Open the scenario link in a browser while your simulator is running. The window does not need to be full screen — it works in a small corner of your display or on a second monitor.
Recommended browsers: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Firefox and Safari may experience audio playback issues. If audio stops unexpectedly or transmissions cut short, switching to Chrome or Edge will resolve most issues.
You must be able to see and hear it while flying. Set your PC audio output to whatever you normally use for your aircraft comm radios.
Position-aware scenarios (SCN-006 and later) require the free CAF-DataLink bridge app available on the main website. DataLink runs in the background and sends your aircraft position to the player so ATC responds to where you actually are. Download and configure it before flying these scenarios.
When you open the link you land on the preflight screen. This contains your flight plan, weather package, and a recorded CFI briefing for the flight.
Spend time here the same way you would before a real IFR flight. The information in this brief is directly relevant to decisions you will face in the air.
Tap Simulator Setup at the bottom of the preflight screen and follow the instructions to spawn your aircraft in the correct location with the correct weather.
A downloadable saved situation file (.sit) is available on the setup screen. It loads your aircraft and weather into X-Plane automatically. Download it and place it in your X-Plane/Output/situations/ folder before loading.
If you are flying a position-aware scenario, make sure CAF-DataLink is running before you press Begin Mission. You will see a Bridge connected indicator on the session screen confirming the connection.
Once your sim is set up and you are in the aircraft, press Play. Read the button text carefully — it tells you the exact condition that should be true before you click. For example: Click after calling for IFR clearance.
Make that call first, then press Play. From there ATC takes over.
ATC communicates with you as it would in real life. The program cannot hear you — but treat every transmission as real. Give your readbacks, follow your clearances, and stay ahead of the airplane.
In position-aware scenarios ATC responds to where your aircraft actually is. Fly the route as given and transmissions will fire at the right time automatically. If you deviate significantly from the assigned heading or route the timing may shift — just as it would with a real controller.
In timer-based scenarios some commands play automatically. Others pause and wait for your input. Glance at the browser occasionally — if it needs something from you the button will tell you exactly when to click.
In timer-based scenarios pausing the sim will pull you out of sync with the ATC script. Position-aware scenarios are unaffected by pausing since they track your location not time.
Position-aware scenarios work with any aircraft at any speed — ATC fires based on where you are, not a timer. Timer-based scenarios are built around a specific cruise speed range noted on the setup screen.
A small indicator at the top of the session screen shows whether DataLink is connected. Green means position data is flowing. If it shows offline, check that CAF-DataLink.exe is running and X-Plane is in an active flight.
Missed a transmission? Hit Say Again to replay the last ATC call without advancing the scenario.
The spacebar advances the player to the next transmission — no mouse needed. You can also bind any joystick or throttle button to the spacebar through X-Plane joystick settings.
Out of sync or clicked too early? Use the back and forward buttons below the session log to realign yourself with the script.
A dropdown menu below the session log lets you jump directly to any line in the scenario — useful if your browser resets or you need to return to a specific point.
A vertical fader sits to the left of the Play button. Drag it up or down to adjust the overall volume of ATC audio and ambient sound together.
A recorded CFI debrief plays at the end of the flight. Listen to it before closing — it covers what the scenario was designed to test.
After the debrief, rate your performance on each evaluation item. Submit to receive personalized written feedback from your CFI on each area.