Getting Started with Aerosimulations Ground Services in Prepar3D

Flight simulation has evolved far beyond simple takeoffs and landings. For enthusiasts and professionals using Prepar3D (P3D), the realism of ground operations can make or break the immersion. Aerosimulations Ground Services (AGS) provides a robust solution to simulate real-world airport ground handling, including pushback, taxi guidance, baggage handling, refueling, and de-icing. This guide delivers an in-depth look at installing, configuring, and optimizing AGS to transform your P3D airport experience into a production-grade environment.

Whether you are training for commercial operations, running a virtual airline, or building detailed scenery, mastering AGS elevates your simulation. The plugin bridges the gap between aircraft systems and ground crew coordination, adding a layer of operational depth that stock P3D lacks.

Understanding the Core Features of Aerosimulations Ground Services

Before diving into setup, it helps to understand what AGS actually does. The plugin replaces the default P3D ground handling with a dynamic system that responds to your commands and airport conditions. Key features include:

  • Pushback Control: Preprogrammed and custom pushback routes with tow truck animations.
  • Taxi Guidance: Follow-me cars and marshaller guidance to parking spots or runways.
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE): Animated vehicles for fueling, catering, baggage loading, and more.
  • Passenger and Cargo Operations: Realistic boarding, deplaning, and cargo handling.
  • Weather-Dependent De-Icing: Simulated de-icing based on ambient conditions.

These features are not just eye candy—they affect your workflow. For example, proper pushback positioning can prevent gate conflicts, and fuelling times can impact your schedule. AGS logs these operations for later review, which is invaluable for training scenarios or virtual airline audits.

Installation and Initial Setup

System Requirements and Compatibility

AGS is designed for Prepar3D v4 and v5 (both Professional and Academic versions). Make sure your system meets the following: a Windows 10/11 64-bit OS, at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended), and a dedicated GPU with DirectX 11 support. The plugin works with both default and third-party airports, though scenery complexity may affect performance.

Download and Install

Purchase the plugin from Aerosimulations official site and download the latest installer. Run the installer and follow the prompts. During installation, you can choose which P3D version to link to (if you have multiple versions). After installation, launch P3D and go to Add-ons > Aerosimulations Ground Services. The plugin should appear in the menu bar. If not, check the add-ons.xml file in %APPDATA%\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v5\add-ons.cfg to ensure the path is correct.

Configuring Ground Operations for Realism

Accessing the Configuration Panel

Open the AGS menu from the P3D toolbar and select Settings or Configuration Manager. This panel is your central hub for customizing every aspect of ground handling. Here you can set default pushback angles, fueling speeds, and even which GSE vehicles appear. Spend time here before your first flight—proper configuration prevents frustration later.

Setting Up Airport-Specific Procedures

AGS allows you to define procedures per airport. For example, at a busy international hub like KLAX, you may want longer pushback routes and multiple follow-me cars, while a regional airport like CYOW might use simpler operations. To add an airport, go to the Airports tab, click Add, and type the ICAO code. You can then set:

  • Pushback paths: Define vehicle turning points and distances.
  • Gate assignments: Link specific parking spots to aircraft types.
  • Service priorities: Decide whether fuel or baggage happens first.

Save each airport profile separately. AGS loads the correct profile automatically when you spawn at that airport.

Tailoring GSE and Animated Objects

Under the Equipment tab, you can enable/disable specific vehicles: fuel trucks, belt loaders, GPU (ground power units), air conditioning units, and more. You can also adjust their spawn distances and times. For a highly realistic session, enable all vehicles; for faster loading, limit them to essentials. Remember that each vehicle consumes some system resources, so balance visual fidelity with performance.

Using AGS During Your Flight Session

Pre-Flight Ground Operations

At the gate or ramp, open the AGS menu and select Request Services. A list of actions appears:

  • External Power: Connects GPU or APU services.
  • Fueling: Set fuel quantity and type (Jet-A or AvGas). The fuel truck will arrive and connect.
  • Baggage Loading: Simulates loading cargo into the belly. You can set weight and destination.
  • Catering: Food and beverage trucks arrive and attach.
  • Passenger Boarding: Animated passengers walk from the gate to the aircraft (requires compatible airport jetways).
  • Pushback: After all services are complete, request pushback. You specify direction and distance.

Pro tip: Sequence these operations in the same order real airlines use—baggage first, then catering, then fueling, then passengers. This avoids cross‑contamination and mimics standard operating procedures.

Taxi and Follow‑Me Car

After pushback, the plugin can optionally provide a follow‑me car to guide you to the runway. Activate it via the AGS menu: Request Follow‑Me. A car will spawn and lead you along the correct taxiway. This is especially useful at complex airports where visual navigation is challenging. The car’s speed adjusts to match your aircraft, and it will stop at hold‑short lines.

Arrival and Parking

On arrival, after landing and taxiing to the gate, request ground services again. The plugin will play the reverse sequence: marshaller signals, chocks, ground power, and baggage unloading. This completed cycle ensures your virtual airline operations remain logged properly.

Advanced Tips and Best Practices

Integrating with Other Add‑Ons

AGS works well with many popular P3D add‑ons. For example, when combined with ORBX airport sceneries, the GSE animations align with custom jetways and signage. If you use Pilot2ATC for ATC communications, coordinate your pushback clearance with the ATC window for full immersion. Also consider linking AGS with virtual airline dispatch software to track service times.

Managing Performance

At large airports with many gates, spawning dozens of GSE vehicles can impact frame rates. To mitigate this:

  • Limit GSE to only the aircraft you are actively servicing.
  • Use the “Auto Cleanup” option in AGS settings to remove idle vehicles after 30 seconds.
  • Disable animations for smaller airports where you don’t need full detail.

If you notice stuttering when vehicles spawn, reduce the texture resolution for GSE models in the plugin’s graphics settings.

Creating Custom Pushback Routes

One of AGS’s most powerful features is the ability to define custom pushback paths. This is essential for realistic operations at non‑standard gates. Using the built‑in editor, you can set waypoints and angles. To access it: open AGS settings > Pushback Editor, select your airport, then click Add Route. Drag waypoints on the airport diagram to create the path. Save and assign it to specific gates. This level of customisation is unmatched by default P3D ground handling.

Logging and Review

AGS logs all ground operations into a plain text file located in %P3D_Documents%\Aerosimulations\GS\Logs. Reviewing this log helps you audit turn times, fuel uplift accuracy, and service sequence errors. Virtual airline operators can import these logs into their tracking systems for performance analysis.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you may encounter minor issues. Here are solutions to frequent problems:

  • Vehicles not spawning: Check that the airport scenery does not block spawning points. Try reloading the scenario or disabling third‑party ground traffic packages.
  • Pushback stops midway: The pushback path may intersect with an object. Edit the route to avoid collision.
  • Fuel truck arrives but does not connect: Ensure the aircraft’s fuel panel is set to accept external fuel. In PMDG aircraft, set the fuel panel to “Open” for truck connect.
  • Follow‑me car gets stuck: This can happen on uneven terrain. Use the “Teleport” option in AGS menu to reset the car to a nearby node.
  • Plugin not loading: Verify that your P3D is updated to the latest version. Reinstall AGS and run it as administrator once.

For persistent problems, consult the Aerosimulations support forum where the developer and community provide assistance.

Enhancing Training and Virtual Airline Operations

AGS is more than a visual enhancement—it’s a training tool. Flight schools and virtual airlines can use it to teach proper ground handling procedures. For example, students must learn to request services in the correct order, communicate with ground crew, and manage turn times. The plugin’s logging feature allows instructors to review mistakes. For virtual airlines, integrating AGS into your standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensures every pilot follows the same ground workflow, increasing operational consistency.

To take it further, combine AGS with voice control tools like FSHub or VoxATC. You can then issue ground commands via the same radio menu you use for ATC, making the experience seamless.

Conclusion

Aerosimulations Ground Services transforms Prepar3D airport operations from a static background into a lively, interactive ecosystem. By taking the time to install, configure, and practice with the plugin, you gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of ground handling. Whether you fly for fun, training, or virtual airline duty, AGS delivers a level of realism that stock P3D cannot match. Experiment with the settings, customise routes for your favourite airports, and enjoy the satisfaction of a well‑executed turn. With AGS, the tarmac feels alive.