How do I leave an aircraft and walk around in MSFS 2024?

In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, park the aircraft, set the parking brake, then press Shift+C on a keyboard to switch to Character mode and leave the cockpit. Walk with WASD and look with the mouse. To return, approach a valid entry point and use the Enter/Exit Aircraft command again.

How do I switch from the cockpit to walkaround mode?

1. Park on the ground. Bring the aircraft to a complete stop and set the parking brake. Shutting down is sensible during a pre-flight inspection but is not normally required in Free Flight.
2. Activate Character mode. Press Shift+C with the default keyboard profile. The standard Xbox controller preset commonly uses LB+B; on Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5, check the displayed Enter/Exit Aircraft assignment if that combination is not present in your profile.
3. Move around the aircraft. Keyboard users walk with W, A, S and D and look with the mouse. With a controller, use the left stick to move and the right stick to look.
4. Return when ready. Move to the aircraft's supported entrance and use the same Enter/Exit Aircraft command.

Leaving the aircraft keeps the flight running; it does not return you to the menu or necessarily complete an activity. Our explanation of the difference between getting out and ending a flight covers those separate actions.

Why does Shift+C not let me leave the aircraft?

A missing or conflicting Character mode binding is the most common reason Shift+C does nothing.

• Check the active control profile: search the Controls settings for Enter/Exit Aircraft and Character. Custom or imported profiles may leave the command unassigned.
• Stop the aircraft: test while stationary on the ground with the parking brake set. Character mode is not intended for leaving an aircraft in flight.
• Test in Free Flight: some activities restrict when Character mode can be used, particularly during scripted stages.
• Try a supported default aircraft: third-party aircraft can lack a configured entrance, suitable collision geometry or full walkaround support.
• Check the version: true on-foot Character mode belongs to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. MSFS 2020 offers camera movement, but it does not let the pilot leave the aircraft as a walking character.

How do I get back into the cockpit?

Re-enter by standing close to the aircraft's designated access point and using the Enter/Exit Aircraft command again. Depending on the aeroplane, that point may be beside the pilot's door, beneath a wing or near built-in steps.

If no prompt appears, move around the entrance, face the aircraft and try again. Some models require a separately operated door, while others handle the transition automatically; see our guidance on opening supported aircraft doors. For missing entry prompts and awkward access points, follow the aircraft re-entry troubleshooting steps.

Can I walk inside the aircraft cabin?

Cabin walking works only when the aircraft has an accessible interior, suitable collision geometry and a connected entrance. A detailed visual cabin does not guarantee that Character mode can move through it; invisible barriers, sealed doors and decorative interiors are common limitations.

Do not confuse on-foot Character mode with cockpit, showcase or drone-camera movement. If the aircraft does not support physical cabin access, a camera view may still let you inspect its interior. Our guide to cabin walking and camera movement explains the distinction.