> ## 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.

# xPilot

> Install and configure xPilot for X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 to connect to the VATSIM network with voice communication and traffic display

export const Checklist = ({title, items, icon}) => {
  const [checked, setChecked] = useState(Object.fromEntries(items.map((_, i) => [i, false])));
  const toggle = i => setChecked(prev => ({
    ...prev,
    [i]: !prev[i]
  }));
  const done = Object.values(checked).filter(Boolean).length;
  return <div className="vatsim-checklist">
      <div className="vatsim-checklist-header">
        <div className="vatsim-checklist-title">
          {icon && <span className="vatsim-checklist-icon">{icon}</span>}
          <span>{title}</span>
        </div>
        <span className="vatsim-checklist-count">{done}/{items.length}</span>
      </div>
      <div className="vatsim-checklist-items">
        {items.map((item, i) => <button key={i} className={`vatsim-checklist-item ${checked[i] ? 'checked' : ''}`} onClick={() => toggle(i)}>
            <span className="vatsim-check-box">
              {checked[i] && <span className="vatsim-check-mark">✓</span>}
            </span>
            <span className="vatsim-check-label">{item}</span>
          </button>)}
      </div>
    </div>;
};

xPilot is the primary VATSIM pilot client for **X-Plane 11** and **X-Plane 12**. It connects your X-Plane simulator to the VATSIM network, enabling voice communication with live controllers and displaying other pilots' aircraft in your sim.

<Note>
  xPilot is available on **Windows, macOS, and Linux** - making it the best choice for X-Plane users on any platform.
</Note>

## System Requirements

* **Operating System:** Windows 10/11, macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later, or a modern Linux distribution
* **Simulator:** X-Plane 11 or X-Plane 12
* **Microphone:** Required for voice communication
* **Disk space:** Additional space needed for CSL model packages (approximately 2-5 GB depending on the package)
* **Internet connection:** Stable broadband recommended

## Installation and Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download xPilot">
    Visit [docs.xpilot-project.org](https://docs.xpilot-project.org) and download the latest version for your operating system.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the installer">
    Run the installer, which sets up both the **standalone xPilot application** and the **X-Plane plugin**. The plugin is automatically placed in your X-Plane plugins folder during installation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch xPilot">
    Open the xPilot application. On first launch, it will guide you through initial configuration.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your VATSIM credentials">
    In xPilot's settings, enter your **VATSIM CID** and password. These are the same credentials you use on the VATSIM website.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure audio devices">
    Select your **input device** (microphone) and **output device** (headset or speakers). Test your microphone to make sure the level indicator responds when you speak. See the [Audio Setup](/vatsim/software/audio-setup) page for detailed guidance.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set your push-to-talk key">
    Assign a push-to-talk (PTT) key or button. Choose something accessible while flying - a joystick button or keyboard key works well.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install CSL model packages">
    xPilot requires **CSL (Common Shape Library) models** to display other pilots' aircraft. Without CSL models installed, other traffic will be invisible. See the [Model Matching](/vatsim/software/model-matching) page for detailed instructions on downloading and installing CSL packages.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch X-Plane and load your aircraft">
    Open X-Plane and load into your aircraft at a **gate or ramp position**. Wait until the simulator is fully loaded before connecting.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect to VATSIM">
    In xPilot, enter your **callsign**, verify your aircraft type code, and click **Connect**. You are now live on the network.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key Difference from vPilot

The most important difference between xPilot and vPilot is how other aircraft are displayed. xPilot requires you to install **CSL model packages** separately. These packages contain 3D aircraft models that X-Plane uses to render other pilots' planes in your simulator.

Without CSL models, you will be connected to the network and able to communicate with ATC, but you will not see any other aircraft around you.

<Tip>
  The **Bluebell CSL package** is the most popular and comprehensive free option. It covers over 80 aircraft types with approximately 1,800 liveries, giving you realistic traffic representation for most flights.
</Tip>

## Key Settings

| Setting           | Description                                                      | Example                              |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Callsign**      | Your ICAO callsign for the flight                                | ACA456                               |
| **Aircraft Type** | ICAO type designator for your aircraft                           | A320, B738, C172                     |
| **Transponder**   | Squawk code assigned by ATC (2000 default for IFR, 1200 for VFR) | 2000                                 |
| **CSL Path**      | The folder path where your CSL model packages are installed      | X-Plane/Resources/plugins/xPilot/CSL |

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="xPilot plugin not showing in X-Plane">
    The xPilot plugin should be automatically installed during setup. If it does not appear in X-Plane's plugin menu, try reinstalling xPilot and make sure you select the correct X-Plane installation directory during the process. You can also manually verify that the plugin files exist in your `X-Plane/Resources/plugins/xPilot/` folder.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No other aircraft visible">
    This almost always means CSL models are not installed or not configured correctly. Open xPilot settings and verify that a valid CSL model path is set. If the path is empty or points to a folder with no models, download and install a CSL package such as Bluebell. See the [Model Matching](/vatsim/software/model-matching) page for step-by-step instructions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Audio issues - can't hear ATC or ATC can't hear me">
    Check that the correct input and output devices are selected in xPilot's audio settings. Verify your push-to-talk key is bound and working. On macOS, make sure xPilot has microphone permissions in System Settings under Privacy and Security. Test your microphone at the operating system level to confirm it works outside of xPilot. See the [Audio Setup](/vatsim/software/audio-setup) page for comprehensive troubleshooting.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Connection timeout">
    Check that your firewall is not blocking xPilot. On Windows, add xPilot to your firewall's allowed applications list. On macOS, allow incoming connections when prompted. If the problem continues, try selecting a different VATSIM server in xPilot's settings. Verify your internet connection is stable.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="xPilot crashes on launch">
    Make sure you are running the latest version of xPilot. On macOS, you may need to right-click the application and select Open the first time to bypass Gatekeeper. On Linux, verify that the required system libraries are installed as listed on the xPilot documentation site.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Setup Checklist