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However, the biggest difference is fundamental and can be summed up this way: X-Plane focuses more on the aircraft, whereas Microsoft focuses more on the outside world. The software is published by Laminar Research and has been out since 1995.Īt first glance, X-Plane is incredibly similar in features to MSFS. Of course, the mobile versions are much more limited in scope and features. X-Plane works on a broad base of systems, from Windows and Mac to even Linux and mobile platforms. The current version of MSFS doesn’t support MacOS, so you’ll want to look at X-Plane. If you own a Mac, the choice is made for you. Requires a large amount of free hard disk space and RAM (ideal setup 150 GB SSD and 32 GB RAM).Most hardware controls are pre-programmed.Flight instruction pages with talk-throughs during flight.Scenarios with scenic tours, historical recreations, or fun challenges.Flight planning tools are very realistic.Hyper-accurate landscapes, scenery, and weather.You can fine-tune your nav log with each leg, look at the altitudes you’ll use, and visually see how airspace may affect your route. These features let you set pretty much anything flight plan you like, all while analyzing charts and airspace just as you would in the real world. The preflight briefing and setup features are one neat feature that separates Microsoft from X-Plane. But you can also fine-tune your flight plan, airport, runway, wind conditions, ceilings, and even the weight and balance of your plane. You can get it loaded and be rolling down a runway in no time. To be sure, you can play Flight Simulator like a game. Today’s version (dubbed the 40th Anniversary version, for those who are counting) is loaded with cool airplanes, amazing scenery, and many features, making it great for training. Of course, the original versions weren’t wowing anyone with their graphics, but each later edition improved on the last. Microsoft made the first Flight Simulator in 1982, meaning it even predates Microsoft Windows.
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Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) for Windows and X-Box Our next article will feature how to set them up for effective training and look at some of the hardware you might want to add. Here’s a detailed look at the two and how they compare, but remember that they are both great options.
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There are really only two choices for realistic flight simulators–Microsoft and X-Plane. No matter what type of computer you have at home, you can download one of these programs and get flying in moments. Flight simulators can be great aids to help you with flight training.
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