With X-Plane 12, there have come many improvements from the previous versions of X-Plane. Notably in Xplane 11, the built-in ATC function was somewhat lacking depth, this has been addressed and overhauled with an all-new system for XP12! 

In a post on the X-plane website, Laminar Research discusses about the various ATC system improvements in their most recent version of the X-Plane series.  

New features include: 

• 6 distinct regions (Asia, Australia, Euro, India, USA and Global)
• Male and female selectable pilot voices
• Reception strength varies with distance from the transmitter, and intervening terrain
• AI now wait for controller instructions to be spoken before obeying them

Perhaps the most significant improvement to the ATC system however is the addition of global regions, X-Plane will now follow procedures and use voices that are suitable for different regions of the world. This is a huge improvement on the previous system which in essence treated the entire world as if it followed FAA procedures. 

Another big improvement to the built-in ATC system is the quality of VHF communications, this will now change, taking into account your distance from the controller, relative altitude, the type of controller, and any blocking terrain that may be around you. 

The ATC dialogue menu has also received an overhaul making it more intuitive. 

This is a big step in the right direction to improving the overall experience with Xplane, although many agree from participating in the latest public beta, it still has a long way to go. 

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