Is the Aerosoft CRJ worth buying for MSFS 2024? Learn who it suits, which package you need, its limitations and the compatibility traps.
Yes, the Aerosoft CRJ is worth buying for MSFS 2024 if you want a hands-on regional jet with no autothrottle and are prepared to learn its FMS and speed management. Skip it if you expect exhaustive system simulation, automated flying, or guaranteed access from an older MSFS 2020 purchase.
Who will enjoy the Aerosoft CRJ?
The CRJ suits pilots who prefer short regional sectors and active involvement after take-off. Thrust and speed require attention, while descents demand more planning than they do in a modern Airbus with managed vertical modes.
| Buy it when you want | Consider another aircraft when you want |
|---|---|
| Regional routes and smaller airports | Long-haul operations |
| Manual thrust and speed control | Autothrottle and extensive managed automation |
| FMS programming and hands-on descents | A quick start with minimal preparation |
| A distinctive alternative to Airbus and Boeing workflows | Exhaustive failure, maintenance and circuit-breaker simulation |
The lack of autothrottle is a defining CRJ characteristic rather than a missing feature. It gives the aircraft much of its appeal, but it also means that throttle-axis noise, poor calibration or missed speed trends can spoil an otherwise well-flown approach.
Which Aerosoft CRJ package should I buy?
The normal entry point is the CRJ 550/700 base package, with the CRJ 900/1000 supplied separately as an expansion that depends on the base product. Check the precise contents before paying because similarly named packages can target different simulator generations.
Our explanation of the CRJ variants and base-package requirements covers the distinction. Do not buy the 900/1000 expansion alone unless the listing explicitly includes everything it requires.
What should I check before buying it for MSFS 2024?
The purchase only makes sense when the exact package supports both MSFS 2024 and your platform.
- Confirm the simulator version. A licence or installer for the original MSFS 2020 edition does not automatically grant the MSFS 2024 version. Use our MSFS 2024 CRJ compatibility checks before buying or reinstalling.
- Verify the platform. PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 availability can differ. Console users must see the aircraft listed for their console inside the simulator; PC installers cannot be sideloaded onto a console.
- Check the package dependency. Make sure an attractive 900/1000 offer is not merely an expansion requiring the 550/700 base aircraft.
- Read the documented feature list. Terms such as “study level” are subjective. Compare your must-have systems and FMS functions with what the package explicitly provides.
Is the Aerosoft CRJ difficult to fly?
The CRJ is manageable once configured properly, but it punishes incomplete preparation more than a simple default aircraft. You need to initialise the FMS, resolve route discontinuities, enter performance data, select the correct navigation source and manage thrust throughout the flight.
Our practical CRJ flying workflow shows the level of preparation involved. Read that first if workload is central to your buying decision.
Several apparent aircraft faults are setup problems. An autopilot that will not follow the route often traces back to the flight director, navigation source or an unfinished FMS route. Speed wandering is usually expected when thrust has been left unattended, while unwanted throttle movement can come from duplicate bindings or a noisy hardware axis.
Another mistake we see is retaining an older package beside the MSFS 2024 build. Duplicate or outdated installations can cause missing controls, inconsistent avionics or loading problems. Follow the correct CRJ update and duplicate-package checks rather than installing a new copy over every old folder.
Is it good value for MSFS 2024?
The Aerosoft CRJ offers good value when it will become one of your regular aircraft, not merely another model in the hangar. Its strongest selling point is the operational experience: compact regional routes, a distinctive FMS workflow and continual speed management without autothrottle.
Buy it if those characteristics sound appealing and the exact MSFS 2024 package supports your platform. Wait or choose a different aircraft if you mainly want deep failure simulation, extensive automation, long-haul flying or a low-workload airliner that can be learned in one evening.