Questions

Getting the game

Is it free?

Yes, the simulator is free on Google Play. There are no advertisements, no in-app purchases, and no account is required to play.

Which devices does it run on?

It runs on 64-bit (ARM) phones and tablets with Android 10 or newer. The simulator is for Android only for now, and there is no iPhone version.

Do I need an internet connection?

No, though playing online gives you the full experience because voice recognition and the traffic director run online. Switching on offline mode in Settings keeps the whole simulator working, including traffic, scoring, the Academy lessons, and the handbook. In offline mode, spoken calls go to your phone's own recogniser if an offline English speech pack is installed, or you can build calls by touch; see How it listens for what each mode does with your voice.

Playing

Do I need to know air traffic control already?

No, the simulator teaches you as you go, with an on-screen coach that shows you the right words the first times you meet a new call. The Academy offers 23 guided lessons with a flight instructor's voice on the radar scope and in the tower cab, while Radio School has 42 short drills for both the pilot's and the controller's side of the radio. You can also read the handbook, which explains the procedures behind the calls.

What can I control?

You can work approach and tower positions across three airports, or fly from the cockpit yourself:

• Airports: Bayview International (KBAY), San Francisco International (KSFO), and Palo Alto (KPAO), a small field where you work the tower and its traffic pattern.
• Controller seats: Approach on the radar scope, and the tower, which can also work ground traffic.
• Pilot's seat: Start as Pilot in Command and fly in five cockpits with the tower handled for you.

Can I play without talking?

Yes, you can play by touch. Tap an aircraft, build your instruction on the screen, and press Transmit; pilots answer touch instructions the same way they answer spoken calls.

What phraseology does it use?

The simulator uses United States (FAA) radio phraseology. The game is not affiliated with the FAA and is not for real-world training.

Which languages does it support?

The radio is in English only. Speech recognition is set up specifically for English phraseology.

Voice and microphone

It asks for the microphone. What if I say no?

If you decline microphone access, everything in the simulator still works by touch. The game asks for permission the first time you key the radio. To allow it later, open Android Settings and go to Apps, ATC Simulator, Permissions, and Microphone.

The pilots don't understand me. What should I check?

Start every call with the aircraft's callsign, say numbers the way controllers do, and hold the transmit button until you finish speaking. You can also open Settings and run the Radio check, which tests each step in about a minute and tells you which one failed. Read How it listens for more tips on voice recognition.

Is my voice recorded or stored?

No. When you play online, your audio is turned into text and neither the audio nor the text is stored; in offline mode, everything stays on your phone. Read the privacy policy for full details.

Why do the pilots sound like my phone?

Pilot voices use your phone's own text-to-speech voices. Installing more English voices in Android's text-to-speech settings gives the radio frequency more variety.

Your data and help

Where is my progress saved?

Your progress is saved on your phone only. Because there is no account, progress does not move between devices, and uninstalling the app or clearing its storage removes it.

How do I delete my data?

Open Settings and select Delete cloud data to remove the anonymous record the game keeps online. See Delete your data for what that record covers.

How do I report a problem or suggest something?

In the game, open Settings and select Help & feedback. You can also write directly to support@atcvoicesimulator.com.