How do I install and use Radar Contact with FS2004?

To install Radar Contact with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, first install the FS2004-compatible FSUIPC module, then install Radar Contact 4 as a separate Windows application and rebuild its scenery database. Load an IFR flight plan into Radar Contact, start FS9, and use the displayed number-key choices to communicate with controllers.

What does Radar Contact need to work with FS2004?

Radar Contact requires a complete Radar Contact 4 installation, the FS2004 generation of FSUIPC and a valid FS2004 .pln flight plan. It is a discontinued, legacy ATC application, but it remains suited to FS9 when those components are installed correctly.

FS2004 uses the FSUIPC 3.x line; FSUIPC versions intended for FSX, Prepar3D or newer Microsoft simulators are not substitutes. Follow our FS2004 FSUIPC installation and loading checks before configuring Radar Contact.

Radar Contact is not installed in Addon Scenery or as an aircraft module. Its main files remain in a separate Windows folder, while FSUIPC is the component that loads inside FS2004 and passes data between the two applications.

How do I install Radar Contact 4 in FS2004?

1. Run FS2004 once and close it. This confirms that FS9 itself works and that its user folders have been created.
2. Install the correct FSUIPC module. Start FS2004 afterwards and verify that FSUIPC appears under the simulator’s Modules menu. Do not continue until it loads without an error.
3. Install Radar Contact in a separate writable folder. A short path such as C:\RCv4 avoids many permissions and path problems associated with old installers. Do not place it inside the FS2004 aircraft or scenery folders.
4. Apply the appropriate final update, if supplied separately. Point the updater at the existing Radar Contact directory. Installing an update into a second or nested folder leaves a mixture of missing and outdated files.
5. Set the FS2004 location if requested. Select the folder containing the FS9 executable, not the Modules, Flights or Addon Scenery subfolder.
6. Rebuild the Radar Contact scenery database. Run its supplied scenery or database rebuild utility with FS2004 closed, selecting the FS9 folder if prompted. Repeat this after installing AFCAD files or scenery that changes airports, runways or frequencies.
7. Match Windows privilege levels. Run FS2004 and Radar Contact both normally or both as administrator. Windows may block communication when one is elevated and the other is not.

If your Radar Contact package is incomplete, do not combine unrelated base installers, updates and voice files. Our comparison of ATC choices for FS2004 explains Radar Contact’s role and the practical alternatives.

How do I start and fly a Radar Contact flight?

The reliable method is to save one IFR route as an FS2004 .pln file and load that same file wherever it is needed. Loading a route into FS2004 does not automatically load it into Radar Contact.

1. Create and save an IFR flight plan. FS2004 normally stores saved plans in the Flight Simulator Files folder under your Documents or My Documents location. Confirm the departure, destination and planned cruise altitude.
2. Load the plan into FS2004 if required. This lets the simulator’s GPS or compatible aircraft instruments follow the route. Radar Contact itself does not programme the GPS or fly the aircraft.
3. Position the aircraft at the departure airport. Start at a parking stand rather than on the active runway if you want the complete clearance, taxi and departure sequence.
4. Start FS2004 before beginning the Radar Contact session. Once the flight has loaded and FSUIPC is available, open Radar Contact and select the saved .pln file.
5. Check the flight details. Confirm the callsign, aircraft category, cruise altitude, departure and destination. Choose the desired co-pilot options before starting the session.
6. Start Radar Contact and request clearance. Return to FS2004 and select the appropriate numbered response shown by Radar Contact. Follow the assigned runway, headings, altitudes and frequency hand-offs.

Radar Contact works best with conventional IFR routes. If a route exported by another planner contains procedure coding or waypoints that Radar Contact cannot interpret, simplify it to recognised fixes and airways. A compatible route planner with Radar Contact import and export support can help prepare suitable plans.

How should I handle Radar Contact radio hand-offs?

In manual mode, place the assigned frequency in the active COM radio—normally COM1—then use Radar Contact’s displayed response option to check in. Entering the frequency only in the standby window is a common reason for receiving no response.

The co-pilot options can handle radio tuning or pilot replies, which is useful while learning the programme. Turn those options off if you want to manage every frequency yourself; our guide to active and standby COM radio operation in FS2004 covers the simulator controls.

Radar Contact uses keyboard menu choices rather than microphone speech recognition. Check its key assignments if the number keys conflict with an aircraft panel, view command or another utility.

Why will Radar Contact not connect or load my flight plan?

Does Radar Contact replace FS2004’s built-in ATC?

Radar Contact replaces the built-in ATC operationally, but it does not remove it from FS2004. Do not contact the stock controller during a Radar Contact flight, or both systems may issue unrelated clearances and frequencies.

It also does not control the aircraft, set the autopilot or guarantee that every modern procedure in a third-party navigation database will be understood. Its job is to provide an external clearance, taxi, en-route, descent and approach service through FSUIPC while you remain responsible for flying and navigating the aircraft.