FSMonitor — Live Flight Simulation News
MSFS 2024 Sim Update 5.1 beta targets console crashes introduced by SU5
Microsoft releases the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 5.1 beta, identified as build 1.7.28.0, targeting all platforms including Xbox and PlayStation 5. This update specifically addresses issues that emerged following the previous major update, SU5. The developer focuses on resolving memory and avionics problems affecting console users. The beta aims to fix crashes and stability problems experienced by Xbox and PS5 players since the rollout of SU5, which had caused significant disruptions in gameplay. By flighting this build across all platforms, Microsoft intends to restore reliable performance for console users. The update is currently in beta, allowing users to test the fixes before a wider release.
Orbx KATL Atlanta is finally releasing this month, and these new screenshots are something else
Orbx announces the upcoming release of KATL Atlanta airport scenery for flight simulators, with the product scheduled to launch before the end of May. Content creators receive early access starting May 15, allowing previews ahead of the public release. The developer has not specified a version number but confirms compatibility with major simulators. The new screenshots reveal detailed terminal buildings and realistic ground textures that highlight Orbx's focus on visual fidelity for KATL. The airport includes accurate representations of taxiways and apron layouts, reflecting the real-world complexity of Atlanta's hub. This release is significant for simmers seeking a high-detail rendition of one of the busiest airports in the United States.
X-Aerodynamics M500 has released for X-Plane 12
X-Aerodynamics releases the Piper M500 for X-Plane 12, marking their first full aircraft product after primarily working as a flight model specialist for other developers. This new release focuses on the PA-46-500TP, a single-engine turboprop utility aircraft, tailored specifically for the X-Plane 12 simulator environment. The Piper M500 model features detailed flight dynamics that reflect the real aircraft's performance characteristics, including its turboprop engine behavior and handling. X-Aerodynamics integrates advanced systems modeling to replicate the M500's avionics and cockpit layout accurately. Pricing and availability details have not been specified, but this release expands the range of high-fidelity turboprop options for X-Plane 12 users.
Honeycomb | Up to 29% off
Honeycomb announces a sale offering up to 29% off on a range of their flight simulation hardware products through the Aerosoft Shop. The promotion is valid until May 19 and includes various Honeycomb items popular among home cockpit builders and sim pilots. This sale applies to hardware compatible with multiple flight simulators, including Microsoft Flight Simulator and Prepar3D. The discounted products include Honeycomb's well-known Alpha Flight Controls yoke and Bravo Throttle Quadrant, both essential for replicating general aviation and airliner cockpits. The sale provides an opportunity for simmers to acquire Honeycomb hardware at reduced prices, potentially lowering the barrier to upgrading or expanding their cockpit setups. Availability through the Aerosoft Shop ensures easy access for European customers, where Honeycomb products have seen increasing demand.
PacSim previews Albuquerque International Sunport for MSFS 2024
PacSim previews its upcoming Albuquerque International Sunport scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The developer has shared progress updates showing that the rendition of New Mexico's primary airport is under active development. This release targets MSFS 2024 specifically, with no mention of compatibility for other simulators. The preview reveals that the general aviation, cargo, and terminal areas of Albuquerque International Sunport are now fully modeled and complete. PacSim's work includes detailed representations of these key airport zones, indicating a focus on operational diversity within the airport environment. The developer has not yet announced pricing or a release date, but the current progress suggests a substantial addition to the MSFS 2024 airport library.
With Rudimentary Equipment: Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
The developer releases a detailed report on Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, focusing on its historical and structural aspects. This content is designed specifically for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, providing a deep dive into the airport's features and background. The report highlights the rudimentary nature of the airport's runways and the complexity of its radio navigation aids, offering a thorough examination of both elements. It connects the maritime history of Crete with the airport's development, delivering practical insights that enhance the simulation's accuracy and historical context.
Nine months in the making: Bagolu’s free Cessna 172M for MSFS just hit v1.0
Bagolu releases the Cessna 172M v1.0, a freeware aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The project, developed over nine months, involves contributions from a Canadian pilot, a flight instructor, and numerous community members. This classic steam-gauge Skyhawk model is now available for download. The Cessna 172M features authentic steam-gauge cockpit instrumentation, reflecting the real aircraft's layout and systems. The developer emphasizes accuracy in flight dynamics and systems modeling, aiming to replicate the experience of flying a vintage Skyhawk. The aircraft is offered free of charge, providing a detailed and historically faithful option for MSFS users interested in classic general aviation aircraft.
Gate15Scenery – Minami-Daito Airport (ROMD) MSFS20
Gate15Scenery releases Minami-Daito Airport (ROMD) for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. The scenery depicts a small regional airport on Minami-Daito Island, located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is available for purchase through simMarket. The scenery captures the airport's remote island setting surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and highlights its role as a connection point to Okinawa’s main island. The product is offered at a very low price, making it accessible for simmers interested in Japanese regional airports. This release adds a niche location to MSFS2020, expanding the variety of small airport environments available.
Bhutan’s legendary Paro Airport comes to Microsoft Flight Simulator
Flight Sim Development Group (FSDG) releases Paro International Airport scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The addon recreates Bhutan’s Paro Airport, known for its lack of ILS and PAPI lights, and its surrounding mountainous terrain. The product is priced at €20 and is available now for MSFS users. FSDG’s Paro Airport scenery captures the airport’s unique challenges, including the absence of instrument landing systems and visual approach slope indicators. The addon models the terrain rising sharply on all sides, reflecting the real-world difficulty pilots face when approaching Paro. This release provides simmers with an opportunity to practice complex visual approaches in a highly demanding environment.
Wake up: FSReborn’s Phenom 300E seems to be launching soon
FSReborn announces the imminent launch of their Phenom 300E add-on, designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The developer shares a concise teaser video highlighting progress on this business jet project. The release targets simmers interested in modern light jets within the MSFS platform. The 45-second video reveals detailed cockpit textures and hints at advanced systems modeling, showcasing FSReborn's focus on accuracy. The teaser also suggests improvements in flight dynamics and avionics integration, although no exact release date or pricing is disclosed. This upcoming release is significant as it expands FSReborn’s portfolio with a high-performance light jet, appealing to users seeking complex aircraft systems.
FSReborn’s Phenom 300E gets a new teaser video
FSReborn and Aviation Lads release a new teaser video showcasing the upcoming Embraer Phenom 300E for flight simulators. The project has been in development for several years, and this teaser marks the beginning of its promotional campaign. The specific simulator compatibility is not mentioned, but FSReborn typically targets Microsoft Flight Simulator. The teaser video features several exterior and interior shots of the Phenom 300E, highlighting the aircraft's sleek design and cockpit layout. No release date or pricing details are provided, but the video’s timing suggests the project is nearing completion. This teaser is significant as it signals FSReborn’s readiness to engage the community with their detailed business jet model after an extended development period.
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Sim Design Group unveils Giza Sphinx International Airport for MSFS20/24
Sim Design Group releases Giza Sphinx International Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Microsoft Flight Simulator. This new airport is positioned on the western edge of Cairo, Egypt, and is designed to represent the rapidly growing aviation hub in the region. The product is available now for these simulators. The scenery features desert haze effects and glowing runway lights that enhance the nighttime environment around the airport. It also includes detailed modeling of the iconic pyramids near the airfield, integrating local landmarks into the simulation. This release provides a new destination for users interested in Egyptian aviation and regional airport operations.
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Tropicalsim – Montevideo Carrasco International for MSFS20/24
Tropicalsim releases Montevideo Carrasco International Airport scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. This new product focuses on Uruguay’s main international gateway, located on the shores of the Río de la Plata. The developer aims to capture the modern atmosphere of the airport with detailed modeling and accurate representation. The scenery includes high-resolution textures and precise terminal structures that reflect the current state of Montevideo Carrasco International Airport. Tropicalsim integrates custom night lighting and realistic apron layouts to enhance operational authenticity. This release expands the coverage of South American airports in Microsoft Flight Simulator, providing a new destination for virtual pilots flying in the region.
FSXcenery Brings the Colorado Rockies Closer with KMTJ Montrose Regional Airport for MSFS
FSXcenery releases Montrose Regional Airport (KMTJ) for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and 2020. The addon focuses on the challenging environment of southwestern Colorado, offering a detailed rendition of the airport situated at 5,759 feet elevation. This product targets pilots seeking complex regional approaches within the mountainous terrain of the American West. The scenery features accurate topography reflecting the rugged Colorado Rockies around Montrose Regional Airport. The high-altitude location introduces realistic performance considerations for aircraft operating in thin mountain air. FSXcenery’s KMTJ package is now available for purchase, providing a demanding flying experience that highlights the unique challenges of mountain airport operations.
AIG just made its biggest obstacle disappear: one ZIP file, and you’re done
AIG releases a streamlined AI traffic package for Microsoft Flight Simulator and Prepar3D, consolidating all necessary files into a single ZIP download. The developer eliminates the previous multi-step installation process, allowing users to deploy AI traffic without running a complex installer. The new package includes all AI aircraft models, liveries, and configuration files in one archive, simplifying setup and reducing user errors. This update removes a significant barrier for newcomers to AIG’s AI traffic system, enabling immediate use after extraction. The single ZIP download is available now from AIG’s official distribution channels at no additional cost.
Flight Journal: I’ve been flying the Mirage F1 as a strike fighter
Heatblur has released the Mirage F1 module for DCS World, focusing on its role as a strike fighter in the Cold War era. The developer supports this module on the DCS World platform, integrating it into their Cold War server environment for multiplayer operations. The Mirage F1 is presented as a strategic target striker within Heatblur's suite of Cold War aircraft. The module features detailed systems modeling and weaponry specific to the Mirage F1, allowing pilots to conduct precision strikes against strategic targets. Heatblur's ongoing development includes multiplayer integration, enabling coordinated missions with other Cold War aircraft such as the Frogfoot and Hind. This release expands the Cold War server's roster, providing a new platform for tactical strike missions and enhancing the depth of Cold War air combat simulation.
Asobo confirms patch is coming for console avionics issues after Sim Update 5
Asobo Studio confirms that a patch addressing avionics issues on Xbox and PlayStation 5 consoles is forthcoming following the release of Sim Update 5 for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The update caused memory-related avionics failures specifically affecting console users. The developer identifies this fix as a top priority for the ongoing support of the simulator on these platforms. The announced patch aims to resolve the avionics failures that have disrupted gameplay for console players since the last update. Asobo's statement acknowledges the problem's impact on the console community and commits to delivering a solution promptly. No specific release date or pricing information for the patch has been provided, but the focus remains on restoring full avionics functionality on Xbox and PS5.
Gun and strike camera preview for Grinnelli Design’s DCS: F-100
Grinnelli Designs releases a preview video showcasing the gun and strike camera functionality for their upcoming DCS: F-100D module in DCS World. The video highlights a new feature designed specifically for this module, emphasizing the unique camera perspectives available during gun and strike operations. The gun and strike camera system allows players to record and review their firing moments with dynamic camera angles, enhancing situational awareness and tactical analysis within the module. This functionality is integrated directly into the DCS: F-100D, providing a tailored experience for this aircraft's combat engagements. The preview suggests that Grinnelli Designs is focusing on detailed combat immersion through this specialized camera system, although no pricing or release date details have been provided yet.
MK Studios reveals Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports for MSFS 2024
MK Studios announces the development of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL) and Miami International Airport (KMIA) for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The developer confirms that KFLL will be released prior to FSExpo, while KMIA is currently in active development alongside it. Both airports are targeted specifically for the upcoming MSFS 2024 platform. The Fort Lauderdale airport release aims to provide detailed South Florida coverage ahead of the expo event, offering users early access to this major regional hub. Miami International is being developed concurrently, indicating MK Studios' commitment to delivering two of the busiest airports in the region with accurate layouts and features. No pricing or exact release dates have been disclosed, but the timing suggests a strategic rollout aligned with community events.
AC Scenery – Cityscape Antwerp (MSFS24)
AC Scenery releases Cityscape Antwerp for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The addon focuses on the detailed urban environment of Antwerp, Belgium, enhancing the visual representation of the city within the simulator. The scenery covers the entire city area of 204.51 square kilometers, including key landmarks and densely populated districts. It aims to accurately depict Antwerp's metropolitan region, which has a population of approximately 1.2 million people, making it the second-largest metropolitan area in Belgium. The product is available now, providing users with a comprehensive cityscape to explore during their flights.