and fractional parts.
- Press the transfer or swap button so the new value moves from standby to active. This missed step is the most common reason FSX remains on the previous controller.
- Select COM1 for reception on the audio panel if the aircraft models that function, then use the ATC window to make the available call.
Turning Easy Communications off does not disable ATC. It only stops FSX from tuning the radio for you.
Which tuning method should I use?
Use automatic tuning for convenience and manual tuning when you want to operate the radio stack yourself.
| Mode | What FSX does | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Communications on | Sets active COM1 from ATC menu selections | Learning FSX ATC or flying aircraft with awkward radio controls |
| Easy Communications off | Leaves frequency entry and transfer to the pilot | Procedural flying and cockpit practice |
Where can I find the correct FSX frequency?
The safest source is FSX's own facility database because its frequencies may differ from present-day real-world charts.
- Controller handoffs: read the frequency shown in the ATC window before acknowledging.
- Nearby airports: open the ATC window and use the Nearest Airport List.
- Airport information: open
World > Map, select an airport and inspect its listed communications services. - Aircraft GPS: supported GPS units can show nearby airport frequencies, although the controls vary between aircraft.
FSX uses legacy scenery and navigation data. Add-on scenery may update an airport visually without changing every stored communications frequency, so use the value recognised by the simulator when it conflicts with an external chart.
Why does FSX ATC not recognise the new frequency?
FSX usually fails to recognise a frequency because it is still in standby, was entered into the wrong radio or is not associated with an available station.
- Confirm that the desired value appears on the active COM1 side.
- Check that you changed COM1 rather than COM2, NAV1 or NAV2. Built-in FSX ATC expects active COM1.
- Turn on the battery, avionics master and radio equipment required by the aircraft.
- Make sure the controller or airport is within range and that the selected service exists in FSX's database.
- With complex add-on aircraft, check whether its custom radio system is synchronised with FSX's standard COM variables.
- If number keys or the ATC-window shortcut do nothing, remove keyboard focus from any gauge text field and check the control assignment.
If the radio is set correctly but calls or menu options are still missing, follow our FSX radio, avionics and ATC troubleshooting checks.
Can I contact any controller by entering its frequency?
No. FSX only responds when the active frequency belongs to a controller or airport service available at your position and phase of flight.
Tuning a frequency does not change FSX's sector assignment or edit an airport's stored data. If you are receiving VFR flight following and want to leave the frequency, use the appropriate cancellation or termination option in the ATC menu rather than silently retuning; our explanation of real-world VFR frequency-change rules provides the procedural context.
What changes when flying online?
Online ATC uses the frequency issued by the live controller rather than the assignment generated by FSX's built-in ATC.
The online client generally reads the aircraft's active COM1 frequency, so the same standby-and-transfer procedure applies. Avoid running competing built-in ATC audio, and use our FSX-to-VATSIM connection and radio setup instructions for the client-specific steps.