How do you fly into and out of KLAX on VATSIM?

Flying into or out of KLAX on VATSIM is broadly the same in Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D and FSX: use current charts, file a suitable SID or STAR, connect at a gate, copy the ATIS and follow every clearance. Expect dense traffic, runway crossings and rapid instructions.

What should you prepare before connecting at KLAX?

Prepare the aircraft, route, charts and online connection before logging in at a parking stand. KLAX is a poor place to programme an unfamiliar FMC while Ground is waiting for your readback.

• Use the ICAO code KLAX: LAX is the familiar airport code, but KLAX is the correct flight-plan identifier.
• Open the charts: keep the KLAX airport diagram and instrument charts available throughout the flight. You will need the SID or STAR, runway procedure and airport diagram rather than just the moving map.
• Check navdata compatibility: the procedure names and fixes in your aircraft should match the charts. If a cleared procedure is missing, report unable due navdata and request an alternative instead of improvising.
• File a realistic route: include an appropriate departure or arrival and enter truthful equipment and capability information. Our guide to filing a VATSIM flight plan covers the required fields. The filed route is only a request; the clearance issued by ATC is controlling.
• Connect in the right place: start stationary at an unoccupied gate or stand, never on a runway or taxiway. Check nearby traffic in the pilot client before connecting.

If this is your first network flight, learn the pilot-client and human-ATC basics at a quieter airport first. At KLAX, delayed readbacks and unexpected stops can affect several aircraft behind you.

KLAX runway flow and runway crossings

KLAX uses west flow most often, but the ATIS and controller assignment always take precedence over the usual pattern.

The terminals sit between the north and south runway complexes. An aircraft landing on 24R may need to cross 24L, while one landing on 25L may need to cross 25R. Landing clearance does not authorise that crossing. Remain short of the inner runway until Tower explicitly clears you across it.

How do you depart KLAX on VATSIM?

A KLAX departure is manageable when the clearance, FMC and taxi route are verified before the aircraft starts moving.

1. Copy the ATIS. Record the information letter, departure runways, weather and any operational notes. Use the active frequency shown in the VATSIM client or controller information rather than calling an unstaffed chart frequency.
2. Request IFR clearance. Give your callsign, parking position, destination, ATIS code and readiness to copy. Write down the clearance limit, route, initial altitude, departure frequency and squawk code.
3. Read back and programme the cleared route. Verify the SID, runway transition, first fix and altitude restrictions. Do not continue using the filed departure if ATC cleared something different.
4. Request pushback and taxi as directed. Check that the push will not block an active taxi lane. Read back all runway assignments and hold-short instructions, then trace the taxi clearance on the airport diagram before moving.
5. Hold short unless explicitly cleared. Line up and wait authorises entry onto the assigned runway but not take-off. Only cleared for take-off authorises the departure roll.
6. Fly the clearance rather than the magenta line alone. A climb via SID clearance requires the published lateral path, altitude restrictions and speed restrictions unless ATC modifies them. An assigned heading or altitude takes priority where it conflicts.
7. Change frequency only when instructed. Check in with Departure using your callsign, altitude and assigned climb, then continue monitoring for amendments.

Do not accept an RNAV SID that your aircraft cannot fly accurately. Say unable RNAV departure while still at the gate so ATC can issue vectors or another procedure.

How do you arrive at KLAX on VATSIM?

Prepare the arrival before top of descent because runway changes, speed control and vectors can arrive in quick succession around Los Angeles.

1. Obtain the latest ATIS. Note the information code, landing runways and advertised approaches. Recheck it if the weather or runway configuration changes during the descent.
2. Brief the STAR and approach. Review every altitude and speed restriction, the likely runway transition, approach course, minima and missed-approach procedure. Set up both the FMC and conventional navigation radios where applicable.
3. Check in concisely. A useful format is SoCal Approach, ABC123, descending via [STAR], information Charlie. Include an assigned altitude or heading if one is already in force.
4. Interpret descent instructions literally. Descend via requires compliance with the published route, altitude restrictions and speeds, except where ATC changes them. Do not treat descend and maintain as the same instruction; ask if the clearance is unclear.
5. Wait for approach clearance. Being established on the localiser or final approach path does not by itself authorise descent along the approach. When cleared, verify the runway and approach before selecting approach mode.
6. Vacate without creating a runway incursion. Use a safe exit, move the whole aircraft beyond the runway holding-position marking and follow Tower's instruction. If an inner runway lies ahead, hold short until a separate crossing clearance is issued.
7. Have a gate in mind. Tell Ground the terminal, stand or general parking area you want. If your scenery has different taxiways or gates, report the mismatch before accepting a route you cannot follow.

Automation can hide mistakes here. Watch the aircraft rather than assuming VNAV will satisfy every restriction, and report early if you will be too high, too fast or unable to make a turn. Controllers can usually resolve an honest limitation; a silent deviation is much harder to manage.

What if KLAX has no controller or is extremely busy?

Check the network coverage before departure using our page for finding airports with active VATSIM controllers. Where top-down service is being provided, a higher controller may handle clearance, ground or tower duties; follow the controller information and any contact request.

If nobody is covering KLAX, use the network-designated advisory channel shown by the client or regional guidance. Where no local advisory channel is designated, VATSIM's standard UNICOM frequency is 122.800. Broadcast concise position and intention reports, monitor other traffic and sequence yourself visually or by mutual agreement.

During a busy event, remain parked until the aircraft is ready, listen before transmitting and avoid repeating a call every few seconds. If a technical problem develops on a runway or taxiway, tell ATC immediately; disconnect rather than leaving a frozen aircraft blocking the airport.

Common KLAX VATSIM mistakes

• Entering LAX instead of KLAX in the flight plan or FMC.
• Loading the usual west-flow runway before checking the ATIS, then overlooking a changed assignment.
• Flying the filed SID or STAR after ATC has cleared an amended route.
• Using old scenery whose taxiway layout does not match the airport diagram. Report unable, scenery mismatch before moving.
• Crossing 24L or 25R after landing on an outer runway without an explicit crossing clearance.
• Missing a published speed or altitude restriction because the autopilot mode was armed but never captured.
• Turning, climbing or switching frequency before the instruction is issued.