How do I access and complete MSFS Landing Challenges?
To access Landing Challenges in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS), open the simulator’s challenge or activities area, select a landing event, and start it from the briefing screen. Complete it by landing on the assigned runway and slowing safely without leaving it; target accuracy, touchdown smoothness and centreline control determine the score.
Where are Landing Challenges in MSFS 2020 and 2024?
MSFS 2020 has a dedicated Landing Challenges menu, while MSFS 2024 generally presents landing events as Precision Landing challenges.
| Simulator | Where to find the challenge | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| MSFS 2020 | Main menu, then Activities and Landing Challenges | Installed events are commonly grouped into Famous, Epic and Strong Wind categories. |
| MSFS 2024 | Open Challenge League from the Home screen and select the Precision Landing event | The league selection rotates, so a particular aircraft or airport may not remain available. |
Menu wording can vary slightly by platform and simulator update. The available catalogue also depends on the edition and content packages installed; do not expect MSFS 2024 to reproduce the complete MSFS 2020 catalogue in the same layout.
- Select the event. Open its tile to see the aircraft, airport, runway and conditions.
- Read the briefing. Note the wind, terrain, runway slope and marked touchdown target before loading.
- Start the attempt. Choose the displayed Fly or Start command. Most events place the aircraft airborne on final approach rather than at a parking stand.
Can you change the aircraft or weather?
No. A scored Landing Challenge uses a preset aircraft, runway, weather scenario and starting position so that results are comparable. You can adjust controls and camera settings, but recreating the approach in Free Flight will not generate an official challenge score.
A valid Landing Challenge from approach to rollout
A challenge is completed by making a valid runway landing and retaining control through the rollout until the results screen appears.
- Check the starting configuration. Confirm landing gear, flap position, trim, power and any armed spoilers. The aircraft may already be partly configured, but assuming everything is set is a common cause of failed attempts.
- Stabilise the approach. Hold an appropriate landing speed, descent path and power setting. Extra speed feels safe but causes floating, missed touchdown targets and runway overruns.
- Correct for wind. Use crab or sideslip as appropriate, then align the aircraft with the runway before or during the flare. Keep correcting after touchdown because crosswind drift does not stop when the wheels meet the surface.
- Aim for the marked target. Judge where the main wheels will touch, not where the pilot’s eye passes over the runway. Avoid diving at the marker or forcing the aircraft down solely to gain precision points.
- Flare without floating. Reduce the descent rate while allowing the main gear to settle onto the runway. A gentle touchdown far beyond the marker can score worse than a slightly firmer one in the correct zone.
- Control the rollout. Hold the centreline with rudder or nose-wheel steering, keep suitable aileron into a crosswind, and use wheel brakes, spoilers and reverse thrust where fitted. Continue slowing until the score panel appears; leaving the runway or overrunning it can invalidate the attempt.
For the underlying aircraft-handling sequence, use our step-by-step MSFS approach, flare, touchdown and go-around guidance.
How is an MSFS Landing Challenge scored?
Landing Challenge scoring rewards precision, low impact and directional control rather than simply recognising that the aircraft reached the ground.
| Score element | What it measures | How to improve it |
|---|---|---|
| Landing precision | How close the initial touchdown is to the designated target | Control approach speed and judge the main gear’s touchdown point. |
| Landing smoothness | The vertical rate or impact at touchdown | Use a controlled flare and avoid dropping, bouncing or forcing the aircraft down. |
| Ground roll | Lateral accuracy and centreline control during the rollout | Apply rudder smoothly, correct crosswind drift and avoid aggressive steering inputs. |
The displayed weighting and presentation can differ between events and simulator versions. Ground roll is not a demand to stop in the shortest possible distance, and maximum braking can make directional control worse.
Improving the score without forcing the landing
The largest improvement usually comes from removing excess approach speed. Once speed is stable, repeat the same aiming point and make small power changes rather than chasing the runway with pitch.
- Practise the approach before concentrating on leaderboard points.
- Use a small dead zone if worn controller hardware causes unwanted rudder or roll inputs.
- Restart early when the approach is badly unstable instead of salvaging it with a steep dive or prolonged float.
- Judge precision and smoothness together; sacrificing either one completely rarely produces a strong total.
Our guide to stable approaches and smoother flight-simulator landings explains the speed and flare errors behind most hard touchdowns. For terrain-restricted visual approaches, the alignment and go-around technique used at Samos runway 09 is also useful practice.
Why are Landing Challenges missing or not scoring?
Missing events usually result from uninstalled content, a rotating MSFS 2024 selection or an active filter; absent scores are more often caused by an invalid rollout or unavailable online services.
- MSFS 2020 event missing: check the simulator’s content manager or library for uninstalled official activity packages, remove any filters, install pending core content and restart the simulator.
- MSFS 2024 event changed: Challenge League rotates its event selection. A Precision Landing challenge from an earlier set may no longer be displayed.
- Challenge will not load: restart the simulator and test without third-party aircraft or scenery. On PC, disable relevant Community add-ons; after a crash, Safe Mode can help identify an add-on conflict.
- No leaderboard entry: confirm that the simulator is signed into the intended profile and that online services are available. An offline attempt may run locally without submitting a leaderboard result.
- No result after touchdown: remain on the runway and continue braking until the results panel appears. A crash, overrun or excursion onto grass can end the run without a valid completion.
If the challenge airport is also absent from the world map, work through our airport filters and scenery-package troubleshooting checklist.