Learn how to slew in MSFS 2020 with default keyboard controls, custom bindings, Xbox guidance and fixes when Slew Mode will not work.
To slew in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, press Y on the default keyboard profile. Use the numeric keypad to move the aircraft horizontally and the F-keys to change height, then press Y again to resume normal physics. If Y does nothing, assign Toggle Slew Mode in Controls Options.
How do I turn on and use Slew Mode?
Slew Mode suspends normal aerodynamics and lets you reposition the aircraft without flying it there.
- Prepare the aircraft: Start from a stable position. If you intend to resume manual flight, disconnect the autopilot so it cannot command an unexpected manoeuvre when you leave Slew Mode.
- Enter Slew Mode: Press
Y. Developer Mode is not required. - Move the aircraft: Use short taps on the movement keys. Holding a key can build movement quickly and send the aircraft well beyond the intended position.
- Set the final position: Level the wings, stop any rotation and leave adequate clearance from buildings, terrain and water.
- Resume normal flight: Press
Yagain. Be ready to control pitch, power and attitude immediately.
The standard keyboard bindings are:
| Action | Default key |
|---|---|
| Toggle Slew Mode | Y |
| Move forward/backward | Num 8 / Num 2 |
| Move left/right | Num 4 / Num 6 |
| Rise slowly/quickly | F3 / F4 |
| Descend slowly/quickly | A / F1 |
| Yaw left/right | Num 1 / Num 3 |
| Roll left/right | Num 7 / Num 9 |
| Freeze vertical movement | F2 |
These are defaults, not guaranteed bindings for every profile. Our complete MSFS keyboard and slew command reference lists the additional pitch, roll, yaw and movement-freeze controls.
MSFS treats numeric-keypad inputs separately from the numbers above the letter keys. On a laptop or compact keyboard, an embedded keypad may require Fn or Num Lock; otherwise, assign replacement keys rather than expecting the top-row numbers to work.
How do I slew on Xbox or with a controller?
On Xbox, assign Slew Mode and its movement controls to a controller profile through Options > Controls Options.
Select the controller, change the filter to show all commands and search for Slew. At minimum, bind Toggle Slew Mode, horizontal translation and up/down translation. Yaw, roll and pitch bindings are also useful when setting up approaches.
A single toggle binding is not enough because it enters Slew Mode without giving you a practical way to move. Our Xbox aircraft repositioning instructions explain how to create the necessary bindings and diagnose missing commands.
Why is Slew Mode not working?
Most Slew Mode failures come from the active control profile, search filters or keyboard focus rather than a simulator fault.
- The Y key does nothing: Open Controls Options, select the keyboard and search for Toggle Slew Mode. Reassign it if the active profile has changed.
- The command is missing: Set the control filter to All. An Assigned-only filter hides commands that have no binding.
- The aircraft will not move: Confirm that you are actually in Slew Mode and that the movement commands are assigned to the device you are using.
- The numpad controls another function: Check for duplicate bindings and verify the keypad state. Top-row number keys are not substitutes for
Num 1throughNum 9. - Keys type into a search field: Close the menu and return focus to the flight before pressing
Y. - It works in Free Flight but not an activity: Some structured activities constrain normal controls. Test the same profile in Free Flight before deleting or rebuilding it.
Do not confuse Slew Mode with the Showcase or drone camera. The drone camera moves only the viewpoint; Slew Mode physically relocates the aircraft.
How do I exit Slew Mode without crashing?
Stop movement and place the aircraft in a recoverable attitude before pressing Y to leave Slew Mode.
- For airborne repositioning: Level the wings, put the nose near the horizon and leave enough terrain clearance to recover.
- For ground repositioning: Lower the aircraft gently until the wheels are just above the surface. Placing the undercarriage below the terrain can cause an immediate collision.
- For approach practice: Allow enough distance and altitude to configure the aircraft after exiting. Slew Mode does not automatically set a sensible airspeed, trim, flap, gear, throttle or autopilot state.
A mistake we see often is leaving Slew Mode while the aircraft is still rotating or descending rapidly. Use brief inputs, settle the position first and expect a small drop as normal physics resumes.