Getting Started

To get started on PilotEdge, you’ll need:

  • A compatible flight simulator (Microsoft® Flight Simulator 2020 (Windows only, not XBox), FS2004, FSX, Prepar3D, or X-Plane).
  • A headset, (recommend USB, non-bluetooth) configured as the default communicatons device in Windows/OS X.
  • A broadband connection (not dialup, not 3G mobile).
  • A PilotEdge account
  • Software to connect your simulator to our network

We provide Air Traffic Control on a guaranteed basis during specific hours, in a specific area. Read about our Operating Hours and Service Area prior to joining PilotEdge.

Once you’ve become a member, visit our Software Download page and follow the instructions carefully.

Intro Video – PilotEdge 101

Radio Notes

If you’re a real-world pilot, the radio system is going to be very familiar to you – set the real world frequency for the facility you’re trying to reach and make the call. If you’re within the reception range of that facility, based on your altitude and distance from the associated transmitter/receiver, then you’ll be able to hear and speak with that facility. For clearance/ground/tower at supported towered airports, use the published frequencies for that airport. Note: all public-use towered airports within the ZLA operating area supported as towered airports. Western US includes support for public use Bravos, Charlies and a limited selection of class Delta airports.

Non-towered IFR clearances

The radio at non-towered fields is range-limited based on line of sight between the ATC transmitter and your aircraft. Since we don’t supply a phone number for IFR clearances at non-towered fields, and the center/approach transmitter may be too far away to pick up on the ground, we have a dedicated frequency which is NOT range-limited: 122.20.

Use 122.20 to simulate a phone call between you and the overlying air traffic control facility (not Flight Service) when opening and closing IFR flight plans at non-towered fields.

Note: to enforce the fact that this is a simulated phone call that would be made whilst being stationary, or taxiing slowly, it is only usable until reaching a speed of 30kts. The reception will begin to degrade as you approach this speed limit as a reminder.

Frequency Repeaters

Outside of special event staffing, the ZLA and Western US operating areas are covered by a small team, resulting in hundreds of positions being covered by each on-duty controller. In order to reduce the number of radio ‘blocks’ that would occur with pilots calling in the blind, not knowing they are transmitting at the same time as other pilots on other frequencies, PilotEdge implements a ‘frequency coupling’ or repeating system (see external article on frequency coupling.). This allows pilots’ transmissions to be retransmitted over other frequencies over long distances, allowing a single controller to handle multiple sectors at the same time.

Specifically, PilotEdge implements a set of ‘center’ repeaters, and separately, a combined set of approach and tower repeaters. This generally means that pilots on clearance/ground/tower or approach frequencies will hear other pilots who are on any other clearance/ground/tower or approach frequencies that are being handled by the same controller.

Note, since Western US and ZLA are always handled by separate controllers at any given time, which means pilots within ZLA will only hear pilots on ZLA-related frequencies and vice versa for Western US pilots.

Transitioning from other online networks

If you’ve flown elsewhere, there are some key differences about the radio system that will help with your transition to PilotEdge:

  • There is no “controller list” – consult your real-world charts and use the appropriate frequencies.
  • ATC is provided within the entire Service Area during the published Operating Hours. The home page shows real-time status of ATC coverage.
  • Real-world frequencies are used for each facility, however the frequency that you’re assigned for radar service may differ from real world due to combining of sectors. Refer to online resources (SkyVector.com, and AirNav.com, for example), or your EFB to locate the appropriate frequency.
  • See the operating hours and service area page for information about which fields are considered to be towered on PilotEdge.
  • PilotEdge is a 100% voice network (no text).
  • When flying at non-towered airports, you should announce yourself using voice on the published CTAF frequencies (note: it’s not always 122.80).
  • IFR clearances at non-towered airports can be picked up or cancelled using a dedicated frequency: 122.20. See the Radio Notes section above for more information.
  • Be on the lookout for lots of VFR traffic flying around within the coverage area that isn’t communicating on the radio. This happens in real life more than most simulation enthusiasts realize. These “drone” aircraft only fly in Class E and G airspace on PilotEdge.

First flight

Once you’ve connected to the network and verified that your radio is operational, you’re ready to do some flying!

If you’re looking for some suggestions to get started, here is a short, simple first flight to try on PilotEdge.

What next?

Just like the real world, PilotEdge supports a wide range of aviation operations. Every supported towered airport is fully staffed, top to bottom, and CTAF frequencies are supported at non-towered airports. So don’t be shy about visiting some of the smaller fields! You can:

  • Practice VFR cross-country flights.
  • Pick up flight following, either in the air or on the ground before your flight.
  • Transition the LAX class B airspace using any of the published transitions (SFRA, Mini-Route, Coastal Route, etc).
  • Request “tower enroute” (IFR), with or without filing in advance. You’ll receive the real-world TEC route, including the actual local departure instructions for that airport.
  • Shoot some practice approaches (vectors to final or full approach).
  • Meet up with a friend and request IFR into or out of the same non-towered field at the same time. Behold the delay of one-in, one-out … and enjoy the hold!

Try things you’d do in the real world, and try things you usually wouldn’t do for lack of confidence. PilotEdge is a great place to learn and master unfamiliar procedures and skills.

For some structured learning, be sure to visit the PilotEdge Training Center