Learn to fly the Boeing 787-10 in MSFS 2020, from FMC setup and engine start to LNAV/VNAV, descent, landing and common fixes.
To fly the Boeing 787 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, use the Premium Deluxe 787-10, build and verify a route in the FMC, calculate take-off data, start the aircraft, then manage each phase with LNAV/VNAV or manual MCP modes. The key is reading the flight-mode annunciator rather than assuming the automation is active.
Is the Boeing 787 included in MSFS 2020?
The Boeing 787-10 is included with the Premium Deluxe content for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. It is not part of the Standard or Deluxe aircraft lists, so those editions will not show it in the aircraft selector unless the account has been upgraded.
If you own Premium Deluxe but cannot find the 787, check Content Manager for uninstalled official aircraft packages, install any pending simulator updates and restart MSFS. The later Aircraft and Avionics Update 2 substantially changed the 787's FMC, displays and autoflight behaviour, so many early MSFS 2020 tutorials no longer match the aircraft.
Should I start on the runway or cold and dark?
Start on the runway for your first few flights, then move to a gate once you understand the FMC, flight director and thrust controls. This separates aircraft handling from the much larger task of powering and configuring an airliner.
- Choose a long runway, clear weather and a light or medium aircraft weight.
- Practise with a short route containing a straightforward departure and ILS arrival.
- Bind the brakes, rudder, landing gear, flaps, spoilers, reverse thrust and autopilot disconnect before loading the flight.
- Disable AI piloting and assisted take-off or landing if they move controls without your input.
- Remove duplicate throttle, rudder and brake axis assignments. Conflicting bindings are a common cause of wandering steering and unexpected thrust changes.
The 787 uses fly-by-wire controls and responds best to small, deliberate inputs. Avoid large yoke movements and give the aircraft time to settle after changing pitch or bank.
How do you fly the MSFS 2020 Boeing 787 step by step?
A reliable 787 flight follows the same sequence every time: set the weight, validate the route, configure the aircraft, confirm each active mode and stay ahead of the descent.
- Set fuel, payload and the route. Configure the aircraft's weight before calculating performance, because changing it later can invalidate the take-off speeds and trim setting. Select suitable departure and arrival procedures for the active runways.
- Establish electrical power. From a cold gate, switch on the battery and use external power when available. Otherwise start the APU and connect its generators. Confirm that the primary displays and FMCs have powered up before continuing.
- Configure and check the FMC. Enter or import the route, then inspect every page rather than trusting the import. Confirm the departure, arrival, runway, cruise altitude, reserves, cost index and performance data; activate and execute the route. Our Boeing-style FMC setup walkthrough explains the route, performance and approach pages in more detail. Review the LEGS pages for duplicates, sharp turns and route discontinuities. Do not automatically delete a discontinuity caused by an expected radar-vector segment.
- Prepare for engine start. Set the initial cleared altitude on the mode control panel, switch on the flight directors, arm the autothrottle and complete the take-off reference page. Select the calculated flap setting and V-speeds, then set the indicated take-off trim. With the beacon on, start each engine using its start selector and fuel-control switch; allow the automatic start sequence to finish before starting the other engine.
- Configure and taxi. Set take-off flaps, arm the spoilers, select an appropriate autobrake setting and complete a flight-control check. Taxi slowly because the 787 gathers speed easily at idle thrust. Use nosewheel steering to follow the centreline and avoid holding the brakes continuously.
- Take off with TO/GA. Line up, stabilise the engines and press TO/GA. Check that take-off thrust is set and that the flight-mode annunciator shows the expected modes. At VR, rotate smoothly rather than pulling sharply. Select gear up after a positive climb, follow the flight director and retract the flaps on schedule as the speed tape permits.
- Manage the climb and cruise. Engage the autopilot only after the aircraft is stable. LNAV should follow the FMC route, while VNAV controls the planned speed and vertical profile. Watch the top of the primary flight display: green modes are active, while white modes are generally armed and waiting for their capture conditions. Set standard pressure when passing the applicable transition altitude and continue checking fuel, route progress and the next altitude constraint.
- Prepare the descent early. Select the arrival and approach, inspect the new LEGS sequence and enter the landing data before reaching top of descent. Set a lower permitted altitude on the MCP; VNAV will not descend through the selected altitude simply because the aircraft has reached the descent point. Set the destination QNH, minimums, landing flaps, autobrake and the FMC-derived approach speed.
- Fly the approach and landing. For an ILS, intercept the localiser from a sensible angle and capture the glideslope from below before selecting APP. Our MSFS 2020 ILS procedure covers tuning, capture and mode checks. Extend the gear and flaps progressively, arm the spoilers and aim to be fully stabilised by 1,000 feet above the runway.
- Roll out and shut down. After touchdown, confirm spoiler deployment, apply reverse thrust as needed and brake smoothly. Leave the runway before changing cockpit settings. At the gate, establish APU or external power, move the fuel-control switches to cut-off, switch off the beacon when the engines have stopped and complete the remaining shutdown items.
Which 787 autopilot modes should I use?
Use LNAV and VNAV when the FMC route is valid, but use selected MCP modes when vectors, route errors or altitude restrictions make the managed path unsuitable.
| Mode | Best use | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| LNAV | Following the FMC's lateral route | A continuous route and a sensible intercept to the active leg |
| VNAV | Following calculated climb, cruise and descent profiles | Complete performance data and an MCP altitude that permits the manoeuvre |
| HDG SEL | ATC vectors or recovering from a bad route intercept | The selected heading and bank direction |
| FLCH | Direct climbs or descents while protecting selected airspeed | Target altitude, speed and available thrust |
| V/S | Small, controlled vertical corrections | Airspeed, because an excessive rate can produce an overspeed or stall |
| APP | Capturing an ILS localiser and glideslope | Correct approach, intercept geometry and active LOC/GS indications |
The selected buttons do not prove that the aircraft is following a mode. Read the flight-mode annunciator after every selection. We explain that distinction, including LNAV, VNAV, FLCH and APP, in our airliner autopilot mode guide.
Why will LNAV or VNAV not engage?
LNAV or VNAV usually refuses to engage because the route is discontinuous, the aircraft cannot intercept the active leg, performance data is missing or the MCP altitude blocks the planned vertical path.
- LNAV turns the wrong way: inspect the active waypoint and magenta route. Use HDG SEL to intercept the correct leg, then activate that leg in the FMC if necessary.
- VNAV will not descend: lower the MCP altitude before top of descent and confirm that a valid descent path exists.
- The aircraft ignores an altitude constraint: check whether the restriction was entered correctly and whether a selected mode such as FLCH or V/S replaced VNAV.
- The route contains a gap: resolve genuine discontinuities, but retain vector legs that are part of the procedure until you receive or choose an onward heading.
- The autothrottle surges after disconnection: match the physical throttle levers to the commanded thrust before disconnecting. Hardware left at a different position can suddenly overwrite the virtual levers.
Why is the Boeing 787 cockpit dark?
A dark 787 cockpit usually means the aircraft lacks electrical power or its official content has not loaded correctly. Check the battery, external power or APU generators first; if displays remain blank, restart without conflicting 787 modifications and verify the aircraft and avionics packages in Content Manager.
How do I land the Boeing 787 smoothly?
Fly a stabilised approach at the FMC-calculated target speed, make a small flare near the runway and reduce thrust without holding the aircraft excessively above the surface. The 787's long body makes an aggressive flare undesirable, while floating consumes runway quickly.
Do not assume APP means automatic landing. Rely on autoland only when the required landing status is explicitly annunciated and the approach remains stable; otherwise disconnect the automation and land manually. For flare, touchdown, crosswind and rollout technique, use our 787-specific landing instructions.