Learn how to enable the AI pilot or copilot in MSFS 2024, load a route, delegate ATC and checklists, fix route issues, and take back control.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, create or load a route, start the flight, open the in-flight toolbar’s AI Control or Flight Assistant panel, and enable AI aircraft control. The AI pilot can fly the aeroplane while separate copilot options manage ATC and checklists. Turn it off before resuming manual control.
How do I turn on AI piloting in MSFS 2024?
The AI pilot is enabled through the in-flight assistance controls, not through the aircraft’s cockpit autopilot panel.
- Prepare a route. Create the flight in the Free Flight planner or EFB. Where the aircraft requires it, transfer the route to its avionics and confirm that the GPS or FMS shows an active leg. Our guide to planning and transferring routes with the MSFS 2024 EFB covers that process.
- Start in a manageable state. AI piloting can be enabled on the ground or in flight, but testing it from straight-and-level flight gives it less to correct immediately.
- Open the in-flight toolbar. Reveal the toolbar with the mouse pointer or controller cursor, then open the panel labelled
Flight Assistant,AI Controlor similar. - Enable aircraft control. Switch on
AI PilotingorControl Aircraft. Radio communications and checklist assistance are separate switches; enable only the jobs you want delegated. - Monitor the first response. Check the selected heading, altitude, power and active route leg. Disable AI control immediately if the aircraft turns the wrong way or mishandles its configuration.
The exact panel wording and toolbar layout can differ between PC, Xbox and PlayStation interfaces. If the toolbar control is awkward to reach, open the controls search, look for AI Piloting or AI Control, and assign a dedicated button or key combination.
What is the difference between AI pilot and autopilot?
AI piloting, cockpit autopilot and copilot assistance are three different systems.
| System | What it controls | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| AI pilot | Attempts to fly the aircraft, follow the loaded route and manage controls or power as required. | Temporary hands-off flying, especially during straightforward en-route segments. |
| Aircraft autopilot | Uses the aircraft’s selected heading, altitude, navigation and approach modes. | Normal instrument flying where you remain responsible for power, configuration and mode selection. See our explanation of cockpit autopilot modes and safe disengagement. |
| Radio and checklist assistance | Responds to supported ATC calls or works through supported checklist actions. | Delegating cockpit workload without handing over the flight controls. |
Do not try to command the aircraft autopilot while AI piloting is still active. The AI may change or disengage cockpit automation itself, leaving the two sets of instructions in conflict. A visible right-seat avatar also does not prove that assistance is active; the toolbar switches determine who has control.
Can the copilot handle ATC without flying?
Yes. Leave AI aircraft control off and enable only the radio communications option. The copilot can then acknowledge supported calls and manage frequencies while you fly. If you prefer to make the calls yourself, our guide to using the built-in ATC panel and radio controls explains the manual workflow.
Use only one communications assistant. Running the built-in radio copilot alongside another automated ATC system can produce duplicate responses, missed hand-offs or competing frequency changes.
Can the AI pilot take off and land?
The MSFS 2024 AI pilot can attempt take-off, cruise, approach and landing, but it is not dependable gate-to-gate automation.
It works best with standard aircraft, a valid route and uncomplicated weather. Taxiing, short runways, unusual aircraft, rotorcraft, complex custom avionics and routes containing discontinuities are more likely to expose mistakes. Some activities or Career Mode missions can also restrict assistance or make its use unsuitable for the objective.
An AI-flown landing is not the same as an aircraft performing an instrument autoland. For the latter, the runway, avionics and aircraft must support it and the approach modes must be configured correctly; see our MSFS 2024 autoland setup and limitations.
Why is the AI pilot not following my route?
The usual cause is that the route exists in the planner or EFB but is not active in the aircraft’s GPS or FMS.
- No active route: transfer or load the plan into the avionics, then confirm that an active leg is displayed.
- The aircraft circles a waypoint: a leg may point behind the aircraft or contain a discontinuity. Activate or use direct-to for the next valid waypoint before re-enabling AI control.
- The controls fight you: AI piloting is still enabled, or its toggle has a duplicated controller assignment. Turn it off and clear conflicting bindings.
- The aircraft oscillates or mishandles power: take over rather than waiting for it to recover. Custom systems are not always interpreted correctly by the generic AI logic.
- The option is missing or disabled: the activity may prohibit assistance. Test the same aircraft in Free Flight and check the assistance preset and control assignment.
How do I take control back safely?
Disable AI piloting first, then stabilise the aircraft and inspect every automation mode the AI may have left engaged.
- Switch off AI control through the same toolbar toggle or assigned control. Do not assume moving the stick has cancelled it.
- Set attitude and power while checking airspeed, altitude and terrain clearance.
- Inspect the autopilot, flight director and autothrottle. Disconnect or reconfigure them as appropriate rather than fighting an active mode.
- Check trim and configuration. Verify throttle position, pitch trim, flaps, landing gear and the active navigation leg before continuing.
If AI control repeatedly returns after being disabled, search the control assignments for its toggle and remove duplicate keyboard, joystick or controller bindings.