Rotate an aircraft in FS2004 slew mode with the correct Num Pad keys, stop unwanted spinning, and fix missing or remapped controls.
To rotate an aircraft in FS2004 slew mode, press Y to enter slew, then use Num Pad 1 to turn left or Num Pad 3 to turn right. Tap the key for fine heading changes, press Num Pad 5 to stop all slew movement, then press Y again to return to normal flight.
How do I set an exact heading in slew mode?
Use FS2004's heading read-out and stop the rotation before leaving slew mode.
- Enter slew mode: press
Y. - Display the heading: press
Shift+Zto cycle the red information text until the aircraft heading is shown. - Rotate the aircraft: use
Num Pad 1for left andNum Pad 3for right. Use short taps as you approach the required heading because a long press can cause an overshoot. - Stop the movement: press
Num Pad 5. This freezes all slew movement, not just the turn. - Check the position: make sure the aircraft is level and not intersecting the runway or terrain.
- Leave slew mode: press
Yagain.
Our FS2004 keyboard command reference covers the other default slew and positioning keys.
Why do Num Pad 4 and 6 not turn the aircraft?
Num Pad 4 and Num Pad 6 move the aircraft sideways without changing its heading; they do not rotate it.
| Action | Default control | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rotate left or right | Num Pad 1 or Num Pad 3 | Changes the aircraft's heading |
| Move sideways | Num Pad 4 or Num Pad 6 | Translates the aircraft left or right |
| Freeze movement | Num Pad 5 | Stops all slew motion |
| Point north and level | Spacebar | Resets heading and attitude |
The Spacebar command is useful after an accidental pitch or bank, but it points the aircraft north. Rotate to the required heading again afterwards. For an explanation of translation, altitude, heading and attitude controls, see our guide to using slew mode.
What if the aircraft will not rotate?
A non-working rotation key usually means FS2004 is receiving the wrong keypad input or the default assignment has been changed.
- Use the numeric keypad: the
1and3keys above the letters are not substitutes forNum Pad 1andNum Pad 3. - Toggle Num Lock: keypad behaviour varies between keyboards and drivers, so try both Num Lock states.
- Check laptop keypad controls: compact keyboards may require an
Fnkey, an embedded numeric keypad or a reassigned command. - Inspect the assignments: open FS2004's control assignments and locate the slew rotation commands. Restore the defaults or bind them to convenient keys using our FS2004 control configuration instructions.
Why does the aircraft keep spinning?
Press Num Pad 5 first; it is the reliable way to cancel residual slew movement.
If the rotation immediately returns, centre the joystick, throttle or rudder pedals and test again. An off-centre axis or conflicting slew assignment can continuously command a turn. Temporarily disconnecting the controller helps distinguish input drift from a keyboard problem.
Before pressing Y to resume flight, confirm that the wings are level and the wheels are not below the surface. Leaving slew with a poor attitude or terrain intersection can make the aircraft jump, tip over or trigger a crash.