February 6th, 2025 Development Update

Development Update

Feedback Snapshot

Marketplace

Featured Release

This week, we’re excited to highlight the P180 from developer FlightFX which releases exclusively on the in-sim Marketplace for both PC and Xbox today!

A Pilot-Centric Experience

At its core, the P180 is designed to put pilots in full command of a refined, high-performance aircraft—one that balances approachability with technical depth. Whether handling an IFR flight plan in challenging weather or executing precise short-field landings, the P180’s avionics and flight model are tuned to respond faithfully to pilot inputs. The separate steering modes and finely calibrated beta range controls offer superior control during ground operations, while the selectable Simplified or Advanced Modes let you tailor the experience to your personal skill level or operational preferences. From pre-flight checks to final shutdown, every step has been crafted to give pilots a sense of realism and mastery.

Cutting-Edge Design and Performance

Thanks to its unique aerodynamic configuration of forward canards and rear-mounted pusher propellers, the P180 is capable of cruise speeds approaching mach .7, placing its performance on par with many light jets. With a service ceiling 41,000 feet and a range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles, it’s remarkably versatile for short- to mid-range missions. The combination of laminar-flow wing designs, optimized thrust lines, and a pressurized cabin results in a stable, comfortable ride that business flyers and private pilots alike can appreciate.

 Spacious, Comfortable Cabin

While compact from the outside, the P180’s pressurized cabin offers a sophisticated space that caters to both business and leisure travel. It features executive-style seating and the option to select from two distinct interior themes, each enhanced by interactive items and premium finishings such as in-flight service visuals. By placing the propellers behind the main fuselage, cabin noise is significantly reduced, and FlightFX’s custom noise-canceling solution refines the environment further to provide a tranquil, enjoyable passenger experience.

 Developed and Verified by Experts

The authenticity of the P180 is the result of meticulous research and collaboration with real-world pilots and a dedicated beta community. Their collective feedback shaped every aspect of the flight model, avionics, and cockpit ergonomics. This approach ensures the final product replicates the unique handling characteristics of a high-performance turboprop—from its nimble ground handling to the signature feel of its takeoff and cruise phases.

 Signature Features & Systems

• ProLine 21 Avionics An advanced cockpit suite with specialized system pages, a custom CAS panel, and dedicated softkey menus.
• Advanced Flight & Engine Modeling Custom prop simulation, pressurization and engine damage logic capture the nuances of turboprop performance. True to book performance in takeoff, climb and cruise with feedback from real pilots.
• Custom Prop & Steering Control Enjoy specialized taxi and takeoff steering modes, plus beta range controls for precise power management—ensuring excellent ground maneuverability and smooth handling in every phase of flight.  Additionally, users can expect functional autofeather in emergency situations.
• For Beginners & Pros Alike Choose between simplified workflows for an easier experience, or opt for advanced realism complete with specialized steering modes and engine damage potential—catering to both casual flyers and seasoned pilots.
• Updated V.A.M.S. (Virtual Aircraft Management System) Includes a multi-directional mount for flexible tablet positioning or hiding. Built-in support for Navigraph and OpenStreetMap enhances your flight planning.
• Immersive Audio & Noise Management Onsite recordings capture every engine, mechanical, and alert sound and our built in, noise-canceling system reduces fatigue on long flights without the loss of important radio communications.
• Realistic Start-Up & Alerts True-to-life procedures plus a suite of custom alarms and messages for maximum immersion.
• Selectable Cabin Enhancements We’ve integrated a series of optional items — such as decorative pillows, meals, work accessories, and other ‘clutter’ elements — that can be toggled on or off to tailor the cabin’s appearance and functionality. This approach allows users to personalize their in-flight experience and keeps the interior environment sleek or fully equipped, depending on preference.
• Selectable Cargo Enhancements Just like with cabin items, users can introduce a suite of optional cargo elements — such as suitcases, ski equipment, and golf bags — that can be turned on or off in the cargo area. This feature allows for customizable cargo configurations that cater to different types of flights, further immersing the user in the operational realism and versatility of the aircraft.

Marketplace Releases (MSFS 2020)

Current Backlog: 356 Total

BACKLOG: NEW PRODUCTS

BACKLOG: UPDATED PRODUCTS

This weekend is the Super Bowl, the largest sporting event in the United States! Every year, aerial footage of the game and stadium is provided by airship, so we felt it fitting to fly to New Orleans, host city of Super Bowl LIX, in the Skyship 600! This will be the first time Community Fly-In Friday has used a lighter-than-air aircraft!

Additionally, February is Black History Month. As an alternative flight plan to any fly-in participants who would prefer to fly a traditional aircraft instead of a blimp, we are also offering a second route option. This flight starts at Moton Field Municipal Airport (06A), home of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.

Event details are available here. All are welcome to participate!

Rise of a Pilot – Career Mode Livestream

Join Microsoft Flight Simulator Community Manager SeedyL – a real-life private and glider pilot and former ground school (classroom) instructor at a flying school – as he teaches viewers about aviation using the Career Mode in Microsoft Flight Simualtor 2024!

In this livestream video series, SeedyL will start a new pilot career in MSFS 2024 and progress through the training and certifications, using the sim to explain aviation concepts and flight techniques encountered throughout Career Mode. If you’re new to flight simming, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about flying, and if you’re an experienced simmer, you can be entertained by SeedyL’s commentary or share your aviation expertise with other viewers in the chat who may have questions.

Viewers in Twitch chat will have the opportunity to vote on how SeedyL’s pilot career should proceed, for example voting on which missions to take next or which certifications to pursue.

SeedyL will be back in the cockpit next week on Tuesday, February 11th. All episodes will be broadcast on our official Twitch channel starting at 11:00am PT (1900 UTC).

Community Video