What are the default keyboard shortcuts in Prepar3D?

Prepar3D’s default keyboard shortcuts include P to pause, G for landing gear, F1–F4 for throttle, F5–F8 for flaps, L for lights, Z for autopilot and Y for slew mode. These are stock assignments; your Prepar3D version, keyboard layout, control profile, hardware and add-on aircraft can change or override them.

What is a shortcut key, and how do I read it?

A keyboard shortcut is a key or combination assigned to a simulator command, allowing you to operate it without opening a menu or clicking a cockpit control.

• Shift+P means hold Shift while pressing P. Do not type the plus sign.
• R, then + means press the keys in sequence.
• F1–F4 means the range from F1 through F4.
• A capital letter such as Q identifies the labelled key. It does not mean Shift+Q unless Shift is explicitly shown.

Prepar3D default keyboard shortcuts at a glance

The following commands cover the stock shortcuts most pilots need during a normal Prepar3D flight.

Simulator and ground commands

These shortcuts control the simulation itself and common operations at the gate or parking stand.

Flight controls, brakes and flaps

Turn Num Lock off before using the numeric keypad for Prepar3D’s primary keyboard flight controls.

Engine and throttle commands

The function keys control throttle, while modified function-key combinations operate propeller pitch and mixture.

Autopilot commands

Prepar3D sends the requested autopilot event when you press the shortcut, but the aircraft decides whether that mode can engage.

A mode may refuse to engage if the aircraft lacks that system, has not met its engagement conditions or uses custom autopilot logic instead of standard Prepar3D events.

Views, lights and radios

View shortcuts change the active camera, while the radio selector keys determine which frequency subsequent + and - commands adjust.

For less frequently used engine, radio, view and slew commands, our printable reference to the wider FSX-derived command set complements this quick list. Confirm any critical assignment inside your own Prepar3D controls screen.

What does Shift+Q do in Prepar3D?

Prepar3D’s standard sound shortcut is Q, not Shift+Q. Shift+Q has no consistent stock function across Prepar3D versions and profiles, so it may do nothing unless your active profile or an add-on has assigned it.

If a guide shows a capital Q, press the ordinary Q key without holding Shift. Search the controls list for Shift+Q if you need to identify a custom assignment.

How do I view or change keyboard assignments in Prepar3D?

The controls page inside Prepar3D is the definitive source for your installation because it shows the active profile rather than an untouched default list.

1. Open the controls page: press Alt if the menu is hidden, open Options and select Controls.
2. Select the keyboard: choose the keyboard device or keyboard assignments page. The wording and layout vary between Prepar3D releases.
3. Show all categories: remove restrictive filters if the expected event is missing, then search by the command’s function rather than by a guessed key.
4. Enter the new shortcut: select the event and press the key or combination you want to use.
5. Resolve conflicts: check whether the same key is already assigned to another event and remove the unwanted binding.
6. Save the profile: preserve or export the customised controls where your Prepar3D release provides that facility.

Export or record important assignments before using a restore-defaults command. Depending on the selected device, profile and Prepar3D release, a reset can remove more than the one faulty keyboard shortcut.

“Still didn’t work” or “Das funktioniert nicht”: why is the shortcut not responding?

If a Prepar3D shortcut still does not work, check window focus, the physical key being sent, the active control profile and aircraft support in that order.

1. Return focus to the simulator: close a search box, text field, dialogue or gauge pop-up, then click the main simulation view before retrying the key.
2. Check the actual assignment: find the command in Prepar3D’s controls page. If it shows a different key, use that assignment or change it.
3. Test Num Lock and Fn: switch Num Lock off for keypad flight controls. On a laptop, hold Fn if F1–F12 operate brightness, volume or media functions instead.
4. Account for the keyboard layout: punctuation keys such as `, /, = and + move between UK, US, German and other layouts. Rebind the event rather than relying on the physical position shown in another guide.
5. Look for duplicate inputs: a yoke, throttle, pedal set or switch panel can issue the same command or immediately reverse a keyboard change. Prepar3D v5 users with that hardware can follow our device-conflict checklist for Saitek flight controls.
6. Leave slew mode: press Y if normal flight controls stopped responding after repositioning the aircraft.
7. Try a stock aircraft: load a simple default aircraft and test the same command. If it works there, the original add-on is intercepting the event, lacks the relevant system or requires its own procedure.
8. Reset only as a last resort: preserve your custom profile first, then restore defaults if assignments remain missing or corrupted.

Why does the key work in a default aircraft but not an add-on?

An add-on aircraft can replace standard Prepar3D events with custom system logic, so a recognised key may have no effect in that particular cockpit.

This is common with automatic engine start, autopilot modes, lighting, doors and ground services. Use the add-on’s cockpit controls and supplied documentation when its systems do not respond to Ctrl+E, Z, L or Shift+E.

Are there any other ways to operate Prepar3D commands?

Prepar3D commands can also be operated through cockpit controls, reassigned keys, controller buttons or a dedicated keypad.

• Use the cockpit control when an advanced aircraft models system dependencies that a generic keyboard event cannot reproduce.
• Reassign the command when a laptop lacks a numeric keypad or the default combination is awkward on your keyboard layout.
• Bind a controller button for actions needed during high-workload phases, such as brakes, trim, flaps or push-to-talk.
• Use a labelled keypad for frequent commands without memorising combinations; our guide to setting up a programmable simulator keypad without duplicate bindings explains the practical assignment process.

Are Prepar3D, FSX and Microsoft Flight Simulator keyboard controls the same?

Prepar3D and FSX share many keyboard commands, but their active profiles are not guaranteed to match; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 use separate control systems and should not be treated as equivalent.

If you mean Microsoft Flight Simulator keyboard controls rather than Prepar3D, use that simulator’s Controls Options page. Our separate MSFS 2024 keyboard-control guide covers its default assignments and profile behaviour.