Pilot Radio Simulator Alternatives: Where to Practice ATC Comms in 2026

Pilot Radio Simulator is shutting down on March 31, 2026. The team behind it has pivoted entirely to PilotCV, a pilot resume builder — a completely different product. If you’ve been using Pilot Radio Simulator to practice your radio calls, you have days to find an alternative.

I’ve been in the aviation training space long enough to know that losing a tool you rely on is frustrating, especially mid-training. This guide breaks down every viable alternative, what each one actually does well, and where each falls short. No fluff, no rankings designed to sell you something — just an honest look at what’s out there.

What Pilot Radio Simulator Actually Offered

Before we look at replacements, here’s what you’re trying to replace:

• Web-based ATC practice — no app install required
• Interactive radio call scenarios with structured progression
• Real-time feedback on transmissions
• VFR and IFR coverage
• SACAA exam preparation for South African pilots

No single tool replaces all of this perfectly. But depending on which features matter most to you, there are strong options.

The Alternatives Worth Considering

1. Comms: AI Pilot Training by KHV Digital (iOS & Android)

Full disclosure: we built Comms. We’re listing it here because it’s directly relevant, but we’ll give you the honest version — strengths and weaknesses.

Comms is a mobile app focused on one thing: getting you comfortable talking on the radio. You speak into your phone, AI speech recognition evaluates your readback, and you get instant feedback on what you got right and what you missed. It’s designed for the pilot who freezes up the moment they key the mic.

What’s similar to Pilot Radio Simulator:

• You actually speak your radio calls out loud — not multiple choice, not typing
• Real-time evaluation of your transmissions
• Structured scenarios that progress from simple to complex
• Both VFR and IFR coverage

What sets it apart:

• 35+ scenarios covering the full spectrum: taxi clearances, takeoff, pattern work, flight following, Class Bravo and Charlie transitions, IFR clearances, approaches, go-arounds, emergencies, and more
• AI speech recognition that evaluates your actual spoken readbacks, not just button presses
• Multiple ATC controller voices (Sarah, Thomas, Charlie, George, Liam) so you get used to different speaking styles
• Global leaderboard with 23,000+ pilots ranked — adds some healthy motivation
• Progress tracking across Basic, Medium, and Advanced difficulty tiers
• Customizable settings: set your own spoken callsign, home airport, and toggle explicit ATC mode

The app has 50,000+ users and a 4.8+ App Store rating. It’s free to start with 3 scenarios; premium unlocks all 35+.

What to keep in mind:

• Mobile only (iOS and Android) — no web version, but most pilots prefer practicing on their phone anyway
• No SACAA-specific exam content (this was a niche Pilot Radio Simulator feature)

Pricing: Free to download. Premium subscription unlocks everything.

Best for: Student pilots who need to build confidence speaking on the radio, especially those preparing for solo, checkride, or first flight following calls.

Download Comms on the App Store | Get it on Google Play

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2. PlaneEnglish ARSim (iOS, Android & Web)

PlaneEnglish is the most established name in this space. Their ARSim (Aviation Radio Simulator) has been around since 2018, founded by Purdue University graduates, and has been adopted by flight schools, the US Air Force, and university aviation programs.

What it does well:

• Large scenario library with 300+ airports
• FAA WINGS credit approved
• Web-based option available (no app install required)
• Curriculum-based structure

Where it falls short:

• Voice recognition is a major pain point — multiple App Store reviewers report it rarely understands what you’re saying. One reviewer noted only “about 5% of the time” getting full recognition. This is the core mechanic of the app and it consistently frustrates users.
• Expensive — $9.99/month for VFR only, $15.99/month for VFR+IFR. Annual plans run $59.99 to $95.99. The bundle with training manual is $115.99. That adds up fast for a student pilot on a budget.
• Rigid phraseology enforcement — users report being marked wrong for saying things that real controllers accept every day. The app sometimes feels like it’s testing you on its own rules rather than real-world ATC.

Pricing: $9.99-$15.99/month. Annual: $59.99-$95.99. Free lessons available but limited.

Best for: Pilots who need web access or value FAA WINGS credit. Be prepared for frustration with the voice recognition.

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3. LiveATC.net (Free, Web-Based)

LiveATC isn’t an interactive practice tool. It’s live streams of real ATC communications from airports worldwide. But it’s one of the most underrated training resources available, and it’s completely free.

How to actually use it for training:

• Tune into your home airport’s tower or ground frequency and follow along
• Try to anticipate pilot readbacks before they happen — pause mentally and “respond” before the real pilot does
• Listen to busy Class Bravo airports (KJFK, KLAX, KATL) to hear how experienced pilots handle rapid-fire instructions
• Pay attention to how controllers handle non-standard situations, go-arounds, and amended clearances

Where it falls short:

• Purely passive — you can’t practice your own transmissions
• Zero feedback on your technique
• Audio quality varies significantly by feed
• Busy airport frequencies can be overwhelming and discouraging for students
• No structured progression or curriculum

Pricing: Free

Best for: Supplementing interactive practice. Listening to real ATC gives you something no simulator can — exposure to the messy, unpredictable reality of busy frequencies. Pair it with an interactive tool for the best results.

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4. PilotEdge (PC/Mac, Flight Simulator Required)

PilotEdge is in a different category entirely. It provides real human air traffic controllers staffing positions in real-time for flight simulator users. If realism is your top priority, nothing else comes close.

What it does well:

• Live human ATC — not AI, not pre-recorded. Real controllers working real positions.
• 15 hours of daily coverage across the western US, with 2,800+ public-use airports
• Structured training program: CAT ratings (I through XI) and I-ratings give you clear progression goals
• Multiplayer environment — see other aircraft, hear other pilots on frequency
• Full VFR and IFR operations with realistic workload

Where it falls short:

• Requires a flight simulator (X-Plane or MSFS) and the associated hardware investment
• Only covers the western US — no global coverage
• Steep learning curve, especially if you’re also new to flight simulators
• Not practical for quick 5-minute practice sessions — you need to set aside meaningful time
• Not available on mobile at all

Pricing: $19.95/month (Los Angeles Center or Western Expansion). $34.90/month for combined access. Annual plans available at $179/year per region. Free 5-hour trial included.

Best for: Serious simmers and instrument students who already own a flight simulator and want the most realistic ATC training experience possible.

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5. VATSIM (Free, Flight Simulator Required)

VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network) is a free, volunteer-run alternative to PilotEdge. The global community of virtual pilots and controllers has been around for over two decades.

What it does well:

• Completely free — no subscription, no trial limits
• Global coverage — not limited to one region
• Active community with organized events, fly-ins, and cross-the-pond events that create realistic traffic density
• Both VFR and IFR operations
• Training resources and mentorship programs available

Where it falls short:

• Controller coverage is inconsistent — you might fly for an hour and never encounter ATC, then suddenly hit a fully-staffed event
• Quality varies since controllers are volunteers at different experience levels
• Requires a flight simulator plus additional client software (vPilot or xPilot)
• Not structured for focused radio practice — it’s more of a “jump in and fly” experience
• Can be genuinely intimidating for beginners

Pricing: Free

Best for: Flight sim pilots who want to add ATC interaction to their simulator flying and don’t mind inconsistent coverage.

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6. COMM1 Radio Simulator (PC/Mac)

COMM1 is the old guard. It’s a desktop training program that’s been around for years, offering 6.5 hours of pre-recorded training based on real-world flying situations.

What it does well:

• Solid foundational training covering communications with ATC, Flight Service, and other aircraft
• Self-paced with pause and replay functionality
• Good for absolute beginners who need to understand the basics before practicing live

Where it falls short:

• No interactive voice practice — you listen and learn, not speak and get feedback
• Desktop-only, no mobile version
• Feels dated compared to modern AI-powered options
• One-time content — once you’ve gone through the 6.5 hours, there’s limited replay value

Pricing: ~$30-50 one-time purchase (varies by retailer)

Best for: Complete beginners who want foundational knowledge before jumping into interactive practice tools.

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Quick Comparison

Tool	Platform	Voice Practice	VFR	IFR	Starting Price	Best For
Comms	iOS, Android	Yes (AI)	Yes	Yes	Free (3 scenarios)	Students, checkride prep
PlaneEnglish ARSim	iOS, Android, Web	Yes (AI)	Yes	Yes	$9.99/mo	Large library, WINGS credit
LiveATC	Web	No (listen only)	N/A	N/A	Free	Supplemental listening
PilotEdge	PC/Mac (sim required)	Yes (live human ATC)	Yes	Yes	$19.95/mo	Serious simmers
VATSIM	PC/Mac (sim required)	Yes (volunteer ATC)	Yes	Yes	Free	Free sim ATC
COMM1	PC/Mac	No (listen and learn)	Yes	Limited	~$30 one-time	Absolute beginners

Which One Should You Pick?

If you want the closest replacement for Pilot Radio Simulator: PlaneEnglish ARSim is the most similar in terms of web access and scenario breadth. Comms is mobile-only but offers a more modern AI-driven experience with real voice evaluation.

If you’re a student pilot preparing for solo or checkride: Comms was built specifically for this. The scenarios target the exact radio calls that trip up student pilots — initial contact, taxi, pattern entry, flight following requests. You practice by speaking, not tapping.

If you want maximum realism: PilotEdge with a flight simulator. Real controllers, real procedures, real consequences if you mess up (just embarrassment, not a certificate action). Nothing else matches this.

If you’re on a tight budget: Start with LiveATC (free, passive) plus Comms’ free tier (3 interactive scenarios). That gives you both ear training and voice practice at zero cost.

If you need SACAA exam prep: This is the one gap none of these tools fill directly. Combine general ATC practice with your flight school’s SACAA-specific study materials.

FAQ

Is there a free alternative to Pilot Radio Simulator?

Yes. Comms offers 3 free interactive scenarios where you practice by speaking into your phone. PlaneEnglish has dozens of free lessons. LiveATC.net provides free live ATC audio streams for passive listening. VATSIM is entirely free but requires a flight simulator.

Can I still access my Pilot Radio Simulator content after March 31?

No. The service is shutting down permanently on March 31, 2026. The team has moved on to PilotCV, a pilot resume tool. Any saved progress, purchased content, or training history will no longer be accessible.

What’s the best mobile app for ATC radio practice?

For mobile voice practice, Comms and PlaneEnglish ARSim are the two main options. Comms uses AI speech recognition to evaluate spoken readbacks in real time across 35+ scenarios, with a global leaderboard and progress tracking. PlaneEnglish offers a larger library of hundreds of scenarios with FAA WINGS credit and a web option. Both are available on iOS and Android.

Do I need a flight simulator to practice ATC communication?

No. Mobile apps like Comms and PlaneEnglish let you practice ATC radio calls by speaking into your phone — no flight simulator, no special hardware. PilotEdge and VATSIM do require a desktop flight simulator (X-Plane or MSFS), but they’re aimed at a different use case: integrating ATC into simulated flights.