FSX pushback: use Shift+P, turn left or right with 1 and 2, and fix parking-brake, keyboard-assignment and add-on problems.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, set the throttles to idle, release the parking brake and tap Shift+P once. During pushback, press 1 to move the tail left or 2 to move it right; tap Shift+P again to stop, then set the parking brake after the aircraft is stationary.
How to push back in FSX, step by step
The built-in FSX sequence is Shift+P, followed promptly by 1 or 2 if you need a turn, and Shift+P again to stop.
- Prepare the aircraft. Stop completely, set the throttles to idle and check that the area behind the aircraft is clear. Close the doors and retract any jetway or stairs for a realistic departure; the stock command itself does not verify these items.
- Return FSX to normal flight mode. Close open dialogue boxes and make sure the simulator is neither paused nor in slew mode.
- Release the parking brake. The default pushback works best with the wheels free. Some add-on systems instead tell you to keep the brake set while a tug connects, so follow the add-on’s instructions when they differ.
- Start pushback. Hold
Shift, tapPonce and release both keys. This is a toggle command, not a key combination to hold down. Do not use reverse thrust as a substitute. - Choose the turn. After releasing
Shift+P, promptly tap1for tail left or2for tail right. Use the main number row if the numeric keypad is not recognised. The aircraft may travel straight briefly before the programmed turn begins. - Stop safely. Tap
Shift+Ponce more, wait for all movement to cease and then set the parking brake. Applying the brake while the tug movement is active can cause an abrupt stop or judder.
For the complete stand procedure, including retracting the jetway before departure, follow our illustrated FSX gate and pushback sequence.
What do 1 and 2 mean for left and right?
The number keys describe the direction of the tail, not the nose and not the direction shown by the camera.
| Key | Tail movement | Nose movement |
|---|---|---|
1 | Tail moves to the aircraft’s left | Nose swings right |
2 | Tail moves to the aircraft’s right | Nose swings left |
Left and right remain relative to the aircraft even in an external view. A front-facing camera can therefore make the movement look reversed. The stock system follows a broad, pre-programmed turn; rudder pedals, the tiller and joystick steering normally do not control its angle.
Does FSX pushback work in single player?
Yes. Built-in pushback works in ordinary single-player Free Flight in both FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, without an ATC clearance, internet connection or multiplayer ground crew.
A mission may restrict commands or expect events in a particular order. Complex add-on aircraft can also replace the default command with a ground-services panel, gauge or aircraft-specific pushback procedure.
I did that and it’s not working — what should I check?
If Shift+P still does nothing, identify whether the failure affects every aircraft or only one add-on, then work through the matching symptom below.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
Pressing Shift+P pauses FSX | FSX received P without the Shift modifier | Press P to resume, click inside the flight window, hold Shift first and tap P once. |
| The aircraft does not move at all | Parking brake, pause, slew mode, an open dialogue or applied brakes | Return to normal flight mode, close menus, set idle thrust, release the parking brake and ensure toe brakes are fully released. |
| It pushes straight but will not turn | The direction command was late or the wrong number keys were used | Start again and tap 1 or 2 promptly after releasing Shift+P. Try the main keyboard number row rather than the keypad. |
| The aircraft starts, stops or judders | A noisy brake axis, partially applied toe brake, non-idle thrust or duplicate controller binding | Centre the pedals and throttles, inspect the brake indicators and temporarily remove any suspect brake or parking-brake assignment. |
| Nothing happens in one particular add-on | The aircraft uses its own ground-handling system | Check its panel, gauge, FMC/CDU or ground-services menu. Do not run its pushback system and the stock command together. |
| No aircraft responds | The keyboard assignment was changed or removed | Open FSX’s Controls settings, inspect the Buttons/Keys list and restore the pushback start/stop assignment. Record custom mappings before resetting all defaults. |
| The aircraft moves but no tug appears | Normal stock FSX behaviour | No fix is required. The built-in command can move the aircraft without displaying an attached tug. |
Still nothing in every aircraft?
A stock-aircraft test separates an FSX control problem from an add-on problem. Load a default aircraft at a flat parking position, move away from jetways or scenery objects, release the brake, set idle thrust and try Shift+P while the simulator is unpaused and out of slew mode.
If that aircraft pushes back, the keyboard command is working and the original aircraft or its ground-services system is responsible. If the stock aircraft also remains stationary, recheck the pushback assignment and any brake commands bound to your joystick, pedals or throttle quadrant.
Can FSX show a tug or provide more precise steering?
The standard FSX command is intended for simple straight pushback and broad left or right turns. Airport vehicle traffic does not guarantee that an attached tug will be displayed, and the absence of one does not mean pushback has failed.
Use the stock command when you only need to clear a stand. For tighter positioning, additional ground controls or better management of the pushback angle, an add-on is more suitable. Our FSX ground-handling gauge package with pushback and taxi-speed controls adds options beyond the default toggle. Follow its included operating instructions because an installed gauge may replace the normal Shift+P sequence.