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dotACARS Free Documentation

Welcome to the official documentation for dotACARS Free.

This documentation is currently focused only on dotACARS Free. Guides for dotACARS Standard will be added later in a separate section.

Start hereGetting Started

Understand the full documentation structure and the minimum steps to get a pilot flying.

PilotsInstall the app

Install dotACARS Free on Windows, connect to a VA, import a bid and track a flight.

VA adminsphpVMS setup

Prepare the phpVMS ACARS endpoints required by the Free client.

X-PlaneBridge setup

Install the X-Plane bridge included in the dotACARS Free installation folder.

What dotACARS Free does​

dotACARS Free is a Windows ACARS client for basic phpVMS 5 and phpVMS 7 flight tracking. It connects to your Virtual Airline, imports the pilot's active bid, tracks simulator data and sends ACARS/PIREP data back to the VA server.

The Free edition includes:

  • Virtual Airline URL login;
  • pilot ID or e-mail login;
  • active bid import;
  • live position tracking;
  • flight start, end, send and discard actions;
  • update checking;
  • simulator source selection: Auto, SimConnect, FSUIPC or X-Plane.

What dotACARS Free does not include​

dotACARS Free intentionally does not include the advanced Standard features such as SimBrief/OFP pages, advanced briefing screens, advanced summary pages, VA branding customization, VA themes or VA logo customization.

Documentation map​

SectionUse it for
Getting StartedQuick summary of every guide in this documentation.
Windows InstallationPilot-side app installation and first login.
X-Plane BridgeInstalling the bridge plugin for X-Plane.
UninstallingRemoving the app, local profiles, bridge and server files.
phpVMS 5 Server SetupVA-side setup for phpVMS 5.
phpVMS 7 Server SetupVA-side setup for phpVMS 7.
CompatibilityCurrent verified compatibility information.
Official DownloadsOfficial Free installer and phpVMS server patch links.
TroubleshootingCommon installation, login, simulator and server checks.

:::warning Free-only scope These docs are written for dotACARS Free only. Do not use them as the final reference for dotACARS Standard. :::