Hoppie's ACARS

Hoppie's ACARS is a free, centralized network service created by Jeroen "Hoppie" Hoppenbrouwers. It is an essential "backend" utility that simulates the text-based communication systems used by real-world aircraft, known as ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) and CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications).

Instead of using voice, this system allows pilots with high-fidelity add-on aircraft (like those from PMDG, Fenix, or FlyByWire) to communicate with virtual Air Traffic Controllers on networks like VATSIM and IVAO using text messages, just like in a real cockpit. It's used for receiving clearances, frequency changes, and other ATC instructions. It can also be used for other datalink functions, like requesting weather (METAR) information. To use the network, a pilot simply registers for a free "logon code" from the Hoppie website, which is then entered into their aircraft's FMS/MCDU.