Subscriber question:
"Will the 2024 update for Microsoft Flight Simulator be useful for real-world pilots? I know it won't be perfect, but will it be better than previous versions? I can't tell from the pre-release videos." — Stuey M.
Chris:
“Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 includes many technical updates and new features. When used correctly, these could be a great benefit to real-world pilots.
One of the major updates is attention to realistic airflows. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) now factors in prop wash on the aircraft’s tail even when stationary during startup. Wake turbulence, vortex simulations, and aircraft surface dynamics all received improvements to make sure this is an accurate aircraft simulator.
AI Air Traffic and ATC have been improved to create a more accurate environment for what happens outside your aircraft while flying. Microsoft’s team analyzed an entire year’s worth of global flight data from FlightAware and tout ‘approximately 91-percent accuracy in representing global air traffic.’
An update that could have a big impact for real-world pilots is in avionics. The Garmin GNS-530, G1000 NXi, G3X Touch, and G3000 should offer top-of-the-line performance. The Collins Pro Line 21, Honeywell Primus Epic 2, and Universal UNS-1 should offer realistic simulations.
The MSFS 2024 Career Mode will allow progression through certifications and rating additions, along the lines of real-world advancement.
These improvements mean MSFS 2024 can be used more as a tool than a toy. That’s in addition to the features real-world pilots already appreciate. And there are more on the way.”
To learn more about MSFS 2024 and how to use a home simulator effectively, register for an upcoming webinar put on by Sporty’s with contributions from PilotWorkshops.
What do you think is the biggest impediment to using a home simulator for real-world practice?