> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kb.inflightaddon.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kb.inflightaddon.com/how-to/starting-managing-a-flight.md).

# Starting/Managing a Flight

## Getting Started

When you first open the inFlight Addon, you'll see the Flight Status screen. Before your flight officially begins, you'll need to initiate tracking.

## Starting Flight Tracking

To begin monitoring your flight, click the "START" button in the center of the screen.

* Manual Start Options: If you wish to specify your starting position in the simulator, click the "More" button located at the bottom left. This will reveal additional options:

  * "Start at Parking/Gate"
  * "Start On Taxiway"
  * "Start on Runway"
  * "Start in Air"

  Select the option that matches your current situation in the flight simulator. After selecting, the flight tracking will begin.

## Flight Information Display ℹ️

Once your flight tracking has started, the main display will show various pieces of information:

### Current Flight Phase

The large central display shows your "Current Flight Phase", such as "LOADING...", "TAXIING", or other flight stages.

* Taxiing Speed: When "TAXIING," a small box will appear to the left of the flight phase displaying your current ground speed in knots (kts), with a color indicator for safe taxiing:
  * Green: Safe taxiing speed.
  * Orange: Approaching overspeed.
  * Red: Overspeeding.

### Flight Details

To the right of the current flight phase, you'll see basic flight information:

* Aircraft Type: Displays the detected or selected aircraft.
* "Flt. Details" Button: Click this button to open a detailed flight information window.

### METAR Information

* "METAR" Button: Click this button to retrieve and display current METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) information for your departure and destination airports.

## Simulator Status and Controls 🎮

At the top of the Flight Status screen, you'll find information related to your simulator connection and general controls:

#### Simulator Status

* "Flight Status: (DEP -> DEST FL-ALT)": This line indicates the flight route (departure ICAO, destination ICAO, and cruising altitude).

#### Simulation Rate

* Current Sim Rate: Next to the flight phase, you'll see "(Xx)", indicating the current simulation rate.
* Adjust Sim Rate: Use the "+" and "-" buttons next to the simulation rate to increase or decrease the simulation speed in the simulator.

## Volume Options

* Volume Icon: Click the speaker icon to open the "Flight Status Volume" panel, allowing you to adjust the volume levels for various in-app audio outputs (e.g., cockpit, flight attendant, passengers).

## Settings

* Settings Icon: Click the gear icon to open the Aircraft Settings directly.

## Docking and Hiding the Addon 📏

* Dock Button: Located on the far left, the "Dock Button" allows you to dock or undock the inFlight Addon window.
* "HIDE" Button: Adjacent to the Dock Button, click "HIDE" to minimize or hide the inFlight Addon window.

## Pausing and Ending a Flight ⏸️🛑

#### Paused State

If your flight simulator is paused, the Flight Status display will show "PAUSED" with a yellow background.

* "Override" Button: If the addon is paused but your simulator is active, you can click "Override" to resume inFlight's tracking.

#### Flight Ended

When your flight concludes, the screen will display "FLIGHT ENDED (Xx secs)" with a countdown. After the countdown, the addon will restart for a new flight.