Laminar Research, the developer behind X-Plane, has released a significant update for its latest flight simulator, X-Plane 12. This new release focuses on a revamped ATC system and introduces an early implementation of the new X-Plane Identity system.
ATC System Overhaul
Laminar Research has enhanced X-Plane 12’s ATC system, providing “a new level of immersion” for its users by enabling more realistic interactions with air traffic control. Users can now request radio checks, clearances, altimeters, and weather updates throughout their flight. For those experimenting with system failures, the update allows users to report transponder failures, prompting ATC to request periodic position reports—further enriching the flying experience.
Enhanced Support for VFR Flights
This update also improves the overall experience when flying VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flights. Users can now begin flights by requesting VFR departures and flight following, mimicking real-life procedures. If users contact the wrong controller, ATC will advise them to switch to the correct frequency, adding another layer of realism.
Support for SIDs and STARs for IFR Flights
SIDs (Standard Instrumental Departures) and STARs (Standard Terminal Arrival Routes) play crucial roles in IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight planning, guiding aircraft along pre-defined routes during departure and arrival.
Following this update, ATC can now incorporate SIDs and STARs when authorizing routes. AI aircraft will also include these procedures in their flight plans. This feature not only eases pilots’ workload but also reduces ATC strain while delivering a more realistic simulation.
General Fixes and Improvements
This update also addresses other aspects of the simulator, such as fixing errors and adding new functionalities that enhance the overall experience. Some of the most notable improvements include:
- Realistic ATC transmission strength based on user location
- ATIS broadcasts
- Diversion requests
- ATC instructions for holding patterns, go-arounds, and carrier landings
Separate Sound Devices
Laminar Research introduced new sound options, allowing users to assign different sounds to specific output devices. This feature is ideal for creating a realistic cockpit experience—for example, listening to ATC communications through a headset while aircraft sounds are output through speakers.
Weather Improvements
The weather system does not fall behind in this update, as Laminar Research explains how it improved how the simulator interprets the weather reports (METARs), resulting in “extremely positive” feedback from testers. Visual enhancements include more realistic visualization of clouds and precipitation.
New Custom Airport
Downtown Manhattan Heliport, ICAO code KJRB, located in New York, is now available by default on Laminar Research’s simulator. Serving Wall Street and the Financial District (FiDi), this heliport hosts scheduled passenger services to John F. Kennedy International Airport. It is a valuable addition for rotorcraft enthusiasts.
Aircraft Enhancements
The Airbus A330-300 has received improvements, addressing issues such as autopilot overshooting turns and enhancing descent gradients, especially during approach and initial descent.
In addition to the Airbus A330-300, X-Plane has fixed the fuel tank capacity and G1000 display of the Cirrus SR22. In terms of the Cessna Citation X, the developer has improved the performance calculation in the FMS, in addition to fixing a take-off warning that would trigger when using full reverse thrust.
UI Improvements
This update also features UI improvements, specifically during flight configuration. When choosing where to spawn, the flight simulator will now display additional information regarding the gate, its suitability, and the airport’s active runways.
The in-game map also received an update. Active runways are now highlighted, and taxi routes are shown with their respective centerlines. X-Plane has also improved the ground vehicle route calculation. Service trucks now try to reach any service port that is not blocked by any other service truck, unlike in the previous version, where it just entered an occupied service port.
Optional Early X-Plane Identity Access
Furthermore, X-Plane is introducing its new account system. In this optional early access, users can migrate to this new system, which allows them to store all their products and access keys in just one place. In the future, all X-Plane Store purchases will be linked to the user’s X-Plane Identity account, simplifying add-on installations and updates.
Closing Notes
In conclusion, Laminar Research is still making efforts to improve its latest flight simulator, which is still chosen by many. X-Plane invites users who have not used its ATC system to try it, as this update is expected to make a difference in the realism. More details can be found in X-Plane’s release notes. If you would like to read more about X-Plane, check our ToLiss A320NEO Update post.
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