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Voice communication is the backbone of the VATSIM experience. When you fly on the network, you talk to real controllers and hear real pilots - all through a built-in voice system called Audio for VATSIM (AFV). This page covers everything you need to know about how voice works, from tuning frequencies to making your first call.

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How VATSIM Voice Works

VATSIM uses Audio for VATSIM (AFV), a VoIP system integrated directly into your pilot client (vPilot, xPilot, or Swift). When you connect to VATSIM, AFV automatically activates and links your simulator’s radio panel to the network. There is no separate software to install or configure - it is built in. Here is how it works in practice:
  1. You tune a frequency on your aircraft’s COM1 or COM2 radio panel
  2. AFV connects you to that frequency on the VATSIM voice servers
  3. When you press your Push-to-Talk (PTT) key, your microphone transmits on the active frequency
  4. When a controller or pilot transmits on a frequency you are tuned to, you hear them through your headset
Audio quality on VATSIM is generally very good. If you are having trouble hearing or being heard, check your microphone settings in your pilot client and make sure your PTT key is properly bound.

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COM1 and COM2 Radios

Your aircraft has two communication radios: COM1 and COM2. These work independently, and understanding how to use both is essential for smooth operations.
  • COM1 is your primary radio. This is typically where you tune ATC frequencies for active communication.
  • COM2 is your secondary radio. Use it to listen to ATIS, monitor a second frequency, or prepare for a frequency change.
To tune a frequency, enter it on your aircraft’s radio management panel or the standby frequency knob, then swap it to the active side. The exact method depends on your aircraft - study your cockpit to learn how the radios work.
You can receive on both COM1 and COM2 simultaneously, but you can only transmit on one at a time. Make sure your transmit (TX) indicator is on the correct radio before pressing PTT.

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Frequency Types

Different ATC positions use different frequency ranges. Here is a general guide to what you will encounter:
Frequency TypeTypical RangePurpose
UNICOM122.800Pilot-to-pilot communication when no ATC is online
Ground121.6 - 121.9Pushback, taxi instructions, and gate assignments
Tower118.0 - 119.0Runway operations, takeoff and landing clearances
Approach / Departure119.0 - 135.0Terminal area vectors, approach clearances, initial climb
Center / En Route128.0 - 135.0Cruise flight, en route separation, flight level changes
ATISVaries by airportAutomated weather and airport information broadcast
These ranges are approximate and vary by region and airport. Always check your pilot client’s controller list or tools like SimAware and VATSpy for exact frequencies.

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UNICOM - 122.800

When no ATC is online at your airport or along your route, you use UNICOM on frequency 122.800. This is a shared frequency where pilots announce their intentions so that everyone in the area knows what is happening. UNICOM is not controlled. There is no one giving you clearances or instructions. You are responsible for self-announcing your movements and maintaining separation from other traffic.

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What to Announce on UNICOM

Announce your position and intentions at key moments:
  • Taxiing: announce which runway you are taxiing to
  • Departing: announce your takeoff runway and initial heading or departure
  • Arriving: announce your inbound position and which runway you intend to use
  • Position reports: announce your location en route if you wish
On UNICOM, address your calls to “[Airport name] traffic” rather than to a specific controller. End each call with your callsign so other pilots know who is talking.

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ATIS - Automatic Terminal Information Service

ATIS is a continuous broadcast that provides important airport information including:
  • Current weather conditions (wind, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, altimeter setting)
  • Active runway(s) in use
  • Available instrument approaches
  • NOTAMs or special instructions
  • Any relevant airport advisories
Each time the ATIS is updated, it receives a new phonetic letter identifier - Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and so on through the alphabet. When you contact ATC, you tell them which information you have so they know you are up to date.

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Tips for Using ATIS

Tune the ATIS frequency on COM2 before contacting ATC on COM1. This lets you listen to the ATIS broadcast without missing any ATC calls. Once you have the information, you can retune COM2 to something else.
  • Listen to the entire ATIS broadcast at least once before contacting ATC
  • Write down or note the ATIS letter identifier and the key information (runway, winds, altimeter)
  • If the ATIS updates while you are on the ground or on approach, ATC may tell you to get the new information

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Understanding RX and TX Indicators

Your pilot client and aircraft radios display RX and TX indicators for each COM radio. Understanding these is critical:
IndicatorMeaningWhat It Does
RX (Receive)You can hear transmissions on this frequencyAudio from other users on this frequency plays through your headset
TX (Transmit)Your PTT key sends audio on this frequencyWhen you press PTT, your voice goes out on this frequency
For communication to work properly:
  • RX must be active on the frequency you want to hear
  • TX must be active on the frequency you want to talk on
  • Both RX and TX should be enabled on your primary communication radio (usually COM1)
  • You may want RX only on COM2 (to listen to ATIS or monitor a second frequency without accidentally transmitting on it)
If you can hear ATC but they cannot hear you, check that TX is enabled on the correct radio. If you cannot hear anyone, check that RX is enabled and your volume is up.

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Best Practices

Always listen to a frequency for at least 10 to 15 seconds before making your first call. This prevents you from talking over another pilot or an ongoing exchange between ATC and someone else. If you hear a conversation in progress, wait for a pause before transmitting.
Check the controller list in your pilot client, or use tools like SimAware or VATSpy, to see which controllers are online and what frequencies they are using. This way you know exactly where to tune before you need to talk.
Test your microphone and PTT key in your pilot client before connecting to the network. Most clients have an audio test feature. Make sure your microphone volume is appropriate - not too quiet, not clipping.
Keep your primary ATC frequency on COM1 and use COM2 for ATIS, monitoring a secondary frequency, or preparing for a handoff. This keeps your communication organized and prevents missed calls.
Always listen to a frequency for at least 10 to 15 seconds before transmitting. Stepping on another pilot’s transmission is one of the most common mistakes new pilots make, and it causes confusion for everyone on frequency.

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Next Steps

Radio Phraseology

Learn standard ATC calls for every phase of flight

ATC Interaction

Understand ATC positions, top-down coverage, and handoff procedures