Find the best helicopter in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, the top included alternatives, and control fixes that improve handling.
The HPG H145 is the best all-round helicopter for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. It combines a convincing modern twin-engine cockpit, useful automation and broad utility roles with approachable handling. For a helicopter already included with an updated installation, choose the Guimbal Cabri G2 to learn, or the Bell 407 for turbine flying.
Why is the HPG H145 the best overall?
The HPG H145 offers the strongest balance of systems, handling, versatility and accessibility in MSFS 2020. Its glass cockpit, engine management and automatic flight-control features create a more complete modern-helicopter experience than the included rotorcraft.
It suits transport, emergency-service and general utility flying, although the exact configurations available depend on the package installed. Its automation also makes longer flights manageable without removing the need for careful collective and pedal control during take-off, hovering and landing.
The H145 is not necessarily the best choice for learning raw helicopter handling because the real aircraft is designed to reduce pilot workload. Our comparison of leading MSFS helicopter add-ons covers the specialist alternatives and explains where they differ.
Which included MSFS 2020 helicopter is best?
The Guimbal Cabri G2 is the best included helicopter for beginners, while the Bell 407 is the better stock choice for turbine operations.
| Helicopter | Best for | Main advantage | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPG H145 | Best overall | Modern systems, automation and utility roles | Third-party add-on rather than included aircraft |
| Guimbal Cabri G2 | Training and hand-flying | Clear response to cyclic, collective and pedal inputs | Light weight makes over-controlling obvious |
| Bell 407 | Included turbine flying | More power and a traditional utility-helicopter feel | Requires better torque and anti-torque coordination |
The Cabri G2 and Bell 407 arrived through the simulator's helicopter support updates, so they may need to be installed through Content Manager on an older or customised installation. Check our guide to the helicopters included with MSFS if either aircraft is missing.
Is the HPG H145 included with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
No. The HPG H145 is a separate add-on and is not part of the standard MSFS 2020 aircraft collection. Package contents and platform availability can differ, so confirm the supported simulator platform and included variants before buying.
Choose the Cabri G2 if you want to learn without purchasing anything. Choose the Bell 407 if you want an included turbine helicopter, and the H145 if cockpit systems, automation and operational variety matter more than pure stick-and-pedal training.
How should helicopter controls be configured?
A proper control setup matters more in helicopters than sensitivity presets or aircraft rankings. Before deciding that a helicopter has a poor flight model, check these points:
- Use the Modern flight model. Legacy mode can produce behaviour for which native MSFS helicopters were not designed.
- Bind a collective axis. Do not assume an aeroplane throttle binding performs the same job; collective changes rotor-blade pitch, while helicopter throttle or engine controls are separate.
- Assign anti-torque control. Rudder pedals are preferable, but a joystick twist axis works if it is centred and free from duplicate bindings.
- Remove conflicting assignments. Two devices controlling the same axis cause jumps, drift and unexplained yaw.
- Check assistance settings. Assisted anti-torque or helicopter control features can mask inputs and make different aircraft feel misleadingly similar.
Our helicopter control and flying setup explains cyclic, collective and anti-torque assignments in more depth.
Why does a good MSFS helicopter still feel unstable?
Most apparent instability comes from over-controlling, unsuitable bindings or trying to hover without a fixed visual reference. Use small cyclic corrections, wait for the aircraft to respond and coordinate collective changes with pedals rather than chasing every movement.
Also check for controller drift, excessive dead zones, low or uneven frame rates and add-on-specific trim or autopilot modes. A modern helicopter such as the H145 may behave unexpectedly if its automatic flight-control system is engaged, partially configured or being opposed with continuous control inputs.