How do I fly online with live ATC in a flight simulator?

To fly online with live ATC, join a community ATC network, install its compatible pilot client, configure a headset and push-to-talk, file a network flight plan, and connect from an empty parking stand. The controllers are trained volunteers directing simulator traffic—not real-world controllers or the simulator’s built-in ATC.

This answer applies to flight simulators in general. A pilot client sends your position, callsign, radio frequency and transponder data to the network; it also carries controller audio and injects nearby network aircraft into your simulator.

What does flying online with live ATC mean?

Live ATC is different from both ordinary multiplayer and the automated controller supplied with a simulator.

• Simulator multiplayer displays other players but does not provide an organised controller service.
• Built-in ATC is generated by the simulator rather than spoken by a human controller.
• A community ATC network places pilots and volunteer controllers on shared servers. They can use different supported simulators while occupying the same simulated airspace.

Nothing you say is transmitted on a real aviation frequency. Never use actual radio equipment to contact real-world ATC for a simulated flight.

Can I use live ATC in MSFS 2024?

Yes—Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PC can connect to volunteer live ATC through a compatible network pilot client. The Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro editions cannot run the conventional community-network client workflow.

Client compatibility can change independently of the simulator. Check the network’s approved software before installing anything, particularly with an older simulator or a newly updated operating system.

Which live ATC network and pilot client should I use?

Choose a network that supports your simulator, has useful controller coverage when and where you fly, and offers rules or training material you understand. VATSIM and IVAO are established free networks, but each requires its own account and approved client.

• Coverage: inspect the places and times you normally fly rather than assuming every airport is staffed continuously.
• Client support: confirm that the client supports your simulator, operating system and network. A VATSIM client cannot simply be used to connect to IVAO.
• Procedures and language: controller practices and preferred phraseology vary by region.
• Training: look for beginner documentation, observer facilities and local training that suit your experience.

Our comparison of free flight-simulator ATC networks explains the main compatibility and account differences. Do not connect the same aircraft to two networks simultaneously.

How do I set up my first online flight?

A successful first flight begins offline: know the aircraft well enough to operate its radios, transponder, autopilot and navigation without asking the controller for cockpit instructions.

1. Create the network account and read its rules. Pay particular attention to callsigns, disconnections, pausing, time acceleration and prohibited behaviour.
2. Install the approved pilot client. Confirm that it detects the running simulator and reports a valid aircraft position before attempting a flight.
3. Configure a headset and push-to-talk. Select the microphone and headphones inside the pilot client, then bind a key or controller button that can be held while flying. Voice activation can leave a busy frequency blocked by background noise.
4. Prepare a simple route. Choose an aircraft and procedure you already know. For a first flight, avoid major hubs, complex airspace and organised traffic events.
5. File the network flight plan. Use the same callsign in the plan and pilot client. Enter the correct aircraft type, route and altitude. Filing online does not load that route into the aircraft’s GPS or flight-management system.
6. Set compatible traffic and weather options. Disable built-in ATC audio and any simulator multiplayer or AI traffic that would duplicate network aircraft. Use weather reasonably close to the conditions on which controllers are basing runway and pressure instructions.
7. Load at an empty parking stand. Never connect on a runway or taxiway. Check nearby network traffic first so that you do not appear inside another aircraft.
8. Connect while stationary. Set the correct aircraft type and callsign, verify the transponder state, and let the client finish loading nearby traffic.
9. Listen before speaking. Obtain the ATIS where available, note the runway and pressure setting, and make sure the frequency is active rather than sitting in the standby radio window.
10. Call the appropriate controller. Give your callsign, location, ATIS code and request. Read back the clearance and remain on frequency until instructed to change.

A mistake we see constantly is treating the network flight plan, the simulator’s world-map route and the aircraft’s navigation system as one shared plan. They are separate; changing one does not reliably update the others.

What should I say to live ATC?

Your first transmission should identify who you are calling, who you are, where you are and what you want. An IFR clearance request might be Manchester Delivery, Speedbird 123, stand 42, information Alpha, IFR to Amsterdam, request clearance.

Phraseology varies by country, but clarity matters more than imitating a particular accent. Read back runway clearances, hold-short instructions, assigned headings and altitudes, pressure settings and transponder codes. Say say again if you missed something, or unable with a brief reason if the aircraft cannot comply.

Which controller should I contact first?

Contact the lowest relevant staffed position: delivery for clearance, ground for movement on the apron or taxiways, and tower for runway operations. Depending on network and regional practice, an approach or centre controller may provide lower services through top-down coverage when delivery, ground or tower is offline.

Read the controller information and listen before calling. Do not work through every frequency in the list asking whether it covers you. After departure, stay with the controller until receiving a hand-off such as contact departure or contact centre.

What happens when no live controllers are online?

An empty controller list usually means the airspace is unstaffed, not that your connection has failed. Follow the network’s rules for uncontrolled operations and use its prescribed advisory or local traffic frequency; there is no single frequency or procedure that applies everywhere.

Make concise position and intention reports where required, monitor for nearby traffic and do not issue clearances to other pilots. If a controller opens while you are in their airspace, respond promptly to any contact request and report your callsign, position, altitude and intentions.

Can beginners fly online with human ATC?

Yes, provided they can control the aircraft, tune and select its radios, follow basic headings and altitudes, and understand that controllers cannot teach the aircraft during a busy session. Start with a familiar aircraft, a short route and a quiet staffed airport.

Some networks support an observer mode that lets you listen without appearing as active traffic; use it only as permitted by that network’s rules. If you choose VATSIM, our first-connection explanation for new VATSIM pilots covers account preparation, flight plans and the normal radio workflow.

Why can I hear ATC but not transmit?

One-way audio is usually caused by the push-to-talk binding, input-device selection or aircraft radio panel rather than the network server. Check the simplest causes first.

• No transmit indicator: rebind push-to-talk, select the intended microphone and confirm that the operating system allows the pilot client to use it.
• Transmit indicator but no reply: check that the frequency is active, the correct COM radio is selected for transmission and you are calling a controller who covers your position.
• You hear nothing: confirm that a controller is actually online, select the correct output device and check the aircraft battery, avionics, volume and audio-panel controls.
• Two controller voices overlap: mute the simulator’s built-in ATC voice and radio-assistance features while using the online network.
• Your callsign or plan cannot be matched: use exactly the same operational callsign in the connection window and filed flight plan.
• ATC cannot identify your altitude: check the assigned transponder code and operating mode, then set the instructed altimeter pressure.
• Other aircraft are invisible or incorrect: verify that network traffic injection is enabled and repair the model-matching configuration. Bad matching normally affects how traffic looks, not whether ATC can see you.
• The filed route is missing from the cockpit: enter or load it separately in the aircraft’s navigation system.

For persistent microphone, device or push-to-talk problems, use our step-by-step VATSIM audio setup checks. Test away from a busy frequency rather than making repeated radio checks during peak traffic.