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Virtual2Skies Knowledge Base

ACARS Installation

Install, connect, track, and file Virtual2Skies flights with ACARS.

Pilot Portal

Open ACARS Download from the sidebar

After signing in, use the left sidebar under Tools and select ACARS Download. On the Downloads page, click ACARS Client to download the approved tracker installer.

Virtual2Skies pilot portal downloads page showing ACARS Client
Downloads page with ACARS Client available.
ACARS Profile

Install ACARS, then download your config

After the installer finishes, return to the pilot portal and open My Profile. Click ACARS Config, then place the downloaded config file inDocuments/vmsacars/profiles.

Virtual2Skies pilot profile page showing the ACARS Config button
Profile page with ACARS Config button.
VMSACARS Settings

Select the Virtual2Skies profile

Open VMSACARS after copying the config file. If VMSACARS is already open, restart it first. Expand the sidebar, go to Settings, open the profile dropdown, and select the Virtual2Skies profile. In the same menu, select the simulator you will use for flying with the VA. This configures ACARS to report flight data to Virtual2Skies.

VMSACARS settings page showing the Virtual2Skies profile selected
VMSACARS profile dropdown with Virtual2Skies selected.
Load Flight

Load your booked schedule into VMSACARS

Head to the Book Flight menu in the pilot portal and select the schedule you want to fly. Click Load in ACARS, then choose Open Link on the browser popup. This loads the selected flight into VMSACARS.

Virtual2Skies Book Flight page showing a booked schedule with Load in ACARS button
Booked schedule with Load in ACARS button.
Log Flight

Start, finish, and submit your PIREP

  1. 01After the flight loads in VMSACARS, confirm the Start Flight button is visible.
  2. 02Spawn at a gate in your simulator at the departure airport before starting.
  3. 03Click Start Flight in ACARS before pushback or taxi.
  4. 04After landing, park at the gate and shut down the engines.
  5. 05Click Finish Flight in ACARS, then click Submit PIREP.

Once the PIREP is submitted, the flight is logged with Virtual2Skies.

Before First Flight

Make ACARS your flight recorder.

ACARS should be connected before pushback and left running until shutdown. It records your route, block time, landing data, and report details for staff review.

Pilot Reminder

Do not start cold.

Confirm your booking, simulator connection, aircraft, and callsign before moving. If something looks wrong, fix it before taxi so the PIREP stays clean.

Connection Checklist

Before pressing start flight

Simulator runningLoad into MSFS, X-Plane, or Prepar3D before connecting ACARS.
Correct aircraftUse the same aircraft family shown on your booking or dispatch.
Route matchesOrigin, destination, flight number, and callsign should match your dispatch.
Tracking activeVerify block time starts before taxi and the flight status updates in ACARS.
Troubleshooting

Common ACARS fixes

ACARS cannot detect sim

Restart ACARS as administrator, then reload the simulator connection.

Login fails

Check pilot ID, password, and whether your portal account is active.

Flight not showing

Refresh booked flights or dispatch the route again from the portal.

PIREP will not submit

Save the log, screenshot the error, and contact support with the flight number.

Support noteFor ACARS problems, include your pilot ID, flight number, simulator, ACARS version, and a screenshot of the error.