Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator or MSFS as it's been abbreviated as is Microsoft's latest flight simulator release which was released (officially on 18th August 2020) after an extended hiatus by Microsoft and various ownership changes over the years. It's also known as "FS2020" due to its release in 2020 - however, this is not the official abbreviation for it - it's only known as that by long-term flight sim enthusiasts.
Here we cover the latest important news regarding MSFS. We don't cover everything, we only cover important updates and news. We also do not feature verbatim press releases - if we do cover a press release then we write all of the content ourselves and provide our thoughts and discussion regarding the release.
MSFS is a next-gen flight sim that simmers have been dreaming about for years. Stay up to date on this latest simulator by visiting the news sections here. Stay up to date with the latest freeware MSFS releases, payware releases, and features and articles.
Posted on Thu, 22 Oct 2020 19:19:36 GMT (3697 reads)
OK, we waited over half of 2020 for it, and then finally on August 18th Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 was unleashed to the general public, allowing us to finally experience those previous samples and teasers in full.
Posted on Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:36:11 GMT (23574 reads)
Announced by Microsoft at Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019 (E3 2019) is their new flight simulator package set for release in 2020 for both PC and Xbox.
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Microsoft Flight Simulator X
The most advanced and highly detailed flight simulator for the PC; Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Flight Simulator X or as it's know in the community FSX is the latest flight simulator developer by Microsoft and is currently the last flight simulator being produced by Microsoft and the ACES studio. The ACES team were cut from Microsoft's budget leaving no development team to work on the next flight simulator release. It's possible that Microsoft will sell the Flight Simulator franchise to an external company for them to develop a new release, however nothing has been confirmed. This topic features news related to the latest add-ons, software and downloads for FSX.
Posted on Thu, 28 Mar 2019 19:52:38 GMT (20418 reads)
Realism, attention to detail, and absolute authenticity are at the heart of any top-notch flight simulation experience. Whether it is how authentic the planes themselves look, or the attention to detail on the many famous airports that are themselves household names around the world, it is arguable that the real journey of flight simulation begins once one begins to explore the abundance of extra choices available.
Posted on Mon, 24 Dec 2018 16:38:52 GMT (24559 reads)
Part of what makes virtual flight joyful is the reality and authenticity of the scenery and surroundings. Whether it is the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis-type cities below, or the wide-open plains of the countryside or mountain regions, after the flight and authenticity of the aircraft itself, it is important to make the “outside”, the scenery, equally authentic so as to achieve as realistic a flight as possible.
Posted on Fri, 26 Jan 2018 18:39:01 GMT (35481 reads)
Every year, the simulation community manages to create new and improved aircraft and scenery for many locations around the virtual globe. From top quality designs that perfectly portrays some of the most important airports in the world, to lesser-known aircraft that you may never have heard of, many mods exist.
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X-Plane
X-Plane is one of the most advanced and sophisticated flight simulator packages available. They have released versions for PC, Mac and Linux and now even iPhone. X-Plane provides the end user with a sophisticated flight environment with ultra realistic flight dynamics. While X-Plane isn't the most popular flight simulator, it is growing its user base because of the demise of Microsoft Flight Simulator. X-Plane is destined to become the next biggest flight simulator package for a mix of platforms.
Posted on Mon, 09 Sep 2019 13:23:20 GMT (15722 reads)
X-Plane 11 is one of the most popular virtual flight programs. And, most often than not, offers some of the most authentic virtual flight experiences on the market. Part of that experience is the scenery, and how real or authentic it looks. With this in mind, we will examine some of the best freeware photorealistic scenery add-ons currently available.
Posted on Wed, 03 Apr 2019 18:16:40 GMT (15259 reads)
Perhaps before we attempt to answer the above question, we should point out that whatever Flight Simulation program you opt for – and many simulation pilots have both – each are sound platforms from which to tour the virtual skies. And each has its pros and cons.
Posted on Tue, 31 Jul 2018 22:20:48 GMT (26874 reads)
Once you have installed your basic version of X-Plane-11 you will now probably be looking to customize your experience and add to it by way of the best available, and free, add-ons.
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Prepar3D
Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:17:26 GMT (4998 reads)
You could perhaps be forgiven for missing the release of Prepar3D v5 given it was released right in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and with around a week’s notice to the general public. On the other hand, those who did grab the latest release from the Lockheed Martin team have perhaps used a portion of the lockdown to hone their flight simulation skills all the more.
Posted on Mon, 01 Oct 2018 15:47:51 GMT (18066 reads)
OK, we all like freebies, free stuff, and offers. However, sometimes even the thriftiest of us have to accept that on occasion you “get what you pay for!”
While the virtual world of aviation offers some amazingly high-quality freeware add-ons, some of the payware available simply serves to open up your virtual flying experience. Indeed, they bring some of the most famous, picturesque parts of the world right into your living room via your computer screen, as well as offering some of the most graceful aerial machines to ever take to the skies to visit them in.
Posted on Thu, 04 Jan 2018 18:19:32 GMT (12359 reads)
As one of the most commonly used Aerosoft releases, the Airbus Professional package has undergone a major reboot and revival. This latest take on the Airbus range covers the A318/319, A320/321 and A330 Professional models previously released.
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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004
Flight Simulator 2004 was the flight simulator that changed it all for Microsoft. This product was the best selling flight simulator on the market and produced record sales. With many advanced features and improvements in the weather engine and graphics; aircraft and downloads being produced by freeware developers, this was one of the most customizable flight simulators for Windows. Some fans still think that this is a better simulator than later releases by Microsoft. While slowing down, FS2004 is still a very active topic.
Posted on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT (23004 reads)
If you want an advanced tool for planning your flights in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, you can’t look past Virtual Dispatch.
Posted on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 GMT (11215 reads)
Carenado announced its release of PA32R 301 Saratoga SP for FS2004 in February 2010.
Over the past few years, Carenado has created many products for FSX and FS2004. Their latest release, Piper PA32R 301 Saratoga, offers a high performance single engine aircraft with a trendy design. Carenado previously released an FSX version of the same add-on.
Posted on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:48:59 GMT (13592 reads)
Commercial Level Simulations (CLS) announced on 1 February 2010 its release of Boeing 767-200 and -300, a dedicated model for FS2004.
After one and a half years of unwavering commitment and hard work, CLS released this high quality and highly detailed package which they designed with one goal in mind – to ensure that it enhances simulation experiences for all flight simulation enthusiasts.
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Software Reviews
Reviews of flight simulator software and add-ons from the review team here at Fly Away. We review many payware aircraft, scenery and enhancement products. Reviews are highly detailed with honest opinions and high quality screenshots. Some of our reviews include 737 Pilot in Command, PMDG 747, PMDG MD-11 and many more.
Posted on Wed, 13 Jun 2018 17:10:01 GMT (8975 reads)
The VC10 is an important part of aviation history, playing an important role in the Royal Air Force for quite some time. First taking to the skies in 1962, it was built by Vickers-Armstrong until 1970. That 8-year span, though, produced a memorable aircraft that was still being used by the RAF some time in 2013.
Posted on Sun, 01 Apr 2018 14:04:38 GMT (7541 reads)
As one of a large number of Alabeo released for FSX and P3D, the M20R Ovation, released in September, adds to a growing collection. As part of the Mooney Aircraft Company, the M20 was a very impressive model for its time. This review will take a closer look at the M20R Ovation created by Alabeo, to help you determine if it’s worth trying out.
Posted on Sat, 06 Jan 2018 17:06:18 GMT (10704 reads)
As a wider part of some of the bigger Aerosoft releases in recent times, the new Aerosoft release covering the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) 700 and 900 aircraft is a special one. Developed by the Bombardier firm, this aircraft group has been among the most popular of its kind. However, they’ve never been properly translated into a simulation environment in as much detail as this.
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Payware Flight Sim Products
This topic covers all the latest payware add-on releases for all of the flight simulators featured on this website. The payware releases are delivered from our on-line flight sim store SimShack.net. SimShack.net are stockists of hundreds of payware flight sim add-ons for purchase. They deliver physical media (CD versions) and have now started stocking digital downloads for immediate delivery to your desktop with no wait. There are many payware add-ons for FSX, FS2004 and X-Plane.
Posted on Fri, 14 Aug 2015 19:00:00 GMT (8530 reads)
For those who had decided to go with the Windows 10 update in recent weeks, you may have noticed that – like any new OS – it struggles to run things quite as well as you may have expected.
Posted on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:38:10 GMT (25117 reads)
The CLS Piper Arrow for Microsoft Flight Simulator X and 2004 has now been released as freeware and is available on the SimShack.net flight sim store. There is no charge to purchase, download or install this previously payware aircraft add-on for Microsoft's Flight Simulator package. Before it was released as freeware, CLS sold this product as payware - but because it has become somewhat dates and the quality isn't as good as their latest payware products, they have released it to the public for free.
Posted on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT (23467 reads)
The TSS Cessna 172 Sound Pack is very cool add-on. This particular one is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 compatible. It is a fairly small download with a filesize of 20MB. Individuals will find that they will be able to access this add-on, immediately after purchasing it. The soundpack for the Cessna 172 has been created by Turbine Sound Studios.
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Other flight sim related news
Flight simulator news that does not belong to a specific topic can be found here, or news that spans multiple topics. For example, an add-on for FSX and FS2004 will be included in this category. This topic also features other flight sim related news such as community updates, competitions and payware developer press releases.
Posted on Sat, 21 Oct 2017 01:00:00 GMT (9122 reads)
Having been promised to see updates since release, the latest changes to iFMS 2 have arrived. In the 2.1 update, some minor changes were made to help further tweak and improve how the add-on works.
Posted on Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMT (9206 reads)
In a bid to keep improving and changing flight simulation, development team Azure Computing has a new mobile sim app available. SimControl is a multi-purpose solution that makes creating training scenarios that are worthwhile easier than ever before. Android users, sadly, will need to wait; at present, this is only available on the Apple Store for iPad devices. This is a must-have for those who are looking to manage flight simulation controls and organization more than ever.
Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017 11:19:46 GMT (6884 reads)
Do you use the browser-based Air Traffic Control simulator, ATC-SIM? If so, it’s just been given a major update. By helping to add a touch of extra depth to the simulation experience, ATC-SIM has seen some pretty big improvements.
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Editorial
Our editorial section is one of our most interesting. Editors write about their opinions regarding flight simulators and add-ons, however we have several writers who write about real-life aviation and their flying experiences. Most of the editorials are opinion based, you should read them through and make your own mind up about the content.
Posted on Thu, 24 Oct 2019 21:35:18 GMT (8101 reads)
Given the early access releases of Aerofly FS 2, it might be tempting to dismiss the program and move on to other more established flight sim programs. However, the fact is, once you do give it a try you will very likely find yourself begrudgingly liking what is unfolding before you.
And while there are still ways to go in terms of high-resolution add-ons and scenery (which will surely come with time) the initial feeling is one of positivity, even if there is a longing for more quantity of such scenery and airports.
Posted on Thu, 18 Jul 2019 10:53:27 GMT (18169 reads)
Microsoft Flight was a flight simulator package released in 2012 and developed by Microsoft as an attempt at a new PC based simulation package to continue their Flight Simulator series. It wasn't based on old FSX code; it was a completely new engine built for modern 64-bit machines.
Posted on Tue, 25 Jun 2019 13:32:01 GMT (11729 reads)
Flight Sim World or FSW as it became know as was the latest flight simulator package released by Dovetail Games. Flight Sim World's core was based on existing FSX code but it had been brought up to date with heavy modification and rewriting (and of course many new features and functions).
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Train Simulator
From time to time we feature news related to train simulation. This is a flight simulator website that focuses heavily on simulated flight, however many of our users are train sim enthusiasts too. One of the popular train simulator packages we cover is Microsoft Train Simulator (which has now been discontinued), Trainz and RailWorks. Included are press releases, industry updates and payware product releases.
Posted on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:24:13 GMT (38290 reads)
Microsoft Game Studios has announced Train Simulator 2, the sequel to Microsoft's realistic railroading simulation from 2001, Train Simulator. The new game adds five new highly detailed routes and will let players control a variety of trains, from 200-ton modern diesel locomotives to historical steam engines. The new routes will let players turn back the clock and control trains on the Pennsylvania Railroad's Horseshoe Curve in 1946 or go for high-speed runs through Germany on the Deutsche Bahn AG. Train Simulator 2 also adds dynamic weather and richer environments filled with people, vehicles, and roaming animals.
Posted on Mon, 21 Jun 2004 00:44:14 GMT (25854 reads)
The real world Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway in Wales, the oldest independent railway company in the world, has an extensive collection of MSTS wagons available for download from their web site as well as an early alpha version of their actual route.
Posted on Sun, 11 Jan 2004 19:15:56 GMT (818164 reads)
We have now opened our MSTS, Microsoft Train Simulator download sections. These sections include quality addons and downloads for Train Simulator. We have locomotives to download, carriages; all for download for MSTS. Our library will be updated often, in order to deliver to you the very best Train Simulator experience.
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Aviation News
Aviation news from the editors at Fly Away Simulation. Featuring the latest aviation and aerospace updates and press releases. We feature content about the latest airplane news and any topics related to real world aircraft, not flight simulation. International airports and general airport news are also included here.
Posted on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 05:59:59 GMT (126868 reads)
There have been a number of devastating airline disasters and crashes caught on video over the years. One day we sifted and sorted, viewed and reviewed tons of hair-raising, harrowing airplane crash video footage. Warning--don't watch any of this before you go on your next flight!
Posted on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:10:52 GMT (53075 reads)
Why is there a huge hole in the side of the World Trade Center?
On the morning of Sept 11, 2001 I flipped on the Today Show morning news program in Los Angeles a few minutes before 6am. They were showing a video of a huge gaping hole in the side of one of the World Trade Center buildings, with a massive black cloud billowing out. One of the anchors, Katie Couric said, “As Matt just mentioned we have a breaking news story to tell you about. Apparently a plane has just crashed into the World Trade Center here in New York City.”
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Other news topics
Below are the categories that have been archived because they are for older or obsolete simulators or don't fit into the sections above.
Welcome to the Fly Away Simulation flight sim news section - the homepage to where you can find the latest news from the newsdesk at Fly Away Simulation.
