Learn how to perform a loop in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, including aircraft choice, entry speed, control inputs and fixes for common mistakes.
To perform a loop in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, use an aerobatic aircraft such as the Extra 330LT, climb to at least 3,000 ft above the ground, accelerate to roughly 150 KIAS, then apply smooth, progressive back-pressure. Ease the pull near the top and recover on the original heading and altitude.
What aircraft and settings should I use?
The Extra 330LT is the easiest default MSFS 2020 aircraft for learning loops because it has ample power, responsive controls and an airframe intended for aerobatics. The Pitts Special and Cessna 152 Aerobat can also loop, but they demand closer energy management. Our guide to choosing an MSFS 2020 aircraft for each type of flying explains the alternatives.
- Use the Modern flight model rather than the legacy model.
- Disable AI piloting and any assistance that takes over the yoke, rudder or stall response. The True to Life assistance preset is a sensible starting point.
- Practise in daylight, clear weather and light wind so the horizon remains easy to judge.
- Start at 4,000–5,000 ft AGL while learning. Remember that the altimeter normally shows altitude above sea level, not height above the ground.
- Use a joystick or controller with analogue pitch input if possible. Keyboard elevator commands are abrupt and make a round loop much harder.
How do I fly a clean loop in MSFS 2020?
- Prepare the aircraft. Use a clean configuration with flaps retracted, trim close to neutral and the wings level. Choose a prominent landmark directly ahead so you can check your heading throughout the manoeuvre.
- Build entry speed. Apply full power and accelerate to about 140–160 KIAS in the Extra 330LT. A shallow dive can help, but return to wings-level flight before starting the pull. Other aircraft require their own safe aerobatic entry speed.
- Begin a progressive pull. Move the stick back smoothly rather than snapping it aft. Aim for a firm pull of roughly 3–4g; an abrupt input can cause an accelerated stall or structural overstress.
- Hold the vertical line. As the nose passes through the horizon, keep the ailerons close to neutral. Make only small rudder corrections to stop the aircraft drifting left or right.
- Ease over the top. Continue applying gentle back-pressure, but reduce it as the airspeed falls. Maintain slight positive g while inverted; releasing the stick completely can spoil the circle, while pushing forward produces an uncomfortable and unnecessary negative-g segment.
- Recover smoothly. Increase back-pressure progressively as the nose descends. Watch the airspeed and reduce power if it approaches the aircraft's limit. Level out on the original heading without yanking the controls.
A correct loop is a pitch manoeuvre, not a roll. Sideways stick input turns it into a barrel-shaped path. For the underlying control technique, energy management and recovery principles, see our practical guide to flight-simulator aerobatics.
Why does my loop stall, roll or finish too low?
| Problem | Likely cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| The aircraft falls out before reaching the top | Entry speed was too low, or the initial pull was too aggressive | Release enough back-pressure to reduce the angle of attack, recover normally, then try again with more entry speed and a smoother pull |
| The loop twists into a barrel roll | Unwanted aileron input, poor controller calibration or excessive rudder | Centre the ailerons, use tiny rudder corrections and check controller dead zones |
| The aircraft overspeeds on the way down | Excessive entry speed, full power held too long or a late recovery | Reduce power and recover progressively; do not attempt to stop the dive with an abrupt high-g pull |
| The loop finishes well below the starting altitude | Too much energy was lost climbing, or the recovery began too late | Use a cleaner initial pull, maintain power through the climb and start rounding out sooner |
| The aircraft snaps or departs controlled flight | High angle of attack combined with yaw or abrupt control input | Neutralise aileron, ease the elevator to unstall the wings and let the nose fall before recovering |
How can I tell whether the loop was flown correctly?
A good loop finishes wings level, close to the entry altitude, airspeed and heading. The aircraft should remain in one vertical plane, with no obvious roll at the top and no stall warning or violent buffet.
Use the horizon and your chosen landmark rather than chasing the external camera. The technique also transfers between simulators: our older visual tutorial for practising a loop in FSX uses different simulator physics but retains the same entry, coordination and recovery cues.