Learn how to use the VFR map in Microsoft Flight Simulator, follow your aircraft and route, and fix missing markers or flight plans.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, move the pointer to the top of the screen, open the in-flight toolbar and select VFR Map; on PC, V is the default shortcut. Drag and zoom the map as needed, then use its re-centre or tracking control to keep your aircraft and loaded route in view.
The named VFR Map panel is chiefly associated with MSFS 2020. In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, much of the equivalent mapping and flight-planning work is handled through the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). If 2024 has no VFR Map button, open the EFB and select its map or flight-plan display instead. On PlayStation 5, where only MSFS 2024 is available, use this EFB-based interface.
How do I open the VFR Map in MSFS 2020?
Open the VFR Map after your flight has loaded by using the toolbar or its assigned keyboard command.
- Reveal the toolbar: move the mouse pointer to the top edge of the screen. With a controller, activate the toolbar cursor using the command assigned in your control profile.
- Select VFR Map: choose the map icon from the toolbar. If it is hidden, check the toolbar's panel or customisation options. Our guide to finding and managing in-flight toolbar panels covers the interface in more detail.
- Use the keyboard shortcut: press V on a default PC keyboard profile to toggle the panel. Custom profiles may use a different binding.
- Position the panel: on PC, drag its header to move it and use the panel edges to resize it without obscuring the cockpit instruments.
- Pan and zoom: drag the map to inspect another area and use its zoom controls to change scale. Select the aircraft or re-centre control when you want the map to follow you again.
How do I follow my aircraft and flight plan?
The aircraft marker follows your position while tracking is enabled, while the route line appears only when the simulator has a recognised flight plan.
Panning away from the aircraft commonly stops automatic centring; this is normal rather than a tracking failure. Use the re-centre control and adjust the zoom until the aircraft symbol and next section of the route are visible. Airports and navigation aids may appear or disappear as the scale changes.
The VFR Map displays a route but does not create one or control the autopilot. Build or load the route before departure using the World Map in MSFS 2020 or the EFB planner in MSFS 2024; our explanation of the built-in flight-planning workflow covers departures, arrivals and route loading. The cockpit GPS, active navigation source and autopilot modes still determine what the aircraft actually follows.
Why is the VFR Map not showing my route or aircraft?
Most missing-route problems are caused by an absent flight plan, disabled tracking or a changed control binding.
- No route line: confirm that a route was created or loaded before starting the flight. Simply spawning at an airport does not necessarily produce a flight plan.
- The cockpit route and map differ: changes made through a GPS or third-party aircraft may not always synchronise with the toolbar panel. Treat the aircraft's active flight-plan page as the source for the leg being flown.
- The aircraft marker is off-screen: select re-centre or tracking. Zooming out also helps if the map was accidentally panned a long distance away.
- The V key does nothing: open the control settings, search for the VFR Map command and assign an unconflicted key. Also make sure a text-entry field is not capturing keyboard input.
- The toolbar icon is missing: restore the VFR Map through the toolbar's panel options. In MSFS 2024, use the EFB map if no separate VFR Map panel is provided.
- The panel has stopped updating: close and reopen it first. If other toolbar panels are also unresponsive, reload the flight or restart the simulator rather than repeatedly changing the flight plan.
Can the VFR Map replace aviation charts or the cockpit GPS?
The VFR Map is best used for quick positional awareness, not as a replacement for cockpit navigation equipment or proper aviation charts.
| Tool | Choose it when you need |
|---|---|
| VFR Map | A simple in-flight view of your position, nearby features and loaded route. |
| World Map or EFB planner | To create, edit or load the flight plan. |
| Cockpit GPS or navigation display | The active leg, direct-to navigation, procedures and autopilot guidance. |
| Aviation charts | Airspace, frequencies, procedure details, terrain and operational information. |
A common mistake is treating the VFR Map as a complete VFR chart. It lacks much of the operational detail required for realistic navigation, so use our guide to obtaining and reading suitable flight-simulation charts when airspace or procedure accuracy matters. For a larger planning display with more detailed moving-map functions, Little Navmap provides an alternative to the compact in-game panel.