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64 CHAPTER 6. ADVANCED SIMULATION IN X-PLANE
Figure 6.1: The Flight Plan dialog box [Full size →]
All interactions with the air traffic control occur via the on-screen ATC menu. To access this
menu, simply press Enter (Return) on the keyboard. Alternatively, you can use the Joystick &
Equipment dialog box to program your joystick to access this menu.
In order to make a request or hear from the air traffic controllers, you must have your COM
1 radio tuned to the proper frequency for the request. Filing a flight plan is independent of any
controller, so that option is always available. However, once the flight plan is filed, you must tune
to the Clearance Delivery, Ground, or Tower frequencies (if available, in that order as in the real
world) to get clearance for takeoff. After you get clearance, you tune to the Ground (if available)
or Tower frequencies for your taxi clearance. When you get to a hold short line, ground control
will hand you off to tower and then you’ll receive handoffs throughout the rest of your flight when
necessary; keep tuning to the proper frequency to continue to receive air traffic control guidance.
Note that the Local Map dialog box (opened from the Location menu) will display the relevant
frequencies for any airport that you mouse over.
As in the real world, any ATC interaction begins with filing a flight plan. Thus, the first time
you press Enter during a flight, the only option available will be “File Flight Plan.” Click that line
of text to display the Flight Plan dialog box (shown in Figure 6.1).
You must enter your departure and arrival points, in the same ID format as the points appear
in the X-Plane maps, as well as your planned cruising (enroute) altitude. Pressing the File button
will register your flight plan with the X-Plane air traffic control.
With your flight plan filed, you can bring up the ATC menu again by pressing Enter, then click
“Request Clearance.”
The following is a brief walkthrough on how to depart the KSEA area:
1. Use the Open Aircraft dialog to load a small aircraft, such as the Cessna 172, as this will be a
quick flight. Use the Select Global Airport dialog box to position yourself at a gate at KSEA.
2. Press Enter on the keyboard to bring up the ATC menu, then select “File Flight Plan.”
3. Enter KSEA as the departure ICAO, set your altitude to 3,000 feet, and then set your
destination to KBFI. We’re going to leave the route blank because we want to go direct,
but you could also enter any NDB/VOR/FIX/Airway to get real routings. When you’re done
click File.