Sim Startup: A Guide to Mastering Microsoft Flight Simulator

Getting started with Microsoft Flight Simulator can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. However, with a few simple tweaks and shortcuts, you'll be soaring through the skies in no time. In this article, we'll explore how to speed up or slow down your simulation, use Active Pause, and navigate the in-flight menu.

Speed Up or Slow Down Your Simulation

One of the most convenient features in Microsoft Flight Simulator is the ability to modify the simulation speed. By holding the R key and tapping the plus or minus keys on your Numpad, you can adjust the speed to your liking. Whether you want to zip through the skies at lightning speed or take your time with a leisurely crawl, this feature has got you covered.

Active Pause: A Game-Changer

Another useful feature is Active Pause, which allows you to stop your plane dead in its tracks and assess your situation. To activate Active Pause, simply hit the Pause or Pause Break key on your keyboard (usually located next to Scroll Lock and Print Screen). From here, you can take stock of your surroundings, capture photos, or sort out any issues that may have arisen.

Navigating the In-Flight Menu

The in-flight menu is a treasure trove of useful features and shortcuts. By pressing the middle button at the top right of each menu asset, you can pop-out the menu and drag it onto a second monitor (if you're lucky enough to have one). Here are some of the most important things to note:

* The controller button (or CTRL+C on your keyboard) will bring up an annotated image of your HOTAS or control scheme, useful for learning inputs.

* The pin marker will let you travel to critical flashpoints in your destination if you crash, such as the descent or taxi phase.

* The map button (or V on your keyboard) will pull up the map, and you can toggle GPS tracking, so it hovers on your craft as you fly.

* The cloud button will let you control the weather in-game (as long as Live Weather hasn't been selected in the pre-flight menu).

* The pilot's head button offers an AI Control option which will let the computer take over and get you back on track if you're struggling.

By mastering these shortcuts and features, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pro at Microsoft Flight Simulator. So, take to the skies and see what wonders this amazing simulator has in store for you!

Sim startup