Microsoft Flight Simulator ATC is software-controlled, not human. Learn how built-in ATC differs from VATSIM, IVAO and real airport radio.
Yes. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 both include built-in air traffic control (ATC), but it is operated by the simulator’s software, not real people. To speak with human controllers, you must connect the PC version to an external online ATC network such as VATSIM or IVAO.
Who controls the built-in ATC?
The built-in ATC is computer-controlled. It assigns runways, issues taxi and take-off clearances, provides headings and altitudes, and handles arrivals through scripted logic based on your flight, flight plan and surrounding traffic.
You normally communicate by selecting replies from the ATC panel. The voices you hear are generated by the simulator’s voice system; nobody is listening or responding at the other end. Assistance options can also let the virtual co-pilot handle radio calls automatically. Our guide to using the stock ATC panel and radio system explains that workflow.
Live Traffic does not change this. It can place aircraft based on real-world traffic data, but it does not import the controllers working those flights. Multiplayer also adds other pilots, not human controllers.
Built-in ATC, online ATC and real airport radio compared
These three options sound similar but provide different experiences.
| ATC option | Who controls it? | How you interact | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in MSFS ATC | Simulator software | ATC menu selections and generated voices | No human judgement or conversation |
| VATSIM or IVAO | Human volunteer controllers | Microphone, push-to-talk and radio frequencies | Controller coverage is not guaranteed |
| Real airport radio | Working real-world controllers | Listen only | It is unrelated to your simulated aircraft |
Listening to an active airport frequency does not let that controller see or direct your simulator. We explain the distinction and practical limitations in our article about hearing real airport ATC alongside Microsoft Flight Simulator.
How do you get real people controlling ATC in MSFS?
Human-controlled ATC requires an online network and companion pilot software running alongside Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC.
- Choose a network. VATSIM and IVAO simulate organised air traffic with other connected pilots and volunteer controllers.
- Install its pilot client. Configure your simulator connection, microphone, audio devices and push-to-talk button.
- Prepare the flight. Use a valid callsign, file any required flight plan and have the charts or airport information needed to follow instructions.
- Connect while parked. Start at a gate, stand or parking position—not on a runway or taxiway.
- Contact the controller. Tune the published frequency, listen before transmitting and read back clearances accurately.
Our VATSIM setup and operating guide for MSFS covers the connection process without duplicating it here.
These controllers are real humans, but they are generally trained network volunteers rather than the professional controller working the corresponding real airport. Some participants may have real aviation experience, but you should not assume that they are licensed air traffic controllers.
Coverage also depends on volunteers being online. If no controller covers your location, follow that network’s published procedures for monitoring or making advisory calls until a controller becomes available.
Does human ATC work on Xbox or PlayStation?
The established human-ATC networks are principally a PC option because they require companion pilot software that runs alongside the simulator. Xbox editions and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PlayStation 5 cannot install the normal PC pilot clients, so their practical option is the simulator’s built-in software ATC.
Do you need a microphone for Microsoft Flight Simulator ATC?
You do not need a microphone for built-in ATC because responses are selected from the on-screen panel. Human online ATC normally uses a microphone and push-to-talk; text communication may be supported in some circumstances, but voice is the standard experience.
A speech-recognition utility can let you say stock ATC responses instead of selecting them, but the controller remains software. Our explanation of voice recognition for simulator ATC covers that distinction.
Which ATC option should you choose?
- Use built-in ATC for uncomplicated offline flying, console use or learning basic radio sequencing without pressure.
- Use VATSIM or IVAO when you can control the aircraft confidently, understand common instructions and want unpredictable human interaction.
- Listen to real airport radio when your goal is studying real-world phraseology rather than receiving instructions for your simulated flight.
A mistake we see constantly is joining a human network while still learning the aircraft’s basic controls. Online controllers can help with clarification, but they are not an interactive flying lesson; you must be able to follow assigned headings, altitudes, speeds and missed-approach instructions promptly.