See the MSFS 2024 default Xbox controller layout for flight, throttle, trim, flaps, brakes, cameras and cockpit interaction.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s factory Xbox gamepad preset, the left stick controls pitch and roll, the triggers control rudder, A/B change throttle, the bumpers operate flaps, and the right stick looks around. X applies wheel brakes, while Y modifies trim, landing gear, spoilers and the parking brake.
MSFS 2024 default Xbox controller layout
These are the standard fixed-wing flight bindings for an Xbox Wireless Controller on Xbox Series X|S or PC. The same physical button can perform another action while a menu, cockpit cursor or different camera mode is active.
| Controller input | Default flight action |
|---|---|
| Left stick left/right | Roll using the ailerons |
| Left stick up/down | Pitch down/up using the elevator |
| Left trigger | Rudder left |
| Right trigger | Rudder right |
| A | Increase throttle |
| B | Decrease throttle |
| X | Apply both wheel brakes |
| Left bumper | Decrease/retract flaps one stage |
| Right bumper | Increase/extend flaps one stage |
| Y + D-pad up/down | Adjust elevator trim |
| Y + D-pad left/right | Adjust rudder trim where available |
| Y + X | Toggle landing gear |
| Y + A | Toggle spoilers |
| Y + B | Toggle parking brake |
Hold Y before pressing the second button. A mistake we see constantly is treating these as two separate presses, which changes the throttle or applies the brakes instead of operating the intended system.
Elevator-trim direction can feel counter-intuitive, so watch the cockpit trim indicator rather than relying solely on the D-pad direction. Small taps are safer than holding the combination, especially in a sensitive light aircraft.
What are the default camera and cockpit controls?
The right stick controls the view, while the stick buttons and View button handle the most frequently used camera and interaction functions.
| Controller input | Default camera or interface action |
|---|---|
| Right stick | Look around in the active camera |
| Right-stick press | Reset or centre the view |
| D-pad | Move the cockpit viewpoint or use camera functions determined by the active camera mode |
| View button | Switch between cockpit and external views |
| Left-stick press | Toggle cockpit cursor mode |
| A in cursor mode | Select or operate the highlighted cockpit control |
| B in cursor mode | Cancel, release or move back |
| Menu button | Pause and open the pause menu |
Cursor mode is the usual reason A and B appear to stop controlling the throttle. Press the left stick to leave cursor mode, then check that focus has returned to the aircraft rather than a toolbar panel or menu.
How do I check the exact active bindings?
The Controls settings show the authoritative layout for the controller profile actually loaded on your system.
- Open Controls settings from the main settings area or pause menu.
- Select the Xbox controller rather than the keyboard, mouse or another connected device.
- Check the active preset. A custom, imported or previously saved profile will not necessarily match the factory layout above.
- Filter for assigned commands or use the input-search function, then press the button or combination you want to inspect.
- Search by command name, such as
Toggle Landing Gear, if you need to find an action without knowing its button. - Duplicate the profile before editing it so the factory mapping remains available.
If the controller is detected but commands remain blank or unresponsive, follow our MSFS 2024 Xbox gamepad setup and binding checks before resetting every control.
Why do my Xbox controls not match this layout?
The usual cause is a different preset, an active interaction layer or a conflicting second device—not a faulty controller.
- Custom profile: Select the factory preset or inspect the custom profile command by command.
- Cursor or menu focus: Leave cursor mode and close toolbar panels before testing flight controls.
- Incorrect chord timing: Hold Y first, then tap the second control.
- Duplicate bindings: A joystick, throttle quadrant or another gamepad may be sending the same axis or command.
- Autopilot or assistance: These can oppose or override manual pitch, roll and throttle input.
- Aircraft-specific systems: Complex aircraft may require cockpit interaction for functions that have no practical gamepad shortcut.
If the bindings work but the aircraft feels twitchy, do not remap the axes immediately. Adjust dead zones and response curves instead; our explanation of controller sensitivity and analogue response in MSFS covers what each setting changes.
Does the default layout control every aircraft?
The default Xbox layout covers basic flying, but it cannot place every aircraft system on a gamepad. Airliners, helicopters and specialised aircraft still require cockpit interaction or additional bindings for autopilot functions, engine controls, lights and aircraft-specific equipment.
For multi-engine aircraft, A and B normally operate the mapped throttle command collectively rather than providing independent control of each engine. Helicopters also benefit from a dedicated analogue collective axis, although the standard controller remains usable for basic flight.