FSX shared cockpit lets two players crew one aircraft. Learn edition requirements, setup steps, control transfer, and fixes for sync problems.
Yes. FSX supports a two-person shared cockpit in multiplayer, allowing one player to act as pilot in command and the other as co-pilot in the same aircraft. It works in FSX Deluxe/Gold and FSX: Steam Edition, but both players need compatible simulator versions and matching aircraft files.
Which FSX editions support shared cockpit?
Shared cockpit is a Deluxe-level feature and is not included with the original boxed Standard edition.
| FSX edition | Shared cockpit | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Boxed FSX Standard | No | Upgrade to a supported edition |
| Boxed FSX Deluxe or Gold | Yes | Both players should use the same service-pack or Acceleration level |
| FSX: Steam Edition | Yes | Both players should use Steam Edition and matching aircraft |
Do not plan a mixed boxed-FSX and Steam Edition session. They use different multiplayer systems, even though their aircraft and scenery formats are closely related.
How do I start a shared cockpit session in FSX?
To use FSX shared cockpit, create a multiplayer session, share the host's aircraft and have the second player join that aircraft as co-pilot.
- Match the simulator installations. Confirm that both computers use compatible FSX editions and the same update level. Steam users should both run FSX: Steam Edition.
- Install the same aircraft. For an add-on, both players need the identical package, gauges and supporting modules. Start with a stock aircraft such as the Cessna 172 while checking the connection.
- Create the multiplayer session. The first player hosts a private or LAN session and the second joins it. Boxed FSX and Steam Edition use different connection methods; our FSX multiplayer connection and firewall guide covers those networking differences.
- Enable aircraft sharing. On the host's aircraft or role-selection screen, enable Share my aircraft. The precise position of this option differs slightly between boxed FSX and Steam Edition.
- Join the shared aircraft. The second player must select the host's shared aircraft or co-pilot position rather than taking a separate aircraft slot.
- Agree who has control. The host normally begins as pilot in command. The default command for transferring or requesting control is
Shift+T; follow the on-screen control-transfer message. If it does nothing, check the Controls assignments because the command may have been changed. - Test before departure. Check the yoke, throttles, radios, autopilot and engine switches while stationary. A short systems check exposes aircraft mismatches before they cause trouble in flight.
What does FSX shared cockpit synchronise?
FSX synchronises the aircraft's movement, control authority and many standard cockpit actions, but it does not guarantee that every add-on system will match on both computers.
- A shared aircraft supports two occupants: the pilot in command and one co-pilot. Other users may fly separate aircraft in the same multiplayer session.
- Stock FSX flight controls, radios, autopilot functions and common panel switches generally behave best.
- Scenery and visual settings remain local, so the two players can use different graphics settings without affecting control of the aircraft.
- Custom gauges, external modules and aircraft-specific variables may not synchronise. One player can sometimes see a switch or display state that the other does not.
Why is FSX shared cockpit not working?
Most FSX shared cockpit failures come from an unsupported edition, mismatched aircraft files, the wrong multiplayer role or a blocked network connection.
- No sharing option: confirm that the host is using Deluxe, Gold or Steam Edition and is on the multiplayer aircraft or role screen, not ordinary Free Flight.
- The co-pilot appears in a separate aircraft: leave the session and rejoin the host's shared-aircraft slot rather than selecting a normal pilot slot.
- FSX substitutes another aircraft: the guest is missing the host's aircraft or has a package with different aircraft-title entries. Reinstall the same version on both computers.
- Gauges are blank or switches disagree: verify that both users have the same panel, gauges and required modules. If the stock Cessna works but the add-on does not, the add-on's custom systems are the likely limitation.
- Control will not transfer: find the Transfer/Request Control command in the FSX control assignments and bind it again. Avoid operating both sets of hardware controls during the handover.
- The session cannot be joined or keeps dropping: check simulator compatibility, firewall permission and the host's network configuration before troubleshooting the aircraft.
Does shared cockpit work with FSX add-on aircraft?
Yes, but aircraft built mainly around standard FSX gauges and controls are more likely to synchronise correctly than complex add-ons with custom system logic.
Both users should install the same archive in the same form, including any supplied gauges or modules. If choosing freeware from our FSX aircraft and add-on library, use the identical download on both computers rather than two similarly named versions.
A mistake we see constantly is testing networking and an unfamiliar add-on simultaneously. Prove that shared cockpit works with a default aircraft first, then load the add-on and test each major system.
Is VATSIM the same as FSX shared cockpit?
No. VATSIM provides online air traffic control and pilot networking; it does not synchronise two FSX cockpits.
You still need an FSX shared-cockpit multiplayer connection between the two computers. If the aim is online ATC rather than a two-person flight deck, use the separate instructions for connecting FSX to VATSIM.