Boeing is turning Microsoft Flight Simulator into a real pilot training tool

[Daniel Sims]

What just happened? Ever since Microsoft Flight Simulator debuted over four decades ago, pilots have considered it a useful flight training tool due to its focus on realism. Now, Boeing is using its underlying technology to make training quicker and more accessible for students and teachers.

Boeing recently announced the launch of its Procedures Trainer, the first application for its new Virtual Airplane platform, powered by Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Flight Simulator. The program allows students to quickly start offline and online lessons using Windows PCs, Mac devices, and iPads.

Students can practice with several approved Boeing 737 Max lessons, such as pre-flight and landing procedures, or engage in free-flight whenever they have a spare moment. They can begin full-motion lessons online with Jeppesen navigation data or download low-bandwidth sections for use offline, which automatically re-sync when online. Sessions are designed to take between five and 15 minutes each.

Meanwhile, teachers can build, customize, and approve lessons based on real data from flights while tracking student progress. The system also accurately simulates the gate, taxi, and runway profiles from more than 400 real airports located around the world. More Virtual Airplane applications and lessons for additional aircraft, such as the 737 NG, 787, and 777X, are planned.

It remains unclear how closely the Procedures Trainer will resemble Microsoft's series of realistic, consumer-facing flight games. The most recent entries employ high-end graphics and rely on the company's cloud servers to enable players to explore the entire planet at life scale. Most of Boeing's screenshots only depict instrument panels, but the company describes the program as a high-fidelity 3D simulation, and a trailer briefly shows a realistic cockpit.

As far back as the 1980s, pilots have admitted that early versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator, despite their technical limitations, could provide a head start in flight training or help experienced flyers grasp certain tools. The franchise has maintained its focus on realism in modern PC and console editions.

The latest entry, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, launched last November to sharp criticism due to its reliance on congested servers. Since then, the game has maintained a "Mixed" rating on Steam, as some players still encounter glitches.

However, developer Asobo Studio has consistently released updates over the past year, improving the simulation, adding aircraft, and reproducing famous locations. A PlayStation 5 version is set to launch on December 8, with PlayStation VR 2 support coming next year.

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Boeing is turning Microsoft Flight Simulator into a real pilot training tool

 

[Megalomaniac]

Microsoft Flight simulator's physics are completely unrealistic.
DCS: WORLD is a better model.

 

[candle86]

I wonder if they're going to model in the doors randomly opening on a 737.

 

[mbrowne5061]

I wonder if they're going to model in the doors randomly opening on a 737.

Not only that, but having the doors remain closed, except for when operated by the flight crew, is a DLC.

 

[arrowflash]

What about Prepar3D (which is based on Flight Simulator X)? As an actual pilot training tool it's probably much better than modern MSFS, and it's still in active development. If Boeing intends to do with the modern MSFS codebase what Lockheed did with FSX, it's probably going to be great. Too bad looks like it's still going to be a cloud-based software that needs an active internet connection to function.

 

[candle86]

Microsoft Flight simulator's physics are completely unrealistic.
DCS: WORLD is a better model.

Actually there's are some of the most accurate turn all the realism settings on the default mode is more arcady but go ahead and crank all the settings up. One should not complain if one does not know what they're talking about.

 

[Megalomaniac]

Actually there's are some of the most accurate turn all the realism settings on the default mode is more arcady but go ahead and crank all the settings up. One should not complain if one does not know what they're talking about.

If you aren't a pilot licensed by the FAA, then I'll just ignore this comment.

 

[candle86]

If you aren't a pilot licensed by the FAA, then I'll just ignore this comment.

You don't need to be a pilot to understand actual physics, and its funny you think you do. The physics simulation in MSFS is 10x more accurate in physics than DCS, there is a reason FS2002/FS2004/FSX and no MSFS are used to develop flight training tools while DCS is just a video game, and it has everything to do with Microsoft puts a ton of effort into accuratly modeling physics, for the average person the settings are toned down more for arcade feeling, but when they are cranked to full you get a very accurate simulation of weight distribution, lift, turbelance ect. I'm sorry you haven't bothered to even minor research, maybe next time do some.

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

I'm guessing MS Flight Sim will need to meet FAA requirements for pilot training? A little tweak here and there and it might be better than the consumer brand.

 

[Pherenn Kov]

I am a licensed SEL PPL, and recently used FS2004 to practice for my bi-annual, and use it to practice my upcoming flights into unfamiliar airports. When the settings are cranked to realistic, and you have a high end computer with multiple screens (with a yoke, pedals, thrust levers, etc.), it is incredibly realistic for training purposes. When flying in the sim, it allows me to be aware of towers, waterways, and when you include the add-ons of Vatsim, Garmin Pilot, etc., it allows me to practice my approaches in a controlled environment and use my own actual software I use in my actual aircraft. The additional above from this article makes me believe, finally, MS2004, et al is getting FAA approval as a flight training aid. All I can say to that is, it's about time.

 

[trgz]

Or use the alternative XP12 with this 'DLC':
https://www.x-plane.com/pro/certified/

 

[candle86]

I am a licensed SEL PPL, and recently used FS2004 to practice for my bi-annual, and use it to practice my upcoming flights into unfamiliar airports. When the settings are cranked to realistic, and you have a high end computer with multiple screens (with a yoke, pedals, thrust levers, etc.), it is incredibly realistic for training purposes. When flying in the sim, it allows me to be aware of towers, waterways, and when you include the add-ons of Vatsim, Garmin Pilot, etc., it allows me to practice my approaches in a controlled environment and use my own actual software I use in my actual aircraft. The additional above from this article makes me believe, finally, MS2004, et al is getting FAA approval as a flight training aid. All I can say to that is, it's about time.

Oh fun fact when I was in JROTC in high school we use flight simulator 2002 for ground school training. What does it mean much anymore because I never was able to afford a complete training to get my pilot's license but we used Microsoft flight simulator to do ground school training, approved by the FAA as well as the United States Air Force which is who my JROTC was through and the person teaching us was our colonel who just happened to be a Vietnam veteran who flew F4 phantoms in the '70s and later f15s.