What are the default keyboard controls in FSX?

In Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) and FSX: Steam Edition, the default keyboard bindings use the numeric keypad for primary flight controls, F1–F8 for throttle and flaps, G for landing gear, P for pause, and S/A for views. The tables below cover the core commands and show how to verify every assignment.

FSX default keyboard controls quick reference

FSX has hundreds of assignable commands, including less frequently used radio, engine-selection, multiplayer and slew controls. For the entire reference, use our complete printable FSX keyboard-command list.

Primary flight controls

Trim is adjusted in small repeated steps rather than held like a joystick axis. Our practical explanation of FSX elevator trim covers the direction of movement and what to do when the aircraft keeps pitching after the key is released.

Engines and aircraft configuration

On a jet with reverse thrust, bring the throttles to idle with F1, then hold F2 to enter reverse. The aircraft must support reverse thrust; the same input merely reduces power on aircraft that do not.

Views, simulation and panels

Shift plus a number opens an aircraft panel window. The exact number is defined by that aircraft's panel configuration, although Shift + 3 opens the GPS in many default FSX aircraft.

Autopilot keyboard shortcuts

A shortcut only activates a mode supported by the aircraft's autopilot. Complex add-on aircraft often use custom cockpit logic and may ignore FSX's standard autopilot events; set those aircraft through their panel controls unless their manual says otherwise.

ATC, lights and ground operations

• Open or close the ATC menu: ` (grave accent).
• Select an ATC response: press the displayed number from 0 to 9.
• Toggle all lights: L.
• Landing lights: Ctrl + L.
• Panel lights: Shift + L.
• Strobe lights: O.
• Pitot heat: Shift + H.
• Start or stop pushback: Shift + P.
• Open or close the main exit: Shift + E. Pressing a number immediately afterwards can operate another exit when the aircraft defines one.
• Attach or detach a jetway: Ctrl + J at a compatible gate.
• Request a fuel truck: Shift + F.

Why do the FSX numpad controls not work?

The usual cause is Num Lock or a keyboard that lacks a true numeric keypad. Turn Num Lock off before using the default flight-control keys. On a laptop, activate its embedded keypad with the appropriate Fn combination or assign ordinary letter keys instead.

If the controls move and then snap back, check for a joystick, yoke or gamepad axis sending a competing input. Function keys can also operate volume or screen brightness on some keyboards; enable F-key mode or use the keyboard's Fn modifier so FSX receives F1 through F12.

How do I check or restore an FSX key binding?

The active assignment shown inside FSX is authoritative because saved custom controls can differ from the factory list.

1. Open Controls: from the main settings screen, or through the in-flight settings menu, open Controls.
2. Select Buttons/Keys: choose the keyboard and inspect the relevant event category.
3. Check for duplicates: remove unintended assignments before adding a replacement key.
4. Restore defaults if necessary: use the reset-defaults option only if you are prepared to lose your keyboard customisations.

Our guide to checking, changing and troubleshooting FSX keyboard assignments explains the controls screen and conflict checks without duplicating the full command list.

Does FSX: Steam Edition use the same keyboard controls?

FSX: Steam Edition uses the same core default keyboard map as boxed Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Optional features and expansion content can add commands, while add-on aircraft may replace standard events with their own controls, but familiar bindings such as G, P, F1–F8 and the numeric-keypad flight controls remain the same.