Microsoft Flight Simulator for beginners. From purchase, installation, and configuration to the first flight
I provide detailed step-by-step instructions for beginners, from purchase and installation to various settings and the first flight.
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Contents
- Introducing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
- How to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator
- How to install Microsoft Flight Simulator
- How to set up Microsoft Flight Simulator
- First flight with Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Microsoft Flight Simulator Advanced Techniques
- Microsoft Flight Simulator related books
- Microsoft Flight Simulator related sites
- Controller for flight simulator
Introducing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Updates have been stopped for 13 years since "Version X (ten)(FSX)" in 2007, but in 2020, the new and drastically evolved "Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020)" was released.
The main feature of this version update is that it has realistic graphics, but above all, it has a wealth of support functions for beginners. If you have previously avoided flight simulators because they were difficult, I highly recommend you give them a try.
Game difficulty
Required graphics performance
Microsoft Flight Simulator uses heavy 3D graphics, so we recommend adding an additional video card. At the very least, gaming PCs (equipped with GPUs) released between 2015 and 2017 will be able to play at the lowest rendering quality [LOW-END]. If you do not have a GPU installed, as per the test results above, it seems that you can play at the lowest rendering quality [LOW-END] if you have a high-performance computer released around 2023. See below for details.
Can you enjoy Microsoft Flight Simulator without a GPU? What are the minimum requirements?
About versions: What about the 2023 version? 2024 version?
Since its release in 2020, the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator has been released with different names. The name of the current (2024) latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator is "40th Anniversary Edition." Even though they have different names, they are all the same software. No matter which one you have, install the free update module to get the latest version.
Furthermore, in 2024, MSFS2024 (Microsoft) , which allows you to enjoy new missions such as fire extinguishing and search and rescue, is scheduled to be released. It is expected that all add-ons released by Microsoft for MSFS2020 so far will be usable. It is unclear whether it will be an upgrade from MSFS2020 or completely different software.
Sales format and sales price
The download version of 2020 was released worldwide on August 18, 2020, and the DVD media version was also released in the EU. The Standard version, which includes 20 aircraft and 30 airports, costs $59.99. The Deluxe version, which includes 30 aircraft and 40 airports, costs $89.99. The Premium Deluxe version, which includes 40 aircraft and 50 airports, costs $119.99. Reservation acceptance began on July 13th. The Standard version can also be played from the flat-rate services "Xbox Game Pass" and "Xbox Game Pass for PC," which allow unlimited use of over 100 games.
In March 2022, it became possible to play on iPhone and iPad from browser-based platform Xbox Cloud Gaming . (However, subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (USD 14.99 / month) is required)
Microsoft Flight Simulator Official site (Microsoft)
Microsoft Flight Simulator Set for Launch on August 18 for PC, also with Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) (Microsoft)
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Wikipedia)
How to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator is still available on DVD and as a download, but it is now recommended to purchase it from the game platform "Steam". By registering a Steam account and adding games to your Favorites in the Steam app, you will receive notifications when discount sales begin. If you are not in a hurry to buy, you may be able to buy it cheaper this way.How to create a Steam account
First, register an account on the gaming platform:
Steam
, and then install the Steam app on your computer.
Please note that when registering a new Steam account on a computer, CAPCHA errors often occur.
So I recommend that you register on your iPhone 
(Safari).
Open the Steam official website and tap the hamburger menu at the top left of the screen.
Steam Official Site
Then a menu like this will be displayed.
Tap "Login".
A login screen will be displayed.
Scroll the screen.
Tap "Create Account".
Enter the required information and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account.
How to install the Steam app
Install the Steam app on the computer where you want to play the game.
Open the
Steam official website
on your computer and click "Install Steam" at the top right of the screen.
Steam Official Site
Then you will see a screen like this.
Click "Install STEAM" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once installed, launch the Steam app and log in with your Steam account.
Changing the Steam game save location : How much disk space do I need for MSFS ?
Software purchased on Steam is saved in "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps" by default.
However, the minimum required storage capacity for Microsoft Flight Simulator is 150GB, and if you include free optional content, it will be about 300GB.
Furthermore, if you install free content developed by users, it will consume about 500GB in no time.
Install on a disk with sufficient capacity, preferably 1TB or more.
Click the "Steam" icon at the top left of the Steam app screen and select "Settings" from the menu.
The settings screen will open.
Select "Storage" from the left menu and click the "V" mark to the right of the area that says "Windows(C:)".
Then click "Add Drive".
After a while, a screen like this will appear.
Click the "V" mark to select a new destination drive.
Click the "Add" button to add the drive immediately.
From now on, when you try to install new software on Steam, you will be able to select the installation destination.
In addition to the "C:" drive, you can also select the drive you added this time.
Search and purchase software
Open the Store menu in the Steam app and type Microsoft in the search box.
You will then see some Microsoft Flight Simulators.
Since its release in 2020, the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator has been released with different names.
The name of the current (2024) latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator is "40th Anniversary Edition."
Click this.
The software introduction page will then open.
Scroll this screen.
Click the "Add to Wishlist" button to add it to your "Favorites".
You'll receive a notification when a discount sale begins.
Under that, "Add to Cart" buttons will appear. Microsoft Flight Simulator is available in three editions. Select the edition you want to purchase.
Editions can also be upgraded later for a fee.
Added to cart.
Click the "Buy for myself" button.
At this time, it was on sale for 40% off, and the Premium Deluxe Edition was USD71.99 (normally USD119.99).
Select your payment method.
"PayPal" is displayed at the top, but it seems that PayPal cannot be used in Japanese.
When I chose PayPal, I was unable to proceed further during the process.
Switch to your preferred payment method if necessary.
After completing the purchase procedure, open the "Library" menu in the Steam app and a list of the software you have purchased will be displayed.
How to install Microsoft Flight Simulator
How to install Microsoft Flight Simulator
Installing Microsoft Flight Simulator requires a Microsoft account or Xbox account and its password. If you don't have an account yet, please prepare one in advance.Additionally, Microsoft Flight Simulator has a storage capacity of 150GB, and if you include free optional content, it will be about 300GB. It takes about 12 hours to download the data, and installation can take an entire day. As long as you have completed the purchase procedure, you can install it later. Please install it when you have plenty of time.
Get started with Microsoft account (Microsoft)
Account with Xbox (Microsoft)
When you click the name of the purchased software on the "Library" screen, a screen like this will appear.
Click the "Install" button to install it on your computer.
However, Microsoft Flight Simulator is large and may take several hours to download. Avoid installing on holidays or at night when the internet is busy. Also, if the internet is disconnected during installation, the installation may fail. I recommend connecting with a LAN cable rather than Wi-Fi.
Before installing, I recommend searching for "Microsoft Flight Simulator installation" on the internet and reading up on the struggles and advice of our predecessors.
When you click the "Install" button, a screen like this will appear.
First, select the drive where you want to install Microsoft Flight Simulator in the "Installation Destination" field.
You can select from a list of save destination drives that have been added in advance in the Steam app.
Choose a drive with at least 2GB of free space.
Then click the "Install" button at the bottom of the screen.
The game will then start downloading, and "Downloading" will be displayed on the Steam app screen.
The game main module has a capacity of 1.12GB and will take a few minutes to download.
Once the game has finished downloading, a "Play" button will appear on the Steam app screen.
Click this.
By the way, the huge 150GB of game data will start downloading after a few more steps.
The game will start.
You will need to sign in to your Microsoft account or Xbox account here.
Click the "Sign in" button.
The sign-in screen will appear.
Enter your account. Enter your password on the next screen.
You will be asked for permission to access your information.
Click "Agree".
Next, set your Xbox gamer tag (pen name) and icon.
This will be displayed to other players as your name when playing online games.
Once entered, click "Let's get started".
Next, you will see a screen like this.
Click "Get Started" again.
Next, you will see the accessibility settings screen.
When you move the cursor to each item, an explanation will appear on the right side of the screen.
For starters, you can leave it at the initial value.
Click the "NEXT" button at the bottom right of the screen.
I will introduce some useful settings that you should make first.
Please note that there are two accessibility settings screens.
Scroll the screen above and you will see items like this.
The next screen is the software license confirmation screen.
Click the [ACCEPT] button.
Download game dataThe huge game data download will finally begin from here.
Three buttons are lined up on the screen: "STANDARD CONTENT", "DELUXE UPGRADE", and "PREMIUM UPGRADE". These correspond to three editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Choose which to download.
"STANDARD CONTENT" is a must-download item.
If you have purchased the PREMIUM version, all buttons will be checked at the bottom right. You can also shorten the download time by unchecking "DELUXE UPGRADE" and "PREMIUM UPGRADE".
Change destination folder
The bottom of this screen shows the folder where the data will be saved. By default, the save destination is C drive (C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft Flight Simulator). Also, in the example in this image, an error message appears because there is insufficient space on the installation destination.
The minimum required storage capacity for Microsoft Flight Simulator is 150GB, and if you include free optional content, it will be about 300GB. Furthermore, if you install free content developed by users, it will consume about 500GB in no time. Install on a disk with sufficient capacity, preferably 1TB or more.
You can change the save destination folder name by clicking on it. Create a folder with a name such as "msfs2020" on a large-capacity disk and specify it there.
This time I decided to use an entire drive with a capacity of 1.5TB for MSFS.
If you specify a folder with sufficient free space, the "UPDATE" button will be enabled like this.
Click this button to start downloading the game data.
This is the screen while game data is being downloaded.
Leave this screen for several hours until the download is complete.
You can check the download status by starting Windows Resource Monitor.
Regarding the network, you can see that downloads are occurring at almost full speed.
However, the CPU usage is low, so you can do other work on your computer.
If you monitor the remaining capacity of the target drive in Explorer, you can check the specific downloaded capacity.
Please be careful not to shut down/sleep your computer or close the download screen while downloading.
About 7 hours after the download started, the screen finally changed.
Even in this state, the download continues in the background.
This screen is a selection of graphic drawing quality. You can choose from four levels: [LOW-END], [MEDIUM], [HIGH-END], and [ULTRA], and the later options allow you to enjoy higher-definition graphics. However, you will need a high-performance computer. Here, the recommended quality is selected based on your computer's specifications.
This setting can be changed later on the game settings screen: [OPTIONS]-[GENERAL OPTIONS]-[GRAPHICS]-[GLOBAL RENDERING QUALITY].
Once selected, click [NEXT].
Next, choose whether or not to use satellite photos to draw the scene.
If you select [SATELLITE DATA STREAMING], the game screen will be drawn while downloading satellite images from the internet. A more realistic scene is drawn, but there is a lot of network communication.
If you select [NO WORLD STREAMING], satellite images will not be downloaded. Select this if you want to play in an environment where the internet is slow.
This setting can be changed later on the game settings screen: [OPTIONS]-[GENERAL OPTIONS]-[DATA]-[BING DATA WORLD GRAPHICS] and [PHOTOGRAMMETRY].
Once selected, click [NEXT].
When you select [SATELLITE DATA STREAMING] on the screen above, a warning like this will be displayed.
If you use a service such as mobile data communication that limits the amount of data you can use per month, you may quickly reach that limit.
Be careful.
If there are no problems, click [NEXT].
Next, let's check the controller used for gameplay.
A list of controllers connected to your computer is displayed.
Devices displayed here will have default key assignments.
If you want to customize the key assignment, click [CUSTOMIZE].
This setting can be changed later on the game settings screen: [OPTIONS]-[CONTROLS OPTIONS].
If there are no problems, click [NEXT].
Attention: If more than one device of the same type is detected on this screen, the device may not work properly. (Game controller in this example) In such a case, delete all key assignments for devices that are not used for operation. Details will be explained later.
Next, let's set up computer assistance for things like maneuvering.
By default, all items are set to [EASY].
You can also switch to [MIDDLE-GROUND] or [TRUE TO LIFE] by clicking [<] or [>] on the left and right of [ALL ASSISTS] at the top of the screen.
Please change it as you like.
If you select [ALL ASSISTS], even beginners can easily operate a jet airliner.
This setting can be changed later on the game settings screen: [OPTIONS]-[ASSISTANCE OPTIONS].
After setting, click [DONE].
Next is the option to update the game data.
Click [INSTALL] to update to the latest data.
Then you will see a screen like this.
This time, it seems that the update has a total of 83GB.
Click [UPDATE].
Downloading of the update module will begin.
The 83GB download took about 4 hours.
Then it stopped during installation.
The program is running, but when I check the resource monitor, it shows no CPU or network usage.
As a workaround, close the game by clicking the [x] in the top right corner of the screen, press the "Stop" button in the Steam app, and then click the "Play" button in the Steam app again. The installation then resumed and proceeded to the next screen.
I finally arrived at the main screen of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
According to the Steam app display, the play time so far has been 17.9 hours.
But I have only downloaded it yet.
To exit Microsoft Flight Simulator, click [QUIT TO DESKTOP] at the bottom left of the main screen or press the [ESC] key.
Then you will see a screen like this.
Click [YES] to exit.
To launch a game installed from Steam, select the title from the "Library" screen of the Steam app and click the "Play" button.
Or double-click the game icon on your desktop.
How to set up Microsoft Flight Simulator
The control stick/yoke does not move!? If multiple game controllers are connected
Normally, you just connect a game controller to your computer and operate the left analog stick on the controller to move the control stick/yoke as shown in this figure.
However, if you have multiple game controllers connected to your computer, this may stop working.
Be careful when adding a controller to a gaming computer that has a built-in game controller, or when replacing multiple controllers.
In such a case, delete all key assignments for game controllers that are not used for control.
Select [OPTIONS] from the main screen.
Then you will see a screen like this.
Click [CONTROLS OPTIONS] on the far right.
Then you will see a screen like this.
There are multiple [CONTROLLER] that have been connected to the computer in the past lined up.
Each one has the [DEFAULT] profile assigned to it.
Select the controller you want to disable and click [OPEN PRESET MANAGER] at the bottom left of the screen.
If you open the assign menu for each controller on this screen and operate the buttons, the display of the assign menu will change in response. If you are not sure which controller to configure, use this method to determine.
When you click [OPEN PRESET MANAGER], a screen like this will appear.
Clicking the [+] icon will create a new empty profile.
Give your new profile a name.
Then click OK.
Then you will see a screen like this.
I created a profile called [NO ACTION] with no key assignments.
Finally, click [APPLY AND SAVE] at the bottom left of the screen.
That's all.
Obtaining additional content / How to install WORLD UPDATE
From the marketplace, you can download optional content such as scenery, aircraft, airports, activities, etc. for free or for a fee. Microsoft occasionally distributes free optional content called [WORLD UPDATE], which allows you to enjoy higher-definition scenery from around the world.
To obtain additional scenery, etc., click [MARKETPLACE] at the bottom right of the main screen of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
This is the marketplace screen.
Various contents are displayed by category.
Additionally, the content manufacturer name is displayed below the content name.
You can see that content is provided by various software manufacturers.
To install WORLD UPDATE, click the [WORLD] button at the top of the screen.
When purchasing paid content, we recommend checking its quality and reputation online. Just because something is distributed on a marketplace doesn't necessarily mean that only high-quality content is being sold.
Equivalent content may also be developed by users and distributed free of charge. The site flightsim.to allows you to download such content for free or for a fee.
Install free add-ons to MSFS, add airplanes, airports, and scenery How to use flightsim.to
How to purchase paid add-ons on the MSFS marketplace
Click the [WORLD] button to display a list of optional scenery (WORLD) contents.
Scroll this screen and look for [WORLD UPDATE].
Click on the content you want to download from [WORLD UPDATE].
Content marked [FREE] can be downloaded for free.
Content marked [OWNED] is already owned by you (including uninstalled content).
If you click the blue [SEE ALL] button to the right of the title [WORLD UPDATE]...
A list of only [WORLD UPDATE] is displayed.
Also, a filter is displayed on the left side of the screen.
You can narrow down the content by specifying conditions.
By checking [FREE ONLY] and clicking the [NOT OWNED ONLY] radio button in the filter, you can display a list of "free" and "unobtained" content.
When you click on the content you want to download, a screen like this will appear.
Scroll this screen to read a detailed description of the content.
Click [GET AND DOWNLOAD] and the download will begin immediately.
If you click [GET], the status will change to [OWNED], but the download will not occur. This will be downloaded later using Content Manager. Select this if you want to download multiple contents at once.
While downloading, the progress will be displayed like this.
It takes about 1 to 2 hours to download one [WORLD UPDATE], depending on the content size and internet speed.
When the download is complete, a screen like this will appear.
The content you clicked [GET] on the screen above will be displayed as shown below.
Click [DOWNLOAD] to start downloading.
Or download it later using Content Manager.
Install additional content with Content Manager
On the content manager screen, you can manage optional content additionally downloaded to MSFS. You can install content that you have already [GET] from the Marketplace but have not yet downloaded/installed, or delete content that you do not use when you run out of disk space.Immediately after installing MSFS, there may be some additional content that is not yet installed that you are not aware of. First, let's install these additional contents all at once.
Open [MARKETPLACE] at the bottom right of the main screen of Microsoft Flight Simulator, and then click [GO TO CONTENT MANAGER] at the bottom left of that screen.
This is the content manager screen.
Content that has "INSTALLATION AVAILABLE" written on the right end of each title is content that has not been installed.
You can use the filter on the left side of the screen to categorize and display [INSTALLED], [NOT INSTALLED], and [UPDATE AVAILABLE].
To install additional content that has not been installed all at once, check [NOT INSTALLED] in the filter on the left side of the screen.
Then click [SELECT ALL] at the top right of the screen.
All additional content that is not installed will be selected.
Click [INSTALL] at the bottom right of the screen to begin downloading and installation.
Then just wait for the installation to finish.
Immediately after installing MSFS, there was 67GB of uninstalled content.
It took about 5 to 6 hours to complete the installation.
When you click on downloaded/installed content, a [DELETE] button will appear at the bottom right of the screen.
You can delete unnecessary content when you run out of disk space.
First flight with Microsoft Flight Simulator
First flight in "Flight Training"
MSFS has prepared an activity called [FLIGHT TRAINIG]. It will carefully teach beginners how to fly an airplane, starting with how to operate the controller and move the viewpoint. Even if you're a flight simulator professional, we recommend you try it out at least once to learn the game controls specific to MSFS2020.
Click [FLIGHT TRAINIG] at the bottom left of the main screen of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Seven courses are available, ranging from "BASIC HANDLING" to "IFR NAVIGATION."
Let's start with "BASIC HANDLING".
Each course is further divided into several steps.
In the case of "BASIC HANDLING", 8 steps are prepared, and each step can be learned in about 5 minutes.
However, if you are a beginner, you may not know the basics, such as how to move the switches, so it will take quite a while.
Work slowly until you are satisfied.
Please try in order from "INTRODUCTION" in the upper left. If you complete the first three steps, I think you will be able to enjoy scenic flights in a Cessna.
From around the 5th step, "TURNS (ROLL)", delicate operation of the control stick is required. It becomes difficult to get good scores by maneuvering with a mouse or game controller. Consider getting a Controller for flight simulator .
When you select a step, a screen like this will appear.
The left side of the screen explains what you will learn in this step.
Click the [FLY] button at the bottom right of the screen.
The activity data will then start loading.
Once loading is complete, the screen will change.
Click the [READY TO FLY] button at the bottom right of the screen.
The training will then begin and the instructor will explain each step.
icons will tell you which items you should pay attention to.
Move the dot (cursor) to turn your viewpoint there.
The "OBJECTIVES" column at the top right of the screen displays the current training objectives and operations to be performed. If you follow the instructions, the background will turn green and a check mark will appear, as shown in this image. Then move on to the next goal.
If you wish to cancel the training, please press the [ESC] key.
When you complete all the goals of the steps, you will see the score you earned.
Click [NEXT].
At the end, you will see the score you earned for each goal.
If you don't get a high enough score, try again and again to improve.
Click [BACK] to return to the previous screen.
Click [RESTART] to try this step again.
Click [TRAINING MENU] to move to the [FLIGHT TRAINIG] menu screen.
Clicking [BACK TO MAIN MENU] will take you to the main screen of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
With "DISCOVERY FLIGHTS", even beginners can suddenly take a sightseeing flight
From the "DISCOVERY FLIGHTS" menu, you can immediately start a scenic flight over the world's attractions without any troublesome steps. Even beginners can easily enjoy sightseeing flights as long as they learn the very basic operating methods.
Click [ACTIVITIES] at the bottom center of the main screen of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The ACTIVITIES menu screen will open.
Search for [DISCOVERY FLIGHTS] and click on it.
The DISCOVERY FLIGHTS menu screen will open.
Find the menu of your choice and click on it.
There are eight basic menus in the "CORE CONTENT" column.
If you have installed the free "WORLD UPDATES", more than 40 menus will be displayed below.
I guess my first choice would be "Mt. Fuji".
When you select the menu, a screen like this will appear.
A description of this content is displayed on the left side of the screen.
Click the [FLY] button at the bottom right of the screen.
The activity data will then start loading.
Once loading is complete, the screen will change.
Click the [READY TO FLY] button at the bottom right of the screen.
Then, it suddenly starts flying from the right position and in the right direction.
All you have to do is operate the control stick and enjoy the scenic flight.
If you wish to cancel the sightseeing flight, please press the [ESC] key.
Also, with the aircraft that appears in the Mt. Fuji scene, it is impossible to fly over the top of Mt. Fuji in one go. In order to surpass the peak of Mt. Fuji, you need to gain altitude little by little. I think you will be able to reach the top by the time you go around Mt. Fuji about three times.
With "WORLD MAP", sightseeing flights from the large airport, even you are a beginner
The "WORLD MAP" menu allows you to take off from any airport of your choice around the world, at any time, under any weather conditions. Once you have acquired the skills to take off in a Cessna, even beginners can enjoy taking off from large airports and taking scenic flights.Assist settings
Before taking off, be sure to adjust your computer assistance settings. Especially when using a jet airliner, turn off [ASSISTED TAKEOFF].Start flight with “World Map”
Click [WORLD MAP] at the top right of the main screen of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
A globe will then appear on the screen.
Drag with your mouse to enlarge the airport you want to take off from.
The white circles lined up at the airport are parking spots.
Click where you want to take off.
For beginners, I think it's best to choose the circle mark at the end of the runway.
Alernatively, you can search for a location by clicking "SELECT DEPARTURE" in the top left of the screen and entering the airport name, airport's 4 letter code(ICAO code), POI(Point of Interest: famous place name, etc.) name, etc. in the search box that appears.
You can also start flying from anywhere on the map.
In this case, the flight begins approximately 1,500 feet above the specified location heading north.
(Flight altitude varies depending on the selected aircraft.)
Click on your favorite point and a screen like this will appear.
If you select [SET AS DEPARTURE], that becomes your starting point.
You can also specify an arrival point in the same way, but it is not required. If it is a sightseeing flight for beginners, there is no need to specify the arrival point. After takeoff, you can decide your destination and land at the airport of your choice.
Click on the airplane image at the top left of the screen to select the airplane you will use for your flight.
Game settings screen: [OPTIONS]-[ASSISTANCE OPTIONS] is set to [ALL ASSISTS], piloting a jet airliner is not that difficult even for beginners.
It can be operated without much difference from the default "Textron Aviation Cessna 152".
After completing the settings, click [GO BACK] at the bottom left of the screen.
In addition, you can change the paint/coloring of the aircraft by clicking [LIVERIES] on the screen above.
You can increase the variety of aircraft paint by installing data created by users.
Install free add-ons to MSFS, add airplanes, airports, and scenery How to use flightsim.to
Click "FLIGHT CONDITIONS" at the top right of the screen to select the time and weather.
Drag the slider on the top right to select the time. Click the [LIVE] button to set the current local time.
You can select the weather in the [PRESETS] column below. If you select [LIVE WEATHER], the current local weather will be reproduced.
For beginners, the best time is around noon and the weather is [CLEAR SKIES]. Alternatively, if you choose the time of sunrise or sunset, you can enjoy the beautiful changing colors of the sky and the night view of the city illuminated by neon lights.
You can set the weather in more detail by clicking [CUSTOM] in the "WEATHER AND TIME" field at the bottom left of the screen.
Many items can be set in detail, such as cloud height and thickness, snowfall amount, lightning probability, wind direction/speed, and humidity.
You can make a moving passenger plane appear on the screen in the "AIR TRAFFIC" field at the bottom left of the screen. For more information, see How to use FSLTL to add real traffic to MSFS .
After completing the settings, click [GO BACK] at the bottom left of the screen.
Once the required items are set, the [FLY] button at the bottom right of the screen will be enabled.
Click this.
Then data loading will begin.
Once loading is complete, the screen will change.
Click the [READY TO FLY] button at the bottom right of the screen.
This screen displays an animation from when the plane approaches the runway until it reaches the taxiing starting position. Enjoy the animation and get in the mood.
The simulation begins with the aircraft parked at the specified parking spot or runway at the specified airport.
Then feel free to fly.
If you wish to cancel the sightseeing flight, please press the [ESC] key.
When maneuvering, the "OBJECTIVES" display at the top right of the screen is helpful.
Not only will it give you step-by-step instructions on takeoff, but it will also show you how to land when you get close to your favorite airport, and even tell you how to turn off the engine after landing.
The display of this "OBJECTIVES" can be turned OFF/ON using [OBJECTIVES] in the [OPTIONS]-[ASSISTANCE OPTIONS]-[NOTIFICATION] column.
Hover your cursor over the top of the screen to display the toolbar.
From the toolbar, you can pause your flight by clicking this icon.
This is useful when you want to take a closer look at the cockpit panel.
You can also change the time and weather from the toolbar while in flight.
Be sure to switch your camera to the cockpit before landing.
It is very difficult to successfully guide the aircraft to the center of the runway using an external perspective.
Once you master how to operate the ILS (Instrument Landing System), it will be easier to guide the aircraft to the center of the runway.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Advanced Techniques
Microsoft Flight Simulator related books
-
Microsoft Flight Simulator: Embark on an Epic journey of Virtual Aviation and Unleash your Inner Pilotry
July 21, 2023 USD15.99
Are you ready to take flight and soar through the virtual skies like a seasoned pilot? Can you imagine exploring the world's most breathtaking destinations from the comfort of your own home? Do you want to experience the thrill of flying an array of aircraft, from commercial jets to nimble helicopters? Are you prepared to witness the level of realism and attention to detail that sets Microsoft Flight Simulator 2023 apart?
Microsoft Flight Simulator related sites
Microsoft Flight Simulator Set for Launch on August 18 for PC, also with Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) (Microsoft)
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Wikipedia)
MSFS Mods, Add-Ons & Liveries - Flightsim.to
Controller for flight simulator
Flight simulators can be operated using a keyboard, mouse, or game controller, but they are difficult to operate and the experience is completely different from the feeling of actually flying an airplane. To enjoy a more intuitive and realistic control feeling, a dedicated controller is required.-
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System
TURTLE BEACH 2023-10-11 USD329.95
Universal, all-in-one design including throttle quadrant, trim wheel & yoke. True to life 180° yoke handle rotation with non-contact hall effect sensor. Modular throttle quadrant with customizable lever handles and buttons. Integrated rudder and brake controls at your fingertips. Full color flight management display to learn and configure the system. Authentic Status Indicator Panel for PC.
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Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Rudder Pedals
TURTLE BEACH October 31, 2022 USD269.99
Ultra-Smooth Rudder Axis with Swappable Springs. Differential Brakes. Adjustable Pedal Width. Non-Contact Hall Effect Sensor in All Axes. Two Sets of Swappable Pedals. Stable, Non-Slip Base.
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Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick Universal Simulation Controller
TURTLE BEACH November 17, 2022 USD129.96
High-Precision, Non-Contact Main Axes. Customizable, Multi-Function Throttle & Flap Levers. Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC. 27 Programmable Buttons, 8 Axes, POV Hat & Rapid-Fire Trigger. Integrated, OLED Flight Management Display. Intuitive Flight Configuration Wheel.
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Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack – Airbus Edition
Thrustmaster November 9, 2022 USD299.50
Since its launch, the TCA Airbus Edition range has become a reference in civil aviation simulation on PC. Thrustmaster is proud to bring its range to Xbox with the TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition! These ergonomic replicas of the Airbus sidestick and quadrant (A320/A320neo type, 1:1 scale) are officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and compatible with PC.
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Thrustmaster TCA Yoke Boeing Edition
Thrustmaster November 9, 2021 USD499.99
Officially-licensed Boeing yoke inspired by the iconic Boeing 787 airliner (1:1 scale ergonomic replica). PENDUL_R mechanism replicating the pendular sensation experienced in genuine Boeing Dreamliner airliners (8.3-inch / 21-cm range of travel). Suspended mechanism with adjustable springs for smooth motion and flexible linear resistance, allowing for an outstanding level of control.
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Thrustmaster TFRP Rudder Pedals for Flight Simulators
Thrustmaster May 23, 2016 USD129.99
The Thrustmaster TFRP adds an innovative new product to Thrustmaster’s wide range of joysticks and other related flight-themed controllers. Long range of travel on rudder axis for precise maneuvers. Self-centering rudder axis: The perfect balance between smoothness and resistance for re-centering, for the most accurate maneuvers.
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Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls
Honeycomb Aeronautical January 31, 2023 USDxxx.xx
The Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls XPC brings the ultimate immersion of aviation in the comfort of your own home. It features a NEW front grill design, a full 180-degree yoke rotation with upgraded hall effect sensors to provide smooth precision with no center detent.
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Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System
Logitech October 9, 2016 USDxxx.xx
POV Hat, 14 button controls, and 3-position mode switch. Stainless steel yoke shaft and 2-position clamp. Comes with separate three axis lever throttle. Integrated 1-USB 2.0 Port 20 Hub ; LCD Display: Yes. Windows 10 or later, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, XP/XP64, and Vista compatible. POV Hat, 14 button controls, and 3-position mode switch. Stainless steel yoke shaft and 2-position clamp.
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CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB
CH Products April 7, 2003 USD159.95
You, too, can make your wings take flight. CH Products 200-615 Flight Sim Yoke USB Game Controller offers the best possible control and performance with Microsoft or virtually any compatible simulator. Command the skies with the king of flight simulator controls, the Flight Sim Yoke USB. This one-of-a-kind yoke offers features that will allow you to fly with the greatest sense of realism.
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