Use live ATC in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: set up a human-controller network, pilot client, microphone, push-to-talk and flight plan.
To use live human ATC in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, run the simulator on PC, join an online controller network, install its compatible pilot client, connect while parked, file a flight plan, and speak by push-to-talk on the tuned frequency. The built-in ATC is automated, not a live controller.
What does live ATC mean in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
In MSFS 2024, live ATC usually means volunteer or professional human controllers managing simulator pilots through an online network such as VATSIM. The network's separate pilot client connects your aircraft position, callsign, radios and voice communications to its servers.
| ATC type | Who controls you? | Extra software | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSFS built-in ATC | Automated simulator system | None | Available throughout the flight |
| Online live ATC | Human network controllers | PC pilot client | Only where controllers are online |
| Real-world ATC audio | Real controllers speaking to real aircraft | External audio source | Listen-only and unrelated to your flight |
Our overview of how automated and human-controlled simulator ATC differ explains what each system can see and control.
How do you set up live ATC in MSFS 2024?
The reliable setup is to configure the network client and radio audio before connecting, then join from an empty parking stand rather than appearing on a runway.
- Choose an online ATC network. Read its pilot rules and complete any required introductory material. Human coverage varies by region and time, so inspect the network's controller map before planning around live service.
- Install an MSFS 2024-compatible pilot client. Use the client approved by the network rather than assuming an older program will work. It normally exchanges aircraft and radio data with MSFS through SimConnect.
- Configure model matching and simulator traffic. A model-matching package lets you see other network aircraft correctly. Disable MSFS multiplayer or AI traffic if the network client injects its own traffic; otherwise, aircraft may appear twice.
- Set your microphone, speakers and push-to-talk. Assign push-to-talk inside the pilot client. A control bound only in MSFS will not necessarily transmit on the network. Test the input level without allowing cockpit noise to hold the microphone open.
- Prepare the aircraft at a parking stand. Load the flight completely, power the radios and select the correct COM transmitter on the audio panel. Never connect while sitting on a runway or taxiway.
- File the network flight plan. The plan submitted to the ATC network is separate from the route loaded through the MSFS World Map or aircraft avionics. Make the callsign in the client match the submitted plan exactly.
- Connect and check controller coverage. Tune the published ATIS, clearance or ground frequency shown by the client. If no controller covers the airport, follow the network's advisory-frequency procedure and make position reports until service becomes available.
- Request clearance and follow instructions. Read back runway assignments, headings, altitudes, speeds and transponder codes. Tune each new frequency after a hand-off and wait for a gap before transmitting.
For microphone technique, frequency changes and standard readbacks, see our practical guide to speaking with simulator ATC and live controllers.
What should you say on the first call?
A useful first transmission gives the controller your callsign, location, information code and request without recounting the whole flight plan.
For example: Manchester Delivery, Speedbird 123, stand 42, information Alpha, IFR to Amsterdam, request clearance.
For a VFR departure, identify your parking location, aircraft type or callsign, intended direction and request. Listen first: transmitting over an existing clearance is one of the most common beginner mistakes.
Why can you not hear or contact the live controller?
Most live ATC audio failures come from an unpowered radio, the wrong active frequency or a push-to-talk binding configured in the simulator instead of the pilot client.
- Move the required frequency from standby to the active COM position.
- Select the same COM radio for transmission and reception on the cockpit audio panel.
- Confirm that the aircraft's electrical system and avionics are powered.
- Check that the client remains connected and recognises your aircraft.
- Verify the microphone and output device selected in the client; operating-system defaults can change after connecting a headset.
- Allow the pilot client and its voice component through the computer's firewall.
- Check controller coverage. A listed frequency does not guarantee that the sector is staffed.
If radio tuning works in a default aircraft but not an add-on aircraft, the problem is probably its radio or audio-panel configuration. Restarting the client after the aircraft has fully loaded can also restore a failed simulator connection.
Do you need a microphone for live ATC?
A working microphone and push-to-talk control are the normal requirements for live ATC, although some networks permit text or receive-only operation under defined conditions.
Do not claim voice capability if you cannot hear instructions reliably. New pilots can use an observer mode when the network offers one, allowing them to listen to controller phraseology without joining as active traffic.
Can you use live ATC on Xbox or PlayStation?
The standard human-controller networks do not work directly with MSFS 2024 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro because their separate PC pilot clients cannot be installed on those consoles.
Console pilots can use the simulator's automated system instead. Our complete built-in ATC procedure covers clearance, taxi, departure, hand-offs and arrival without external software.
Can real-world ATC control your simulator flight?
Real-world airport radio cannot control an MSFS flight because those controllers can neither see your simulator aircraft nor issue instructions to it.
Real ATC audio may also be delayed and will refer to different traffic, runways and weather. Treat it as listen-only material, not as a replacement for the simulator's ATC or a human flight-simulation network.