> ## 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.

# Model Matching

> Configure model matching to see realistic aircraft on VATSIM - FSLTL and AIG for MSFS, Bluebell CSL for X-Plane, and Swift auto-matching

## What is Model Matching?

Model matching is the system that determines how other pilots' aircraft appear in your simulator. When another pilot is flying a Boeing 737-800 with Air Canada livery, model matching is what makes your simulator display that specific aircraft type and paint scheme instead of a generic default.

**Without model matching configured**, all network traffic will either appear as a single default aircraft type or be completely invisible depending on your pilot client and simulator. Configuring model matching properly is one of the most important steps in your VATSIM setup.

**With proper model matching**, you see correct aircraft types and often correct airline liveries, giving you a realistic traffic picture that helps with visual separation and situational awareness.

<Warning>
  Without model matching configured, you will not see other aircraft on the network. This is a safety concern because you cannot visually identify nearby traffic, increasing the risk of conflicts on the ground and in the air.
</Warning>

## How Model Matching Works

When you connect to VATSIM, your pilot client receives data about every nearby aircraft on the network. This data includes the aircraft's **ICAO type code** (for example, B738 for a Boeing 737-800) and the **airline code** (for example, ACA for Air Canada).

Your pilot client takes this information and searches through your installed models to find the best match, following a priority cascade:

1. **Exact match** - Same aircraft type and same airline livery (ideal result)
2. **Type match** - Same aircraft type but different or generic livery
3. **Similar type** - A visually similar aircraft type (for example, showing an A320 model for an A319)
4. **Default fallback** - A generic aircraft model when no reasonable match exists

The better your model library, the more exact and type matches you will get, resulting in a more realistic traffic picture.

Different pilot clients use different model formats:

* **vPilot** uses **VMR (VATSIM Model Matching Rule) files** - XML-based rule sets that map ICAO codes to installed MSFS models
* **xPilot** uses **CSL (Common Shape Library) packages** - pre-built 3D model files for X-Plane
* **Swift** uses its own **model set system** that handles mapping and matching automatically

<Tip>
  Model matching only affects what **you** see on your screen. Each pilot on the network sees their own model matching results independently. If another pilot sees your aircraft as the wrong type, it is their model matching configuration that needs adjustment, not yours.
</Tip>

## Model Packages for MSFS

There are two main model matching packages for Microsoft Flight Simulator. You can use either one or both together.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="FSLTL (Recommended)">
    **FSLTL (Flight Sim Live Traffic Liveries)** is a free, standalone model matching solution built and maintained by the FlyByWire team. It is the easiest option to set up and the recommended starting point for most users.

    **Key features:**

    * Over 2,300 custom-painted airline liveries
    * Uses efficient glTF model format for better simulator performance
    * Automatic VMR file generation for vPilot
    * One-click installer through the FSLTL Injector
    * Seamless integration with FlyByWire aircraft (A32NX and A380X)
    * Also provides optional live AI traffic injection

    **Disk space:** approximately 2 to 4 GB

    <Tip>
      FSLTL is the best choice if you want a simple, low-maintenance setup. Install it once and it handles everything automatically, including VMR file generation for vPilot.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="AIG (Alpha India Group)">
    **AIG (Alpha India Group) AI Manager** is a free model matching solution that provides the most comprehensive airline coverage available. It requires more setup effort than FSLTL but offers unmatched breadth of airlines and liveries.

    **Key features:**

    * Over 250,000 VMR entries covering hundreds of airlines worldwide
    * Excellent coverage of regional and obscure operators
    * Custom flight plans and AI traffic models
    * Managed through the AIG AI Manager application
    * Strong coverage of airlines in all regions

    **Disk space:** varies depending on which model packs you install, typically 4 to 10 GB

    You can optionally add **Model Match Pro** on top of AIG for refined VMR rules that improve matching accuracy with vPilot.

    <Note>
      AIG requires more manual setup than FSLTL. You need to download the AIG AI Manager, select and install individual model packs, and ensure the generated VMR files are loaded in vPilot. It is a good choice if you want maximum coverage or frequently encounter uncommon airlines.
    </Note>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  You can use FSLTL and AIG together for the broadest possible coverage. Install both model packages and add both folders to vPilot's model matching settings. vPilot will search all configured folders when looking for a match.
</Tip>

## Model Packages for X-Plane

The standard model matching package for X-Plane is the **Bluebell CSL package**. It covers over 80 aircraft types with approximately 1,800 liveries in OBJ8 format. The download is roughly 560 MB.

Bluebell is the most widely used CSL package and provides good coverage for the majority of traffic you will encounter on VATSIM. xPilot will prompt you to install Bluebell on your first network connection if no CSL models are configured.

## Setup by Client

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="vPilot (MSFS)">
    vPilot uses VMR files to map network aircraft data to installed models in your simulator.

    ### Setting Up Model Matching in vPilot

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install a model package">
        Install **FSLTL** (recommended) or **AIG** following the instructions above. FSLTL's installer handles everything automatically. For AIG, use the AIG AI Manager to download and install model packs.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Set AI traffic to zero">
        In MSFS, go to **Options > General > Traffic** and set both **AI Traffic** and **Multiplayer** sliders to zero. This prevents MSFS's built-in traffic from conflicting with VATSIM traffic rendered by vPilot.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Open vPilot model matching settings">
        In vPilot, go to **Settings** and then **Model Matching**. This is where you configure which model folders vPilot should scan.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Add your model folder">
        Click **Add** and browse to the folder containing your model files. For FSLTL, this is typically inside your MSFS Community folder. For AIG, point to the AIG model folder. You can add multiple folders if you use more than one package.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Configure the default model">
        In the model matching settings, choose a **default model** that vPilot will display when no match is found. A common choice is a generic white airliner or a Cessna 172 for general aviation.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Verify and test">
        After scanning completes, vPilot will show the number of models it found. Connect to VATSIM and verify that other aircraft are now visible with correct types and liveries.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Note>
      vPilot applies model matching in this priority order: **Custom Rules > Automatic Scan > Default Model**. If you need specific aircraft to always display a certain way, you can add custom VMR rules in the **Custom Rules** tab under Model Matching settings. Custom rules take priority over automatic matching.
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="xPilot (X-Plane)">
    xPilot uses CSL packages to render other aircraft. Unlike vPilot, xPilot does not require complex rule files - you simply point it to your CSL model folders.

    ### Installing Bluebell CSL for xPilot

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Download the Bluebell CSL package">
        Download the Bluebell CSL package from the xPilot documentation site or the Bluebell project page. The package is approximately 560 MB.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Extract to a folder">
        Extract the downloaded archive to a location on your computer. A common location is inside your X-Plane `Resources/plugins/` folder or a dedicated CSL folder. The exact path does not matter as long as you remember it.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Configure CSL paths in xPilot">
        Open xPilot's settings and navigate to the CSL configuration section. Add the path to your Bluebell folder. You can configure up to **seven different CSL paths** if you have models in multiple locations.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Restart xPilot">
        Close and reopen xPilot so it loads the newly configured CSL models. On the next launch, xPilot will scan your CSL folders and index available models.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Verify traffic display">
        Connect to VATSIM and check that other aircraft are visible in your simulator. If some aircraft appear as default models, the specific type or livery may not be included in your CSL package - this is normal for uncommon aircraft.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Tip>
      If you connect to VATSIM without any CSL models configured, xPilot will prompt you to download and install the Bluebell package automatically. This is the easiest way to get started.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Swift (Multi-Sim)">
    Swift handles model matching **automatically** using its built-in model set management system. Unlike vPilot and xPilot, you do not need to manually download, extract, or configure model files.

    ### How Swift Model Matching Works

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Run the Swift model set wizard">
        During Swift's initial setup, the configuration wizard includes a model set step. Select the simulator(s) you use and Swift will identify the appropriate model sets to download.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Download model sets">
        Swift downloads the required model sets from its own servers. This may take some time depending on your internet speed and the number of simulators you are configuring.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Automatic configuration">
        Once downloaded, Swift automatically organizes and configures the models. It handles the mapping between network aircraft data and installed model files without any manual intervention.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Verify in settings">
        Check Swift's model set status in the settings to confirm that models were installed successfully. The count should show hundreds or thousands of available model entries.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Note>
      Do not manually manage CSL or VMR files when using Swift. Let Swift's built-in system handle everything. Manually placing model files can conflict with Swift's automatic management and cause unexpected behavior.
    </Note>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## FlyByWire Aircraft and Model Matching

If you fly the **FlyByWire A32NX** or **A380X** in MSFS, there are a few things to know about how these aircraft interact with model matching.

### How Your Aircraft Appears to Others

Your aircraft's appearance on other pilots' screens depends entirely on **their** model matching setup, not yours. When you fly the A32NX, your pilot client sends the ICAO type code (A20N for the A320neo) to the network. Other pilots' clients then match that code to whatever A320neo model they have installed. You do not need to do anything special for others to see your aircraft correctly.

### Liveries

Default Asobo A320neo liveries from MSFS are **not compatible** with the FlyByWire A32NX or A380X. If you want to fly with a specific airline livery, you need to download FlyByWire-compatible liveries from community sites such as flightsim.to. This only affects what you see in your own cockpit and external views - it has no effect on model matching or how other pilots see you.

### FSLTL Integration

FSLTL is built and maintained by the FlyByWire team, so compatibility between the two projects is seamless. If you already have FSLTL installed for model matching, no additional configuration is needed for your FlyByWire aircraft.

### TCAS Compatibility

Both the A32NX and A380X include custom TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) implementations that work correctly with VATSIM traffic. The A32NX supports both TCAS Traffic Advisories (TAs) and Resolution Advisories (RAs) with autopilot-guided avoidance maneuvers.

<Note>
  Model matching and liveries are separate systems. **Model matching** controls how other pilots' aircraft appear to you. **Liveries** control how your own aircraft looks in your simulator. Installing FlyByWire-compatible liveries does not affect your model matching, and configuring model matching does not change your own aircraft's appearance.
</Note>

## Optimizing Your Setup

* **Keep packages updated.** Model matching packages are regularly updated with new liveries, aircraft types, and bug fixes. Check for updates periodically to maintain the best coverage.
* **Set AI traffic to zero in MSFS.** Go to Options > General > Traffic and disable both AI Traffic and Multiplayer. This prevents the simulator's built-in traffic from interfering with VATSIM traffic and improves performance.
* **Reduce render distance if needed.** If you experience performance issues with heavy traffic, reduce your pilot client's visibility or aircraft render distance. This limits how many models are loaded simultaneously.
* **Combine packages for better coverage.** Using FSLTL and AIG together gives you the broadest airline coverage, but increases disk usage and memory consumption. Start with FSLTL alone and add AIG later if you find coverage gaps.

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need model matching to fly on VATSIM?">
    Technically, no - you can connect and communicate with ATC without model matching. However, you will not see any other aircraft, which means you lose visual awareness of nearby traffic. Model matching is strongly recommended for safety and realism.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is the difference between FSLTL and AIG?">
    FSLTL is easier to set up and provides excellent coverage with over 2,300 liveries. It is built by the FlyByWire team and uses efficient glTF models. AIG offers the broadest coverage with over 250,000 VMR entries but requires more setup effort through the AIG AI Manager. Most users should start with FSLTL and add AIG later if they want more coverage.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why do some aircraft still show as the wrong type?">
    No model library covers every possible aircraft type and livery combination. When your client cannot find an exact match, it substitutes the closest available model. This is normal and expected, especially for rare aircraft types or small regional airlines.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use multiple model packages together?">
    Yes. Most pilot clients allow you to configure multiple model folders. Models from all configured locations are combined into a single matching pool. This can improve coverage but may increase memory usage and disk space requirements.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need to configure model matching if I fly a FlyByWire aircraft?">
    Yes. Model matching controls how you see other pilots' aircraft - it is not related to your own aircraft. Whether you fly the FlyByWire A32NX, A380X, or any other aircraft, you still need model matching configured to see other traffic on the network.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Should I set AI traffic to zero in MSFS?">
    Yes. Disabling the built-in AI traffic and multiplayer traffic in MSFS prevents conflicts with VATSIM traffic rendered by vPilot. It also improves simulator performance. Go to Options > General > Traffic and set both sliders to zero.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can other pilots see my custom livery?">
    No. Other pilots see whatever their own model matching resolves to based on your aircraft's ICAO type code and airline code. Your installed liveries only affect what you see on your own screen.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How much disk space do model packages require?">
    FSLTL requires approximately 2 to 4 GB. AIG varies depending on which packs you install, typically 4 to 10 GB. For X-Plane, the Bluebell CSL package is approximately 560 MB. Swift model sets vary by simulator but are generally in a similar range to FSLTL.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>