Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Landline?

A virtual ATC coordination system for VATSIM. It replicates real-world landline phones: private voice calls between controller positions, conference bridges, shout lines, and consolidation routing.

How is this different from TeamSpeak or Discord?

• Position-based, not user-based — you call a position, not a person.
• Overrides connect instantly; monitor lets you listen before you interrupt.
• Offline positions route to their parent via consolidation.
• Shout lines broadcast across facilities.
• Compact docked window stays out of your radar client's way.

Is Landline free?

Landline is in closed beta. Pricing for general release hasn't been announced. Beta access is free for participating ARTCCs.

Which platforms are supported?

Windows (10/11 64-bit) today. macOS and Linux builds are produced but less tested.

Usage

Can I use Landline without being on VATSIM?

Yes — use training mode. Flip the graduation-cap toggle on the splash screen, sign in, and enter a training code from your facility's staff.

How many people can be in a conference?

Up to three. Merging with a pending call or with another active call creates a 3-party conference. If a participant leaves, the call drops back to 2-party.

What happens if someone calls me while I'm on another call?

The new call appears in your Pending Calls panel with a silence toggle. You can:

• Accept (your current call goes on hold),
• Reject, or
• Merge the pending call into your active call as a 3-party conference.

Can I transfer a conference call?

No. Transfer is only available for 2-party calls. End the conference or wait for a participant to leave first.

Audio

Which headset should I use?

Any USB headset works. A headset mic gives cleaner echo cancellation than desk-mic-plus-speakers.

Can I use speakers and a desk microphone?

Yes, but echo cancellation will be weaker. If others hear echo, switch to a headset.

Why is my audio cutting out?

• Unstable network connection.
• High CPU on your machine.
• Another application grabbing the microphone.

Administration

How do I get FE access?

FE access is tied to your VATSIM CID. You'll have it if VATUSA lists you with role=FE for the facility, if a superadmin has added your CID to the facility's whitelist, or if you are a superadmin. Ask a superadmin to whitelist you if neither applies.

Can multiple people be FEs at the same facility?

Yes. Any number of CIDs can have FE access. Coordinate with your team to avoid stepping on each other's changes.

How do I add my ARTCC to Landline?

During beta, facilities are created by the Landline team. Reach out through the beta request form.