Getting started with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Beginners Guide
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is an immersive introduction to virtual flying. It’s great for total beginners and those using simulation equipment for the first time. In this guide, we’ll explain the basics of controls, flight instruments, and aircraft to give you a flying start.
Basic Controls: Understanding Aircraft Movements
To fly a plane like a Cessna 172, you need to understand the basic movements:
Roll
Roll is rotation of the aircraft around its longitudinal axis (from nose to tail). When you move the joystick left or right, you operate the ailerons, which tilt the aircraft to one side or the other.
Pitch
Pitch is movement of the aircraft around its lateral axis (wings). When you push or pull the joystick, you control the depth, which tilts the aircraft up or down.
Yaw
Yaw is movement of the aircraft around its vertical axis (top to bottom). When you use the joystick’s third axis, you control the rudder’s orientation, which makes the nose of the aircraft move left or right.
While pedals provide an even more immersive experience, we’ll use the T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition here.
Power management: the throttle
Speed is crucial in aviation. To control the aircraft’s power (and thus its speed), you use the throttle:
- When you push the throttle, you increase power.
- When you pull the throttle, you reduce power.
Instruments Pilots Need to Understand
Once you know how to use the controls, head to the cockpit to learn about the main instruments on the screen in front of you. You need to use these instruments to safely fly and control the aircraft:
Airspeed indicator
This instrument, on the left side of the screen, shows the speed of the aircraft relative to air. Note that this speed may differ from ground speed depending on wind conditions.
- Green zone: optimal speed.
- Yellow zone, then red: excessive speed.
- White zone, then red: insufficient speed. Too low a speed can cause a stall and, potentially, a crash.
Attitude indicator
This instrument, in the center of the screen, shows the aircraft’s orientation relative to the horizon. It’s essential for maintaining control, especially for keeping a flight stable.
Altimeter
This instrument, located on the right side of the screen, indicates the altitude of the aircraft above sea level. It measures air pressure, which decreases as you gain altitude.
When you’re familiar with these three instruments, you’ll be ready to fly in good weather.
Choose Your Plane
When you first use a flight simulator, it’s best to start with a light airplane that’s easy to handle. Here’s what we suggest:
- Cessna 172: A classic airplane for beginners (used in this tutorial).
- Flight Design CTSL: A light and manoeuvrable microlight.
- CubCrafters NX Cub: Ideal for low-altitude flights.
- Robin Aircraft SAS DR-400-100 Cadet: Perfect for gradual learning.
These aircraft are ideal for learning the basics without overwhelming the learner.
Conclusion: Take Flight!
Thank you for joining us for this beginner Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 tutorial. You now know the basics of aircraft controls and instruments, plus how to choose a plane to start your adventure in the skies.
Remember, you need to practice to master your skills and advance in aviation (even the virtual kind). In our next session, we’ll cover a crucial task: the takeoff.
Until then, fly the friendly skies and have fun!