Template:ATC

Air Traffic Control (ATC) is a MANDATORY. part of using an airplane. ATC, like in the real world, is used during landing and taking off on runways to avoid air traffic collisions. ATC is not required when operating a helicopter or VTOL. As a new pilot you start with a small airplane and you must use the JET runways at the airports. Larger aircraft can only use larger MAIN and SIDE runways as they have higher speed, wingspan, and stopping distance increases.

ATC on takeoff

Press the TAB key while in an airplane to open up the ATC menu with a list of airports. The closest airport will be marked with a green ribbon. Check if the JET runway (if available at your airport) is clear (yellow color on map), and then request takeoff before entering the runway. If you are unsure which runway is which, refer to the airport runway map on this page. Double-check if the runway has changed to a green color. If it has, you will have a few seconds to initiate takeoff on the runway. You can take off in both directions of a runway, but not sideways. If no runway is available for takeoff, you must wait for one to become available. On rare occasions the ATC system may give green light for two airplanes to takeoff at the same time.

ATC on landing

ATC on landing is a very similar concept to takeoff. When you approach your destination airport, think of which runway best suits you. Consider your current bearing, airplane, and distance. As you start off with a small airplane, you should select the JET runway if available at your destination airport. If the runway has changed green, you have a few seconds to land your plane on the runway in both directions of a runway, but not sideways. If no runway is available, you must circle your airplane in the air until one becomes available. On rare occasions the ATC system may give green light to two airplanes to land at the same time.