Learn how to open and use the ATC menu in FSX, select numbered calls, tune controllers and fix a shortcut that will not respond.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, press the grave-accent or backtick key (`), normally below Esc, to show or hide the ATC menu. Choose a numbered command with the matching number key or mouse. Available calls change with your active radio frequency, position, flight plan and stage of flight.
How do I open the FSX ATC window?
Press ` while the flight has keyboard focus; this is the grave-accent key, not the apostrophe key. Its label and position can differ on non-UK or non-US keyboard layouts.
- Click inside the main simulator view so a gauge, dialogue box or add-on is not capturing keyboard input.
- Press
`once to display the ATC window. - Use the alternative menu route if needed: press Alt to reveal FSX's menu bar, then select Views and Air Traffic Control.
- Close the window by pressing the same shortcut again or selecting its close button.
If your keyboard has no convenient grave-accent key, open the Controls settings, find ATC Window (display/hide) under the Buttons/Keys assignments and bind another key. Our guide to finding and reassigning FSX keyboard controls covers that process.
How do I use the numbered ATC choices?
Select the number printed beside the transmission or action you want; FSX then speaks the pilot's message automatically. The built-in ATC system is menu-driven and does not provide native speech recognition.
- Choose a controller or frequency. The menu may offer ATIS, Clearance Delivery, Ground, Tower, Approach, Centre or a list of nearby airports.
- Select the required request. Examples include requesting IFR clearance, taxi, take-off, flight following, landing or parking instructions.
- Acknowledge instructions. When ATC assigns a heading, altitude, runway or hand-off, select the numbered acknowledgement rather than simply changing the aircraft configuration.
- Follow controller hand-offs. Use the displayed Contact or Tune option when offered. With default aircraft, FSX normally places the required frequency into the active radio.
You can also enter frequencies manually, but they must be placed in the active COM radio rather than left in standby. See our explanation of COM frequency tuning and controller contact in FSX if the expected controller does not appear.
What is the normal ATC sequence in FSX?
At a controlled airport, the usual sequence depends on whether you are flying VFR or IFR and where the aircraft starts.
| Situation | Typical menu sequence |
|---|---|
| VFR at parking | ATIS if available, Ground for taxi, then Tower for take-off |
| IFR at parking | Clearance Delivery if offered, Ground, Tower, then Departure |
| Airborne VFR | Nearest facility or airport, with flight following where available |
| Airborne IFR | Acknowledge vectors and altitude instructions, then accept each controller hand-off |
| Arrival | Approach, Tower, then Ground after leaving the runway |
An IFR clearance will not appear merely because you intend to fly by instruments. FSX needs an IFR plan to be created or loaded; follow the steps for creating and loading VFR or IFR routes in the Flight Planner.
Why are some ATC menu options missing?
FSX displays only calls that make sense for the aircraft's location, radio setting, flight-plan type and phase of flight.
- No IFR clearance: the flight was loaded without an IFR plan, or the aircraft started in a position that bypassed the normal clearance sequence.
- No Ground or Tower request: the aircraft may be at an uncontrolled airport, on the wrong frequency or no longer in the relevant ground or runway phase.
- No expected controller: check that the correct COM frequency is active, not merely entered in standby.
- Few useful options after take-off: acknowledge pending instructions and complete any offered controller hand-off first.
- Add-on aircraft radio mismatch: a custom radio or electrical system may not synchronise cleanly with FSX's built-in ATC. Verify the avionics and COM1 state using the aircraft's own controls.
What if the FSX ATC menu will not open?
Use Views > Air Traffic Control first to distinguish a broken shortcut from a wider ATC problem.
- Confirm that you are pressing the grave-accent key rather than the apostrophe key.
- Click the cockpit or external view before trying the shortcut again.
- Check the ATC Window (display/hide) assignment and remove any conflicting binding.
- Test with a default FSX aircraft in case an add-on panel is intercepting the key.
- If the window opens but remains silent or offers no workable contacts, check avionics power, COM1 and the simulator's voice and radio audio settings.
For failures beyond the shortcut itself, use our FSX ATC troubleshooting checklist covering radio power, keyboard focus, sound and menu access.