“Custom ATC Mod for Microsoft Flight Simulator (PC/Xbox) with Realistic Flight Plan and Altitude Handling”
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
Project Instructions: ATC Mod for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020–2024 (PC and Xbox Compatible)
The objective of this project is to develop a mod for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) that significantly enhances the behavior of the in-game Air Traffic Control (ATC) system to act more realistically and in line with actual flight operations. This mod must be fully compatible with both PC and Xbox platforms and be eligible for submission to the official Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace.
The core functionality of the mod should ensure that the ATC strictly follows the loaded flight plan from the aircraft, such as those created in SimBrief or selected through the MSFS world map. Unlike the default behavior, the ATC must not assign arbitrary or incorrect altitudes but rather assign appropriate cruise flight levels based on the aircraft’s routing, direction, and type. It should also provide realistic climb and descent clearances that respect aviation procedures and timing.
Additionally, the mod should recognize and integrate Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) procedures included in the flight plan, without overriding or ignoring these crucial components of the flight. The ATC’s clearance and communication behavior should be improved to provide clear and timely instructions, avoiding repetitive, conflicting, or unrealistic commands. If technically feasible, the mod should also enhance traffic spacing and separation logic.
Development must comply fully with the MSFS SDK and Microsoft’s Marketplace guidelines to guarantee compatibility with Xbox Series consoles. The mod must be developed using supported tools and formats such as WASM and C++, as SimConnect-based solutions alone may not be accepted for Xbox. The final deliverable must meet the requirements for Marketplace submission, including proper packaging, clean file structure, and efficient performance to avoid negatively impacting the simulator’s frame rate or other systems.
While additional features such as improved traffic handoffs between ATC sectors, better AI traffic interaction, or enhanced voice commands could provide extra value, these should only be included if they do not compromise Xbox compatibility or performance. The mod must avoid dependencies on external software, executables, or libraries unsupported on Xbox. It is important that the mod requires no complex installation steps for the end user, ideally being easy to install via drag-and-drop or as a packaged add-on.
The developer is expected to deliver a fully functional mod complete with clear installation instructions and clean, well-commented source code in WASM and C++. Documentation must be provided to explain the features, setup process, and any known limitations. The deliverable should pass Microsoft’s validation tools for Marketplace readiness and follow all relevant metadata and packaging standards. The developer should provide support for a brief period following delivery to address critical issues or compatibility concerns.
The project will be considered successful when the mod reliably assigns correct flight levels according to the loaded flight plan, respects SID and STAR procedures, is confirmed to be Xbox compatible through testing, and is packaged in a way that meets Marketplace requirements. The developer is also expected to assist with the submission process or prepare the mod for final upload.
It is essential to confirm all technical feasibility regarding Xbox and MSFS SDK limitations early in the development process. If any features cannot be implemented due to platform constraints, these should be excluded or replaced with workable alternatives after discussion. The developer should also understand that changes in project scope require prior agreement. A bonus incentive will be provided if the mod passes Marketplace submission and is approved successfully.
Suggested development phases include initial planning and architecture design to confirm feasibility, followed by implementing the core ATC logic to follow the flight plan and assign correct flight levels. Subsequent phases would add SID and STAR integration and improve communication logic. Finally, the mod should be packaged and tested for Xbox compatibility and Marketplace submission, with a period of post-delivery support for bug fixes and assistance.
This project requires a developer with deep knowledge of the MSFS SDK, experience programming in WASM and C++, and an understanding of real-world ATC and flight procedures. The developer must have access to MSFS on both PC and Xbox or tools enabling testing on Xbox. Performance optimization and compliance with Microsoft’s Marketplace guidelines are critical.
The objective of this project is to develop a mod for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) that significantly enhances the behavior of the in-game Air Traffic Control (ATC) system to act more realistically and in line with actual flight operations. This mod must be fully compatible with both PC and Xbox platforms and be eligible for submission to the official Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace.
The core functionality of the mod should ensure that the ATC strictly follows the loaded flight plan from the aircraft, such as those created in SimBrief or selected through the MSFS world map. Unlike the default behavior, the ATC must not assign arbitrary or incorrect altitudes but rather assign appropriate cruise flight levels based on the aircraft’s routing, direction, and type. It should also provide realistic climb and descent clearances that respect aviation procedures and timing.
Additionally, the mod should recognize and integrate Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) procedures included in the flight plan, without overriding or ignoring these crucial components of the flight. The ATC’s clearance and communication behavior should be improved to provide clear and timely instructions, avoiding repetitive, conflicting, or unrealistic commands. If technically feasible, the mod should also enhance traffic spacing and separation logic.
Development must comply fully with the MSFS SDK and Microsoft’s Marketplace guidelines to guarantee compatibility with Xbox Series consoles. The mod must be developed using supported tools and formats such as WASM and C++, as SimConnect-based solutions alone may not be accepted for Xbox. The final deliverable must meet the requirements for Marketplace submission, including proper packaging, clean file structure, and efficient performance to avoid negatively impacting the simulator’s frame rate or other systems.
While additional features such as improved traffic handoffs between ATC sectors, better AI traffic interaction, or enhanced voice commands could provide extra value, these should only be included if they do not compromise Xbox compatibility or performance. The mod must avoid dependencies on external software, executables, or libraries unsupported on Xbox. It is important that the mod requires no complex installation steps for the end user, ideally being easy to install via drag-and-drop or as a packaged add-on.
The developer is expected to deliver a fully functional mod complete with clear installation instructions and clean, well-commented source code in WASM and C++. Documentation must be provided to explain the features, setup process, and any known limitations. The deliverable should pass Microsoft’s validation tools for Marketplace readiness and follow all relevant metadata and packaging standards. The developer should provide support for a brief period following delivery to address critical issues or compatibility concerns.
The project will be considered successful when the mod reliably assigns correct flight levels according to the loaded flight plan, respects SID and STAR procedures, is confirmed to be Xbox compatible through testing, and is packaged in a way that meets Marketplace requirements. The developer is also expected to assist with the submission process or prepare the mod for final upload.
It is essential to confirm all technical feasibility regarding Xbox and MSFS SDK limitations early in the development process. If any features cannot be implemented due to platform constraints, these should be excluded or replaced with workable alternatives after discussion. The developer should also understand that changes in project scope require prior agreement. A bonus incentive will be provided if the mod passes Marketplace submission and is approved successfully.
Suggested development phases include initial planning and architecture design to confirm feasibility, followed by implementing the core ATC logic to follow the flight plan and assign correct flight levels. Subsequent phases would add SID and STAR integration and improve communication logic. Finally, the mod should be packaged and tested for Xbox compatibility and Marketplace submission, with a period of post-delivery support for bug fixes and assistance.
This project requires a developer with deep knowledge of the MSFS SDK, experience programming in WASM and C++, and an understanding of real-world ATC and flight procedures. The developer must have access to MSFS on both PC and Xbox or tools enabling testing on Xbox. Performance optimization and compliance with Microsoft’s Marketplace guidelines are critical.