ATC downloads

No, there is no way I know of listening to ATC while flying flight Simulator. It would only be possible if ATC communication were broadcast over the web. As far as using a Mic to talk to ATC within the game, that would be very cool and I hope MSFS 2006 has that feature. You won't, however, be talking to real ATC with a mic. 🙂

VoxATC replaces the FS ATC menu and allows you to actually talk to ATC in FS.

Basic version - http://voxatc.com/

Deluxe version - http://www.simpilot.com/php/detail.php?id=193

The Basic version uses microsoft 'computer' voices for ATC and the newer Deluxe version has more human-like voices. The first sells for £30 (about $52) and the newer version at $75.

There is a demo version of the Basic for download (it's big) that is fully working but only for the flights in the manual. It recommends a 2.0Ghz PC for the basic but I'm running it OK on a 1.8, The Deluxe recommends a 2.8Ghz.

The manual is very good and includes the full script for the demo flights and other instructions for talking with ATC.

The way it works is for you to create and load up a flight plan (VFR or IFR) and switch on the software. From then on it's you talking with ATC instead of selecting options from the ATC menu and have FS do the talking.

Like all voice activated software, it needs to learn your voice so there is a little bit of training to go through but nothing more than reading back what is displayed on the screen. The level of accuracy can also be set so that it will virtually take whatever you say as the correct response to ATC comms. Requests to ATC need to be a little bit more accurate.

There is a communication screen that shows you what to say but it can be switched on and off when you become more proficient and want to go it alone.

There are some better options than the FS ATC in that you can declare emergencies, receive holds, fly SIDS and STARS, request altitude changes etc.

Only downside I can see at the moment is that it does not work with FS generated traffic. You hear other aircraft but you don't see them. Apparently they are working on that though.

It does make you think and listen more and adds that little edge of realisim with something else you have to do when you are in the air and under pressure and can't press a button to select from pre-programmed FS ATC responses.

Be prepared for funny looks and comments from the family when they hear you talking to your PC and it talks back to you.

As for listening to live ATC, there are a few sites that transmit live ATC.

Try here: http://www.liveatc.net/feedindex.php?type=all

I suppose you could have a site open in the background while you fly but it will voice over the FS ATC. There is a way to allow the Kneeboard in FS to be used for connecting to web sites. It's here somewhere I think but you'll have to search for it.

Sorry SteveT, just realised you're in the home country.

Deluxe version here : http://www.rcsimulations.com/switch.htm