Where can I safely download free aircraft for MSFS 2024?
Find safe, free MSFS 2024 aircraft downloads, check compatibility, install them on Windows PC and fix missing Community-folder add-ons.
You can safely download free aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 from Fly Away Simulation’s curated MSFS freeware aircraft library. Choose a listing that explicitly names MSFS 2024, confirm it is a complete aircraft rather than a livery, scan the archive, and follow its installation notes. Manual downloads work only on Windows PC.
These packages are free add-ons for an installed copy of the simulator; they are not a free download of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 itself.
Where are the free MSFS 2024 aircraft downloads?
Our main MSFS library organises freeware into airliners, regional aircraft, general aviation, military, vintage, helicopter and glider categories.
For example, the freeware Airbus A320 Neo A32NX package provides a complete airliner with custom systems and stated MSFS 2024 support. For VFR touring or aerobatics, the Van’s RV-7 and RV-7A complete package is a general-aviation alternative.
Judge every individual listing by its compatibility and requirements. “MSFS” alone may mean MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024 or both, while a repaint does not include the aircraft it modifies.
| Listing type | What it means | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Explicit MSFS 2024 support | The package is presented as compatible with MSFS 2024 | Best first choice |
| MSFS 2020 and 2024 support | The same package is intended for both simulators | Suitable when all requirements are met |
| MSFS 2020 only | It may load in 2024 but has no stated support | Use only if you accept possible faults |
| Livery, repaint or enhancement | It modifies a separate base aircraft | Install only when you have the required aircraft |
How do I tell whether an aircraft download is safe?
A safer download has clear compatibility, contents, dependencies and installation instructions that can be checked before files reach the simulator.
- Read the complete listing. Look for explicit MSFS 2024 support, a required base aircraft, dependencies and any separate utilities.
- Confirm what is included. “Livery”, “repaint”, “mod” and “enhancement” do not necessarily mean a standalone flyable aircraft. Some require a default, premium or separately installed model.
- Inspect and scan the archive. Scan both the downloaded archive and extracted folder with your normal security software. Files such as
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonindicate the expected package structure, but do not prove that a download is harmless. - Treat executables cautiously. Complex aircraft may have a legitimate documented installer or companion program. Run it only when the listing explains its purpose; never disable security protection merely because a readme requests it.
Prefer removable Community-folder packages. Do not overwrite official simulator files unless clear, package-specific instructions require it.
Will MSFS 2020 aircraft work in MSFS 2024?
Some MSFS 2020 aircraft work in MSFS 2024, but compatibility ranges from fully functional to broken cockpit systems or flight-model behaviour.
Aircraft using standard simulator systems tend to have fewer failure points. Custom avionics, gauges, WASM modules, sounds, external utilities, dependencies and hard-coded package paths may need a 2024-specific update. Liveries can also fail when a base-aircraft name or package identity has changed.
Appearing in the aircraft selector does not prove compatibility. Test a cold-and-dark start, displays, flight controls, lights, sounds and external animations before a longer flight. Move older packages individually rather than copying an entire MSFS 2020 Community folder into MSFS 2024.
How do I install a downloaded aircraft in MSFS 2024?
Most freeware aircraft must be extracted into the active MSFS 2024 Community folder, unless the package includes its own documented installer.
- Check the requirements. Confirm compatibility and install any named dependencies or required base aircraft.
- Extract the archive. Do not place an unopened ZIP, RAR or 7z file in
Community. - Find the package folder. Its top level normally contains
manifest.jsonandlayout.json. A common mistake is copying an extra outer folder, leaving the package one level too deep. - Use the active folder. MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 may have different package locations, while a custom installation path overrides common defaults.
- Install one package at a time. Restart the simulator and search by the listed manufacturer and model, not just the archive filename.
Can Xbox and PlayStation install downloaded aircraft?
External freeware aircraft files can be manually installed only in the Windows PC version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
| Platform | Can it install downloaded aircraft files? |
|---|---|
| Windows PC | Yes, through the active Community folder or a documented installer. |
| Xbox Series X|S | No. Aircraft archives cannot be sideloaded; add-ons must come through the simulator’s built-in content system. |
| PS5 and PS5 Pro | No. Windows PC packages cannot be copied into the PlayStation version. |
Why does my downloaded aircraft not appear?
A missing aircraft is usually compressed, nested too deeply, incomplete or installed in the wrong Community folder.
- Confirm that you used MSFS 2024’s active package location rather than the MSFS 2020 folder.
- Check that
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonare not hidden inside a second identically named directory. - Verify that the download is a complete aircraft rather than a livery or enhancement.
- Install every dependency named in the description or documentation.
- Remove old or duplicate copies, restart the simulator and test the new package by itself.
- If MSFS crashes or hangs while loading, remove the package and start clean; it may be incompatible rather than incorrectly installed.