Use MSFS 2024 first-person mode in the cockpit or on foot, with the correct camera controls, walkaround steps and fixes for stuck views.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has two first-person views: the Cockpit camera puts you in the pilot’s seat, while Walkaround puts you on foot outside the aircraft. On PC, use the cockpit/external camera command for the former; when parked, press Shift+C to leave or re-enter the aircraft for the latter.
Which first-person view should I use?
Use Cockpit view for flying and Walkaround when you want to move around the aircraft as the pilot on the ground.
| Camera mode | What it does | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Cockpit | Places the camera at the pilot’s eyepoint | Flying, operating instruments or looking around the flight deck |
| Walkaround | Lets your character move on foot | Conducting a pre-flight inspection or approaching the aircraft |
| External | Shows a chase view behind the aircraft | Watching the aircraft in flight; this is not first-person |
| Drone | Provides a freely moving camera without an on-foot character | Taking screenshots or inspecting the surroundings |
Our breakdown of cockpit, external, drone and walkaround cameras explains how these views differ without treating them as one interchangeable mode.
How do I switch to cockpit first-person view?
Press End on the default PC keyboard layout to toggle from External to Cockpit view.
- Select Cockpit view. Use
End, or search the control assignments for the cockpit/external view command if that key has been changed. - Look around. On the standard mouse profile, hold the right mouse button for temporary Freelook or use the middle mouse button to toggle Freelook; the mouse wheel controls zoom.
- Centre the view. Press
Ctrl+Spaceon the default PC layout to restore the normal pilot viewpoint. - Adjust the eyepoint. Move the camera up, down, forward or backward rather than relying on zoom when the instrument panel is obscured. Our pilot-seat and eyepoint adjustment steps cover those controls.
For the complete sequence, including camera switching and zoom, use our cockpit-view control walkthrough. On Xbox and PlayStation controllers, use the camera command shown in the active controller preset rather than assuming the PC keys apply.
How do I walk around in first person?
Use Walkaround while the aircraft is on the ground; it is the on-foot first-person mode, not a camera for flying.
- Stop the aircraft. Apply the parking brake so it cannot roll while you are outside.
- Exit the aircraft. Press
Shift+Cwith the default PC controls. Some activities begin with your character already outside. - Move on foot. The standard PC bindings use
W,A,SandDfor movement and the mouse for looking. Follow the displayed interaction prompt for doors, inspection points and aircraft equipment. - Return to the cockpit. Approach a permitted aircraft entry point and use the Enter/Exit Aircraft command again; its default PC binding is
Shift+C.
Walkaround does not give your character access to the flight controls from outside. Re-enter the aircraft before attempting to taxi or fly.
Why is first-person mode not working?
Most failures come from confusing Cockpit Freelook with Walkaround, or from using a control preset whose assignments have changed.
- You can look around but cannot walk: you are still in Cockpit Freelook. Use the Enter/Exit Aircraft command rather than the camera-look controls.
Shift+Cdoes nothing: bring the aircraft to a complete stop and check whether the activity or mission stage permits leaving it. When returning, stand near an allowed entry point.- The expected key changes another function: open the control assignments, select the keyboard or controller actually in use, and search for the camera or Enter/Exit Aircraft command. Custom profiles can override the defaults.
- The cockpit keeps following the mouse: Freelook may be toggled on rather than held. Use the assigned Freelook toggle or follow our steps for releasing a stuck cockpit Freelook view.