Record a flight in FS2004 with Flight Video, save and replay the clip, fix common recording problems, and choose FS Recorder or screen capture.
To record a flight in FS2004, press Alt to reveal the menu bar, open Options, choose Flight Video, and start a new recording. Fly the required segment, then press Esc to stop it. FS2004 saves a replay file, not a shareable video.
How do I use FS2004 Flight Video?
The built-in Flight Video feature records aircraft movement for later playback inside Flight Simulator 2004.
- Prepare the starting position. Place the aircraft where recording should begin and configure the weather, time and aircraft. Save a normal flight first if you want to repeat the take.
- Reveal the menu bar. Press Alt if the menus are hidden. Our reference for FS2004 menu and keyboard controls covers this and other default shortcuts.
- Open Flight Video. Select Options, followed by Flight Video, then choose the command to record a new clip.
- Name the recording. Enter a recognisable file name and confirm the recording. FS2004 commonly places these files in
My Documents\Flight Simulator Files, although the selected save location is the one that matters. - Fly the manoeuvre. The recording runs until you stop it, so allow a few seconds before and after the section you want to review.
- Stop the recording. Press Esc. Keep or save the clip if FS2004 displays a confirmation prompt.
- Play the clip. Return to Options and Flight Video, select the saved recording and start playback.
Does Flight Video create an AVI or MP4 file?
No. FS2004 Flight Video creates an .FSR replay file that must be opened inside the simulator. It records data used to reconstruct the flight rather than capturing every rendered frame and sound as a conventional video.
This makes Flight Video useful for reviewing an approach or replaying a manoeuvre from another view. To upload footage, edit it or play it outside FS2004, use one of the methods for capturing simulator gameplay as a video instead.
Flight Video also differs from Instant Replay. Instant Replay reviews the last part of the active session, while Flight Video creates a reusable saved clip. Our explanation of FS2004 playback and Instant Replay covers those controls in detail.
Why does an FS2004 recording play incorrectly?
The stock recorder reproduces the aircraft's path more reliably than the complete state of every simulator component.
- Complex add-on systems may not rewind correctly. Custom gauges, programmed navigation systems and external utilities can retain their live state during playback.
- AI traffic and ATC may differ. They are not dependable parts of a repeatable Flight Video sequence.
- Changed add-ons affect the result. Removing the recorded aircraft or altering scenery can make an older clip display incorrectly.
- Low or uneven frame rates can produce rough playback. Record a shorter segment and reduce demanding scenery or traffic settings before trying again.
- A missing clip may be in another folder. Check the location chosen when the recording was named and confirm that Windows permits FS2004 to write there.
Should I use Flight Video, FS Recorder or screen capture?
Choose the tool according to what the finished recording must do.
| Method | Best use | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Video | Saved in-simulator replays of approaches and manoeuvres | Produces an FS2004 replay file rather than ordinary video |
| Instant Replay | Quickly checking the last moments of a flight | Temporary rather than a reusable recording |
| FS Recorder | Formation sequences, multiple recorded tracks and more advanced replay work | Requires an add-on build compatible with FS2004 |
| Screen capture | Videos for editing, sharing or archiving | Records pixels and audio but does not create a controllable replay |
FS Recorder is the better choice when the stock feature is too limited, particularly for formation work. It is included in our overview of useful FS2004 freeware utilities; verify that the build you install is intended for FS2004.
Can I record an entire FS2004 flight?
Yes, but separate recordings for departure, cruise and arrival are usually easier to manage and replay. Long clips create more opportunities for custom aircraft systems, traffic or performance changes to diverge from the original session. Save the ordinary flight as a restart point, then record only the segments you need.