Overview
This guide provides a step-by-step introduction for absolute beginners to set up and configure Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PC, focusing on initial settings, control configuration, and starting a basic flight.
Initial Setup and Simulator Overview
- On first launch, customize your pilot identity if prompted.
- After setup, you arrive at the world map screen, which is the main interface for selecting flight options.
- Use the Cog icon (top right) to access general settings.
Key Settings for Beginners
- Under "Flight Interface", set the cockpit interaction system to "Legacy" for better mouse control (PC users).
- "Assistance" options can be toggled for ease or increased realism; initially, keep defaults.
- "Accessibility" offers narration and interface adjustments but can be left unchanged for beginners.
Choosing Aircraft and Airport
- Select "Free Flight" for open flight practice.
- Choose an aircraft (e.g., Cessna 152) and livery as desired.
- Use the map to select a departure airport by dragging and zooming; select runway or parking area for starting position.
- Configure weather, time of day, and multiplayer options under "Flight Conditions".
Control Profile Configuration
- Access "Controls" via settings after loading into the aircraft.
- All connected devices (joysticks, throttle quadrants, etc.) appear automatically.
- Default control profiles are assigned but can be customized per user preference.
- Test each control axis/button using "Search by Input" to verify mappings.
- If needed, create a new profile when changing control assignments (e.g., throttle, mixture).
- Assign throttle and mixture axes as needed for specific aircraft.
- Invert axes or adjust curves if control movements do not match in-sim actions.
- Apply and save profiles across all or specific airplanes as preferred.
In-Cockpit Basics and Flight Controls
- Use right mouse button to pan cockpit view; interact with switches and controls with the mouse.
- Parking brake and flaps are often preconfigured in default profiles.
- Use "Escape" to access menus and controls during a flight.
- Assign rudder, trim, and other essential controls to joystick axes or hat switches as needed.
- Use default profiles as a reliable baseline if custom settings cause issues.
Quick Tips and Troubleshooting
- Press "Shift+Space" to reset cockpit view orientation.
- Press "Backspace" to toggle between cockpit and external views.
- If starting at night, change time by clicking the weather/settings icon at the top of the screen.
- Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+E to auto-start the engine and Ctrl+Shift+E to shut it down quickly.
- If devices are unplugged and reconnected, they should reappear automatically in controls.
Recommendations / Advice
- Start with the 2024 default control and key profiles; make only minor changes as you gain experience.
- Avoid trying to replicate old versions’ control schemes, as new functions require updated mappings.
- Regularly save new profiles before making significant control changes for easy reversion.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- For more in-depth controller setup, refer to additional videos or guides focused on specific hardware or advanced configuration.