Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

[Asid]

February 27th, 2020 – Development Update

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team



Screenshot credit: Batlle777

“Please, all of us, we are here for fun. We all share a passion in flightsim, no matter the brand name.”
•   Avsim user CasualCas
 

FEATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

•   EPISODE 8 – IS COMING SOON!

We are putting the finishing touches on Episode 8 (Multiplayer)! The team is excited to release the next episode in our Feature Discovery Series where we explore all multiplayer related activities planned for the next iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Reminder:

•   EPISODE 7 – HAS BEEN MOVED BACK
•   EPISODE 8 – HAS BEEN MOVED UP
Note – due to the increasing demand for multiplayer information, we have swapped release dates for Episode 7 (IFR) and Episode 8 (MP).
•   Episode 8 will now be released on March 12th
•   Episode 7 will now be released the end of March.


PARTNERSHIP SERIES UPDATE
We are currently delayed on our partnership series update due to a series of unforeseen delays impacting travel. We expect to have an update very soon but are still running a bit behind schedule.

FEEDBACK SNAPSHOT UPDATE FOR MARCH AND APRIL IS HERE!



 
MORE GREAT SCREENSHOTS FROM ALPHA PARTICIPANTS!


Screenshot Credit:  Icone32


Screenshot Credit: Jahoo2k


Screenshot Credit:  Icone32


Screenshot Credit:  Parorng


Screenshot Credit: CajolingLight15


Screenshot Credit: Parorng


Screenshot Credit: SoapyDiamond333


Screenshot Credit: SH4RPxT4NK


Screenshot Credit: SoapyDiamond333


Screenshot Credit: Garywinhk
 

Screenshot Credit: Nedo68
 
NEXT UPDATE – 03.05!

Sincerely,
Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

[Asid]

March 5th, 2020 – Development Update

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team


Screenshot credit: SkintFrmine4112
 
In light of recent health concerns, we’ve asked the team to focus on their health and well-being. As a result, our normal development updates will be scaled back over the next few weeks as we continue to monitor the situation. On behalf of the entire team, we express our sincere apologies for the impact this decision has on our community. We will do our best to continue providing status updates, and look forward to resuming regular postings in the near future.

•    MSFS TEAM


NEXT UPDATE WILL CONTAIN:

•    Timeline update for pre-release build testing (e.g. Alpha, etc.).
•   Update on a new Alpha build that is coming very soon.
•   Update on next round of Alpha invitations.
•   Feature Discovery Series Episode 8 (still tracking to a March 12th release).
•   DR Roadmap update preview for April/May (this is going to be worth paying attention to).
•   Feedback Snapshot update preview.
•   Partnership Series update.
•   SDK update.
•   Feature Discovery Series update.
 
Some big things coming on the horizon!
In the meantime…

 
MORE GREAT SCREENSHOTS FROM ALPHA PARTICIPANTS!


Screenshot credit: SlidHydra647449


Screenshot credit: Eigil A


Screenshot credit: JonasAlexandr2


Screenshot credit: djays72


Screenshot credit: RealestAirdoo


Screenshot credit: Batlle777


Screenshot credit: skellyy61


Screenshot credit: MoMedia1


Screenshot credit: JonasAlexander2


Screenshot credit: Lewiskelly02


Screenshot credit: TheMrEricM


Screenshot credit: thomas3302


Screenshot credit: tomlaut1980


Screenshot credit: Icon32


Screenshot credit: Acktu Nasrabi
 
NEXT UPDATE – 03.12! (fingers crossed)
 
Sincerely,
Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

[Asid]

March 12th, 2020 Development Update

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team




“Either the grass/weeds are too big or the plane is too small. Hope they can fix things like this before release…”

•    Avsim User
 Fix grass. Check.
•    MSFT
 
The team has been hard at work on a number of key deliverables we’re planning to release in the near future. There are a few updates we wanted to make everyone aware of:

•   March 19th – EPISODE 8 (Multiplayer) will be released.
•   March 19th – DR roadmap preview for April/May will be released.
•   Early April – EPISODE 7 (IFR) will be released.
•   Early April – Partnership Series update will be released.
 
ALPHA BUILD UPDATE
The upcoming Alpha build update is currently in release testing. We expect to provide a release date and build notes in our next update on March 19th.
 
ALPHA INVITATIONS
For those of you that have not yet registered for pre-release build testing or that have registered but would like to update your DXDIAG information, we will be opening registration on March 16th.

On March 19th, we will provide an update on our invitation timeline.
 


•    EPISODE 8 (MULTIPLAYER) IS ALMOST HERE!
On March 19th, the team will be releasing the next episode in the Feature Discovery Series (Episode 8 – Multiplayer). In this episode, we’ll  take an in-depth look at the multiplayer feature in the upcoming next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator!
 
•   EPISODE 7 (IFR) COMING IN EARLY APRIL.
 
FEEDBACK SNAPSHOT
We have released an updated version of the Feedback Snapshot! Head into the Insider Area to check it out.
 
SDK UPDATE
The SDK is now being used by over 50 companies and hundreds of programmers and artists. We have spent time listening, discussing and learning from our 3rd party developers, and we are working closely with them to keep improving the tools. The new aircraft editor is close to being finished with several improvements to the workflow. We also made lots of progress on WebAssembly support, which is the technology that will allow the porting of native code to our platform. We are excited to share what we developed with our partners within the next few weeks.

Several 3rd parties have started to share the roadmaps with us and we happy to report that dozens of planes and airports are in development and we are hopeful that quite a few of them will be ready by the time our new simulator is released.



MORE GREAT SCREENSHOTS FROM ALPHA PARTICIPANTS!


Screenshot Credit: Acktu Nasrabi


Screenshot Credit: bonham Five


Screenshot Credit: iahoo2k


Screenshot Credit: tomlaut1980


Screenshot Credit: ExpressTomato52


Screenshot Credit: imaner767612


Screenshot Credit: ShortFinal


Screenshot Credit: SteffoHD


Screenshot Credit: OrneryCuss


Screenshot Credit: DampfGepard9514


Screenshot Credit: tomlaut1980
 
NEXT UPDATE – 03.18.20
 
Sincerely,
Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

[Asid]

March 19th, 2020 Development Update

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team



Screenshot Credit: SchereUlme68442


“Together.”

 It is with immense pride that we stand with our community during this very challenging time. We continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our team, friends and families. We do so with an unwavering commitment to remain connected to the community as we continue to develop the next iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Your feedback, support, and encouragement continues to be an invaluable inspiration to the team.

With guidance from our leadership, we have taken steps to establish remote work spaces that will minimize impact on our development efforts. We have prioritized team focus on key deliverables core to completing the project, while pausing work on deliverables that are not. In the near term work will be focused on delivering an updated Alpha build, followed by assessing our Alpha participation. Once we’ve completed that process, we will turn our focus back to other deliverables we have in the pipeline (e.g. Feature Discovery Series Episodes, DR Roadmap Updates, Partnership Series updates, etc.). This is a temporary measure, we will continue to monitor the situation while providing frequent updates to the community.

 For now, expect that many of the deliverables we’ve been working on will be delayed by a few weeks while we get the team working at optimal efficiency remotely.

 In moments like this we are mindful of the importance of taking care of those that take care of us. From all of us, to all of you, we wish you good health and safety. 

 We are all in this together.

 
Sincerely,

 – MSFS TEAM




The following deliverables have been postponed and the team will provide an update during the next update.
•   POSTPONED – EPISODE 8 (Multiplayer) will be released.
•   POSTPONED – DR roadmap preview for April/May will be released. (potentially delayed)
•   POSTPONED  – EPISODE 7 (IFR) will be released.
•   POSTPONED – Partnership Series update will be released.
•   POSTPONED – Feedback Snapshot update.
 
ALPHA BUILD UPDATE
The team is currently focusing on releasing an updated Alpha build which we are planning to release next week.
Build notes for the upcoming Alpha update:
HIGHLIGHTS
•   We’ve added Groups to multiplayer, and while still early in development you should be able to Add Friends and find them on the world map, and click to join them.
•   We’ve added Training Missions for those who are new to Flight Simulator. These missions will take you through the Basic Controls, Attitudes and Instruments, and Take-off, Level flight and Landing.
•   The Cessna 152 has been added and is now cleared for takeoff
•   We’ve added Live Events which are time-limited activities that we plan to switch out with different events frequently.
•   Peripherals Support has been improved, and more devices added. Please note that due to these changes, previous mappings from the Alpha will no longer work with the current Alpha.
•   We are hard at work prepping the airliners for release in the next Alpha update!
 
NEW CONTENT
•   Training missions
•   Cessna 152
•   Sedona Landing Challenge
 
PLANE SPECIFIC UPDATES
·         Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) has been improved for flight controls and instruments
·         DA40 TDI instrumentation improvements
·         DA62 has improved pilot controls
·         DA62 instrumentation improvements
·         Beechcraft Bonanza G36 issues glass cockpits improvements
·         TBM 930 flight controls improved
·         TBM 930 instrumentation improved
·         TBM 930 animations have been updated
 

ALPHA INVITATIONS

There have been a number of discussions in the community regarding Alpha build access recently. We are continuing to discuss our current participation strategy and will finalize any changes/communicate to the community, once we release the updated Alpha build.

Our current top 3 tasks regarding Alpha participation are as follows:

1.   Ensure that everyone that received an acceptance email has access to the Alpha.
2.   Ensure that those that registered early for pre-release build testing, have access to the Alpha.
3.   Assess Alpha participation options for adding more people as quickly as possible.




MORE GREAT SCREENSHOTS FROM ALPHA PARTICIPANTS!


Screenshot Credit: Beechc23


Screenshot Credit: LeLapindeGiens


Screenshot Credit: SM4RT4N117


Screenshot Credit: Batlle777


Screenshot Credit: Virtual Flights


Screenshot Credit: garywinhk


Screenshot Credit: SulfonicCarp982


Screenshot Credit: CaseBug2496684


Screenshot Credit: BonhamFive


Screenshot: tomiaut1980


Screenshot Credit: Batlte777


Screenshot Credit: CaseBug2496684

 
NEXT UPDATE – 03.26

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

[Rinix]

Microsoft Flight Simulator will require 150 GB of storage, also will require an increasingly fast internet connection the higher the graphics settings are: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/71971/microsoft-flight-simulator-specs-150gb-hdd-ideal-spec-rtx-2080/index.html

[Asid]

Machine specifications

[Lusik]

These are not that bad considering how advanced visuals we get. Flight simulator has always been at the forefront of what what graphics and hardware had to offer. I'm curries what the FPS will be with the recommended specs.

[Asid]

I'm curries what the FPS will be with the recommended specs.

FPS has always been the big issue for most when MS Flight sim is considered...I remember when FSX first came out. Slide show 

[Asid]

March 26th, 2020 Development Update

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team


Screenshot Credit: Tomlaut1980

“Wing Wednesday. How about Mixture Lever Monday? TCAS Tuesday? Throttle Thursday? Flap Lever Friday? Stall Warning Saturday? and Spin Recovery Sunday?”

•   Avsim User
 
Speaking of “Throttle Thursday” – the team went full power to bring you the update this week. Enjoy!

•   MSFS TEAM
 


Here is an update on the current postponed deliverables:

•   RELEASED – EPISODE 7 (Multiplayer) will be released.
•   RELEASED – DR roadmap preview for April/May will be released.
•   EARLY APRIL – Feedback Snapshot update.
•   MID APRIL- EPISODE 8 (IFR) will be released.
•   MID APRIL – Partnership Series update will be released.
 


Episode 7 is here! If you would like to check out the latest video in our Feature Discovery Series (Ep. 7 MULTIPLAYER) head into the Insider Area now!


DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP

April/May preview has been released! Head into the Insider Area to check out the preview now.


ALPHA BUILD UPDATE

We are preparing the build for release and expect to have the build ready for access early next week. Stay tuned, we will send an update once it’s ready for download!


ALPHA INVITATIONS

There have been a number of discussions in the community regarding Alpha build access recently. We are continuing to discuss our current participation strategy and will finalize any changes/communicate to the community, once we release the updated Alpha build. Our current top 3 tasks regarding Alpha participation are as follows:

1.   Ensure that everyone that received an acceptance email has access to the Alpha.
2.   Ensure that those that registered early for pre-release build testing, have access to the Alpha.
3.   Assess Alpha participation options for adding more people as quickly as possible.

FEEDBACK SNAPSHOT
 





MORE GREAT SCREENSHOTS FROM ALPHA PARTICIPANTS!
 

Screenshot Credit: FieryCypress174


Screenshot Credit: CaseBug92496684


Screenshot Credit: FieryCypress174


Screenshot Credit: FieryCypress174


Screenshot Credit: Djays72


Screenshot Credit: OperatorLand468


Screenshot Credit: Acktu Nasrabi


Screenshot Credit: Djays72


Screenshot Credit: FieryCypress174


Screenshot Credit: TurnedCrab36127


Screenshot Credit: Parorng


Screenshot Credit: Tomlaut1980
 
 
NEXT UPDATE – 04.02

Sincerely,
Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

[Asid]

Women’s History Month: The First Women’s Air Derby
March 31st, 2020

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

So far this year, we have focused on utilizing groundbreaking technology to bring you our latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Our Feature Discovery series has highlighted our aerodynamics, live weather, world-building and more. In our pursuit to build a beautifully realistic and expansive sim, we would like to give credit to the early pioneers of flight; specifically, the brave women who entered the field of aviation. They have paved the way for flight enthusiasts today, setting precedent upon precedent.


From left to right: Raymonde de Laroche, Hιlθne Dutrieu, Lilian Bland’s “Mayfly”


In 1910, Raymonde de Laroche, became the first the first woman in the world to receive a pilot license when the Aero-Club of France issued her license #36 of the Fιdιration Aιronautique Internationale.  Hιlθne Dutrieu, the “girl hawk” of aviation from Tournai Belgium, set many altitude and distance records including winning France’s Coupe Femina for the women’s world nonstop light record on December 31, 1911 flying 254 kilometers (158 miles) in 178 minutes. In Northern Ireland, Lilian Bland designed a glider, the Bland Mayfly, even before she earned her pilot’s license, making her the first women in the world to design, build, and fly an aeroplane. The United States wasn’t far behind, and soon women all over the globe took to the skies despite the challenges they faced due to gender norms.


From left to right: Louise Thaden, Gladys O’Connell, Ruth Nichols

Circa 1929, when there were as little as seventy licensed female pilots, one of the most revolutionary races began in the US: The Women’s National Air Derby.

It was more than a race; it was a chance for women to finally show the world that they could fly.

These women spanned from aviatrix record breaker to Hollywood starlet to the wife of a preacher, but they all had a common message to spread: women were fiercely good at flying, and they would prove it. To qualify, they had to have at least 100 hours of solo flight, with a minimum of 25 hours of cross-country flying.

As the idea of letting women fly was not commonly accepted in the 1920s, there were many restrictions in the first race, such as access to only slower and less powerful aircraft.

It was an early morning in August where twenty women put on their flight gear, climbed into their cockpits, and raced across America from Santa Monica, California to Cleveland, Ohio. Navigating the 2700-mile course with only road maps on their laps, they started their journey.


Only 15 out of 20 women finished the first Women’s National Air Derby in 1929

The race itself was something out of the movies — Questionable mechanical failures, threats of sabotage from outsiders, two crashes, and one case of typhoid fever. The threats of sabotage and protestors sported signs with phrases like, “Race Should Be Stopped”. Blanche Noyes, a non-smoker, had to put out a fire mid-flight and later found a cigarette butt in her baggage. Pancho Barnes crashed into a car that drove onto the runway as she was landing. Claire Fahy’s wing wires had mysteriously been eaten through. However, despite some of the mishaps, the pilots decided to stick together and finish the race.

“What chances we took in those pioneer days of flying! What narrow escapes we had during takeoffs and landings on the many rough, short airfields of the twenties!” — Ruth Nichols, Derby Contestant

A crowd of over 18,000 people gathered at the finish line in Cleveland to greet the pilots. In the end, Louise Thaden finished in first place with a time of 20 hours, 19 minutes and 4 seconds. In third place was famous Amelia Earhart.


Racers from the 1929 first women’s air derby

The race was their first chance to meet face-to-face as women pilots and set the stage to carry on the legacy. Many of the women banded together afterwards to form The 99’s Club (now known as The Ninety-Nines) to celebrate women in aviation all over the world.

We salute these outspoken and brave women as we continue to develop Microsoft Flight Simulator and hope we can empower more females to pursue an interest in the field of aviation. To everyone, thank you for your passion and love for flying. Your enthusiasm has made our sim efforts possible.

-The Microsoft Flight Simulator Community Team-


Sources:

•   https://www.ninety-nines.org/women-in-aviation-article.htm
•   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_aviation
•   https://airandspace.si.edu/explore-and-learn/topics/women-in-aviation/roche.cfm
•   https://airandspace.si.edu/explore-and-learn/topics/women-in-aviation/dutrieu.cfm
•   https://pioneersofflight.si.edu/content/1929-women%E2%80%99s-national-air-derby
•   https://breakingthroughtheclouds.com/
•   https://womensmuseumofireland.ie/articles/lilian-bland

[Asid]

ALPHA BUILD 1.2.5.0 is now available!
April 1st, 2020

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team


 
ALPHA BUILD 1.2.5.0 is now available!

Please make sure to launch Alpha build, check for updates, and install most recent Alpha update.

 


Welcome to the 1.2.5 version of the Microsoft Flight Simulator Alpha! In this update, you will find new content, bugs we’ve addressed, and an updated list of known issues.

A note from the development team:

First let us start off by saying “thank you”. We truly appreciate all of the amazing feedback we’ve received since the last Alpha release.

For the build notes, we have the following sections to suit the interest levels of our community, after this introduction we have the new content, below that the bullet point of changes, and for those who wish to have a more technical breakdown, members of the team have given an editorial on certain aspects of the sim.

You will notice that we’ve made several fixes based on your feedback (Review patch notes below). Your feedback is integral to our development of Flight Simulator, and we encourage everybody to join in, providing feedback via the Weekly Feedback Testing Category.

Based on the large amount of feedback regarding peripherals, peripherals support has been improved, and we’ve added more device binding presets. Please note that due to these changes, the previous mappings from will no longer work with this updated Alpha. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Finally, we know there have been a lot of questions regarding airliners, and we’d like to take a second to address the current lack of airliners. We are hard at work putting on the final touches and want to make sure we get the core functionality of the airliners “right” before we release any into wild. We promise that they are on their way, and we will let you know as soon as they’re cleared for departure.

Thank you for being a part of our Alpha, and keep that feedback coming!

-Microsoft Flight Simulator Team-
 

New Content

•   Cessna 152 is now cleared for takeoff!
•   Training Missions: These missions will take you through the Basic Controls, Attitudes and Instruments, and Take-off, Level flight and Landing.
•   Sedona Landing Challenge
•   “Groups” functionality added to multiplayer
•   Add friends to find them on the world map and can click to join them
•   Live Events are time-limited activities that we plan to switch out with different event types often.

Planes

•   Glass Cockpits – Multiple bugs fix
•   Cockpit Occluders
•   Grass, trees, clouds are no longer visible inside the planes
•   Icing fixes and improvements
•   DA40 NG and DA62 – Altitude Knob added on Pilot side G1000
•   DA62 – Improved flight model
•   TBM 930 – Improved flight model
 
Airports
Bug fixes include:
•   Airport buildings
•   Removed Building on runways
•   Removed Vegetation on and around runways

Improvements to existing airports:
•   Parking Spots placement
•   Jetway placement (Not final)
•   Ground markings
•   Airport Life improvements
•   Improved parking spot settings based on plane types
•   Air Traffic behaviors improvement

Some airports were reported as missing have been added back in for this version:
•   KPHX
•   LFRN
•   KIAH
•   WSSS
•   LICC
•   KPHL
•   MUHA
•   KSAN
•   KMSP
•   PHNL
•   KBOS
•   HECA
•   ZBAA
 
ATC

•   ATC general improvements have been made
•   ATC options and application to flight improved
 
Cameras

•   Cockpit camera
•   Improved the Focus mode to be more accessible
•   Alllowed camera speed & momentum tweaking in the menus
•   Added controls to translate the camera left/ right
•   Chase camera
•   Added 4 more quickviews
•   Drone camera
•   Improved the “Lock” mode behavior
•   Improved reset position feature
•   Smart Camera
•   Allowed smart camera to target other players
 
Flight Model
•   Handling/friction improved for a more accurate behavior on ground
•   New ground effect allowing for a more realistic flaring
•   Plane performances tuning
 
Multiplayer
•   Friend groups
•   Add friends – use the Add Friend icon on the top of the menus
•   Your Friends are now represented by an icon in the Freeflight World Map; click on them to join them
•   To change MP preferences, go to the World Map and select Flight Conditions
•   In-game traffic nameplates now apply to other users
•   Player Representation – Anyone using your plane will show up in the same aircraft as yours – if they are using a different aircraft than yours, they will appear as a “generic” aircraft.
 
Peripherals
•   Controls menu update
•   Improved the Essentials filter list
•   Improved the calibration menu (added curves visualization)
•   Player’s input presets management (create and manage multiple inputs preset for each device)
Additional default input presets :
•   Thrustmaster
•   T16000M (Already in Alpha1)
•   TWCS (Already in Alpha1)
•   TPR (Already in Alpha1)
•   Warthog (Already in Alpha1)
•   T-Flight HOTAS One, X & 4
•   Logitech
•   Extreme 3D Pro
•   Flight Yoke System
•   Flight Throttle Quadrant
•   X52
•   X56
•   Virtual Fly
•   Yoko “The Yoke” +
•   TQ6 +
•   V3rnio TPM
•   Ruddo +
•   Honeycomb
•   Alpha Flight Control
•   Various bug fixing & improvements
 
UI/UX
•   Weather, Traffic, and Multiplayer settings are now in a Flight Conditions Panel that can be found in the freeflight world map
•   Flight Plan settings improved
•   General bug fixes
•   Improved UI accessibility when navigating the HUD
•   Worldmap navigation and search functionality improvements
•   Worldmap VFR and IFR selection has been fixed
 
Various bug fixing & improvements
•   Overall, improvements made to stability and performance.
•   Flight plan approach waypoints displayed and followed
•   Altitude waypoint constraints displayed
•   Weather display has been improved
•   Multiples improvements to autopilot and auto-throttle
•   Fixed Trim from running too quick
•   Grass and water not going through cockpits
 
Weather

•   Weather fixes made to Live-Weather settings and Conditions
 
World

•   Water improvements: Update on ocean to improve numerous reported elevation issues
•   Visual improvements have been made on grass
•   Improvements on vegetation
•   Biomes
•   Tree Visuals
•   Offline textures improvement
•   Wind impact now on grass and trees
•   Updated our auto-generation of the buildings in the world to be more realistic in representation
•   Night lighting Improvements
•   Added night lighting to buildings in photogrammetric cities where there was none before
•   Improvements to street lights
•   Added wind turbines
 
Known issues 

•   Some jetways are misplaced at airports
•   Black stripes can be visible on the side of different world tiles
•   Trees sometimes overlap with buildings
•   There are missing buildings in Chicago-O’Hare airport
•   There are missing buildings in Frankfurt am Main Airport
•   FPS tends to drop after the end of a loading sequence
•   FPS tends to drops during intro cutscenes
•   Low FPS (10 to 20 FPS) in big airports when on the tarmac, both on the take-off and landing
•   There are possible FPS drops when moving the camera around the plane
•   Objectives can fail to show any inputs if they were previously cleared by the user under Controls
•   Panels previously undocked from the toolbar can appear enable on any Activity
•   There are issues with the TTS voice on the Take-off Flight Training when using the Female Voice
•   The TTS voice during the Take Off Flight Training audio and subtitles are mismatched
•   We still display some debug subtitle-text with TTS audio on the Landing Flight Training
•   Planes can teleport 900 – 5000 FT above when returning to freeflight from any Landing Challenge
•   The ‘‘Apply the Brakes’’ objective fails to get completed after the player applies the brakes during that Landing Tutorial
•   Objectives can break using the despawn /respawn at the start of the Take Off Flight Training
•   The TBM930 engine shuts down after a teleport
•   Intermittent weather bug that can sometimes create unrealistic gusting winds, more likely to hit this when the user changes settings mid-session.
•   HUEN main buildings are not spawning
•   Autopilot can become inoperable when switching between Vertical Speed and Altitude in All Aircrafts.
•   Switching instructor models mid flight (in tutorials) will not switch the instructor voices.
 
A look into the minds of our pilots and engineers!

We have worked on some of the causes for ground instability. In FSX Ground Effect was calculated once per aircraft at the CG of the aircraft. The closer the CG got to the ground, the more the aircraft’s lift coefficient was scaled up (up to 25%). To get more realism, we changed this to calculate the ground effect separately for each surface of the aircraft. This reflects reality better as one wing may be closer to the ground than the other and be more impacted by ground effect. Also, because the FSX ground effect was still referring to the CG coordinates, we now calculate the collision distance between each individual surface and the ground. And with this fix we now get a different and better lift coefficient scale for each surface. This helps ground stability because when the plane starts rolling on one side, that side immediately gets closer to the ground and then gets more ground effect. The other side immediately loses ground effect. This tends to push the aircraft back toward a level horizontal position.

We have worked on roll stability, which is the consequence of many different aspects of an aircraft. Including dihedral, wing sweep, CG and wing position. One particular aspect we added is that high wings have up to 5% more “effective” dihedral giving them more roll stability. So, we added a system that automatically adds “effective” dihedral depending on the vertical wing position. This adds more roll stability to our all high wing aircraft (C172, C152, GRAND CARAVAN, …). This does not however affect low wing aircraft. Mid wing aircraft will get a little bit of this. Low wing aircraft however already usually have a higher actual dihedral which compensates for this. For all high wing aircraft, there is now improved dynamic roll stability. The effect is not super strong, but from a 30° bank, they will tend to slowly return to a neutral bank, the strength of the effect fades as the bank approaches zero. This helps with an overbanking tendency and improves roll stability.

Improvements have been made to takeoff trim, and the effects of wind when on the ground, which makes take offs more realistic and significantly improves the wheelbarrowing effect that sometimes happened.

Work was also done to improve the effects of winds and turbulence with all weather.

We’ve also been working hard on peripherals. While still WIP here are some updates:
•   Categories are minimized by default
•   Added a button to collapse/expand all categories
•   Categories keep their state (collapsed/ expanded) when switching devices
•   Improved controls settings menu performance (but more WIP)
•   Improved sensitivity menu (curves displayed)
•   Essential controls sorted
•   Added user input preset management
•   Better default mappings for more peripherals

We know there’s more to do and the team is working on things such as:
•   New search bar layout in the controls settings menu
•   Improved sensitivity and dead zone curves (algorithm update)
•   Inputs displayed in the same fashion as notifications in the controls settings menu

[Asid]

April 2nd, 2020 Development Update


Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team


Screenshot Credit: tomlaut1980

“DOES THIS MEAN NEW INVITES ARE ON THE WAY?”

– Reddit User

Not at this moment.

With the release of Alpha 1.2.5.0 yesterday, the team is focused on addressing any issues related to the download and install of the updated alpha build. Once we’ve completed that process (~ 1 week), we will focus on assessing the current alpha participation. We appreciate all the great community feedback from our posting of the Build Change List, we will continue to release these notes going forward.

– MSFS TEAM




Here is an update on the current postponed deliverables:

•   EARLY APRIL – Feedback Snapshot update.
•   MID APRIL – Partnership Series update will be released.
•   LATE APRIL/EARLY MAY – EPISODE 8 (IFR) will be released.

ALPHA BUILD UPDATE

Yesterday we released Alpha Build 1.2.5.0. The detailed change list can be found here (above post).

The team is currently focused on resolving any issues from the release of the latest Alpha build. We expect this process to take about a week before we will shift attention over to the Alpha participation.

For those currently participating in the Alpha, please make sure to check the weekly test requests post in the Alpha forums!

 
ALPHA INVITATIONS

 We are currently focused on Alpha release tasks and will turn our attention to Alpha participation within the next week.

1.    Ensure that everyone that received an acceptance email has access to the Alpha.
2.   Assess Alpha participation options for adding more people as quickly as possible.
        •   Prioritize access for those that registered early for pre-release build testing.




MORE GREAT SCREENSHOTS FROM ALPHA PARTICIPANTS!


Screenshot Credit: fhoraig


Screenshot Credit: SM4RTN117


Screenshot Credit: SlidHydra647449


Screenshot Credit: speedwoblz


Screenshot Credit: garywinhk


Screenshot Credit: Support By Fire


Screenshot Credit: SwankierPiano


Screenshot Credit: BlueNOwhere


Screenshot Credit: Psyrixx


Screenshot Credit: BlueNOwhere


Screenshot Credit: CinnamonInk8010


Screenshot Credit: tomlaut1980


Screenshot Credit: tomlaut1980


NEXT UPDATE – 04.09

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

[Asid]

April 9th, 2020 Development Update

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team



“UPDATE DAAAAYYYY!!!!!!!!!!”

•   Reddit user r/microsoftflightsim

¬Working hard to bring you the updates that are not just updates to be updated next week.

– MSFS TEAM
 
 

 
Here is an update on the current postponed deliverables:

•   RELEASED – Feedback Snapshot update. See below.
•   MID APRIL – Partnership Series update will be released.
•   LATE APRIL/EARLY MAY – EPISODE 8 (IFR) will be released.
 
ALPHA BUILD UPDATE

•   There is a new Alpha update coming within the next 2-3 days.
•   This will be an update to the 1.2.5.0 build.
•   This Alpha update will contain the Airbus A320.
•   This Alpha update will also contain build notes which will be posted here the moment the Alpha update has been released.
 
ALPHA INVITATIONS

We are wrapping up work on the Alpha build and have started to focus on the Alpha participation.

The primary objectives are listed below and we’ve started working on the first step.

1.   Ensure that everyone that received an acceptance email has access to the Alpha.
2.   Assess Alpha participation options for adding more people as quickly as possible.
        •   Prioritize access for those that registered early for pre-release build testing.

So when will new invitations be sent out?

Starting today
 
SDK UPDATE
We are excited to have over 150 third party companies using our SDK and working on many amazing updates for the new simulator. This week marks the initial release of WebAssembly support, enabling our partners to start porting their native code over to our platform. As a start, we are focusing on panels and displays support, which are a critical part of high-quality airplane add-ons. We are also providing an initial release of the in-game aircraft editor and are continuously working on documentation, general usability improvements to the existing tools (in particular the scenery and script editors) and general bug fixing.




FEEDBACK SNAPSHOT UPDATE



MORE AMAZING SCREENSHOTS FROM ALPHA TESTERS


Screenshot Credit: speedwoblz


Screenshot Credit: speedwoblz


Screenshot Credit: speedwoblz


Screenshot Credit: speedwoblz


Screenshot Credit: speedwoblz




Screeshot Credit: FourthEchelon21



Screenshot Credit: DampfGepard9514


Screenshot Credit: edf#8981


Screenshot Credit: NLGaming92


Screenshot Credit: TodayWarrior520


Screenshot Credit: Cinnamonlnk8010


Screenshot Credit: SlidHydra647449


Screenshot Credit: ExpressTomato52


Screenshot Credit: CaseBug92496684


Screenshot Credit: Batlle777


Screenshot Credit: Neebs43


Screenshot Credit: Ibralk


Screenshot Credit: Ibralk


Screenshot Credit: vayasable

NEXT UPDATE – 04.16

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

[Asid]

ALPHA BUILD 1.2.10 IS NOW AVAILABLE

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

Please make sure to launch Alpha build, check for updates, and install most recent Alpha update.




Welcome to the 1.2.10 version of the Microsoft Flight Simulator Alpha!

In this update you’ll find a description of the new content we’ve added, bugs we’ve addressed, and an updated list of known issues.

We know many of you have been waiting to fly jets, and today we’re incredibly excited to announce the wait is over!

In close partnership with Airbus, we’re proud to release the Airbus A320 for community testing. This is a key step in our development process as we work together with the community to finalize this aircraft for launch.

Though this is the first version of the plane, we hope you will help test many of the systems we’ve already included. For example:

•   Fly by Wire system including some of the flight-envelope protection features and new airliner-specific autopilot and auto-throttle functions.
•   MCDU (flight computer)
•   FCU (Autopilot control panel) functions implemented.
•   SID’s and STAR’s
•   High altitude flight
•   Long range missions
•   Land with autobrake and ground spoilers
•   Newly implemented ground handling features such as jetways, refueling trucks, baggage and catering, pushback and ground power carts.

There are some complex systems in the aircraft that we did not include at this stage in order to ensure focus on the ones that were ready to be tested. You should expect that some indications may be missing or not final, and some displays may show anomalies. Many of the autopilot and auto-throttle functions work but some are still WIP. You will be able to fly ILS and visual approaches, but full approach functionality is not included in this version. Expect updates to the MSDU functionality and audio during our next round of updates.

It has been an incredible experience partnering with Airbus to bring the A320 to the next iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator. And we are looking forward to working with the community to ensure the very best flight simulation experience across all our aircraft.
Alpha testers, Airbus A320 is cleared for takeoff!

-Microsoft Flight Simulator Team-
 

New Content

•   Airbus A320 NEO Is now cleared for takeoff!
 
Airports
•   Airport Life improvements
•   Bug fixing
•   Addition of Tarmac workers in airports
•   Improved parking spot settings based on plane types
•   Improved ground service vehicles visuals and behaviors
•   Air Traffic behaviors improvement
•   Performance impact fixed
•   Ground service vehicles can be used/called through ATC
•   Baggage loader
•   Ground power Unit
•   Passenger boarding ramp
•   Fuel Truck
•   Catering Truck
•   Airport area elevation improvement in generic airports
 
Bug Fixes and QoL Improvements

Performance and stability changes
 
Peripherals
Changes made to UI allowing users to save/load assignment mapping easier
 
UI/UX
•   Traffic nameplates no longer obscure other players
•   Installation issues/Duplicate packages fixed
 
Installation
•   Fixed installation issues with duplicate files/not removing old directories
 
Known issues A320 

Displays
•   Approach speed bug and values are missing from the speed tape
•   Direct to waypoints display does not match reality on ND and in MCDU
•   Flight director blinks regularly
•   Flight director can be off on final approach
•   Traffic display on ND cannot be disabled
•   ILS nav beacons are not displayed in the MCDU flight plan section
•   Radar altimeter callouts report altitude approximately 10 feet higher than they should
•   The flight plan overlay symbols can be drawn at incorrect position
•   Radio frequencies don’t update following ATC window set frequencies
•   Direct to doesn’t display DIR destination on PFD
•   Scale is not correct for flight path drawing between NAV and ARC modes on PFD
•   PFD shows ETA in local time rather than ZULU time
•   FMA auto thrust mode during take off can show wrong information
•   Only Fuel and Engine synoptic displays are implemented

Flight management and guidance system
•   RNAV and VOR DME procedures are displayed in MCDU but are not yet supported
•   VOR indicators don’t work
•   LOC mode doesn’t work
•   Expedite mode is not implemented
•   FMGC does not take into account selected speed in MCDU as in reality
•   In MCDU departure runway cannot be selected without also selecting a SID
•   TRK/FPA mode is not implemented
•   MCDU “VIA airways” feature is not implemented
•   Mach/IAS automatic switch at high altitude is not fully working
•   MCDU performance approach phase automatic triggering happens too early during approach
•   Top of climb and descent must be more precisely calculated and displayed
•   Selected runway via the world map can be different from the one in the MCDU
•   Altitude constraints are implemented but not yet fully functional
•   Autoland is not implemented
•   Both autopilots cannot be selected at the same time
•   CAT 3 ILS is displayed in the FMA with only one AP enabled
•   Missed approach altitude cannot be set in MCDU during approach
•   Engaging managed mode for heading can cause unexpected aircraft behaviors
•   The selected and managed options cannot be selected in the MCDU
•   Backcourse navigation is not implemented
•   LVL CLB message in FMA should blink and not be framed when passing thrust reduction altitude

Other systems
•   Engine oil pressure is too high
•   Engine oil quantity is too high and does not change as N1 increases
•   External power is not available while the plane is on a parking spot
•   Air pressure displayed while starting engines is too low
•   Weather radar tilt cannot be changed
•   TCAS and TARA are not implemented
•   Transponder code needs to be cleared before another code can be set
•   ADIRS is not implemented
•   Battery voltage should decrease when turning on multiple systems while operating on Battery

Sound
•   The APU bleed sound is too quiet
•   Thrust levers detents can be impossible to hear when using some peripherals
•   The master warning sound does not match reality

Misc
•   A placard is missing on the rudder pedals
•   Some tooltips are missing
 
Known issues General 

•   Some jetways are misplaced at airports
•   Black stripes can be visible on the side of different world tiles
•   Trees sometimes overlap with buildings
•   There are missing buildings in Chicago-O’Hare airport
•   There are missing buildings in Frankfurt am Main Airport
•   FPS tends to drop after the end of a loading sequence
•   FPS tends to drops during intro cutscenes
•   There are possible FPS drops when moving the camera around the plane
•   Objectives can fail to show any inputs if they were previously cleared by the user under Controls
•   Panels previously undocked from the toolbar can appear enable on any Activity
•   There are issues with the TTS voice on the Take-off Flight Training when using the Female Voice
•   The TTS voice during the Take Off Flight Training audio and subtitles are mismatched
•   We still display some debug subtitle-text with TTS audio on the Landing Flight Training
•   Planes can teleport 900 – 5000 FT above when returning to freeflight from any Landing Challenge
•   The ‘‘Apply the Brakes’’ objective fails to get completed after the player applies the brakes during that Landing Tutorial
•   Objectives can break using the despawn /respawn at the start of the Take Off Flight Training
•   The TBM930 engine shuts down after a teleport
•   Intermittent weather bug that can sometimes create unrealistic gusting winds, more likely to hit this when the user changes settings mid-session.
•   HUEN main buildings are not spawning
•   Autopilot can become inoperable when switching between Vertical Speed and Altitude in All Aircrafts.
•   Switching instructor models mid flight (in tutorials) will not switch the instructor voices.

[Asid]

April 16th, 2020 Development Update

Posted by: Microsoft Flight Simulator Team


“WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ONCE THE NDA HAS BEEN LIFTED?”

•   AVSIM THREAD
And maybe we can help fulfill some of those requests in the next update!

 – MSFS TEAM
 



Here is an update on the current postponed deliverables:
•   MID APRIL – Partnership Series update will be released.
•   EARLY MAY – EPISODE 8 (IFR) will be released.
 
ALPHA BUILD UPDATE 1.2.10.0 HAS BEEN RELEASED

1.2.10.0 build notes can be found here https://www.flightsimulator.com/alpha-build-1-2-10-is-now-available/

Upcoming Alpha releases:

•   Alpha Update – Build 1.2.12.0
      o   In final testing. Prepping for release. Target release date within 7 days.
      o   SDK bug fixes
      o   ATC bug fixes
      o   Experimental tech for community feedback – Neural TTS solution
      o   Full build notes to be posted upon release.
•   Alpha Update – Build 1.3.0.0
      o   In testing.
      o   Target release date – May.
      o   Boeing 747 ready for first round of community testing/feedback.
      o   Bug fixes
      o   Full build notes to be posted upon release.
 
ALPHA INVITATIONS

After a brief pause to focus on releasing the Alpha 1.2.10.0 build, the team is back working on the Alpha participation assessment.

1.   Ensure that everyone that received an acceptance email has access to the Alpha.
       •   Status – Nearing completion.
2.   Assess Alpha participation options for adding more people as quickly as possible.
       •   Prioritize access for those that registered early for pre-release build testing.
       •   Status – Ongoing.
 




Community Spotlight: SimTom112



Drone Pilot Photographer by day, Virtual Pilot by night.

Today we’d like to feature an outstanding flight simmer and Alpha participant, SimTom112. You have probably seen some of his screenshots in many of our development updates and social media posts. He’s got a great eye for photography and is an integral part of our Alpha community.

SimTom112, or Tomas, is a professional photographer and drone pilot by trade. He uses his skills in-game when it comes to framing the perfect MSFS shot.

”In essence, it shouldn’t make a difference if photographing or filming something virtually or in real life. The same principles regarding framing or composting can be applied here as well. With the drone camera I’m free to place the camera wherever I want, no messing around with heavy cameras or tripods. The added bonus is that you’re not bound to any technical limitations (lens restrictions and such).”

We asked how drone piloting, at all, has played a role in his flight sim skills.

“To be honest, there’s still a big difference with aircraft because they move in a lateral way, while drones should be compared to helicopters(this might ruffle some feathers :wink:). I use a controller to control the aircraft because that’s what I’m used to when flying drones. And of course, it translates perfectly to the in-game drone camera.”

Tomas started simming with FS2004 16 years ago, and then moved on to FSX, P3D, and MSFS. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite moments he has captured from Microsoft Flight Simulator.






































           
You can view his photography and more on his instagram! https://www.instagram.com/tomashoste/

We love our community and look forward to highlighting more outstanding simmers in the future!


MORE AMAZING SCREENSHOTS FROM ALPHA TESTERS


Screenshot from: WildestHawk4431


Screenshot from: SoapyDiamond333


Screenshot from: Tomlaut1980


Screenshot from: OperatorLand468


Screenshot from: Tomlaut1980


Screenshot from: pilotskcx


Screenshot from: pilotskcx


Screenshot from: cdphotovideo


Screenshot from: LeadoffJoker47


Screenshot from:  PundaPC


Screenshot from: WhiteLight506


Screenshot from: StratosFeerick


Screenshot from: DampfGepard9514


Screenshot from: cdphotovideo


Screenshot from: Bonham Five


Screenshot from: Batlle777


Screenshot from:  FreakDragonfly5


Screenshot from: steffenjung1121

 
NEXT UPDATE – 04.23

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team