ACARS Guide
USA Flight Club ACARS Guide
What is ACARS?
ACARS stands for Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System. It is a digital data link system used to transmit messages between aircraft and ground stations via airband radio or satellite.
For USA Flight Club, the phpVMS ACARS client runs alongside Microsoft Flight Simulator and allows you to:
- Track flights in real time
- View operational flight plans
- Monitor flight performance during the flight
- Automatically submit PIREPs to the airline website
Installing ACARS
Downloading and installing the phpVMS ACARS client
Download the USA Flight Club ACARS client using the link below:
USA Flight Club ACARS Client Configuration
USA Flight Club ACARS Client Download
NOTE: The link to download the ACARS Client will ask you to log in again. Once you input your credentials and submit, the download will begin, then you can leave the page and you will still be logged into the site. This is just an added security.
The ACARS client does not require installation and can be run from any location on your computer.
Note: ACARS requires .NET 12. If it is not already installed, the application will prompt you to install it automatically.
Creating a Profile
When you run ACARS for the first time, you will be prompted to create a new profile.
Airline URL
https://usaflightclub.net
API Key
Your API key can be found on your pilot profile page within the clubs website. Click the eye icon next to "API Key" to reveal it.
If you need to update your API key or airline URL later, simply click the pencil icon next to the profile name inside the ACARS application.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Setup
Install the LVAR Module
For ACARS to communicate properly with Microsoft Flight Simulator, you must install the FSUIPC LVAR module.
Download the FSUIPC LVAR Module
Installation Steps
- Download the ZIP file
- Extract the contents
- Locate the folder named fsuipc-lvar-module
- Move that folder into your simulator Community folder
Important: You do not need to run FSUIPC. Only the LVAR module is required.
Using ACARS
The ACARS interface contains several sections:
- Dashboard — Shows your location, total flights, flight time, and NOTAMs
- New Flight — Configure the details of your flight
- Flight Search — Find scheduled flights or load your bids
- Briefing — Displays the Operational Flight Plan (OFP)
- Map — Shows your route and current aircraft position
- Start Flight — Quickly start or stop a flight
Starting Flights
Before starting a flight ensure the following checklist is complete:
- Correct airline selected
- Flight number and leg are correct
- Departure and arrival airports are entered
- Aircraft has been selected
- Passengers and payload have been entered
- Aircraft is positioned at the gate or apron
- Aircraft power is off
Once everything is ready, click Start Flight.
Ending Flights
- Taxi to a gate or parking stand
- Shut down the aircraft completely
- Click End Flight in the ACARS client
A summary page will appear showing your flight performance. You can then submit or cancel your PIREP. Submitted PIREPs appear immediately on the airline website.
Choosing Flights
- Enter your own flight information in ACARS for a free flight
- Use the Free Flight form on the airline website
- Select a flight from the Flights page and send it to ACARS
- Bid on a flight within the website
Note: USA Flight Club currently does not operate scheduled flights. This may change in the future.
Manual PIREPs
If ACARS fails or cannot connect, you can submit a manual PIREP.
Manual PIREPs receive 50% pilot pay.
Go to the PIREPs page and click File New PIREP.
Using ACARS With Other Simulators
FSX and Prepar3D
You must install the following tools:
- FSUIPC (licensed version not required)
- MakeRwys
After installing both tools, run MakeRwys. It must be run again whenever scenery changes occur.
X-Plane
Inside the ACARS download you will find an X-Plane folder.
- Open the X-Plane folder
- Copy the AcarsConnect folder
- Paste it into X-Plane/resources/plugins