First, since XACARS for MSFS is a standalone program started from either the Start Menu or a desktop icon, it may be used with FS8, FS9, or FSX. Set up is much like any Windows-based application, and configuration is as easy as entering your Pilot ID and password. So, let's get started.

To download the program, click here. Unzip the file to the folder you saved it to and run the installer exe. Download the xacars.zip file and extract the contents into the XACARS for MSFS folder in your Program Files folder. Next, open XACARS using the Start Menu. Enter your Pilot ID and password into the configuration dialog (DO NOT ADD THE OVA, JUST USE THE NUMBER.) If no configuration dialog box opens automatically, then simply click on the "XACARS Preferences" button and enter the information there. A note of caution: If you set the value for "Time Interval for POS" higher than "10," your flight will be zapped and you will not be able to file the pirep. Please do not do this. Now click the "Save and Exit" button and your program is configured for use with Ozark Virtual Airlines.

XACARS makes recording everything about your flight easy. To begin simply find the Flight No. of the flight you wish to make by searching the database. Once you have the number, enter it in the "Flight No." box in the upper left corner (see image to the left.) Remain connected to the internet and click on the "Get ACARS Flightdata" button. Most of the boxes will be automatically filled in for you. You may optionally fill in the remaining boxes manually. In fact, if you wish, all boxes may be manually filled in. Also, you should click the radio button next to the appropriate online/offline status of your flight.

At this point, you will need to have your aircraft at the desired gate with the engines shut off. It is necessary to have the engines off, or the ACARS system will NOT begin tracking. Once at the gate with the engines off and flight data entered as above. Click on the "Start ACARS" button and watch the window in the middle. You should see some text messages appear there indicating that tracking has begun. Once it has started tracking XACARS may be minimized and you may fly as you normally would. You must remain connected to the internet even if you are not flying online. This is so that others can see your flight progress on our Flight Tracking page.

Filing your pirep with XACARS is a snap. When you turn off your engines after your flight is finished, XACARS will stop tracking and the window will appear. Simply click on the "Send PIREP" button and that's it. You may see a message saying that there was an error filing the pirep. Just click "OK" and it will go away. I have not been able to solve this problem as of yet. The pirep is, however, filed and your flight time credited. You will also receive your Virtual Flight Pay, and your rank will automatically progress as appropriate.

You may also choose to "Save PIREP" and file it later either through XACARS or manually. You may at a later time, "Load PIREP" and send it, or simply load it and read the data and file manually. You do not have to start MSFS to do this, but you will, of course, need to be connected to the internet.

That's it! Blue Skies and Three Greens!