Microsoft Flight Simulator Cockpit – Essential Features of an Aircraft Control Panel:

After you choose the aircraft, you will have full access to the cockpit. For the first time user, it will be overwhelming but eventually, you will get used to it. You will learn where the controls are located and how to use them.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is possibly one of the greatest games of all time. It delivers on every promise. If you enjoy exploring every inch of the Earth from the skies, it is a game that has got you covered. If you are a newcomer to the game and want to take off quickly, you have come to the right place.

Navigating and controlling the cockpit requires expertise that you can gain as you read through our post. Mastering the basics early on will make your experience much better as you would be less likely to experience any trouble. Besides, not every plane in Microsoft Flight Simulator has an autopilot installed. But, some do, and knowing these could help you start out on the right foot.

But, First Complete the Flight Training:

Since Microsoft Flight Simulator is an incredibly realistic Flight Simulator, you have quite a lot of learning to do before you can think about takeoff. Flight training will teach you everything you need to know about taking off into the sky, landing safely, and staying up there. Although you are unlikely to feel excited about diving into training, it is essential. Through flight training, you will get to learn about every concept that you need to know. Besides, it will help you get up there fast. You can also count on it to understand the controls. It should take you anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes to complete the flight training. Once you have completed the training, you can take off and fly around the world. 

Recommended Planes:

Not every plane on Microsoft Flight Simulator is equal. This is why it is essential that you use the best aircraft. During the flight training, you will get to use the Cessna 152. It offers a cruise speed of up to 107KTAS. Thus, you will find its speed range to be reasonably good. However, you will require a faster plane to cover more ground. This is why you should consider the following.

Propeller Planes: When it comes to flying low and slow, a propeller plane such as the Cessna 152 is a great option. You must pick a propeller plane with a cruise speed of under 150 KTAS for sightseeing and flying around sense areas. 

Turboprops: Even though propeller planes and turboprops are pretty similar, you will find turboprops to be twice as fast. They also boast double the maximum altitude and are an excellent choice for moving further up. However, you first need to become comfortable with a propeller plane before you use a turboprop. 

Airliners and Jets: If you want to cover a large distance, you must opt for an airliner or jet as both of these offer quadruple the airspeed. But, you must master the basics before you can take control of an airline or jet. Both of the options provide a comparable speed. However, they handle things differently due to their size. As an airliner has a larger fuel reserve and tends to be much bigger, it requires greater control.

Navigate the Cockpit on Microsoft Flight Simulator to Fly Anywhere You Want:

The latest cockpit is based on a simulation of Garmin devices. It offers two screens and is slightly different depending on the plane you use. It provides different capabilities. But, you will find each plane to display the exact flight parameters. The system will visualize the terrain so that you can easily fly through. The system consists of two screens which include a primary flight display on the left and a malfunction flight display on the right. Here is what you need to know about the two screens.

Primary Flight Display:

• GPS Map: It provides the scale of the map and the GS (Ground Speed) along with TAS (True Air Speed).
• The angle of Attack: It is the angle of wing inclination in relation to the airflow.
• Airspeed Indicator: The airspeed indicator reveals the current speed in terms of knots.
• Attitude Indicator: A crucial feature of the Primary Flight Display is the altitude indicator which shows the current position relative to the horizon of the aircraft.
• Autopilot Modes: You can check it to see which mode the autopilot is in.
• Altitude Indicator: It reveals the current altitude above sea level.
• Horizontal Situation Indicator: It is the extended version of the Compass Rose and it shows the current course of the aircraft. Thus, you can use it to control where the plane is headed. 

To learn more about primary flight display click here.

Multi-function Flight Display:

The second screen shows a multi-function flight display. It allows one to choose a weather radar rather than a map. It also shows the type of clouds that are nearby and their exact location. If the field appears to be red, it means that the weather conditions are worse. In addition to this, you will come across the following.

• GPS Map
• Trim and Flap Adjustment Indicator
• Current Navigation Point Data
• Engine Operation Indicators such as oil pressure, temperature, and RPM

Visit Major Landmarks:

Microsoft Flight Simulator shows major landmarks as Points of Interest in the game. You can search for famous places by using the Free Flight / World Map mode. The search function will help you find your destination. After finding the desired location, the map would zoom in and allow you to set it as the arrival area or departure point.

Use Active Pause:

When you start out with Microsoft Flight Simulator, you are likely to not know about Active Pause. It enables you to stop the motion of the aircraft so that you can explore. You have to press the normal pause menu by holding onto the Escape Key or pause the controller to view the options, which would obscure everything. You have to bind your Active Pause function to take a look around as you stop the action. It will allow you to have fun.

Conclusion:

After you have finished reading our post, you will know the basics of navigating the cockpit on Microsoft Flight Simulator. Always remember that practice makes perfect. Therefore, you should never give up. Instead, you need to keep going to succeed.