FSX Controls/Keyboard Commands

These are the final keyboard commands for FSX. Many are new due to the new features in FSX. Print them out (5 pages). You'll find that they will enhance your flight experiences with FSX.

Download hits: 75.9K
Compatibility: Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) including Steam Edition & Prepar3D (P3D)
Filename: FSX_Keyboard_Commands.zip.zip
File size: 2.29 MB
Virus Scan: Scanned 24 days ago (clean)
Access to file: Free (Freeware)
Content Rating: Everyone

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 25 PRO members.

These are the final keyboard commands for FSX. Many are new due to the new features in FSX. Print them out (5 pages). You'll find that they will enhance your flight experiences with FSX.

Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS (2020)

Many users visiting this page are expecting the keyboard commands for the latest flight simulator, Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 - you can find those here. If you are still wanting FSX, continue reading below.

You can view the keyboard controls below or you can download the file to keep on your own system.

This control list is extensive and should cover everything you need from basic to advanced flying in Flight Simulator X.

PDF Option

If you choose to download this file instead of viewing it on this page, it now includes a PDF sheet with a keyboard map option for cross-compatibility and easy downloading/viewing. This has been added by popular user demand. We have also included additional Microsoft Word formats too.

Let us know

If these commands have been helpful to you or if you have any issues using them (or if any are incorrect), please let us know in the comments section below. Please note, also included in this file are all of the files from fsxkypml.zip (PDF, JPG, PNG).

Control list

NOTE: Make sure Num Lock is OFF before using Num Pad commands.

SIMULATOR COMMANDS

Pause	P or BREAK
Full Screen Mode	ALT + ENTER
Menus (display/hide)	ALT
ATC Menu (display/hide)	ACCENT or SCROLL LOCK
Kneeboard (display/hide)	SHIFT+F10
Sound (on/off)	Q
Reset Current Flight	CTRL+; (SEMICOLON)
Save Flight	; (SEMICOLON)
Exit Flight Simulator	CTRL+C
Exit Flight Simulator Immediately	CTRL+BREAK
Joystick (on/off)	CTRL+K
Cycle Coordinates/Frame Rate	SHIFT+Z
Select Item 1	1
Select Item 2	2
Select Item 3	3
Select Item 4	4
Select Time Compression	R
Drop Objects	SHIFT+D
Fuel Truck (request)	SHIFT+F
Aircraft Labels (display/hide)	CTRL+SHIFT+L
Flying Tips (display/hide)	CTRL+SHIFT+X
Increase Selection	= (EQUAL SIGN)
Increase Selection Slightly	SHIFT+= (EQUAL SIGN)
Decrease Selection Slightly	SHIFT+- (MINUS SIGN)
Decrease Selection	- (MINUS SIGN)
Capture Screenshot	V
Jetway (attach/detach)	CTRL+J
End Flight	ESC

CONTROL SURFACE COMMANDS

Ailerons (bank left)	Num Pad 4
Ailerons (bank right)	Num Pad 6
Aileron Trim (left)	CTRL+Num Pad 4
Aileron Trim (right)	CTRL+Num Pad 6
Rudder (yaw left)	Num Pad 0
Rudder (yaw right)	Num Pad ENTER
Rudder Trim (left)	CTRL+ Num Pad 0
Rudder Trim (right)	CTRL+Num Pad ENTER
Center Ailerons and Rudder	Num Pad 5
Pitch Down (elevator)	Num Pad 8
Pitch Up (elevator)	Num Pad 2
Elevator Trim Down	Num Pad 7
Elevator Trim Up	Num Pad 1
Flaps (retract fully)	F5
Flaps (retract incrementally)	F6
Flaps (extend incrementally)	F7
Flaps (extend fully)	F8
Extend/Retract Spoilers/Airbrakes	/ (FORWARD SLASH)
Arm Spoilers	SHIFT+/ (FORWARD SLASH)
Water Rudder Up/Down	CTRL+W

ENGINE COMMANDS

On multiengine aircraft, engine commands affect all engines unless you first select an engine.
Select Engine	*E+engine number* (1-4)**
Select All Engines	E+1+2+3+4
Engine Autostart	CTRL+E
Throttle (cut)	F1
Reverse Thrust (turboprops/jets)	F2 (press and hold)
Throttle (decrease)	F2 or Num Pad 3
Throttle (increase)	F3 or Num Pad 9
Throttle (full)	F4
Propeller (low RPM)	CTRL+F1
Propeller (decrease RPM)	CTRL+F2
Propeller (increase RPM)	CTRL+F3
Propeller (high RPM)	CTRL+F4
Mixture (idle cutoff)	CTRL+SHIFT+F1
Mixture (lean quickly)	CTRL+SHIFT+F2
Mixture (enrich)	CTRL+SHIFT+F3
Mixture (full rich)	CTRL+SHIFT+F4
Carb Heat/Engine Anti-ice ((on/off))	H
Magnetos (select)	M
Master Battery/Alternator (select)	SHIFT+M
Jet Starter (select)	J
Helicopter Rotor Clutch ((on/off))	SHIFT+. (PERIOD)
Helicopter Rotor Governor ((on/off))	SHIFT+, (COMMA)
Helicopter Rotor Brake ((on/off))	SHIFT+B
Increase Selection	= (EQUAL SIGN)
Increase Selection Slightly	SHIFT+= (EQUAL SIGN)
Decrease Selection Slightly	SHIFT+- (MINUS SIGN)
Decrease Selection	- (MINUS SIGN)

GENERAL AIRCRAFT COMMANDS

Brake (set parking)	CTRL+. (PERIOD)
Pushback (start/stop)	SHIFT+P (then press 1 or 2 to turn tail right/left)
Brakes (apply/release)	. (PERIOD)
Brakes (apply left brake)	Num Pad + (PLUS)
Brakes (apply right brake)	Num Pad - (MINUS)
Landing Gear (extend/retract)	G
Tail wheel (lock/unlock)	SHIFT+G
Landing Gear (extend manually)	CTRL+G
Fuel Dump (on/off)	CTRL+SHIFT+D
Subpanels (display/hide)	SHIFT + 1 through 9
Smoke System ((on/off))	I
Cowl Flaps (open incrementally)	CTRL+SHIFT+V
Cowl Flaps (close incrementally)	CTRL+SHIFT+C
Tow Plane (call)	CTRL+SHIFT+Y
Tow Rope (release)	SHIFT+Y
Doors (select)	SHIFT+E

LIGHT COMMANDS

Lights - all (on/off)	L
Strobe Lights (on/off)	O
Panel Lights (on/off)	SHIFT+L
Landing Lights (on/off)	CTRL+L
Landing Light (tilt down)	CTRL+SHIFT+Num Pad 2
Landing Light (tilt left)	CTRL+SHIFT+Num Pad 4
Landing Light (tilt right)	CTRL+SHIFT+Num Pad 6
Landing Light (tilt up)	CTRL+SHIFT+Num Pad 8
Landing Light (center)	CTRL+SHIFT+Num Pad 5

RADIO COMMANDS

ATC Window (display/hide)	` ACCENT or SCROLL LOCK
VOR 1 Ident (on/off)	CTRL+1
VOR 2 Ident (on/off)	CTRL+2
MKR Ident (on/off)	CTRL+3
DME Ident (on/off)	CTRL+4
ADF Ident (on/off)	CTRL+5
Standby Frequency (swap)	X
COM Radio (select)	C
NAV Radio (select)	N
OBS indicator (select)	SHIFT+V
ADF (select)	CTRL+SHIFT+A
DME (select)	F
Transponder (select)	T
Increase Selection	= (EQUAL SIGN)
Increase Selection Slightly	SHIFT+= (EQUAL SIGN)
Decrease Selection Slightly	SHIFT+- (MINUS SIGN)
Decrease Selection	- (MINUS SIGN)

AUTOPILOT COMMANDS

Master (on/off)	Z
Flight Director (on/off)	CTRL+F
Wing Leveler (on/off)	CTRL+V
Yaw Damper (on/off)	CTRL+D
Altitude Hold (on/off)	CTRL+ Z
Altitude Bug (select)	CTRL+SHIFT+Z
Heading Hold (on/off)	CTRL+H
Heading Bug (select)	CTRL+SHIFT+H
Airspeed Hold (on/off)	CTRL+R
Mach Hold (on/off)	CTRL+M
Autothrottle (arm)	SHIFT+R
Autothrottle engage (TOGA)	CTRL+SHIFT+G
Nav 1 Hold (on/off)	CTRL+N
Approach Mode (on/off)	CTRL+A
Back Course Mode (on/off)	CTRL+B
Localizer Hold (on/off)	CTRL+O
Attitude Hold (on/off)	CTRL+T
Increase Selection	= (EQUAL SIGN)
Increase Selection Slightly	SHIFT+= (EQUAL SIGN)
Decrease Selection Slightly	SHIFT+- (MINUS SIGN)
Decrease Selection	- (MINUS SIGN)

INSTRUMENT COMMANDS

Heading Indicator (reset)	D
Altimeter (reset)	B
Pitot Heat (on/off)	SHIFT+H
Increase Selection	= (EQUAL SIGN)
Increase Selection Slightly	SHIFT+= (EQUAL SIGN)
Decrease Selection Slightly	SHIFT+- (MINUS SIGN)
Decrease Selection	- (MINUS SIGN)

VIEW COMMANDS

2-D Cockpit (cycle panels)	W
Snap to Panel View	SHIFT+Num Pad 0
View (next category)	S
View (previous category)	SHIFT+S
View (next view in category)	A
View (previous view in category)	SHIFT+A
View (previous view toggle)	CTRL+S
View (default zoom)	BACKSPACE
Look (snap)	Num Pad
Look (pan)	Hat switch or thumbstick
Look (reset to forward view)	SHIFT+Num Pad DEL
Look Using Mouse (on)	Hold SPACEBAR
Look Using Mouse (on/off)	SHIFT+O
View (open new window)	[ (LEFT BRACKET)
View (close selected window)	] (RIGHT BRACKET)
View (open new top-down window)	SHIFT+] (RIGHT BRACKET)
Virtual Cockpit	F9
2-D Cockpit	F10
Locked Spot View	F11
Top-Down View	F12
2-D Panel Transparency	CTRL+SHIFT+T (+ or -)
Window (bring selected to front)	' (APOSTROPHE)
Zoom In	= (EQUAL SIGN)
Zoom Out	- (HYPHEN)
View (next window)	CTRL+TAB
View (previous window)	CTRL+SHIFT+TAB
Eyepoint (move back)	CTRL+ENTER
Eyepoint (move down)	SHIFT+BACKSPACE
Eyepoint (move forward)	CTRL+BACKSPACE
Eyepoint (move left)	CTRL+SHIFT+BACKSPACE
Eyepoint (move right)	CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER
Eyepoint (move up)	SHIFT+ENTER
Eyepoint (reset)	CTRL+SPACE

SLEW COMMANDS

Slew to rapidly reposition your aircraft without flying in real time.
Slew Mode (on/off)	Y
Heading North/Attitude Level	CTRL+SPACEBAR
Freeze All Movement	Num Pad 5
Slew Forward	Num Pad 8
Slew Backward	Num Pad 2
Slew Left	Num Pad 4
Slew Right	Num Pad 6
Slew Up Slowly	Q or F3
Slew Up Quickly	F4
Slew Down Slowly	A
Slew Down Quickly	F1
Freeze Vertical Movement	F2
Rotate Left	Num Pad 1
Rotate Right	Num Pad 3
Pitch Nose Up	9
Pitch Nose Up Quickly	F5
Pitch Nose Down	F7 or 0
Pitch Nose Down Quickly	F8
Freeze Pitch	F6
Bank Left	Num Pad 7
Bank Right	Num Pad 9

MISSION COMMANDS

Compass/Pointer (on/off)	U
Compass Objective (next)	K
Compass Objective (previous)	SHIFT+K

MULTIPLAYER COMMANDS

Chat Window (display/hide)	CTRL+SHIFT+]
Chat Window (make active)	ENTER
Voice (start transmit)	CAPS LOCK
Voice (stop transmit)	^CAPS LOCK
Voice (start transmit to all)	SHIFT+CAPS LOCK
Voice (stop transmit to all)	^SHIFT+CAPS LOCK
Transfer/Accept Control	SHIFT+T
Follow Other Player	CTRL+SHIFT+F

To add or customize keyboard commands, on the Options menu, point to Controls, then click Buttons/Keys.

⇈ Back to top

The archive FSX_Keyboard_Commands.zip.zip has 9 files and directories contained within it.

File Contents

This list displays the first 500 files in the package. If the package has more, you will need to download it to view them.

Filename/Directory	File Date	File Size
FSXKeyboardCommands.mht	08.31.06	74.16 kB
flyawaysimulation.txt	10.29.13	959 B
Go to Fly Away Simulation.url	01.22.16	52 B
FSXKeyboardCommands.doc	01.14.19	182.00 kB
FSXKeyboardCommands.docx	01.14.19	19.09 kB
FSXKeyboardCommands.pdf	01.14.19	98.49 kB
FSX Keyboard Commands Page JPG.jpg	10.24.06	871.09 kB
FSX Keyboard Commands Pamphlet.pdf	10.24.06	887.23 kB
FSXCmndsScreenshot.png	10.29.06	680.33 kB

Editorial

Without a doubt, one of the best investments that you can make when using a flight simulator is to pick up a flight stick and a gaming keyboard.

However, not everybody is going to be able to make the most of these features because of the massive scope for using the keyboard when in-flight.

I really struggled to fly properly at first as I was constantly moving from one section to the next, trying this and that to become a more adept pilot – it just wouldn’t work. Then, I discovered the brilliance of hotkeys and keyboard commands.

In conjunction with my own flight stick, I was able to take control of a flight far more readily and steer it in the direction that I needed to go. This excellent list of commands and controls can be just what you need to get things moving; rather than always trying to click with the mouse, or spending forever looking for a certain feature, you can do it with a simple press of a button.

Thanks to the excellent use of hotkeys you can avoid having to deal with this kind of situation too often, and will eventually start to master those little shortcuts that will save you from crashing the aircraft looking for too long! It’s these little timesavers that help you start to become a more professional pilot who makes fewer mistakes and deals with problems quickly and easily.

Of course, it also helps the entire experience feel more “real”. If you are able to get used to hitting all these little keys in front of you it can feel far more like the real thing than constantly clicking with a mouse.

I struggled to engage with flight simulators at first because of this, but once I got into the habit of using keyboard shortcuts to get things done I found that not only did my flying skills improve, but my actual enjoyment of using a flight simulator shot up as well!

This is the perfect solution for anyone who struggles to get into the atmosphere, or regularly makes mistakes.

Adam McEnroe

Adam McEnroe is a flight sim enthusiast who has been simming since the days of FS95. Adam writes all of the download section editorials after testing each of the files. Adam has extensive knowledge using various flight simulator packages and thoroughly tests the files before writing about them. Adam also like to fly real-world aircraft in his spare time and is training for his PPL.

Should you wish, you can contact Adam via email at adam@flyawaysimulation.com.

⇈ Back to top

Installation Instructions

Most of the freeware add-on aircraft and scenery packages in our file library come with easy installation instructions which you can read above in the file description. For further installation help, please see our Flight School for our full range of tutorials or view the README file contained within the download. If in doubt, you may also ask a question or view existing answers in our dedicated Q&A forum.

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25 comments

Leave a Response

The content of the comments below are entirely the opinions of the individual posting the comment and do not always reflect the views of Fly Away Simulation. We moderate all comments manually before they are approved.

JackThu, 16 Dec 2021 04:31:11 GMT

I have a weird problem where I have an addon plane specifically the Honda jet. It has commands mapped in the config file for open window shades, cargo doors, etc but none of them work except the main exit.

They don't work even when I try reconfiguring them to something simple like Shift+C to open window shades in the cabin. They come closed by default which is frustrating because it's one of the few private jet add-ons that feature a virtual cabin view where you can experience a passenger set.

Does anyone know how to fix this? It's a shame they never bothered to make it so we can add custom commands for addons for things like cargo doors and window shades for FSX itself.

BOb FormanSun, 14 Jun 2020 13:20:10 GMT

Dear Sir Is there any way that I can switch in the switch on the ILS without having to try and read the very small print in most radio panels in most FSX aircraft instrument panels? Kindest Regards Bob.

gavourzniak thomasWed, 25 Sep 2019 22:09:57 GMT

Amazing site! I have an FSX ATC question for you. If you speed up FSX to get to your f/p destination ATC gets super confused and ruins it. If you change the channel before speed up sometimes it works ok but usually, it cancels the f/p, etc. Any ideas suggestions etc. like a suspend/resume ATC thing to publish along? Tks.

Shuge ZhangMon, 14 Jan 2019 20:13:46 GMT

The new PDF option is brilliant. I don't have Microsoft Word so this one works for me just fine. I was also able to print it with no problems. The JPG and PNG files are also useful for viewing without printing.

All the best,

Shuge.

Darkmagnitude56Mon, 16 Oct 2017 04:33:14 GMT

Nice grid of the commands pretty much the same as in the game. Maybe if you would have added something to it that would be helpful. Or made it a PDF file or something with page breaks... but all and all thanks.

Darkmagnitude56Mon, 16 Oct 2017 04:32:39 GMT

GOD THIS IS AWESOME I WISH I COULD KISS YOU RIGHT NOW (OK maybe not kiss) But This Is Awesome

iandaleyFri, 16 Jun 2017 18:21:20 GMT

Can I reposition the aircraft for continual approaches, (instead of having top fly the full circuit?)

Bernard J StaudtFri, 23 Dec 2016 21:54:49 GMT

Hi,

I have a situation that has been driving me crazy for years !! Control + E will start the engine on planes but they will never keep running. Engines stop as soon as keys are released. I can only fly missions where the Engines are all ready running.

Please tell me what has made this happen. It worked okay at one time. Reloading the software does not fix the problem. I suspect that a file someplace stores this setup info and pumps it back into the new installations so reloading does not change the problem.

Thank you for your time. Bernie Staudt

DavidMon, 23 May 2016 02:01:07 GMT

Since I d/loaded Concord getting a lot of black smoke from other aircraft engines Tried the i key to switch off but doesnt seem to work I have checked the settings which seem ok

Mark BrownTue, 15 Sep 2015 11:47:15 GMT

Hey Guys

Have you seen our new Flight Simulator X Keyboard?

https://www.editorskeys.com/products/gaming/flight-simulator-x-keyboard/

King350Tue, 25 Aug 2015 21:15:11 GMT

How do I remove the yoke from the panel? Tks

mikkelFri, 22 Aug 2014 18:00:13 GMT

i cannot move my frontwheel anymore. can anyone help me?

PaulSat, 31 May 2014 16:49:27 GMT

This is a remarkable service you have done. Thank you so much. So nicely organized and clearly laid out. Very useful. Again, THANK YOU paul......

Gary IrvineFri, 11 Oct 2013 04:56:12 GMT

SHIFT+ENTER does not move eye point up in FSX. Is there a way around this?

OTMANFri, 12 Aug 2011 22:23:11 GMT

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Is there a keyboard command for switching fro Nav to GPS as when doing a flight plan and having the plane track the course?

eecee04Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:02:50 GMT

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.

cbunce322Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:50:54 GMT

helps me a lot for shotcuts

TimmileyMon, 04 Aug 2008 15:23:07 GMT

THANKS A LOT FOR DOING THIS AND IT REALLY IS HELPFUL. I HOPE THAT ALL OF THE MEMBERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FILE AND USE EVERY COMMAND THAT IS AVAILABLE IN FLIGHT SIMULATOR X.

conticreativeTue, 10 Jun 2008 18:12:14 GMT

I love you! I have been looking for something like this for days now. Thank you!

jetguy99Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:09:02 GMT

You are a god my friend. this has save my but soo many times.

AirAustinSat, 26 May 2007 16:56:57 GMT

It`s very useful, but I must say that there is a complete list of key commands in somewhere like the Learning Center of the game.

blademanSat, 03 Mar 2007 00:36:41 GMT

kool great for newbies just printed them and trimmed off excess paper . taped'em together as one page . hang it off to the side of screen.

96EyesSat, 17 Feb 2007 21:02:01 GMT

Quite useful, even though you don't get any more info than you get in the Shift+F10 panel... BUT: you do get a chance to PRINT the list and save time going back and forth in panels while playing... Not bad at all, especially for newbies (like me) who don't know all the keys yet (does anyone--I wonder...)

littlejoeFri, 19 Jan 2007 01:03:20 GMT

thanks for the DownLoad!

cpscWed, 18 Oct 2006 15:12:34 GMT

	Yes, they have really improved it.
	No, I haven't downloaded it yet...
	I'm going to stick with my original FSX.
	I haven't even moved to FSX, I'm sticking with FS2004.
	No, X-Plane 12 all the way!
	...there's a new Microsoft Flight Simulator?
	I'm staying with Prepar3D.
	I'm staying with Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition.