> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.canadava.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Shared Cockpit and Observer Mode
> Fly with a friend on VATSIM using shared cockpit mode, and learn about observer mode for learning ATC procedures without being visible
Flying with a friend in the same cockpit or quietly observing a busy airport from the sidelines are two of VATSIM's most useful features. Shared cockpit lets two pilots operate the same aircraft together, while observer mode lets you watch and listen without being visible on the network.
## What is Shared Cockpit
Shared cockpit allows **two pilots to fly the same aircraft together** on VATSIM. One pilot acts as the captain (Pilot Flying or Pilot Monitoring) while the other takes the first officer role. You share the same cockpit, the same instruments, and the same view - just like a real airline crew.
This is perfect for:
* Flying with a friend for a more realistic multi-crew experience
* Training a new VATSIM pilot by sitting in the right seat
* Practicing crew resource management (CRM)
* Long-haul flights where you want company
## How It Works on VATSIM
On the VATSIM network side, shared cockpit works as follows:
1. **The first pilot** connects normally with the flight callsign (e.g., **ACA456**)
2. **The second pilot** connects with the same callsign plus a letter suffix (e.g., **ACA456A**)
3. The second pilot connects in **observer mode** - they are invisible to other users and ATC on the network
4. Only the first pilot's aircraft is visible on the network
5. Only one pilot should transmit on the radio at a time
Both pilots must have valid VATSIM accounts to connect. The second pilot uses their own VATSIM CID and password but connects with the shared callsign plus the letter suffix.
### Important Rules
* Only **one aircraft** appears on the network - the first pilot's
* The second pilot is invisible to ATC and other pilots
* **Only one pilot should press PTT at a time.** Coordinate who is responsible for radio communication before the flight.
* The shared cockpit connection on VATSIM is only about network visibility. The actual cockpit synchronization happens through your simulator's shared cockpit system (see below).
## Simulator Shared Cockpit Setup
VATSIM's shared cockpit handling and your simulator's cockpit synchronization are **two separate systems**. VATSIM handles who is visible on the network. Your simulator handles syncing the actual cockpit controls, switches, instruments, and aircraft state between two computers.
### MSFS Shared Cockpit Options
**YourControls** (Recommended)
* Free, open-source shared cockpit solution for MSFS
* Supports a wide range of aircraft including PMDG, Fenix, and default aircraft
* One pilot hosts, the other connects via IP address or cloud relay
* Syncs flight controls, switches, autopilot, FMS, and more
* Download from [github.com/Sequal32/YourControls](https://github.com/Sequal32/YourControls)
**MSFS Built-in Multiplayer**
* MSFS has built-in group flying, but it does not provide true cockpit synchronization
* Each pilot flies their own independent aircraft
* Not suitable for shared cockpit - use YourControls instead
When using YourControls with VATSIM, connect to VATSIM first (both pilots), then start the YourControls session. The pilot who is visible on the network (the one without the letter suffix) should be the YourControls host.
### X-Plane Shared Cockpit Options
**SmartCopilot** (Recommended)
* Commercial shared cockpit plugin for X-Plane 11 and 12
* Excellent synchronization of cockpit state between two computers
* Supports many popular aircraft including Zibo 737, Toliss A321, and FlightFactor aircraft
* Available at [sky4crew.com](https://sky4crew.com)
**X-Plane Built-in Shared Cockpit**
* X-Plane has a basic built-in shared cockpit feature under Settings > Network
* One computer acts as the master, the other as the external visual
* Limited compared to SmartCopilot but free
* Works over a local network connection
With SmartCopilot, both pilots need the same aircraft add-on installed and the same version. Ensure both simulators are running the same X-Plane version for best compatibility.
## Step-by-Step Shared Cockpit on VATSIM
Agree on the flight plan, who will be the primary pilot on the network (visible aircraft), and who will handle radio communications. Use Discord, TeamSpeak, or another voice app for crew coordination - do not use the VATSIM frequency for inter-crew chat.
The primary pilot connects to VATSIM normally using the flight callsign (e.g., ACA456). This is the visible aircraft.
The second pilot connects using the same callsign with a letter suffix (e.g., ACA456A) in observer mode. They will be invisible on the network.
Launch YourControls, SmartCopilot, or your chosen shared cockpit tool. Connect both simulators so cockpit state is synchronized.
Coordinate duties as you would in a real cockpit. One pilot flies, the other monitors and handles communications. Switch roles as desired throughout the flight.
For the best experience, use a third-party voice communication tool (like Discord) for crew coordination. Keep VATSIM radio for ATC communication only. This mimics how real crews use the intercom system separately from ATC radio.
## What is Observer Mode
Observer mode lets you **connect to VATSIM invisibly**. You are on the network - you can hear all radio transmissions and see all traffic - but no one can see you. You do not appear on anyone's radar, scope, or pilot client.
## Why Use Observer Mode
Observer mode is valuable for:
* **Learning before your first flight** - listen to how pilots and controllers communicate at a busy airport
* **Studying procedures** - tune into an approach frequency and follow along as aircraft get vectored for approaches
* **Watching events** - observe the action during Cross the Pond or Friday Night Ops without needing to fly
* **ATC training observation** - watch a controller mentor session (with permission)
* **Checking conditions** - see how busy an airport is before deciding to fly there
## How to Connect as Observer
Use the format: **\[First Initial]\[Last Initial]\_OBS**
For example, if your name is John Doe, your observer callsign would be **JD\_OBS**.
In vPilot, xPilot, or Swift, there is an option to connect in observer mode. Enable this before connecting.
* **vPilot**: Check the "Observer" checkbox in the connection dialog
* **xPilot**: Select "Observer" as the connection type
* **Swift**: Choose "Observer" in the connection mode dropdown
Connect as you normally would. You will be on the network but invisible to everyone else.
Tune your COM radios to any frequency you want to listen to. You can switch between frequencies freely to follow different controllers and aircraft.
## What You Can and Cannot Do
| Can Do | Cannot Do |
| ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Hear all voice transmissions on tuned frequencies | Transmit on any frequency |
| See all aircraft traffic in your pilot client | Be seen by any other user |
| Monitor multiple frequencies | Interact with ATC or other pilots |
| Watch traffic patterns and approaches | File or activate a flight plan |
| Stay connected as long as you want | Taxi, take off, or fly an aircraft on the network |
Observer mode is one of the best ways to prepare for VATSIM before your first flight. Spend 30 minutes listening to a busy airport like Toronto Pearson (CYYZ) or Montreal (CYUL) during peak hours. You will quickly pick up the rhythm of ATC communication and feel much more confident when it is your turn to fly.
You do not need to be in a simulator to use observer mode. Some pilot clients allow observer connections without an active simulator session, though this varies by client.
## Next Steps
Master the standard radio calls you will hear in observer mode
Find the best events to observe or fly in