Use the most useful FSX keyboard shortcuts for flight controls, engines, views, autopilot and ground handling, with fixes when keys fail.
The most useful FSX keyboard shortcuts are P to pause, G for landing gear, F5–F8 for flaps, Ctrl+E to auto-start engines, Ctrl+. for the parking brake, Shift+P for pushback, Z for the autopilot master, S and A to cycle views, and Y for slew mode. FSX: Steam Edition uses the same defaults.
FSX keyboard shortcut cheat sheet
These shortcuts cover the commands used most often during a normal FSX flight. For less common radio, engine, camera and slew commands, keep our printable FSX keyboard command reference nearby.
| Function | Default shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Pause | P | Pauses or resumes the simulation. |
| Flight information | Shift+Z | Cycles the red information display, including position data and frame rate. |
| Simulation rate | R, then = or - | Increases or decreases simulation speed. Return it to normal before landing. |
| Automatic engine start | Ctrl+E | Starts engines automatically on default and conventionally modelled aircraft. |
| Throttle | F1 to F4 | F1 closes the throttle, F2 decreases it, F3 increases it and F4 applies full power. Hold F2 after reaching idle for reverse thrust on supported aircraft. |
| Landing gear | G | Raises or lowers retractable landing gear. |
| Flaps | F5 to F8 | F5 retracts fully, F6 retracts one stage, F7 extends one stage and F8 extends fully. |
| Brakes | . | Applies the wheel brakes while held. |
| Parking brake | Ctrl+. | Toggles the parking brake. |
| Pushback | Shift+P | Starts or stops pushback. After movement begins, the top-row 1 or 2 key requests a turn. |
| Spoilers | / | Toggles spoilers. Shift+/ arms them on supported aircraft. |
| Lights | L | Toggles all aircraft lights. Ctrl+L controls the landing lights. |
| View categories | S | Cycles cockpit, outside, tower and aircraft views. |
| Views within a category | A | Cycles positions available in the selected view category. |
| Cockpit panel view | W | Cycles the cockpit panel display modes. |
| Direct view selection | F9 to F12 | Selects virtual cockpit, 2D cockpit, locked spot and top-down views respectively. |
| Mouse look and zoom | Space plus mouse; =/- | Looks around with the mouse and adjusts view zoom. |
| ATC window | Scroll Lock | Opens or closes the default air traffic control menu. |
| Autopilot master | Z | Engages or disengages the aircraft's autopilot master switch. |
| Slew mode | Y | Enters or leaves slew mode, which moves the aircraft without normal flight physics. |
How do I fly FSX with the keyboard only?
Turn Num Lock off, then use the numeric keypad for basic flight controls. Keyboard inputs are less precise than a joystick, so use short taps and centre the controls after each correction.
Num 4/Num 6: aileron left/rightNum 8/Num 2: elevator down/upNum 0/Num Enter: rudder left/rightNum 5: centre the ailerons and rudderNum 7/Num 1: elevator trim down/up
If the aircraft keeps banking after releasing a key, press Num 5. Unlike a spring-centred joystick, keyboard commands can leave the virtual controls deflected.
What do the FSX autopilot shortcuts actually control?
FSX autopilot shortcuts toggle modes; they do not automatically enter a heading, altitude or approach course. Set the required values on the instrument panel before engaging the relevant mode.
Z: autopilot masterCtrl+H: heading holdCtrl+Z: altitude holdCtrl+N: NAV holdCtrl+A: approach holdCtrl+R: airspeed hold, where supported
Advanced add-on aircraft may use custom autopilot and engine logic, so commands such as Ctrl+E or Ctrl+A may be ignored. Approach hold also needs the correct navigation source and frequency; pressing it alone does not produce an automatic landing.
Why are my FSX keyboard shortcuts not working?
A failed shortcut usually comes from a changed assignment, Num Lock, keyboard focus or an add-on that replaces the default system.
- Numeric controls do nothing: switch Num Lock off. Compact keyboards may require an
Fnlayer or replacement bindings. - Number keys select menu items: close the ATC window or any open dialogue before trying the command again.
- The aircraft is frozen or moving strangely: check whether
Yaccidentally enabled slew mode, then press it again to leave slew. - Punctuation shortcuts behave differently: non-UK or non-US keyboard layouts can place
/,.,-and=on different physical keys. Check the assignment by command name. - A complex add-on ignores a command: use that aircraft's cockpit controls and documented procedures; its custom systems may bypass standard FSX events.
Can I change the default FSX keyboard shortcuts?
Yes. Open the simulator's Controls settings and use the Buttons/Keys section to inspect, remove or reassign commands. FSX and FSX: Steam Edition can retain customised control profiles, so the key shown in a generic list may not match your installation.
Our guide to checking and rebinding active FSX keyboard assignments explains the settings screen and common binding conflicts. Reassigning Scroll Lock, slew and numeric-keypad commands is especially useful on laptops and compact keyboards.