Pro ATC X v1.8.5.0 Released

Pro ATC X has been around for a while now, but it’s been a LONG time since I had last heard about any updates from them. Today that changed as they have released their latest update to bring it up to 1.8.5.0.

Truth be told, I haven’t kept too current with the development of the software, but from what I remember, it did an okay job of offline ATC.

Anyway, the update will bring some cool new stuff, as well as some fixes that I’m sure many of you have been waiting to see fixed. Some examples include: adding your own airline, improved TOD placement, better holding logic and more options when it comes to setting max-tailwinds.

Hopefully with all of these new elements and fixes, those looking to fly offline with better than default ATC can have some smooth flights.

I’ve placed the entire update list after the jump. Otherwise head over to the PRO-ATC X website to buy/download/read more.

Update 1.8.5.0 (09. Okt. 2016)

• Should you have a version below 1.2.3.8, please register to the forum. Verified users can access there the latest setup.
• With version 1.2.3.8 and above you’ll be informed automatically if you have the according option ticked. Otherwise You’ll have to check for updates manually under Options or Help.
• Should you have any issues on installing the update automatically, your firewall is probably preventing the access to the server. If you can’t fix there is a setup version available in the forum for verified users.
• Make sure you assign again admin rights to the new “proatcx.exe” file. Also make sure you set UAC (User Account Control to the lowest level.
• New to version 1.8.5.0
  • AIRAC
    • 1. If you never have aligned your scenery you’ll be informed when launching PRO-ATC/X for the first time with this update.
    • 2. A new installed AIRAC cycle, which haven’t been imported is now automatically recognized. You’ll be informed as soon as you launch PRO-ATC/X.
    • 3. The menu item ‘Align scenery with AIRAC data’ only aligns gates and taxi ways. The rest (runways, frequencies…) is done when loading the airport for the first time after AIRAC data have been imported. An airport is loaded if you load a flight plan or airport data or if you generate a new flight plan by using it as a departure or arrival.
    • 4. Intercep Radial Fixes are now also added (INTC), if not closer than 3 NM to the target waypoint.
    • 5. Added the simulation selection box to the AIRAC data import window so that PRO-ATC/X reads the correct MakeRwys files.
  • Airlines: You may now add additional airlines to the database (Data->Airlines). Airlines not having an according sound file in a specific voice folder will be called by the three letter code (ICAO).
  • Approach
    • 1. Radar Control is now assigning the expected STAR/STAR Transition 30 NM before reaching the route exit waypoint.
    • 2. Hand over to Approach Control happens when altitude below FL140 and assigned altitude at or below FL120 or the distance to the last STAR waypoint < 25 NM
  • Assigned SID/STAR/Approach procedures
    • 1. PRO-ATC/X looks first if there is a SID procedure available, which ends at the first route waypoint. If it doesn’t find any procedure, it is now looking for a procedure fitting to the route planned.
    • 2. Same with STARs: The first step is to find a STAR beginning at the last route waypoint.
    • 3. If not found, it’ll look for a fitting STAR/Approach. How ever, even vectored departures and approached are now much better calculated.
  • Clearance: SIDs requested not having the same transition as the actual assigned can now be requested. The transition waypoints will be removed if the requested SID doesn’t have the same transition!
  • Data -> Aircraft: Max tailwind/Crosswind are now referencing the aircraft and not anymore the runway. To adjust simply edit the values under Data->Aircraft->Aircraft Details.
  • Data -> Airports
    • 1. There is a new option: DATA > AIRPORTS > IMPORT AIRPORT. This allows airports not defined by AIRAC data to be imported into the database.
    • 2. Added the option “Prefer when wind at or below 5 Kts” to runways (default values are 10 Kts for tailwind and 35 Kts for crosswind). Please note that the option “Use the runway assigned for AI” has a higher priority!
  • Top Of Descend: Moved slightly forward.
  • Flight plan Information
    • 1. Transponder Code is now displayed.
    • 2. Cruising altitude is replaced by Altitude to set.
    • 3. Current frequency now displayed in the In-flight Menu. For users who use ‘full screen’ or do not use the moving map.
  • Flight Planning Window: SID/SID-Transition and STAR/STAR-Transition are removed from the flight planning window. Users expected exactly the procedure selected to be assigned but that’s up to the controllers, additionally it is weather dependent.
  • Flight Simulation used
    • 1. In case you have FSX/FSX-SE and P3D installed at the same time, you may now select the simulation you want to fly So no need to open the Options window.Transponder Code is now displayed.
    • 2. Additionally you may save paths for FSX/FSX-SE and P3D separately.
  • Fly Now…: The options on the screen when you ‘fly now’ has also changed. Hopefully it is very easy to understand the options. If you tick the correct ones then once you have received clearance the flight plan will be auto loaded into the SIM; Handy for weather programs that need a FP.
  • FMC Flight Plans All FMC Flight Plans are now saved to ICAO-Departure + ICAO-Destination. E.g. KLAX to KJFK will be “KLAXKJFK”. Saved flight situations
  • Flight Situations saved Flight situations saved before this version shouldn’t be used anymore. Sorry for that.
  • GUI Multiple selections are now possible in the main window for erasing flight plans. Either mark the FPs to erase by pressing CTRL + left mouse button or press shift + key down.
  • Heading Corrections PRO-ATC/X now recognizes and re-acts much better when a waypoint has been missed or if you are off-course.
  • Holdings
    • 1. If you ever see AIRAC holdings when you go to DATA > SID STARS Procedures ; you will notice that they have two zero fields; do not worry they are set during runtime.
    • 2. The next point expected is now displayed as a green dot on the moving map. Additionally the heading bug in the HSI is pointing to the heading you are expected to fly to get to the next point.
    • 3. Entering methods are now considered (Direct/Parallel/TearDrop).
    • 4. Holdings are now announced a bit earlier (now 20 NM before reaching the holding).
  • In-Flight
    • 1. Missed waypoints are now recognized as long as the distance to the waypoint is below 10 NM (it was 5 before).
    • 2. Requesting for ‘Repeat last message’ now works multiple times.
    • 3. Added a direct key for the in-flight information, which is key ‘6’ by default.
    • 4. You may now request for a different SID-Transition if assigned and available.
    • 5. In USA/Canada altidudes between FL170 and FL190 are not anymore assigned (TRansition Altitude/Level roules).
    • 6. When Requesting for a different SID or STAR and more than 9 procedures are available, you may now click Next (>>) and Back (<<) to see all precedures. Note that only procedures compatible to the route are displayed!
    • 7. Requesting for an alternate now works as it should, even while executing a missed approach. Same with emergencies.
  • In-Flight Menu
    • 1. In the inflight menu the items ‘Request to initialize Descent’ and ‘Cabin Crew prepare for take-off/landing’ have been moved to ‘Other Requests’.
    • 2. Added Authentic ATC On/Off as the Options menu is not accessible anymore during a flight.
  • Max Tailwind/Crosswind: Max tailwind/Crosswind are now referencing the aircraft and not anymore the runway. To adjust simply edit the values under Data->Aircraft->Aircraft Details.
  • Options Window
    • 1. Added the option “Slower PC/Faster PC” to the options window. If you’re having issues with CTDs during the flight, you may set the slider according to your hardware. If you don’t have any issues, simply leave it at 50%.
    • 2. Flight situations can now be auto saved. Simply define a file name to be used and the interval in minutes. Note that the file is overwritten and that saving only works when airborne while not cleared for the approach. This is to avoid conflicts with different weather when re-loading the situation.
    • 3. On the ‘Path to folders’ tab you may now define additional path for a default flight plan. Very handy if you have Add-Ons using those flight plans.
    • 4. The NAV-Radio now has an own option. If un-ticked, the Copilot will not set VOR/NDB/ILS frequencies he will also not set the NAV-Course and the Transpoinser.
  • Supported Addon Aircraft
    • 1. Added Wilco Falcon 7.
    • 2. Aerosoft Airbus und Aerosoft AXE can now be saved and selected separately.