# ACARS and CPDLC (Hoppie)

The **ACARS** screen connects CAVacars 2 to [Hoppie's ACARS](https://www.hoppie.nl/acars/), the free datalink network that VATSIM and IVAO controllers use for clearances and CPDLC. Many add-on aircraft (Fenix, FlyByWire, ToLiss, PMDG and others) use the same network, so messages also show up on the aircraft's own ACARS screen or printer.

With it you can:

- request a **pre-departure clearance** (PDC) from a controller
- get the **METAR, TAF or VATSIM ATIS** for any airport
- **log on to CPDLC** and answer the controller's messages with WILCO, UNABLE and so on
- send and receive **telex** messages
- receive **CAV company messages**: your loadsheet, the weather at your destination, a welcome at the gate, and messages from staff

## Setting it up

1. Register for a free Hoppie logon code at [hoppie.nl](https://www.hoppie.nl/acars/system/register.html). The code is emailed to you.
2. In CAVacars 2, open the **ACARS** tab.
3. Paste your logon code, check the **callsign**, and click **Save**.

The callsign is the one you fly under on the network, normally your flight number (for example CAN123). The callsign box starts with your current flight's number. If you change flights, click **Use CAV456** to switch to the new flight number, or type a callsign yourself.

Your logon code is personal. CAVacars 2 stores it encrypted on your PC and only ever sends it to Hoppie. Don't share it with anyone.

Use the **Connected to Hoppie** switch to turn ACARS on or off. The badge at the top right shows whether you're connected. If it turns red, hover over it to see why (for example, a mistyped logon code).

## Messages

All your ACARS traffic appears in **Messages**, newest at the bottom. Messages you send are on the right. A badge shows the type of each message (Telex, CPDLC, Info and so on). If a message couldn't be sent, it gets a red border and the reason.

CAVacars 2 checks Hoppie for new messages about once a minute. Hoppie asks for that, to keep the network running smoothly. Weather and ATIS requests are answered straight away.

When a message arrives while you're on another screen, a notice pops up and the **ACARS** tab shows a count. If CAVacars 2 is in the background, you also get a desktop notification. CPDLC messages that need an answer also play a chime.

## Weather and ATIS

Under **Weather and ATIS**, click **METAR**, **TAF** or **ATIS** next to your departure or arrival airport, or type any other ICAO code. ATIS comes from VATSIM, so it only works when a controller is online there.

## Pre-departure clearance

Many VATSIM controllers give clearances by datalink:

1. Enter the **ATC station**, the controller's ACARS station. This is usually the airport's ICAO code (filled in for you) and is often listed in the controller's info.
2. Check your aircraft **type**, and add your **stand** and the current **ATIS** letter.
3. Click **Request clearance**.

The preview shows exactly what is sent. The clearance arrives as a message, often with a request to confirm it.

## CPDLC

CPDLC (Controller–Pilot Data Link Communications) replaces some voice calls with text messages. Not every controller offers it. Check their controller info.

1. Under **CPDLC**, enter the controller's station (for example CZYZ) and click **Log on**.
2. When the controller accepts, the badge changes to **Logged on to CZYZ**.
3. Messages from the controller show response buttons, for example **WILCO**, **UNABLE** and **STANDBY**, or **AFFIRM** and **NEGATIVE**. Click one to answer. Once you've answered, the button row is replaced by your answer. **STANDBY** keeps the buttons, so you can give your final answer later.
4. To ask for something, use **Climb** or **Descend** with a flight level, **Request direct** to a fix, or type a free-text request.
5. Click **Log off** when you leave the controller's airspace, or when they tell you to.

## CAV company messages

When ACARS is on during a tracked flight, CAV sends you what an airline's operations would:

| When | Message |
|---|---|
| Tracking starts | **Final loadsheet**: passengers, cargo, ZFW, TOW, landing weight, block fuel, cost index and cruise level from your SimBrief plan (or your passengers and cargo from the dispatch if you have no SimBrief plan for this flight) |
| Top of descent | **Arrival weather**: the current METAR and TAF for your destination |
| Parked at the gate | **Welcome**: your OUT, OFF, ON and IN times with block and air time |

They come from the station **CAVOPS**. You get each one once per flight.

Staff can also send a message to a flight from the website, for example to tell you an event is about to start.

## Using it in a browser or on an iPad

The ACARS screen also works in a browser or on an iPad connected to CAVacars 2 (see [Using CAVacars 2 in a browser or on an iPad](https://kb.canadaairvirtual.ca/books/cavacars-2-pilot-guide/page/using-cavacars-2-in-a-browser-or-on-an-ipad)), so you can keep it next to you while flying. Setting up your logon code only works on the PC.

## Good to know

- Hoppie is a free service run by volunteers. Please don't send test messages to real controllers.
- If you fly on VATSIM or IVAO, use the same callsign in ACARS as on the network, or controllers won't find you.