Push back an aircraft in FSX with Shift+P, steer with 1 or 2, stop safely, and fix parking-brake, key-binding and add-on problems.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, release the parking brake and press Shift+P once to start pushback. Press 1 to swing the tail left or 2 to swing it right, then press Shift+P again to stop. Use idle thrust and apply the parking brake only after the aircraft has stopped.
How to use the FSX pushback controls
- Prepare the aircraft. Set the throttles to idle, close the doors and retract any jetway or stairs. Check that there is room behind the aircraft.
- Release the parking brake. Some add-on aircraft manage this automatically, but the standard FSX command normally requires the wheels to be free.
- Start pushback. Hold Shift and tap P once. Shift+P is a toggle, so do not hold the combination down.
- Select the turn. While moving backwards, press 1 to move the tail left or 2 to move it right. Press the key once; holding it does not provide proportional steering.
- Stop the aircraft. Press Shift+P again, wait until movement has ceased, then set the parking brake.
If you are departing from a parking stand, our step-by-step guide to retracting the jetway and completing pushback covers the full gate sequence.
What do the 1 and 2 keys do during pushback?
The number keys command the direction in which the tail moves, which is where many pilots become confused:
- 1: tail moves left and the nose swings right.
- 2: tail moves right and the nose swings left.
Left and right are relative to the aircraft, not the camera view. The stock FSX system performs a broad, pre-programmed turn rather than giving you precise tug steering. Rudder pedals, the tiller and joystick normally do not steer the standard pushback.
Why is Shift+P pushback not working in FSX?
Most pushback failures come from the parking brake, a changed keyboard assignment or an add-on aircraft using its own ground-handling system.
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The aircraft does not move | Release the parking brake, confirm FSX is not paused or in slew mode, and make sure the throttles are at idle. |
| Pressing Shift+P pauses FSX | FSX received P without Shift. Hold Shift first, tap P, then release both keys. |
| The aircraft pushes straight but will not turn | Press 1 or 2 shortly after pushback begins. If the keypad does nothing, try the main keyboard number row. |
| The aircraft stops or judders | Check for a noisy brake axis, partially applied toe brakes or a parking-brake command assigned to another controller. |
| Nothing happens in one particular add-on | Check whether that aircraft supplies its own pushback panel, ground-services menu or gauge. Custom systems can override the FSX command. |
| The key assignment has been changed | Open Options > Settings > Controls and inspect or restore the keyboard assignment for pushback. |
Can FSX show a tug or provide more precise pushback?
The default FSX command may move the aircraft without showing an attached tug, even when animated airport vehicles are present. That is normal and does not mean the command has failed.
For finer control and extra ground-handling functions, an add-on is the better choice. Our FSX ground-handling gauge package with pushback and taxi-speed controls is designed for aircraft whose stock pushback feels too limited. Follow its included installation and operating instructions, because its controls can replace the standard Shift+P procedure.