Developer DazzyB has developed a freeware traffic plugin for XP12 which dramatically improves the quality of AI air traffic. Inspired by frustration with the unrealistic XP12 AI traffic system DazzyB has brought this plugin forward to the new generation of X-Plane and has utilised the unique new features XP12 offers.

“X-Plane 12 brings with it a number of new exciting features, and so this is yet another release of the traffic pack, updated to make use of those new features. In addition, each aircraft within the pack has been updated to ensure the maximum performance possible using all techniques available within X-Plane 12”

The pack features aircraft models which were initially developed by the X-Plane Freeware Project, and now with their blessing have been utilised in a brilliant way through this plugin. 

Just some of the updated features include: 

 • All aircraft have been individually optimised for X-Plane 12's new 'AI-Only' performance features, improving FPS over using the default X-Plane 12 aircraft for AI.

• All AI aircraft will use their own real-world call signs when interacting with X-Plane 12's new regional-specific ATC feature. ATC will also respond with their call signs. ATC will automatically assign random flight numbers.

• All AI aircraft will be restricted by the same ATC rules as you. For example, if there is a runway change in progress and you are told to stand by, they will also receive the same instructions and will obey accordingly.

• All AI aircraft fully support X-Plane 12's built-in pushback feature if parked at a gate that supports it (sadly 1.03 has introduced a bug with some of the aircraft – hopefully LR will fix that asap!).

• X-Plane will provide ‘turn-around’ ground services once an aircraft has taxied in (the only thing missing here is that jet-ways are not utilised, but hopefully LR will add this feature to the AI soon!).

• The 767 and 777 spiral dive bug has now been fixed from previous versions. This still needs to be tweaked and fine-tuned to make it even better but both models’ flight dynamics will ensure that the aircraft does not lose control. The 787 is still being worked on and will be included in the final release, together with the tweaked 767 and 777.

• All AI aircraft fully support animation features like flaps, spoilers, landing/taxi lights, strobes, gear etc.

• Each AI aircraft has its own individual 3D Fmod sounds that are applicable to their engine types, so for instance an AI 737NG will not sound the same as an AI 737 Classic. The sound of an AI aircraft spooling up and roaring down the runway is a dream for ‘virtual plane-spotters!’. Make sure you turn your bass up! 

• Spool-up (actually coming from each individual engine), take-off, idle, taxi, and reverse thrust sounds can be heard on all AI aircraft

• AI Aircraft will utilise X-Plane’s heat haze effects from the engines.

• All AI aircraft will create contrails at appropriate altitudes.

• All AI aircraft will show rain effects from the tyres, as well as smoke effects during touchdown

• Each AI aircraft has its own individual 3D Fmod sounds that are applicable to their engine types, so for instance an AI 737NG will not sound the same as an AI 737 Classic. The sound of an AI aircraft spooling up and roaring down the runway is a dream for ‘virtual plane-spotters!’. Make sure you turn your bass up! 

• Spool-up (actually coming from each individual engine), take-off, idle, taxi, and reverse thrust sounds can be heard on all AI aircraft

• AI Aircraft will utilise X-Plane’s heat haze effects from the engines.

• All AI aircraft will create contrails at appropriate altitudes.

• All AI aircraft will show rain effects from the tyres, as well as smoke effects during touchdown.

• All AI aircraft will create wake turbulence. This will affect not only your aircraft but other AI traffic too.

• AI Aircraft will accurately respond to the environment - things like crosswinds, wind shear and environmental turbulence – the general rule is that if something affects your aircraft, it will also have the same effect on them too. They will ‘wobble’ during the landing phase for example, as they react to gusts in order to prevent wing drops.

• The AI traffic is real simulated aircraft within X-Plane, not ‘injected’ from outside. This means that they interact with ATC fully, can see you, and can also see each other. Their positions will also be shown on your TCAS systems.

• AI GA Traffic (when the pack is finished - still WIP) will fly circuits and report positions (for example, downwind or on final). You will be told if you are ‘number 2’ in the circuit and will be able to look out for them.

• All AI Aircraft fly using X-Plane’s Blade Element theory so simulation is accurate. For example, if an AI pilot messes up by pitching too high, they can potentially stall the aircraft and will try and recover.

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You can pick up the latest beta here!