Getting Started with vmsACARS

vmsACARS is used to track your flights and submit your PIREPs to Buffalo Airways Virtual. Before your first flight, follow the setup steps below for your simulator.

vmsACARS: Download here

1. Install vmsACARS

Download the vmsACARS installer, extract the downloaded file, and run the installer.

2. Set Up Your Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 / 2024

vmsACARS requires the FSUIPC WASM Module to read LVars from Microsoft Flight Simulator.

You can get the required files from the official FSUIPC website.

The WASM module can be installed in either of these ways:

  • Manually copy the fsuipc-lvar-module folder into your MSFS Community folder.
  • Use the main FSUIPC installer and make sure the WASM Module option is selected.

X-Plane

X-Plane uses the AcarsConnect plugin.

For a manual installation, copy the AcarsConnect folder into:

X-Plane\Resources\plugins

You can also let vmsACARS install the plugin for you:

  1. Close X-Plane.
  2. Open vmsACARS and go to Settings.
  3. Select your main X-Plane folder.
  4. Click Copy Plugin To X-Plane.

FSX / Prepar3D

FSX and Prepar3D require both FSUIPC and MakeRwys.

Place MakeRwys.exe in your main FSX or Prepar3D folder and run it.

If you add or change scenery, run MakeRwys again so gates and runways can be updated. vmsACARS will detect changes to the MakeRwys files and update its internal database.

3. Connect vmsACARS to the Virtual Airline

vmsACARS needs your Buffalo Airways Virtual  URL and API key.

These can be entered manually the phpVMS url is  https://crew.buffaloairwaysvirtual.net
Your API key can be found by visting your profile page. 

In Settings, select the simulator you use from the drop down menu.

4. Choose Your Flight

You can load a flight directly from the Buffalo Airways Virtual website or you can also load a flight through vmsACARS.

  1. Open Flight Search.
  2. Use Search to find a flight.
  3. Alternatively, select Bids to view flights you have already bid on.
  4. Select the flight you want to fly.

5. Load Your Flight Plan

If you want vmsACARS to display your full route and waypoints on the map, load a flight plan before departure.

vmsACARS does not contain its own navigation database, so route and waypoint information is taken from the flight plan you load.

Supported formats are:

  • FSX / Prepar3D: .pln
  • X-Plane: .fms
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator: .pln

Where available, Top of Descent information from MSFS can also be loaded.

6. Start Your Flight

Before starting the flight in vmsACARS:

  • Your aircraft must be on the ground at the departure airport.
  • The parking brake should be set.

Start the flight in vmsACARS before beginning your departure.

Once started, vmsACARS will monitor the flight and automatically detect the different phases of flight.

7. End the Flight and File Your PIREP

Once you have landed and taxied to your parking position:

  1. Bring the aircraft to a stop.
  2. Click End Flight in vmsACARS.
  3. Once the flight has been marked as Arrived, the option to file your PIREP will become available.
  4. Submit your PIREP.

Important: Do not simply close vmsACARS after landing. You must click End Flight before the PIREP filing option becomes available.