Sky Blue Radio

FlightSimExpo 2026 is THIS WEEKEND

Posted by skyblueradio — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:14 GMT

SAINT PAUL - June 9, 2026 - The flight sim convention for enthusiasts, aviation professionals, and pilots is coming to Minnesota this weekend! Held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on June 12-14, FlightSimExpo is one of the world's biggest flight sim celebrations. If you're not able to join the community in-person, you can still support the event and watch from anywhere with FlightSimExpo Online, available for just $15 at flightsimexpo.com/watch. What's Happening at FlightSimExpo 2026 The three-day event starts on Friday, June 12, when hundreds of attendees will participate in pre-event experiences like workshops, classes, and 'behind-the-scenes' tours at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. #FSExpoFriday, a series of new product reveals from some of the biggest names in flight simulation, begins at 12pm CDT. The Exhibit Hall opens at 4:30pm CDT on Friday, and FSA Captains with tickets are invited to the FlightSimExpo Banquet later that night. Weekend show hours are 9am-6pm CDT on Saturday, June 13 and 9am-3pm CDT on Sunday, June 14. Alongside 70+ interactive exhibits, the FlightSimExpo 2026 Exhibit Hall includes:

Community-inspired seminars on the FSElite and SayIntentions.AI Stages. The Grinnelli Designs Combat Arena, where attendees can participate in air combat competitions, watch airshow-style performances, and more. National STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) flying workshops, delivered by real-world competition pilots. Aviation Career Mentoring, offered by Professional Pilots of Tomorrow. X-Plane Developer Workshops, where attendees can learn more about coding their own aircraft and scenery in X-Plane. The Media Partner Lounge, featuring meet and greet moments with some of the community's favorite content creators. Flight Simulation Association will be announcing an update on next year's show at 2:30pm CDT on Sunday, June 14. This announcement will be streamed live at youtube.com/flightsimexpo. Walk-in and day-of registrations are welcome. Please visit flightsimexpo.com for details on the venue, parking, and attendance. Can't Make it to Saint Paul? Watch Online from Anywhere! All #FSExpoFriday announcements will be streamed to the community for free: watch at youtube.com/flightsimexpo starting at 12:00pm CDT on Friday, June 12. Access to all other sessions is available for just $15. This one-time purchase unlocks ad-free, live and recorded access to all FlightSimExpo seminars, including the #FSExpoFriday, FSElite Stage, and SayIntentions.AI Stage schedules. FlightSimExpo Online attendees also get a live walk-through of the Exhibit Hall and access to the FlightSimExpo Discord. "Purchasing FlightSimExpo Online is a great way for the community to support the show," says FSA Co-Founder Evan Reiter, an organizer of the event. "It's the next best thing to being there: yyou'll see the exhibit hall, get ad-free access to all seminars, and have the chance to ask questions during live presentations." via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/06/10/flightsimexpo-2026-is-this-weekend/

The Pilot Club Announces Aviation Career Center Initiative

Posted by skyblueradio — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 21:54 GMT

The Pilot Club has made what it is calling one of its biggest announcements yet, introducing the Aviation Career Center, a major step forward in its mission to help inspire, educate, and guide the next generation of aviation professionals. For years, The Pilot Club has been known throughout the flight simulation and aviation community as a place where pilots, simmers, air traffic controllers, students, and aviation enthusiasts can come together, learn, fly, and build friendships. Now, with the Aviation Career Center, that mission is expanding beyond the virtual flight deck and into the larger world of aviation education and career development. The Aviation Career Center is designed to give students early exposure to aviation career paths while building a stronger bridge between passion and profession. Through structured learning, digital coursework, instructional media, mentorship, and career exploration, The Pilot Club is creating a pathway for students who may be curious about aviation but unsure where to begin. The program introduces learners to important aviation topics such as aircraft systems, airspace structure, aviation communications, flight operations, and other foundational skills that can help prepare them for future training. Whether a student dreams of becoming a pilot, engineer, technician, air traffic controller, or aviation operations professional, the Aviation Career Center aims to provide the first spark and the first steps. This announcement is especially meaningful for the flight simulation community. Many real-world aviation journeys begin at home, behind a yoke, joystick, throttle, or keyboard. Flight simulation has long been a powerful doorway into aviation, giving people the chance to explore procedures, navigation, communication, and decision-making in a hands-on way. The Pilot Club is leaning into that connection by using home flight simulation as an educational tool that can inspire real-world opportunity. The Pilot Club describes its mission as promoting and inspiring interest in aviation through home flight simulation while providing education, support, and mentorship to its members. The Aviation Career Center takes that mission and gives it more runway. This is not just another community update. It is a statement about where aviation education can go when passionate volunteers, educators, pilots, and industry professionals work together. It is about making aviation more approachable, more understandable, and more accessible to students who may one day become the people flying, maintaining, designing, dispatching, and managing the aircraft of tomorrow. Sky Blue Radio congratulates The Pilot Club on this announcement and its continued commitment to the aviation and flight simulation communities. Programs like this remind us that aviation does not begin only at the airport. Sometimes it starts with a curious student, a simulator at home, a welcoming community, and someone willing to say, "Your flight path starts here." To learn more, watch The Pilot Club's announcement video on YouTube and visit The Pilot Club online. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/06/05/the-pilot-club-announces-aviation-career-center-initiative/

Regan Reviews - Black Square Cessna Caravan 208

Posted by skyblueradio — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 20:53 GMT

A few years ago, I was given the privilege to test and review the King Air 350 by Black Square. It was my first review for Sky Blue Radio so I was bit worried when I discovered it was a base model with revised avionics and systems. I thought my review was going to be two paragraphs of bashing and boredom. Not how I wanted to start. But to my joyful surprise it ended up being a master class of systems integration that turned the realism up to eleven. So naturally I was pumped to check out their newest endeavor, the Cessna Caravan 208. At first glance, the external model is noticeably more detailed than the stock 208 with detailed rivets and more pronounced panel lines. At the front are smears where many a bug have met their fate. Visually, it's spot on. All doors and even smaller cargo pod doors are interactive. The interior is even more impressive with steam gauges everywhere just as the good Lord intended. Now you do have the option to slap on a few high-tech Garmin's if you feel the need for more screen time in your life. But I prefer a little analog dopamine myself. Lighting is another big improvement with multiple adjustment knobs, and each analog dial has its own little dedicated light just above. The nighttime aura is real. In typical Black Square fashion, start-up requires you to do things by the book or suffer the consequences of your hastiness. You could damage the starter, fry your battery, or just cook your engine all together. However, doing it right will gift you that sweet sound of that Pratt & Whitney PT6 engine coming to life by Boris Audio Works. And to keep a visual check on your engine status, there is a flight tablet with a colorful engine flow diagram. It can be satisfying or terrifying to look at depending on your engine status. The tablet also lets you load and fuel the aircraft as well as a whole host of other options. If you feel a need for more of a challenge, there are tons of failure options along with a fully functioning circuit breaker to mess with just next to your left knee. Click points, switches, and knobs feel more direct and precise compared to the MSFS model, which is expected. Taxi and takeoff will keep you in check as well. Once off the brake the aircraft instantly begins to move forward and if you do not apply the reversing beta range, you'll find yourself doing 30 plus knots withing seconds. But the sounds of a reversing PT6 make taxiing so satisfying. Takeoff requires a bit of finesse since throwing the levers to the firewall will almost certainly destroy your engine. Slow advancement and 80% throttle seem to be the sweet spot. Performance depends deeply on your weight, so the range goes from "Wow" to "are we up yet"? The Caravans strength lies in its ease to fly and short field performance for landing. No matter what weight or landing configuration, I was able to consistently grease the landings. Other details that make this aircraft special are the little things. Navigational aids such as VORs and NDBs react like they would in the real world. You have to be within range to pick these signals up and even then, the needles will sway back and forth during the flight. Fuel needs to be monitored closely as well. I noticed the left fuel tank uses more fuel than the right tank. This slowly caused a weight imbalance issue that started to affect my aircraft. Fuel flow, Propeller RPMs, ITT, everything needs to be scanned and monitored, and that is what makes this bird so fun. Black Square is one of the most consistent developers in the flight Sim world to date. They know who they are and what they do best and that is refreshing in a sim world that always seems to be in an arms race of Boeing and Airbus products. Black Square took what was already a legendary utility aircraft and turned it into one of the most immersive, systems-deep GA experiences in MSFS. It's not just an airplane. It's a flying pickup truck with a turbine engine and a passive-aggressive personality. Once again, they made the ordinary extraordinary. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/06/04/regan-reviews-black-square-cessna-caravan-208/

Sky Blue Radio Panel Talks SayIntentions.ai with Brian "B2"

Posted by skyblueradio — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 20:42 GMT

Sky Blue Radio recently sat down for a special panel interview with Brian, also known as B2, from SayIntentions.ai, for a conversation that covered development, community, flight simulation, and a few hints about what may be coming next. Hosted by JT, the interview also featured Serge from The Pilot Club and Tony from Bravo737, bringing together a relaxed panel of flight sim voices for an inside look at one of the most talked-about platforms in the virtual aviation world. Brian serves as the Senior Web & Mobile Engineer at SayIntentions.ai and has been heavily involved in several major products and features across the platform. During the conversation, the panel discussed his work on PocketSky, the tracker website, Checklist Tuner, StreamKit, the main SayIntentions.ai website, the new ticketing system and knowledgebase, and the new Flow Pro widget. The discussion gave listeners a peek behind the curtain at how these tools are built, how they continue to evolve, and how SayIntentions.ai is working to make the flight simulation experience more immersive, more connected, and more useful for virtual pilots. The panel also talked about the community side of flight simulation, the growing relationship between SayIntentions.ai and virtual pilots, and how features like Flow Pro and StreamKit are opening new doors for creators, streamers, and everyday simmers alike. And yes, there may have even been a little discussion about future developments. We will not spoil the whole flight plan here, but let's just say there may be more on the horizon. You can listen to the full interview now on the Sky Blue Radio YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/@Skyblueradio The interview will also air during Hour 1 of The JT Show this Friday night at 5 PM Mountain Time on Sky Blue Radio. Listen live at: Home A big thank you to Brian "B2" from SayIntentions.ai, Serge from The Pilot Club, and Tony from Bravo737 for joining the conversation. Come have a listen and hear what came out of this great panel discussion. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/06/04/sky-blue-radio-panel-talks-sayintentions-ai-with-brian-b2/

NextGen Simulations' EMB-110 Bandeirante V2 Cleared for MSFS 2024 Release

Posted by skyblueradio — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 00:29 GMT

NextGen Simulations has shared its June 2026 development update, and the headline is a big one for turboprop fans: the EMB-110 Bandeirante V2 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is ready for release. The long-awaited update from Carlos Daniel Gonz lez G mez, CEO, Founder, and Lead Developer of NextGen Simulations, confirms that the aircraft has completed a demanding internal testing and validation process. According to the developer, the release timeline was extended while the team worked through a number of critical bugs across multiple areas of the product. In other words, the Bandeirante spent a little extra time in the virtual hangar getting its final checks, rivets, and gremlins sorted before being pushed out to the ramp. A New Bandeirante for MSFS 2024 The EMB-110 Bandeirante V2 is built for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and represents a major step forward from the original MSFS 2020 version. NextGen Simulations says the new version includes upgraded modeling, improved textures, enhanced systems, a redesigned experience for MSFS 2024, and a newly remastered soundscape. One of the major points in the update is the aircraft's audio. The developer thanked the community for its feedback on the original MSFS 2020 sound package, noting that much of the motivation behind the updated V2 soundscape came directly from user reviews and comments. That feedback appears to have paid off. The new sound environment has received positive community response, and NextGen says it may assess whether the improved soundscape can be backported into the MSFS 2020 version in a future update. Pricing and Upgrade Path NextGen Simulations also confirmed pricing for the EMB-110 Bandeirante V2. For new customers, the aircraft will be priced at: $34.99 / 34.99 Existing owners of the MSFS 2020 version will receive a discounted upgrade price of: $13.99 / 13.99 These prices are listed before VAT. That upgrade path should be welcome news for current Bandeirante owners who have been waiting to bring the aircraft properly into the MSFS 2024 era. Release Plans The EMB-110 Bandeirante V2 is expected to arrive on the in-game Marketplace in mid-June 2026, assuming all final checks and validation steps are completed successfully. The initial release will be for PC and Xbox Marketplace users. A PlayStation 5 release is not possible yet and remains on hold until further notice. NextGen also noted that release through third-party stores is expected to follow within the next couple of months. Documentation, Repaints, and Tutorials Some supporting materials are still in progress. The product documentation, repaint kit, and YouTube tutorials are all currently being worked on. That means simmers may see the aircraft arrive first, with additional resources following as the rollout continues. Saab Development Resumes The June update also touches on NextGen's Saab projects. With work on the EMB-110 V2 now reaching the release stage, development on the Saab aircraft is set to resume. NextGen says the renewed focus will prioritize Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, citing results from Navigraph's Flight Sim Community Survey, where MSFS 2024 has overtaken MSFS 2020 as the dominant flight simulation platform. That is an important signal for where the developer is pointing its nose next: toward the new sim platform and the next generation of aircraft development. Final Approach For fans of classic regional turboprops, the EMB-110 Bandeirante V2 looks to be one of the more interesting MSFS 2024 aircraft releases to watch this month. With upgraded sounds, MSFS 2024-focused development, Marketplace support, and an upgrade discount for existing owners, NextGen Simulations appears ready to send the Bandeirante back into the virtual skies. You can watch the official trailer now on YouTube: Watch Video on YouTube via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/06/04/nextgen-simulations-emb-110-bandeirante-v2-cleared-for-msfs-2024-release/

iniBuilds Teases Airbus A380 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Posted by skyblueradio — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 13:16 GMT

The superjumbo may finally be taxiing toward the spotlight. iniBuilds has teased new progress on its long-awaited Airbus A380 project for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, signaling that a fuller reveal could be coming soon. The developer reportedly posted a short teaser message referencing "four engines," "two decks," and "a global icon," alongside new work-in-progress screenshots of the aircraft. For flight sim fans, the A380 has always carried a certain thundercloud-sized presence. It is not just another airliner. It is the double-deck giant, the flying cathedral of long-haul aviation, and one of the most requested aircraft types in the Microsoft Flight Simulator world. The iniBuilds A380 has been a long-running topic in the community. The project traces its roots back years, with earlier discussion around an A380 for X-Plane before renewed attention shifted toward Microsoft Flight Simulator. More recently, iniBuilds confirmed that work was underway on the aircraft, including systems development, modeling, and real-world aircraft research. What makes this tease especially interesting is the timing. According to MSFS Addons, iniBuilds suggested that "this month" would be when the curtain is pulled back on the aircraft, which could point toward a larger reveal in June. There is already an A380 available in the sim world through FlyByWire's freeware A380X for PC users, but iniBuilds could bring something different to the table, especially if the aircraft eventually reaches the Microsoft Marketplace or Xbox audience. That would make the A380 more accessible to a wider group of sim pilots. No release date, pricing, or final feature list has been confirmed yet, so for now this remains a teaser rather than a launch announcement. Still, the arrival of fresh screenshots and a more direct hint from iniBuilds is enough to get long-haul fans reaching for their virtual pushback tug. For Sky Blue Radio pilots, this could become one of the biggest heavy-aircraft releases to watch in MSFS 2024. Whether you are dreaming of London to Singapore, Dubai to Sydney, or a full-fat long-haul across the Atlantic, the A380 could bring some serious big-jet energy back to the virtual skies. Stay tuned to Sky Blue Radio as we continue watching this one. The whale is awake, and the ramp crew may want to bring the extra-wide stairs. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/06/02/inibuilds-teases-airbus-a380-for-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024/

Orbx Releases Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Posted by skyblueradio — Sat, 30 May 2026 19:43 GMT

One of the busiest airports on Earth has officially touched down in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Orbx has released KATL Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, developed by Matteo Veneziani, bringing a major U.S. aviation hub into the newest generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Atlanta is not just another dot on the route map. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the world's most important airline crossroads, serving as a massive hub for domestic and international operations. For sim pilots, that means endless possibilities: Delta-heavy airline schedules, cargo runs, VATSIM events, long-haul departures, short regional hops, and enough traffic flow to make your virtual dispatch desk start sweating coffee. According to Orbx's forum preview, this scenery was designed as a highly detailed and up-to-date rendition of KATL, including recent airport expansions such as the Concourse T extension. Orbx also described the project as being built with a consistent art style, strong optimization, and a focus on realism. For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 users, KATL fills a major gap in the U.S. airport network. Atlanta is a key piece of the airline simulation puzzle, especially for pilots who enjoy real-world routes, hub-and-spoke operations, and busy terminal environments. From early morning departures to late-night arrivals, this airport gives virtual airline crews and online network flyers a heavyweight destination with plenty of operational flavor. Developer Matteo Veneziani is already known in the Orbx catalog for detailed airport work, and this Atlanta release continues that trend. FSElite notes that the new KATL package has now been released for MSFS 2024, giving pilots another major North American hub to add to their scenery library. For Sky Blue Radio listeners flying the virtual skies, this is one to watch. Whether you are loading up a Delta 737, launching an international heavy, or just trying not to get swallowed by Atlanta's legendary arrival flows, Orbx's KATL looks ready to bring serious big-airport energy to MSFS 2024. Clearance delivered, radios tuned, and welcome to Atlanta. The taxi instructions may require a snack. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/30/orbx-releases-hartsfield-jackson-atlanta-international-airport-for-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024/

PMDG DC-6 Cloudmaster Now Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Posted by skyblueradio — Sat, 30 May 2026 19:40 GMT

PMDG has brought one of flight simulation's most beloved classic airliners into the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 era. The PMDG DC-6 Cloudmaster has been updated to work in both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, giving virtual pilots the chance to keep this four-engine piston legend flying across both platforms. PMDG notes that the May 2026 update allows the original MSFS 2020 version to operate smoothly in MSFS 2024. For existing PMDG DC-6 owners, this is especially welcome news. Reports from the flight sim community indicate that the update is free for current owners and can be installed through PMDG Operations Center 3.0 for customers who purchased directly from PMDG. Marketplace and Xbox users may need to wait a little longer while the updated version moves through the Microsoft intake process. The DC-6 has always occupied a special place in the MSFS hangar. It is not just another airliner. It is a machine from the golden age of aviation, when radial engines, long-range navigation, and cockpit workload all came together in a roaring aluminum symphony. PMDG's version has long been praised for its depth, character, and systems modeling, and its return for MSFS 2024 gives classic airline fans another reason to fire up the sim and dust off the captain's hat. This update appears to focus primarily on compatibility rather than a full rebuild or major feature expansion. That means pilots should expect the familiar DC-6 experience they already know, now made available across both modern Microsoft Flight Simulator platforms. One community summary of PMDG's announcement noted that the aircraft is now compatible with both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 while retaining the detail and functionality users expect from the product. For Sky Blue Radio listeners who enjoy historic airline operations, long-haul prop flying, or something a little more hands-on than today's glass-cockpit jets, this is a great reason to revisit the Cloudmaster. Whether you are crossing the Atlantic, flying vintage cargo routes, or just enjoying the sound of those big radial engines, the PMDG DC-6 is once again ready for dispatch in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. So grab the checklists, mind the manifold pressure, and let those radials sing. The Cloudmaster is back in the modern sim skies. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/30/pmdg-dc-6-cloudmaster-now-compatible-with-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024/

Vector Sim Shows Off Ambitious Boeing 787-9 Development Spotlight

Posted by skyblueradio — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:05 GMT

Vector Sim has released a new development spotlight for its upcoming Boeing 787-9, and this one is a big signal flare for Dreamliner fans in the flight simulation world. In the latest update, the Vector team says development has reached a major milestone, bringing together two key pillars of the project: deep aircraft systems simulation and high-end visual fidelity. According to Vector, the goal from the beginning has been to build the aircraft "the right way," with transparency throughout development and a strong focus on realism. The team behind the project includes real-world 787 pilots, 737 pilots, 787 mechanics, aerospace engineers, programmers, artists, and longtime simmers. Vector says the aircraft was researched extensively before coding began, including access to real Boeing 787 aircraft from multiple airlines around the world. That research has shaped everything from cockpit logic and aircraft systems to visual modeling and flight behavior. One of the biggest talking points from the spotlight is the aircraft's schematic-level systems simulation. Rather than simply creating surface-level system behavior, Vector says its 787-9 is being built so systems interact with one another more like the real aircraft. Fuel, hydraulics, electrical systems, flight controls, environmental systems, navigation, avionics, cabin systems, and aircraft health monitoring are all part of the wider simulation environment. Vector gave the example of the fuel system, explaining that fuel is not just represented as a number in the background. Instead, it is modeled as moving through virtual pipes, valves, and pumps. If a valve is closed or engines are shut down, the system reacts accordingly. Similar detail is being applied to other aircraft systems, including pressures, temperatures, automation, sensors, and failures. The avionics package is also being built from scratch. Vector says the CDU, EFIS, MCP, FMC, TCAS, CPDLC, and other flight deck systems have been recreated at a deep level. The autopilot system, including LNAV and VNAV, has also been developed from the ground up and is currently undergoing tuning to match the behavior of the real Boeing 787. The FMC will include real-world-style limitations, including the 149 waypoint route limit. Exceed that, and the aircraft will respond with a "ROUTE FULL" message, just as pilots would expect. The aircraft's Boeing-style integrated EFB is also receiving a high level of attention, with airport charts, enroute monitoring, performance tools, calculators, conversions, stopwatch functions, and other pilot utilities included. Vector is also developing a separate quality-of-life tablet called the Vpad, which will handle simulator-focused features such as SimBrief integration, Navigraph charts, accelerated refueling, accelerated IRS alignment, doors, lighting, ground services, loading states, and more. The checklist system is another major feature, with Vector saying it contains around 700 pages. The team says real-world 787 pilots involved in the project have described the level of detail as strong enough to be useful as a training-style reference. Visually, the 787-9 is being built with the same obsessive attention to detail. Vector highlighted the Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 D-ABPA in the spotlight, showing off the aircraft's exterior model, cockpit displays, landing gear, engines, tail, wing flex, and environmental wear. The team says the flight model has been built from scratch to capture the weight and feel of a modern long-haul widebody, especially during taxi, takeoff, flight, and landing. One major promise from Vector stands out: the team says everything shown in the spotlight already exists, is developed, and is working. They specifically state that the aircraft will not release with placeholder features or systems planned for later. The spotlight also walks through a sample ferry flight from Miami to New York JFK, with Boston set as the alternate. The scenario demonstrates live flight deck data, LNAV and VNAV behavior, EFB chart use, route management, weather considerations, and diversion planning using Route 2 in the FMC. Vector says the coming months will bring more spotlight updates focusing on additional systems, technology, and areas of the aircraft. The team is currently targeting a release during 2026, toward the end of the year, with development reportedly progressing according to plan. For 787 fans, this is shaping up to be one of the more ambitious widebody projects currently in development. Between the schematic-level systems, real-world research, integrated avionics, custom flight model, and detailed visual modeling, Vector's Dreamliner may be one to keep parked firmly on your radar. Stay tuned to Sky Blue Radio for more flight simulation news, updates, and long-haul goodness from across the virtual skies. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/29/vector-sim-shows-off-ambitious-boeing-787-9-development-spotlight/

MSFS Weekly Briefing: SU5.1 Beta Continues, Italy Fly-In Announced, and More Marketplace Updates

Posted by skyblueradio — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:57 GMT

The latest Microsoft Flight Simulator Weekly Briefing has arrived, and this week's update brings a mix of development news, community events, Marketplace activity, and a little Tuscan flavor for pilots looking for their next group flight. Microsoft confirmed that the Sim Update 5.1 beta remains ongoing, with the development team continuing to review player feedback, bug reports, forum survey results, and telemetry from beta testers. The focus remains on improving stability and addressing issues reported during SU5, including low memory concerns and avionics-related problems, particularly for console users. The team also noted that work continues on the remaining four aircraft from AAU_04. While many simmers are eager to get their hands on the updated aircraft, Microsoft says the aircraft are still being finalized to ensure they are ready before release. In other words, the virtual hangar doors are not open just yet, but the mechanics are definitely still turning wrenches. This week also featured a special product demo livestream showcasing MOZA flight sim peripherals. The livestream included Community Manager SeedyL, MOZA representative Zak, and content creator Twotonemurphy. The panel demonstrated MOZA force feedback controls across several types of flying, including helicopters, general aviation, vintage aircraft, airliners, gliders, fast jets, and Red Bull Air Racing. On the Marketplace side, Microsoft is highlighting this week's new and updated releases for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. As always, simmers can browse the in-sim Marketplace to see what new aircraft, airports, scenery, utilities, and updates have landed. For the community crowd, this week's Community Fly-In Friday heads to Italy in celebration of Italy's Republic Day on June 2. The route will take pilots over Tuscany and several famous Italian cities, including Bologna, Florence, and Pisa, before landing in Rome. Optional add-ons for the event include Pisa City Landmarks by IronSim and LIRA Rome-Ciampino International Airport by South Oak Co., though neither is required to participate. This week's flight inspiration also points toward France, with the French Open underway at Roland-Garros. Microsoft's community team suggested flying visitors into the nearest airport, or for the bold rotary-wing crowd, perhaps even dropping in by helicopter. Somewhere, an air traffic controller just spilled their coffee. The weekly screenshot challenge continues as well, with this week's theme listed as "Heatwave." Last week's "Color Series - Red III" challenge produced another batch of community screenshots, with eaglegreg1206 named the weekly winner. The next Microsoft Flight Simulator Weekly Briefing is scheduled for June 4, 2026. For more flight sim news, community updates, and aviation-flavored sky chatter, keep it tuned to Sky Blue Radio. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/29/msfs-weekly-briefing-su5-1-beta-continues-italy-fly-in-announced-and-more-marketplace-updates/

SayIntentions.AI Launches SkyNet Live Multiplayer for X-Plane

Posted by skyblueradio — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:29 GMT

X-Plane pilots, welcome to the shared sky. SayIntentions.AI has officially launched SkyNet Live Multiplayer for X-Plane, marking a major step forward for pilots who want a more connected and lively flight simulation experience. With this new release, X-Plane users can now see, follow, and fly alongside other live SayIntentions.AI pilots in real time. Even better, this is not limited to one simulator. SkyNet Live Multiplayer is fully cross-platform, meaning pilots using X-Plane, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can now share the same connected multiplayer environment. For X-Plane pilots, that means the skies just got a lot less lonely. Cross-Platform Flying Arrives for X-Plane This update brings X-Plane into the broader SayIntentions.AI multiplayer world, allowing users across multiple simulator platforms to exist together in the same live environment. Whether you are flying a short regional hop, joining traffic at a busy airport, or cruising across the country on a long-haul flight, SkyNet Live Multiplayer helps make the virtual world feel more active and alive. Instead of flying through empty airspace, X-Plane pilots can now share the sky with other real SayIntentions.AI users, including those flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It is a big moment for simmers who have wanted a more unified multiplayer experience across platforms. CSL Model Matching Support The release also includes support for CSL model matching, giving X-Plane users the ability to see nearby multiplayer aircraft as the correct aircraft type and livery when properly configured. That means fewer generic aircraft placeholders and a much more immersive experience when watching traffic around you. With CSL packages installed, SkyNet can match incoming multiplayer aircraft against your local CSL library, helping the aircraft around you look more like what they are supposed to be. It is one of those details that may sound small on paper, but in the cockpit, it matters. Seeing the right aircraft taxiing, departing, or joining final adds a whole new layer of realism. How X-Plane Pilots Can Get Started According to SayIntentions.AI, users will need to update their SayIntentions.AI client to version 4.1.1.4 or newer. From there, pilots can enable SkyNet Multiplayer through the Pilot Portal under Settings ? Multiplayer. Pilots who want CSL model matching will also need to install CSL packages such as Bluebell CSL or X-CSL, then configure the CSL path inside X-Plane through the SayIntentions SkyNet plugin menu. Once configured, pilots can turn on their transponder, set TCAS to TA/RA, and enter the shared sky. Not AI Traffic Injection Yet SayIntentions.AI also notes that this release is not AI Traffic Injection for X-Plane yet. Instead, SkyNet Live Multiplayer is described as the first major step toward future traffic systems and expanded traffic injection capabilities for X-Plane. Still, this is a significant milestone. X-Plane pilots are now part of the same live world as the rest of the SayIntentions.AI community, and that opens the door to a much more connected future for flight simulation. A Big Step Toward One Shared Sim World For years, flight simmers have often been separated by platform. X-Plane over here. MSFS 2020 over there. MSFS 2024 taxiing somewhere in the distance wondering where everyone went. SkyNet Live Multiplayer helps bring those worlds closer together. For X-Plane users, this update means more traffic, more presence, and more life in the virtual skies. For the wider SayIntentions.AI community, it represents another step toward a future where the simulator you choose matters less than the sky you share. You can read the full SayIntentions.AI release here: https://www.sayintentions.ai/blog/skynet-live-multiplayer-launches-for-xplane via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/27/sayintentions-ai-launches-skynet-live-multiplayer-for-x-plane/

Navigraph and Flightradar24 Partner to Bring Real-World Traffic Back to Microsoft Flight Simulator

Posted by skyblueradio — Tue, 26 May 2026 16:54 GMT

Flight simmers, the virtual skies just got a major shot of realism. Navigraph and Flightradar24 have announced a new partnership that brings officially licensed, real-time air traffic data to third-party flight simulation applications, starting with FSLTL for Microsoft Flight Simulator. For users who have missed live traffic injection in MSFS, this is a big one. The traffic lanes are reopening, and this time they are doing it with a proper clearance from the tower. Through the new integration, Navigraph Unlimited subscribers can connect FSLTL directly to official Flightradar24 traffic data, allowing real-world aircraft movements to be injected into Microsoft Flight Simulator using FSLTL's aircraft models, airline liveries, and traffic system. The first launch is focused on FSLTL, one of the most widely used live traffic solutions in the MSFS community. This announcement follows a rough patch for the community after FSLTL lost access to the unofficial Flightradar24 data feed it had previously relied on. That change left many pilots searching for alternatives. Now, with Navigraph and Flightradar24 working together, live traffic is returning in a more formal and licensed way. For users, the requirement is straightforward: access through FSLTL will require a Navigraph account and an active Navigraph Unlimited subscription. Once authenticated through a supported application, users can enable the real-world traffic integration and bring those busy skies back into the simulator. But this is more than just a fix for FSLTL. Navigraph is also launching a new API platform for third-party flight simulation developers. That means other applications, including ATC tools, virtual airline systems, simulator utilities, and future traffic-related platforms, could potentially use official Flightradar24 data through Navigraph's system. Several integrations are reportedly already underway. For the flight sim world, this could become a major turning point. Real-world traffic has long been one of those features that can make a simulator feel alive, turning quiet airports into working hubs and cruise flights into living airspace. Seeing actual flights around you, with proper aircraft types and liveries, adds another layer of immersion for pilots flying on MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. Navigraph Unlimited already includes updated airport charts, VFR charts, enroute charts, navigation data, and flight planning tools. With this new partnership, official Flightradar24 traffic integrations are now being added to the growing list of supported services through compatible applications. For Sky Blue Radio readers and listeners, the takeaway is simple: if you use FSLTL and have a Navigraph Unlimited subscription, real-world traffic is making its comeback. The skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator are about to feel a lot less empty, and a lot more like the real aviation world we all love watching, tracking, flying, and occasionally yelling at when ATC sends us on a scenic tour of nowhere. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/26/navigraph-and-flightradar24-partner-to-bring-real-world-traffic-back-to-microsoft-flight-simulator/

Alaska-Hawaiian Merger Creates a New Data Challenge for Virtual Airlines and Flight Sim Pilots

Posted by skyblueradio — Mon, 25 May 2026 21:46 GMT

When Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announced their merger back in December 2023, most passengers probably focused on the big-picture headline: two well-known U.S. carriers coming together under one corporate roof. But for the flight simulation world, and especially for virtual airlines, the real turbulence arrived much later, deep inside the data pipes. According to Taylor Broad of SimVector, the merger has created a rare split between what passengers see and what aviation data systems actually report. The result? Hawaiian flights may still look Hawaiian to travelers, but operationally, they have moved under Alaska's system. In October 2025, Alaska Airlines received a Single Operating Certificate, allowing both Alaska and Hawaiian operations to run under one certificate while maintaining two separate public-facing brands. From that point forward, Hawaiian flights began operating under the Alaska Airlines ASA callsign. Hawaiian's HA identity, however, remained visible in customer-facing areas to avoid confusing passengers at the airport, on boarding passes, and across familiar travel touchpoints. The bigger digital shift happened on April 22, 2026, when Hawaiian's Passenger Service System was retired and merged into Alaska's system. That system handles major airline functions such as booking, customer service, and schedule management. Once the cutover happened, SimVector saw Hawaiian's HA inventory disappear from primary industry data feeds, with those flights reappearing under Alaska's AS identity. For passengers, that may not seem like a big deal. The airplane still says Hawaiian. The crew may still look Hawaiian. The ticket may still feel Hawaiian. But behind the curtain, the operational data says something else. That is where flight sim users and virtual airline managers started noticing something strange. A flight tracker might still show a Hawaiian flight number, while professional data feeds and schedule systems show the same operation under Alaska. Broad describes this as a clash between "passenger truth" and "operational truth." In other words, the brand passengers recognize is not always the same identity being used in the actual aviation data pipeline. This matters for virtual airlines because tools such as SimVector's Schedule Cloud rely on accurate schedule and operational data. If a VA expects to find Hawaiian flights under HA, but those flights now appear under AS or ASA, schedules, aircraft assignments, callsigns, liveries, and subfleets can all become a plate of digital spaghetti. SimVector's approach is to preserve operational accuracy while also making the experience clearer for users. Broad says SimVector is adding metadata and platform-side flexibility to help identify flights that may be operationally Alaska but still Hawaiian-branded. For example, SimVector has observed that flights in the 800 to 1299 range often align with Hawaiian-branded operations, though Alaska has not publicly released a specific flight-number mapping. The company is also making changes for developers using the Schedule Cloud API, along with first-party integrations such as its phpVMS module and smartCARS plugin. These updates are intended to help systems display the proper branding while still preserving the correct callsign and operational identity. For VA operators, this is more than a cosmetic issue. Many virtual airlines separate aircraft by airline brand, livery, or subfleet. A Hawaiian-painted aircraft may need to remain visually Hawaiian even if the schedule data now identifies the operation under Alaska. SimVector is looking at ways to help map branding and fleet assignments through its existing data transformation tools, reducing the amount of manual cleanup required by VA managers. The Alaska-Hawaiian merger is a fascinating example of how real-world airline consolidation can ripple into the flight simulation community. What looks simple on the ramp can become complex inside the data stream. For virtual pilots, developers, and airline managers, the challenge is not just flying the route. It is knowing what the route is called, who technically operates it, and what brand users expect to see when they load up their schedule. In the end, this is the kind of behind-the-scenes aviation data puzzle that makes the modern flight sim ecosystem so interesting. The planes keep flying, the brands stay visible, and the data quietly changes its name tag when nobody is looking. Source: Taylor Broad, SimVector. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/25/alaska-hawaiian-merger-creates-a-new-data-challenge-for-virtual-airlines-and-flight-sim-pilots/

SayIntentions.AI FlowPro Widget Now Available in Alpha for Partner Subscribers

Posted by skyblueradio — Mon, 25 May 2026 19:38 GMT

SayIntentions.AI is taking another big step toward keeping virtual pilots fully immersed in the cockpit. e brand-new SayIntentions.AI FlowPro Widget is now available as an Alpha Preview for SayIntentions.AI Partner subscribers, bringing key SayIntentions.AI tools directly into Microsoft Flight Simulator through Parallel 42's popular Flow Pro platform. For now, the FlowPro Widget is available only to SayIntentions.AI Partners, with a wider release planned for all SayIntentions.AI subscribers in the near future. SayIntentions.AI Comes Directly Into the Sim Parallel 42's Flow Pro has become one of the flight simulation community's most flexible and widely used in-sim widget platforms. With its customizable interface and support for custom tools, Flow Pro was a natural fit for SayIntentions.AI. The new widget is designed to make essential SayIntentions.AI features easier to access without leaving the simulator, especially for pilots flying in VR or those who prefer to keep their workflow entirely inside the cockpit. Instead of bouncing between windows like a caffeine-powered air traffic controller, pilots can now keep important information right where they need it: inside the sim. What the FlowPro Widget Includes The SayIntentions.AI FlowPro Widget brings several major tools into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, including:

Radio communications Frequency switching Live map tracking Traffic and multiplayer injection Airport lookup Active runway information ATIS, METAR, and TAF data Airport frequencies Checklist support One especially useful feature is the checklist system, which supports automatic scrolling as items are completed with your copilot. That helps pilots stay focused during each phase of flight without having to dig around menus at the worst possible moment. Built for Custom Cockpit Workflows The widget is fully customizable to fit different flying setups. Pilots can resize the window, move it wherever they want, and adjust the zoom level to match their screen, cockpit layout, or VR view. The widget can also be minimized into a small, transparent, out-of-the-way icon. When minimized, hovering over it displays the text from the latest transmission. Users can also take advantage of the Flow Pro wheel to hover and scroll, making it easier to quickly access the exact page they need. For simmers who like a clean cockpit but still want powerful tools close at hand, this is a pretty sharp little avionics goblin. Important Requirement The SayIntentions.AI widget requires Flow Pro from Parallel 42. It will not work with the standard version of Flow. The Alpha Preview is currently limited to SayIntentions.AI Partner customers only, but SayIntentions.AI says the feature will be launched to all subscribers in the near future. How to Get the Plugin To access the FlowPro Widget during the Alpha Preview:

Settings

Preview

SayIntentions.AI is also offering Partner subscribers 30% off Flow Pro for the next 30 days using coupon code: SAYFLOWPRO Links Get Flow Pro for MSFS 2024: https://parallel42.com/products/flow-pro Get Flow Pro for MSFS 2020: https://parallel42.com/products/flow-pro-2020 Learn more about becoming a SayIntentions.AI Partner: https://www.sayintentions.ai/partner-program Getting Started with the FlowPro Widget: https://kb.sayintentions.ai/article/flowpro-widget-quick-start Flow Pro Discount Link: https://parallel42.com/discount/SAYFLOWPRO?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fflow-pro A Step Forward for In-Sim AI Assistance The new SayIntentions.AI FlowPro Widget represents a strong move toward a more seamless, cockpit-friendly experience for flight simmers. By bringing radio communications, airport data, maps, checklists, and live flight tools directly into the simulator, SayIntentions.AI and Parallel 42 are helping pilots stay focused on flying instead of juggling windows outside the sim. For SayIntentions.AI Partner subscribers, the Alpha Preview is available now. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/25/sayintentions-ai-flowpro-widget-now-available-in-alpha-for-partner-subscribers/

BeyondATC Adds ATG Air Traffic Global Support for MSFS 2024

Posted by skyblueradio — Thu, 21 May 2026 01:00 GMT

BeyondATC has added support for ATG: Air Traffic Global by BravoAirspace, giving Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 users another way to bring more realistic airline liveries into their AI traffic environment. The new support arrives in BeyondATC experimental version 1.9.7 and is currently limited to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. ATG: Air Traffic Global adds real-world airline liveries to the native AI traffic models included with MSFS 2024, helping reduce the "generic white aircraft parade" that can make busy airports feel a little too sterile. BeyondATC says the ATG model/livery set joins its existing support for FSLTL, FS Traffic, and AIG, giving users four available model options that can be mixed, matched, and prioritized inside the traffic suite. The update also includes improved MSFS 2024 general aviation model support, which should help more IFR GA traffic appear when model matching is available. The update includes several fixes as well, including improvements for arrival and enroute traffic volumes, updater behavior, degree values being shown incorrectly, and CPDLC clearance information display issues. Operational updates were also listed for EBBR, EDDP, and ZUTF. For simmers who use BeyondATC for traffic and radio immersion, this is a useful update rather than a flashy one. More accurate airline liveries can make airports feel significantly more alive, especially when paired with BeyondATC's AI traffic system and MSFS 2024's native traffic models. It is the kind of behind-the-scenes improvement that turns a virtual terminal from "parking lot with wings" into something closer to the real ramp ballet. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/21/beyondatc-adds-atg-air-traffic-global-support-for-msfs-2024/

Miltech and Stratoware Set May 22 Release for MBB Bo 105 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Posted by skyblueradio — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:56 GMT

Helicopter fans in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 have a new aircraft to watch for this week, as Stratoware and Miltech Simulations have confirmed that their MBB Bo 105 is scheduled to release on Friday, May 22, 2026. The Bo 105 is a twin-engine, multi-role light utility helicopter originally developed by Messerschmitt-B lkow-Blohm in West Germany. Known for its agility, versatility, and rigid rotor system, the aircraft has served in a wide variety of roles around the world, including medical transport, law enforcement, mountain rescue, military operations, and utility flying. For the simulator release, Stratoware and Miltech are packing the helicopter with 13 variants, including medical, military ATGM, aerobatic, broadcast, police, mountain rescue, floats, snow shoes, tall skids, sling-load capability, and more. The broadcast version is expected to include functional FLIR, while the police variant includes searchlight functionality and the mountain rescue version features a hoist. The package is also expected to include more than 50 liveries, along with Teufelsgraben, Germany scenery. Miltech has said the aircraft includes a custom flight model developed with feedback from a real Bo 105 pilot, while the sound package was produced by Echo 19 using real-world Bo 105 recordings. The MBB Bo 105 was first announced earlier this year as a collaboration between Project Stratosphere/Stratoware and Miltech Simulations, with the aircraft planned for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. The latest release-date announcement points to a May 22 launch for MSFS 2024. For simmers who enjoy helicopter operations beyond the usual point-to-point flying, this release looks like a busy little rotorcraft toolbox. Between rescue hoists, floats, police and broadcast configurations, military variants, and sling-load support, the Bo 105 should give MSFS 2024 pilots plenty of reasons to leave the runway behind and go hunting for helipads, mountain ridges, city rooftops, and awkward landing zones. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/21/miltech-and-stratoware-set-may-22-release-for-mbb-bo-105-in-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024/

Navigraph Academy Expands With Free Instrument Flying Course for Flight Simmers

Posted by skyblueradio — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:50 GMT

Navigraph has expanded its free Navigraph Academy training platform with a new course focused on Instrument Flying, giving sim pilots a structured path into IFR procedures, instrument scans, flight planning, and ILS approaches. The new course, released on May 19, 2026, is the second course to arrive in Navigraph Academy and is designed specifically for flight simulation. It includes three video-based lessons supported by 3D graphics and visualizations, with practical training aimed at helping simmers understand not just how IFR procedures are flown, but why they are used in real-world aviation. The course covers core instrument flying skills including the basic-T instrument scan, aircraft control without outside visual reference, RNAV flight planning using SIDs and airways, and briefing and flying an ILS approach down to minimums. Navigraph says users can also practice the material through dedicated in-sim missions in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. While the interactive in-sim training and missions are built for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, the video lessons are available to flight simmers on any platform. That makes the course useful whether you are flying Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D, or simply looking to sharpen your IFR knowledge from the ground-school side of the hangar. Alongside the new Instrument Flying course, Navigraph has also upgraded the Academy experience with live moving maps, improved maneuver analysis, better mobile and tablet support, and a smoother flow from briefing to flight to debrief. Completing the lessons and associated training allows users to earn a Navigraph Academy Instrument Qualification badge. Navigraph Academy remains free to use, with the Instrument Flying course now available through the Academy website. Lessons are also downloadable through Navigraph Hub, and Navigraph says the new videos are available on its YouTube channel. For sim pilots looking to move beyond fair-weather sightseeing and into the cloudy, needle-chasing world of IFR flying, this new course looks like a useful addition to the virtual flight bag. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/21/navigraph-academy-expands-with-free-instrument-flying-course-for-flight-simmers/

GSX 4.0.0 Arrives: A Big Ground Services Glow-Up for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Posted by skyblueradio — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:19 GMT

FS DreamTeam has rolled out GSX 4.0.0, and this is not just another "tighten the bolts and repaint the tug" update. This is a full ramp-side renovation, bringing a redesigned interface, a new economy and invoice system, live billing, deeper SimBrief integration, and a shiny new Mercedes Econic fuel truck to Microsoft Flight Simulator. At the heart of this release is a completely redesigned GSX Pro menu system. The older numbered-button stack has been replaced by cleaner, richer layouts, including a 3 3-style grid for common ground service actions and row-list menus with operator liveries and thumbnails for more detailed selections. The new interface also includes service icons, hotkey badges, and color-coded states so users can quickly see what is idle, waiting, or actively being performed. One of the biggest additions in GSX 4.0.0 is the new economy system. GSX now generates itemized HTML invoices for paid services such as fuel, catering, pushback, GPU, jetways, passenger stairs, boarding, deboarding, water, lavatory service, buses, and de-icing. These invoices are saved locally and styled with operator letterheads, line items, and taxes, giving simmers a more realistic airline operations layer to play with. The update also introduces a live tax engine, with receipts calculating taxes based on origin and destination jurisdictions. U.S. fuel receipts can include federal fuel tax and state sales tax, while European operations can include VAT and environmental surcharge logic depending on the route. It is a very nerdy detail, which means flight simmers are legally obligated to love it. GSX 4.0.0 also adds an Administration menu under Additional Services. From there, pilots can view price lists for available operators at an airport, browse past invoices, and clean up stored invoices by age or aircraft. Catering pricing has also become more dynamic, tying meal service costs to the planned flight duration through SimBrief when available. A short hop may only trigger beverage service, while long-haul flights can generate more substantial catering cycles. Speaking of SimBrief, GSX now includes a dedicated SimBrief details menu. Pilots can review flight plan information directly inside GSX, including summary data, payload, weather, and the operational flight plan. For those who enjoy turning a virtual turnaround into a small paperwork festival, this is deliciously dangerous. On the visual and operational side, FS DreamTeam has added a new Mercedes Econic fuel truck to GSX Pro. The vehicle includes detailed animations, with the driver exiting the cab, operating the pump panel, opening cabinets, handling the hose, and using a hydraulic platform when needed. The update also expands fuel truck operator support, adding a long list of real-world-inspired refueling brands and regional operators. GSX Pro users will also see live billing on the status page, showing active timed services and projected fees as operations unfold. That means services such as GPU, jetway, stairs, and buses can now display running costs while they are active, making the virtual ramp feel a little more like the real-world money furnace we all secretly wanted. The update includes several quality-of-life improvements and fixes as well. FS DreamTeam notes improvements to restart behavior, loading progress bars, hotfix prompts, cruise-mode GSX activation, parking dialog hangs, in-flight engine restart issues, destination gate selection in cruise, refueling disconnects at higher acceleration settings, passenger walker glitches, and SimConnect object limit problems. For Microsoft Flight Simulator pilots who use GSX as part of their everyday preflight and turnaround flow, version 4.0.0 looks like a substantial leap forward. The cleaner interface should make ground handling easier to manage, while the invoice and economy features add a fresh layer of airline-ops flavor. Your passengers may still be imaginary, but now at least the catering bill can haunt you in glorious HTML. GSX 4.0.0 is available now through FS DreamTeam's live update system. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/18/gsx-4-0-0-arrives-a-big-ground-services-glow-up-for-microsoft-flight-simulator/

FSReborn's Phenom 300E Releases Today for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Posted by skyblueradio — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:12 GMT

The business jet crowd has a new set of keys today. FSReborn has released its long-awaited Embraer Phenom 300E for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, bringing one of the world's most popular light business jets into the virtual skies with a heavy focus on systems depth, immersion, and that polished private-jet swagger. FSReborn has been teasing the aircraft heavily over the past week, with preview videos showing off the aircraft's start-up sequence, exterior and interior detail, avionics, and overall presentation. FSElite reported that the teaser campaign included multiple daily videos, with one focused specifically on the Phenom's avionics package. The Phenom 300E has been a major project for FSReborn, and early coverage has pointed to a recreation built around detailed avionics, a true-to-life flight model, and fully simulated aircraft systems. FlightSimExpo recently highlighted the aircraft as one of FSReborn's most anticipated releases, noting the developer's goal of creating a complete and believable pilot experience rather than simply another pretty hangar queen. In the real world, the Phenom 300E is known as a fast, single-pilot-capable business jet, and FSReborn's version appears aimed squarely at simmers who want more than a quick hop from A to B. Earlier previews have showcased high-resolution modeling, cabin detail, modern avionics, and performance characteristics inspired by the real aircraft, including its Mach 0.80 cruise capability. Community chatter has also pointed to a deep feature set, including custom Working Title G3000 enhancements, detailed system simulation, failure modeling, custom sounds, hand-refueling, and even a placeable 3D FBO for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Pricing has been reported by the community at $39.99, though availability may depend on Marketplace publishing timing. The official release trailer is now live, giving sim pilots a fresh look at the aircraft in action: Watch the FSReborn Phenom 300E Release Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnV7oSa5IPw For simmers looking for a high-end business jet experience in MSFS 2024, this one looks ready to make the ramp smell faintly of polished leather, jet fuel, and expensive decisions. Fire up the avionics, brief the passengers, and try not to spill the virtual espresso on climb-out.

Sky Blue Radio will keep watching this release as pilots begin putting the Phenom 300E through its paces. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/18/fsreborns-phenom-300e-releases-today-for-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024/

FlightControlTools Releases FlightControlSpotter V2 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Posted by skyblueradio — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:49 GMT

FlightControlTools has released FlightControlSpotter V2, a major update for its tower and spotting camera tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The new version brings a fresh set of cinematic camera tools, improved spotting precision, and expanded support for AI traffic, giving virtual aviation fans a sharper pair of binoculars for the digital ramp. Designed for aviation enthusiasts, virtual spotters, streamers, and content creators, FlightControlSpotter V2 turns MSFS 2024 into a more dynamic ground-based observation environment. Whether you are watching your own aircraft depart, tracking AI traffic around a busy airport, or setting up the perfect runway-side camera angle, this update is built to make virtual spotting feel smoother, more flexible, and more cinematic. New Fly-By Camera System for MSFS 2024 The headline feature in FlightControlSpotter V2 is the new Fly-By Camera system for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This new camera mode allows users to follow their own aircraft or nearby AI traffic from dynamic external viewpoints. Camera zoom, distance, angle, and transition timing can all be adjusted, helping users create realistic runway-side views, arrival shots, departure sequences, and aerial observation-style footage. For content creators and livestreamers, this adds a powerful new way to capture aircraft in motion without constantly fighting the camera. Think of it as giving your sim camera its own caffeine, clipboard, and press badge. AI Traffic Spotting Integration FlightControlSpotter V2 also improves interaction with AI-generated and live traffic aircraft inside the simulator. With enhanced tracking precision, virtual spotters can keep visual contact with moving aircraft during airport operations, fly-ins, livestream events, and busy traffic sessions. The Fly-By Live Camera can also select and track nearby detected AI aircraft in real time, opening the door for more natural traffic-watching and community event coverage. For simmers who enjoy airport spotting just as much as flying, this is a big addition. Spot Camera and Drone Position Tools The update also includes improvements to the Spot Camera, making it easier to quickly place a spotting camera and use drone controls to fine-tune the view. A new Drone Position Save/Live feature, available for MSFS 2024 only, allows users to move the drone camera to a desired location, retrieve its coordinates with a single click, and save that position for future spotting sessions. This means favorite camera locations can be stored and reused, whether it is the end of a runway, a terminal rooftop angle, or that one perfect dramatic corner of the airport where every landing suddenly looks like a movie trailer. Free Update for Existing Users FlightControlSpotter V2 is available as a free update for all existing users. The tool supports Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, depending on platform and store availability. It is available through SIMMARKET for Windows PC and through the in-sim Microsoft Marketplace for PC and Xbox. Preview Livestream and Trailer A preview livestream hosted by aviation content creator Practically Geek was scheduled for Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 PM UK time / 8:30 PM CET, offering an early demonstration of the new Fly-By features and spotting workflow improvements. FlightControlTools has also released an official 4K trailer by AviationLads, showcasing the new version in action. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/vy19k0SPpm8 Pricing and Launch Offer FlightControlSpotter is currently available at 20% off through SIMMARKET until May 21. Current pricing includes: Standalone: 12.00, reduced from 15.00, excluding VAT Bundle with FlightControlReplay V5: 28.35, reduced from 32.99, excluding VAT Reduced upgrade for FlightControlReplay V5 owners: 10.00, reduced from 12.50, excluding VAT A free Quick User Guide PDF is also available from FlightControlTools. A Strong Update for Virtual Spotters FlightControlSpotter V2 looks like a meaningful update for anyone who enjoys watching aircraft as much as flying them. With the new Fly-By Camera, AI traffic tracking, improved spot camera placement, and saveable drone positions, FlightControlTools is giving simmers more ways to capture the movement, rhythm, and spectacle of airport operations inside Microsoft Flight Simulator. For streamers, content creators, fly-in organizers, and virtual plane spotters, this update adds another camera to the toolkit, and this one knows where the action is. via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/05/16/flightcontroltools-releases-flightcontrolspotter-v2-for-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024/