Say Intentions AI Setup Guide

by Chance

Learn How to Talk to Air Traffic Control with Say Intentions AI

Talking to Air Traffic Control (ATC) can feel like learning a new language—especially when you’re trying to master flying an aircraft at the same time. As a flight instructor with over 3,000 hours of experience, I, like everyone, struggled with radios when I was starting out. That’s why I’m excited to share a tool that can make learning ATC communications easier for you, as well as my students: Say Intentions AI. This software lets you practice ATC communication from the comfort of your home using a flight simulator. Here’s how to set it up and use it.

What Is Say Intentions AI?

Say Intentions AI is a powerful ATC training tool that integrates with popular flight simulators like X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS). Designed for flight simmers and student pilots, this AI-powered software helps you:

  • Practice radio communication at any airport worldwide (in different languages!).

  • Simulate real-world scenarios like requesting clearances, taxiing, and handling in-flight communications.

  • Gain confidence by interacting with an AI copilot who can handle radio calls or assist you when needed.

The software even supports multiple languages, making it ideal for non-native English speakers learning aviation English.

Key Features

1. AI Copilot

Just starting out? Let the AI copilot handle radio communications while you focus on flying. Over time, you can gradually take over the calls as your confidence grows.

2. Mentors and Tour Guides

  • Mentors act as virtual flight instructors, offering advice like "How do I level off the plane?" or "What’s the proper way to lean the mixture in cruise?"

  • Tour Guides are great for VFR flying, providing information about landmarks and points of interest along your route.

3. Realistic ATC Modes

  • Student Pilot Mode: Slower, more explicit instructions for beginners.

  • Standard Mode: A close replica of real-world ATC communications.

  • Pro Mode: Removes UI aids to simulate advanced real-world scenarios.

4. Cabin Crew and Intercom Options

For added immersion, the AI simulates cabin crew announcements and provides a multi-channel intercom for passenger interactions.

5. Weather and Traffic Simulation

Sync real-time weather or use Active Sky for custom conditions. Future updates will include multiplayer traffic injection, adding realistic traffic patterns to your simulator experience.

Installation and Setup

Setting up Say Intentions AI is straightforward - Click Here to Sign Up and start your free trial.

  1. Download and Install: Once you have created an account with the link above and selected either the free trial or a paid plan, go to the pilot portal and click on the download tab. From here you can download the latest version of the software as well as any add-ons such as VR or the EFB add-on for MSFS. If you need help with the downlaod process at all Click Here To Watch Our YouTube Video.

  2. Load Into the Simulator of Your Choosing: The software will automatically detect if you're running MSFS or X Plane. So feel free to start either application, and load into a new flight. 

  3. Customize the Settings To Your Preferences: Customize settings for AI copilots, weather synchronization, and ATC modes based on your preferences and training goals. At the very least you'll need to assign one Push To Talk button, and one Intercom button in the 'Controls' tab. Again, this is all covered in our YouTube Video.

Using Say Intentions AI

It's helpful to give a simple, "Radio Check" to any frequency at your current airport. The Say Intentions AI will give you a friendly first greeting and you can go about your flight like you would in the real airplane. Now it's good with VFR, but incredible with IFR flights.

Picking up an IFR clearance


To obtain an IFR clearance either on the ground, or a pop-up IFR clearance, you'll need to fill out a few fields on the ICAO style form on Sim Brief's website (Navigraph). Click Here To Go To Sim Brief and I recommend saving this website to your bookmarks for easy access. Or you can always find it in the Say Intentions Pilot Portal. You'll need to create an account, but don't worry, it's free.

Addressing Current Limitations

Currently, the pre-recorded proximity feature plays back any aircraft on the same frequency without considering your location or intentions. While this can occasionally lead to unrealistic scenarios, Say Intentions is actively working on updates to improve this functionality, and will eventually even be able to sequence you around a pre-recorded flight.

Final Thoughts

Say Intentions AI is a game-changing tool for anyone looking to master ATC communications in a low-pressure environment. Whether you’re a student pilot or an experienced simmer, this software provides an engaging way to build your skills and confidence. Finally, pairing this ATC trainer with realsitic hardware like our G1000 Suite or a GPS and Audio Panel make flying a sim a real challenge and that much more fun.

Ready to try it out? Sign up here and take the first step toward mastering the radios.

Happy flying!

 

Back to News