How do I use pushback in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
To use pushback in Microsoft Flight Simulator, park at a serviced gate, set the parking brake, open the ATC or communications panel, choose Ground Services, and request pushback. Release the brake when prompted, command the required direction, then select stop and wait for the tug to disconnect before taxiing.
How do I request pushback in MSFS 2020 or 2024?
The built-in Ground Services system provides the simplest pushback method in both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. Panel names vary slightly between versions and platforms, but the sequence is much the same.
- Prepare the aircraft. Start from a gate or parking stand rather than a runway position. Close the doors, retract the jetway and let baggage, catering or fuel vehicles clear the aircraft.
- Set the parking brake. Keep the throttles at idle and remove any wheel chocks through the aircraft's tablet or ground-services page.
- Open the ATC or communications panel. Select the airport's Ground Services menu. Our practical guide to the MSFS ATC panel explains the wider radio and ground-frequency workflow.
- Request pushback. Select the pushback request and wait for the tug to arrive and connect. Do not release the brake while it is still approaching.
- Release the parking brake when instructed. The tug should begin moving the aircraft backwards. Do not add engine thrust to help it.
- Choose the direction. Use the available left or right commands in the panel, or assigned pushback controls, once the tow has started.
- Stop and disconnect. Select Stop Pushback or use the assigned toggle, set the parking brake when requested, and wait until the tug is clear before taxiing.
Which pushback method should you use?
Use the built-in panel for occasional pushbacks, dedicated control bindings for frequent flying, and an aircraft's own system when its documentation requires one.
| Method | Best used when | Main catch |
|---|---|---|
| ATC or communications panel | You want the standard tug without configuring controls | The stand must support ground services |
| Assigned pushback controls | You push back frequently or use a keyboard | Presets and controller profiles can change the bindings |
| Aircraft tablet or custom system | A detailed add-on manages its own tug, chocks and doors | Running it alongside the built-in tug can cause conflicts |
Shift+P is commonly assigned to Toggle Pushback in PC control profiles, but it is not safe to assume every preset retains it. Search Controls Options for pushback and check Toggle Pushback, Pushback Left, Pushback Right and Stop Pushback assignments.
On Xbox, and on PS5 with MSFS 2024, using the communications panel is usually easier than memorising a controller combination. MSFS 2020 was not released for PlayStation.
Study-level aircraft may expect pushback to be started from an electronic flight bag or custom ground-services menu. PMDG users should follow the aircraft-specific PMDG pushback procedure for MSFS 2024 rather than operating two tug systems together.
Why is pushback unavailable or not moving?
A missing or stationary tug usually points to the parking stand, brakes, chocks or a conflict with custom aircraft systems.
- No pushback option: the aircraft may be at a runway start, an unserviced ramp position or a stand with incorrect ground-service data. Load at a recognised gate or try another stand.
- The tug connects but cannot move: release the parking brake only when instructed, remove tablet-controlled chocks and check that a noisy toe-brake axis is not applying the brakes continuously.
- The tug never arrives: allow the jetway and other service vehicles to clear. Tight custom scenery can also trap the tug behind static objects or airport equipment.
- Steering commands do nothing: make sure the tow has begun, then check the left and right bindings for duplicate assignments. The direction options may not appear until the tug is attached.
- The aircraft jumps or two tugs appear: stop one system. Use either the simulator's Ground Services pushback or the aircraft's custom utility, not both.
Why does the tug turn the wrong way?
Direction labels are not consistent across every aircraft and pushback utility. If a command explicitly says tail left, the tail moves left and the nose swings right; a generic Left command may instead describe the aircraft's nose or the tug's steering direction.
Start with a short, slow correction and check the result from an external camera. Stop early if the aircraft turns the wrong way, then select the opposite command rather than allowing the tug to complete a large arc.
Can I push back without using ATC?
Yes. Offline, ATC is only one interface for controlling the tug; an assigned pushback command or aircraft tablet can perform the same physical movement without requesting a simulated clearance.
On VATSIM, obtain push-and-start clearance from the controller before moving, then operate the simulator's tug yourself. Our MSFS setup and radio procedure for VATSIM covers the network side of that process.
When should I start the engines during pushback?
Airliner engines are commonly started during pushback after the appropriate clearance and checklist items are complete. Keep the thrust levers at idle and follow the aircraft's own procedure, especially where its tablet coordinates doors, chocks, external power and the tug.
Do not substitute reverse thrust for pushback. Powerback is unsuitable for normal gate operations, risks collisions and foreign-object damage, and does not provide the controlled steering of a tug.