See which helicopters are included in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, how editions differ, and where to find more rotorcraft.
Yes. Microsoft Flight Simulator has native helicopter flight modelling. An updated MSFS 2020 includes the Bell 407 and Guimbal Cabri G2, while MSFS 2024 expands the bundled selection with utility, rescue and heavy-lift rotorcraft. PC users can also install freeware or commercial helicopters; console choices come through the in-sim Marketplace.
Which helicopters are included with MSFS 2020 and 2024?
The included selection depends on the simulator version and, for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the edition purchased.
| Simulator or edition | Included helicopters |
|---|---|
| MSFS 2020 | Bell 407 and Guimbal Cabri G2 |
| MSFS 2024 Standard | Airbus H125, Bell 407, Erickson S-64 Aircrane, Guimbal Cabri G2 and Robinson R66 |
| MSFS 2024 Deluxe | The same helicopter selection as Standard |
| MSFS 2024 Premium Deluxe | Standard helicopters plus the Airbus H225 |
| MSFS 2024 Aviator | All lower-edition helicopters plus Microsoft-published Marketplace rotorcraft, including the Bell 47J Ranger and Boeing CH-47D Chinook |
The Bell 407 and Cabri G2 arrived in MSFS 2020 through the free 40th Anniversary Update, so a fully updated installation is required. They were not part of the simulator's original launch aircraft.
Our edition-by-edition breakdown of aircraft included with MSFS 2024 helps if you are deciding which package contains a particular model. All owned helicopters can be used in Free Flight, although Career Mode missions and roles depend on the aircraft.
The aircraft selector may also show eVTOLs or other powered-lift machines near the rotorcraft. Aircraft such as the Jetson ONE, Joby S4 and VoloCity are not conventional helicopters and have different propulsion and control systems.
Can you add more helicopters to Microsoft Flight Simulator?
PC users can expand the selection with freeware or commercial add-ons from the Marketplace or Community folder, while console users are limited to products released through the in-sim Marketplace for their platform.
Our MSFS freeware and add-on library contains additional aircraft beyond the bundled fleet. One example is the freeware Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle package for PC.
Check that an add-on explicitly supports your simulator generation. An aircraft made for MSFS 2020 is not automatically compatible with MSFS 2024, even if its folder can be copied into the newer simulator. Flight-model, avionics and animation changes can leave an older helicopter partly functional or unable to load.
Why is a helicopter missing from the aircraft list?
A missing helicopter is usually an installation, entitlement or aircraft-filter problem rather than a lack of helicopter support.
- Update the simulator. In MSFS 2020, the Bell 407 and Cabri G2 require the 40th Anniversary content or a later fully updated installation.
- Check installed content. An aircraft may be owned but not downloaded. Open the simulator's content manager or library and install any outstanding aircraft packages.
- Clear aircraft filters. Search for the manufacturer or model name and remove filters that exclude helicopters or rotorcraft.
- Verify the account and edition. Premium Deluxe and Aviator aircraft appear only when the account carrying that entitlement is signed in correctly.
- Inspect PC add-on folders. A Community add-on will not load if it is packaged one folder too deep, disabled by Safe Mode or incompatible with that simulator version.
Do helicopters require special controls?
Helicopters can be flown with a controller or ordinary joystick, but they need bindings for cyclic, collective, pedals or anti-torque, and throttle where the aircraft models it separately.
A common mistake is assigning the same physical lever to both collective and engine throttle. Another is leaving fixed-wing rudder assistance active, which can fight anti-torque input during a hover. Our helicopter controls and flying guide covers practical bindings, assistance settings, take-off and hover technique without requiring dedicated helicopter hardware.