Learn what GSX is in a flight simulator, which version you need, and how to run boarding, ground services and pushback without common errors.
GSX (Ground Services X) is FSDreamTeam’s paid add-on for simulated airport ground handling: marshalling, boarding, baggage, catering, refuelling, jetways or stairs, and pushback. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 use GSX Pro from the in-sim toolbar; FSX and supported Prepar3D releases use the older GSX products.
What does GSX add to a flight simulator?
GSX coordinates the vehicles, people and procedures surrounding an aircraft while it is parked at an airport. Services are positioned according to the aircraft’s doors and the selected stand rather than appearing as unrelated animations.
- Marshaller or visual docking guidance at the stand
- Jetway, stairs, passenger bus and boarding operations
- Baggage loaders, cargo containers and service vehicles
- Catering and refuelling requests
- Pushback with selectable directions or airport-specific routes
- Deboarding and turnaround operations after arrival
It does not provide ATC clearance, plan the flight or guarantee that the aircraft’s actual payload changes. Passenger, fuel and weight synchronisation depends on the aircraft add-on and its GSX integration; with some aircraft, part of the process is visual only.
Which GSX version do I need?
The correct GSX edition is determined by the simulator, and the packages are not interchangeable.
| Simulator | GSX edition | Key caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 | GSX Pro | Uses the in-sim toolbar and the external Couatl scripting engine. |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | GSX Pro | Aircraft and airport compatibility still varies, so matching profiles remain important. |
| Flight Simulator X | Legacy GSX | Some passenger and replacement-jetway functions require the Level 2 expansion. |
| Prepar3D | Compatible legacy GSX release | Support depends on the installed Prepar3D generation and GSX edition. |
| X-Plane, FlightGear and DCS | No GSX edition | GSX is not a generic plug-in that works across every simulator. |
Do not place legacy FSX files into Microsoft Flight Simulator or attempt to load GSX Pro through the FSX add-on menu. For the MSFS-specific installation process, see our installation, activation and Couatl setup notes.
How do you use GSX for boarding and pushback?
A normal GSX departure begins at a recognised parking stand with the engines off and the aircraft secured.
- Install the edition for your simulator. Run its installer and updater, then confirm that GSX appears in the simulator. In MSFS, the
Couatlengine must also be running. - Start at a parking stand. Spawn at a gate, ramp or remote stand rather than on the runway. Set the parking brake and, where the aircraft supports them, fit the chocks.
- Prepare the aircraft load. Set the intended passengers, cargo and fuel in the aircraft’s EFB or loading system when required. GSX cannot automatically control every third-party aircraft’s payload.
- Open the GSX menu. Use the MSFS toolbar panel, or the GSX add-on menu or assigned key in FSX and Prepar3D. Confirm that GSX has identified the correct aircraft and stand.
- Request the required services. Call boarding, catering or refuelling as needed. GSX will position stairs, buses, loaders and other equipment according to the active profiles.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. Open or close the requested doors and remove chocks when instructed. Supported aircraft may perform some door actions automatically; others require manual control.
- Select pushback before releasing the brake. Choose the offered direction or an airport-specific route, wait for tug connection, then release and reapply the parking brake only when prompted. Do not run the simulator’s default tug or another pushback utility at the same time.
- Use GSX again after landing. Select a destination stand, follow the marshaller or docking guidance, secure the aircraft and request deboarding and turnaround services.
Do you need GSX airport and aircraft profiles?
GSX can work with default data, but profiles are often required for accurate vehicle placement, door alignment and pushback routing. A mismatched profile can be worse than having no custom profile at all.
An airport profile defines stand positions, stopping points, service routes and pushback paths for a particular scenery package. An aircraft profile defines passenger doors, cargo doors and the aircraft geometry used to position vehicles and the tug.
Match an airport profile to the exact scenery version, not merely the airport’s ICAO code. Remove stale profiles created for scenery you no longer use, and check that passenger and cargo variants of an aircraft have the correct door layout. Our guide explains how to install and match GSX profiles without mixing incompatible airport configurations.
Why is GSX not working or lining up correctly?
Most GSX faults come from an inactive Couatl process, an incorrect profile or conflicting airport scenery rather than the service selected in the menu.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| GSX menu or toolbar icon is missing | Incomplete installation, disabled package or Couatl not running | Close the simulator, run the GSX updater or repair function, check that security software has not blocked its components, then restart Couatl and the simulator. |
| Vehicles stop inside the aircraft or miss a door | Wrong aircraft profile or model variant | Load a profile made for that exact aircraft and verify its door positions. |
| Marshaller or tug is in the wrong place | Airport profile does not match the active scenery | Use the profile for that scenery package and disable duplicate versions of the airport. |
| Boarding remains paused | GSX is waiting for a door, brake, chock or aircraft loading action | Read the status message, complete the named action and check the aircraft’s EFB rather than repeatedly restarting boarding. |
| Jetway will not connect | Aircraft door or scenery jetway geometry is unsuitable | Confirm the correct stand and door profile, and operate the jetway through only one system. |
| Pushback follows the wrong route | Generic routing or an unsuitable airport profile | Select or create the correct route before departure and make sure no second pushback tool is active. |
If pushback is the only feature you need, GSX may be more elaborate than necessary. You can compare the available MSFS pushback workflows before choosing between GSX, the built-in tug and a dedicated pushback utility.
Is GSX useful for every type of flight?
GSX is most useful for airline and cargo operations where boarding, loading, stand guidance and pushback form part of the simulation. It adds less to general aviation, bush flying or flights that begin away from serviced parking stands.
It also increases the number of animated passengers and vehicles around the aircraft. If a busy terminal causes stuttering, reduce passenger or service density before lowering unrelated graphics settings. Correct profiles and a restrained number of active services usually matter more than calling every available vehicle at once.