Compare the best freeware GA aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator, with picks for VFR touring, glass cockpits, tailwheels and VR sightseeing.
The best freeware GA aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator are the Van's RV-7/RV-7A Complete Pack for all-round VFR flying, JMB VL3 915iS for glass-cockpit touring, Van's RV-4 for tailwheel handling, and Mykrodian MX1 for low-and-slow sightseeing. For most pilots, the RV-7/RV-7A is the strongest first download.
Best freeware GA aircraft at a glance
These four aircraft cover distinct styles of general aviation flying rather than minor variations of the same experience.
| Aircraft | Best for | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| RV-7 and RV-7A in one package | Best overall | Fast VFR touring, responsive hand-flying and a choice of tailwheel or tricycle undercarriage. |
| retractable-gear VL3 915iS download | Glass-cockpit touring | Working Title G3X avionics, an integrated autopilot and modern cockpit presentation. |
| tandem-seat RV-4 package | Tailwheel flying | A more traditional, hands-on kitplane with tandem seating and straightforward engine management. |
| open-canopy MX1 ultralight | Sightseeing and VR | Unobstructed views, modest speed and simple recreational flying. |
Which freeware GA aircraft should you choose?
Best all-rounder: Van's RV-7/RV-7A
We would start with the RV-7/RV-7A because one package supports two useful configurations. The RV-7 is the tailwheel version, while the RV-7A has tricycle gear and is the easier choice for pilots still learning directional control on the ground.
Both suit regional VFR touring and responsive hand-flying. The RV-7 is also appropriate for basic aerobatic flying within the aircraft's limits, but it is not an unlimited aerobatic machine.
Best glass-cockpit choice: JMB VL3 915iS
The VL3 915iS is the best pick for pilots who prioritise modern avionics and cross-country route management. Its G3X display, retractable gear and autopilot create a more technical workload than the open-cockpit or traditional kitplane options.
Choose it for glass-panel familiarisation and longer touring legs. Choose an RV instead if direct control feel matters more than avionics management.
Best tailwheel trainer: Van's RV-4
The RV-4 offers the most traditional experience here, with tandem seating and conventional undercarriage. That arrangement rewards careful rudder use during take-off and landing, particularly in a crosswind.
A common mistake is selecting a taildragger for its appearance and then treating its ground handling like a nosewheel aeroplane. Keep the stick positioned for the wind, avoid abrupt braking and maintain directional control throughout the rollout.
Best for sightseeing: Mykrodian MX1
The MX1 is best when visibility and simple low-speed flying matter more than range or systems depth. Its open-canopy layout is especially effective for local sightseeing and PC VR flying.
It is not the right choice for instrument procedures or fast cross-country work. That narrow purpose is also its strength: very little separates the pilot from the scenery.
Do MSFS 2020 freeware aircraft work in MSFS 2024?
An aircraft made for MSFS 2020 may work in MSFS 2024, but compatibility is not guaranteed. A package can appear in the aircraft selector while still having broken instruments, sounds, cockpit interactions or flight-model behaviour.
The RV-4 package is intended for both MSFS 2020 and 2024. For every download, check the listed simulator compatibility and required dependencies rather than assuming all MSFS packages are interchangeable.
Manual Community-folder packages are effectively PC downloads. Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 users cannot copy these downloaded folders into the simulator; console aircraft must be distributed through the simulator's own content system. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has no PlayStation version.
How do you install freeware GA aircraft?
Most conventional freeware aircraft are installed by extracting the package and copying its root folder into the simulator's Community folder.
- Check the target simulator. Confirm that the download supports MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024 or both, and read any dependency notes.
- Extract the archive. Do not place the unopened ZIP file in the Community folder.
- Find the package root. For a traditional MSFS package, this is normally the folder containing
manifest.jsonandlayout.json. Avoid adding an unnecessary outer folder. - Copy it into Community. The exact Community path varies with the simulator edition and the packages location selected during installation.
- Remove older copies and restart MSFS. Keeping two releases of the same aircraft can create duplicate entries and conflicting files.
Why is a freeware aircraft missing or broken?
Most missing or malfunctioning freeware aircraft are caused by an incorrect folder structure, an unmet dependency or a simulator-version mismatch.
- No aircraft in the selector: Check whether the package is nested one folder too deep and confirm that it is a complete aircraft rather than a livery.
- Pink or blank textures: Re-extract the archive and check for a required base model or texture dependency.
- Black glass displays: Remove older avionics modifications temporarily, restart the simulator and test the aircraft again.
- Duplicate aircraft entries: Search the Community folder for an earlier release of the same add-on.
- Loading hangs or crashes: Move the aircraft package out of Community and relaunch MSFS. If the fault disappears, restore other add-ons one at a time to identify the conflict.
For the easiest progression, begin with the RV-7A, move to the tailwheel RV-7 or RV-4 once ground handling is comfortable, use the VL3 for glass-cockpit touring, and keep the MX1 for relaxed local flying.