How to be a pilot step by step

On the following pages, you will learn how to install the necessary software and how to connect to the IVAO network for the first time as a pilot. We recommend that you read the manual included with the IVAP, where you will learn all the important information about its settings and functions.

IvAp

The first step on the way to online flight is to download IVAP – SW client for pilots. Through this program, pilots connect to the IVAO network. IVAP can be downloaded here: Ivao SoftDev.

FS2002/2004 users download the version „IvAp (for FS2002 and FS2004)“

FSX users download “IvAp v2 (for FSX and Prepar3D)”

Always download the latest version, most often marked as „New“.

After downloading the program, run the .exe file and follow the instructions.

Once installed, you need to configure IVAP to work the way you want it to. You can read about the setting options in the IVAP manual. (Start Menu → All Programs → IVAO → IvAp – IVAO Virtual Pilot Client → IvAp – Configuration)

FTA

FS2002/2004 and FSX users: The MTL package is included directly in the IVAP installation.

MTL (Multiplayer Traffic Library) allows you to see other pilots connected on the network. They are actually models of thousands of planes and their different color versions.

After installing the MTL Installer, run it via (All Programs → IVAO → IvAp – IVAO Virtual Pilot Client → MTL Installer)

Press the green „Full Install“ button to install all models in the MTL database. Of course, it is possible to select only some aircraft from the list (Not recommended).

The MTL database contains around 5000 models in total, so it will take a long time to download and install it completely, depending on your connection type. After downloading the MTL models, MS-DOS starts a window that places the models in the FS folder.

It is possible that after installing MTL models, the FS startup time will increase. This phenomenon can be reduced by hiding some MTL models via: Start Menu → All Programs → IVAO → IvAp – IVAO Virtual Pilot Client → MTL Hide Aircraft. (Applies only to FS2004, this step is not necessary for FSX)

Teamspeak

We use Teamspeak for voice communication (text communication is allowed but voice is preferred). We recommend using voice communication right from the start, because that's when online flying takes on a completely different feel.

Teamspeak is part of the IVAP installation package, Teamspeak can be downloaded separately „HERE“: http://www.ivao.aero/network/so/#….

After installing Teamspeak, some settings need to be made: In Teamspeak (TS) via Settings → Sound Input/Output Settings

Select the „Push to talk“ method. Choose a suitable key that will serve as a PTT button. In the picture, left CTRL is selected as PTT.
Using PTT: Press and hold – Talk – Stop talking – Release PTT.

We do not recommend using „Voice activation“ as this option may cause you to broadcast unknowingly as the broadcast will be triggered by any sound in the background or on the PC.

To set the PTT button on your joystick, read the post on our forum: TU
(there are also links to other similar programs on the forum)

First connection

The following steps are based on FSX the procedure for FS2004 is below.

Start FSX → Free flight, choose your plane, location [On the stand not on the runway]

Display the menubar (by pressing ALT). Go to Addons, then click Start IvAp.

A window with IvAp will open. Before connecting, however, the Flight plan must also be sent. We click on Main → Acars (top right) → Send Flightplan.

After you correctly fill out your flight plan (above is just an example, you need to adjust it to your liking) click on „Send FPL“. Then click the „CONN“ button on the right side of the IvAp.

This window will open in which you enter your full name that you entered during registration (First Name Surname), your Base Airport (city where you live), VID (6-digit number assigned to you during registration) and password (IVAN Password, also received after email registration.) The rest should be filled in automatically. If you are connecting to the network for the first time, you need to send the Flightplan again.

If you were successful, a „Welcome“ message will appear along with information about your current rank. Information about how it works on the network is under the instructions for FS2004.

The following steps are based on FS2004

Start FS and create a flight.

After pressing ALT, notice that a new menu has been added – „IVAO“. Go to this menu and press “Start IvAp”. IVAP will start, you will see an icon composed of red and green balls on the Start bar, next to the PC clock.

IVAP starts