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Flight Simulation Association has revealed that more than 60 partners are already confirmed for FlightSimExpo 2026, bringing a stacked lineup of hardware makers, software developers, aviation training organizations, virtual communities, sponsors, and media creators to Saint Paul, Minnesota this June.

The announcement was made April 25 during a video reveal with FSElite, giving the flight simulation community its first major look at who will be on the show floor when FlightSimExpo returns June 12-14, 2026, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

This year's partner list reads like a flight simmer's candy store with a runway attached. Major hardware names including Honeycomb Aeronautical, Thrustmaster, Virtual Fly, DOF Reality Motion Simulators, Pimax, SKALARKI electronics, WINCTRL, and more are confirmed to exhibit. On the software side, attendees can expect to see Aerosoft, FlyByWire Simulations, Navigraph, SayIntentions.AI, SoFly, MK Studios, Miltech Simulations, Combat Pilot, and many others.

"Alongside flight sim's biggest names, attendees will meet virtual airlines, online communities, combat sim, flight schools, VR developers, and more at FlightSimExpo 2026," said organizer Phil Coyle. He also noted that, for the first time, the event will welcome a train sim hardware developer to the show.

The 2026 event will also continue expanding its military and combat simulation presence. Returning exhibitors Combat Pilot and Grinnelli Designs will be joined by a large DCS presence at the WINCTRL booth. Attendees will also be able to take part in the new FSExpo 2026 Combat Arena, presented by Grinnelli Designs, offering contests and interactive aviation-inspired experiences throughout the weekend.

Thrustmaster is also preparing a major presence at this year's show. Tim Gorham, North American Marketing Director for Thrustmaster, said the company will feature its "biggest booth ever," with multiple new products and cockpit setups available for attendees to try, including dual-command stations for pilot and co-pilot flying.

FlightSimExpo 2026 will also bring back the //42 Exhibitors Lounge, presented by Platinum Sponsor Parallel 42. The lounge is designed as a dedicated space where exhibitors and sponsors can take a break, connect, and network away from the main show floor.

Beyond the exhibit hall, attendees can register for additional tours and group experiences outside of regular show hours. FlightSimExpo says tickets, hotel booking information, add-on tours, and social events are available now through the event's website.

FlightSimExpo has welcomed more than 5,000 attendees since launching in 2018, with past events held in Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, and Houston. The 2026 edition is shaping up to be another major gathering point for simmers, aviation enthusiasts, developers, pilots, and creators from across the virtual skies.

For more information, tickets, partner details, and event registration, visit FlightSimExpo online.

via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/04/25/flightsimexpo-2026-announces-60-confirmed-partners-ahead-of-june-event

PMDG has rolled another major update out of the hangar, this time bringing the PMDG 737-900 into the company's growing High Detail Update lineup. The release, announced by PMDG's Robert S. Randazzo on April 24, gives the 737-900 fleet a significant visual and model-detail overhaul, while also delivering smaller updates for the already-refreshed 737-600 and 737-700 fleets.

The 737-900 update is the third of four planned High Detail Update packages for PMDG's 737 series. The 737-600 and 737-700 received their updates over the past couple of weeks, with the 737-900 now joining the party just in time for weekend flying. Somewhere, a virtual dispatch office just got a little louder.

A Sharper, More Detailed 737-900

According to PMDG, the 737-900 update brings a major increase in both large-scale and fine-scale model detail. The improvements include operating access panels, enhanced ground equipment, upgraded gear bays, improved lighting, and better textures throughout the aircraft.

PMDG says the update brings the 737-900 up to the visual standard the development team wanted for the aircraft. In addition to the aircraft model itself, all PMDG 737-900 liveries have also been updated so their resolution and detail match the refreshed model. Users with liveries installed through the PMDG Operations Center should expect to see a number of related livery updates available.

PMDG also noted that a new paintkit for livery artists is expected to be made available following the release.

737-600 and 737-700 Receive Additional Tweaks

Alongside the 737-900 release, PMDG has pushed smaller updates for the 737-600 and 737-700 fleets. These updates are intended to keep the already-updated aircraft aligned with the rest of the 737 family as the High Detail Update rollout continues.

Randazzo noted that the change list for the 600 and 700 is smaller than recent updates, with much of the team's current work focused on model-related improvements, broader code-base work across PMDG product lines, and ongoing development inside the 747 program.

PMDG Operations Center 2.0 End of Life Date Set

PMDG also used the announcement to remind users that PMDG Operations Center 2.0 will reach end of life on May 31, 2026. The company says this will not affect Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 users, but it is important for those still using FSX or Prepar3D.

PMDG is encouraging Prepar3D users to manually back up any liveries they wish to keep, as those liveries will no longer be installable through Operations Center 2.0 after the end-of-life date.

WASM Crash Work Continues for MSFS 2024

The update also included a note on PMDG's ongoing work to reduce WASM crashes in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Randazzo described this as the development team's current top strategic objective, with the first of multiple targeted updates currently in testing.

PMDG stressed that WASM crashes are not unique to its products, nor to any single third-party developer, and that the wider developer community is still working with limited debugging visibility into the root causes inside MSFS 2024. Still, PMDG says it is investing significant engineering time to ensure its own products are not contributing to the issue.

What's Next?

With the 737-600, 737-700, and now 737-900 receiving High Detail Updates, attention naturally turns to the remaining 737 variant. In the forum discussion following the announcement, PMDG's Mathijs Kok said work on the 737-800 update is progressing, with livery updates taking a significant amount of time.

For now, PMDG 737-900 pilots have a refreshed aircraft waiting in the hangar, complete with sharper details and a bit more visual swagger. Fire up the Operations Center, grab those updates, and give the -900 a proper weekend run. The virtual ramp just got a fresh coat of polish.

via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/04/24/pmdg-releases-high-detail-update-for-737-900-updates-737-600-and-737-700-fleets

FlightSimWeekend is preparing for a major new chapter in 2027, with organizers officially announcing that the next edition of the event will take place April 3-4, 2027, at Expo Houten in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The move marks a significant evolution for one of the flight simulation community's most recognizable gatherings. According to the FlightSimWeekend team, the new venue was selected after listening to feedback from the community, exhibitors, and partners. The goal is to create a larger, more connected, and more streamlined event experience for attendees and exhibitors alike.

A Bigger Home for the Flight Simulation Community

Expo Houten will offer more than 3,000 square meters of dedicated floor space, allowing all exhibitors to be located under one roof. That means no outdoor tents, improved visitor flow, and wider walkways designed to help guests explore the event more comfortably.

The venue will also bring several key infrastructure upgrades, including dedicated high-speed internet, a professional-grade power grid, and extended setup access beginning Thursday, April 1, 2027. Large overhead drive-in doors will allow exhibitors to deliver equipment directly to their booth locations, helping reduce the usual setup scramble that comes with large hardware-heavy simulation events.

For an event built around high-end flight decks, streaming software, cockpit hardware, and connected simulation platforms, those upgrades are no small thing. This is the kind of infrastructure flight sim exhibitors dream about while quietly whispering, "please don't trip the breaker."

Easy Access, Strong Travel Connections

Located near Utrecht, Expo Houten places the event in the heart of the Netherlands. The venue is less than 45 minutes by car from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, making it highly accessible for international visitors and partners.

Public transport access is also a major selling point. Utrecht is one of the country's central railway hubs, with frequent train and bus connections from Schiphol and surrounding cities. For those driving in, the venue sits near the A27 motorway and will offer abundant free parking for both visitors and exhibitors.

Organizers also noted that multiple hotel options, including several four-star properties, are located within a short 5 to 10-minute drive of the venue.

Official Program Moves to Expo Houten

The FlightSimWeekend team also addressed recent confusion in the market after communications from the former host venue, Luchtvaartmuseum Aviodrome, regarding a separate March 2027 event.

Organizers clarified that Stichting FlightSimWeekend, the FlightSimWeekend Foundation, is the official organizer and legal successor of the FSWEEKEND event, brand, and legacy. The official FlightSimWeekend program, including the Captain's Dinner, Flight Sim Awards 2027, and exclusive media partner content, will move exclusively to Expo Houten in Utrecht.

The organization also stated that use of the FSWEEKEND name by the former venue is currently under formal dispute.

More Details Coming Soon

FlightSimWeekend says official floor plans and the 2027 exhibitor brochure will be sent to exhibitors and partners in the coming weeks and months. Additional details are also expected regarding hotel booking options, partner rates, the Captain's Dinner, and the Flight Sim Awards 2027 nomination process and ceremony.

For now, the dates are locked in: FlightSimWeekend 2027 will take place April 3-4, 2027, at Expo Houten in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Sky Blue Radio will continue following developments as this next chapter for FlightSimWeekend takes shape. The community's landing lights are already pointed toward Utrecht

via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/04/24/flightsimweekend-2027-announces-new-venue-and-dates-in-utrecht

Rotorheads, fire up the checklist. A true Cold War-era helicopter legend has just landed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, and this one brings a very different kind of flying experience to the virtual skies.

The Mil Mi-2, the iconic Soviet-built light utility helicopter, is now available, giving sim pilots the chance to climb into a machine that feels right at home operating from rough military strips, remote outposts, rugged terrain, and anywhere else a rotary-wing workhorse might be needed.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/Uz6dqDzb6is

To celebrate the launch, the aircraft is available with a 30% discount for the first two weeks, making this a great time to add this rare helicopter to your virtual hangar.

Built With Authentic Detail

This Mi-2 has been created using real-world photo scans and thousands of reference images, resulting in a cockpit and exterior model packed with character. From the analog gauges to the utilitarian Soviet-era layout, the aircraft delivers that unmistakable "built for the mission" feel.

The cockpit is designed for serious sim pilots, offering a study-level experience for those who want to learn the aircraft properly from startup to shutdown. Electrical, fuel, hydraulic, engine, and navigation systems have all been fully simulated, giving pilots plenty to manage beyond simply pulling collective and going airborne.

Immersion From Startup to Shutdown

The developer has also focused heavily on atmosphere. The aircraft includes real Mi-2 sounds, bringing the distinct mechanical personality of the helicopter to life. Add in rotor vibrations, authentic handling, and realistic night lighting, and you get a cockpit that feels alive rather than merely modeled.

The Mi-2 also includes several immersive features, including:

iniBuilds has released v1.2.5 for its A350 Airliner in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and 2020, with the new build focused on sharpening system accuracy, improving stability, and tightening up performance in the MSFS WASM environment. In its forum announcement published on April 22, 2026, the developer said the update includes under-the-hood work aimed at smoother operation and more reliable behavior, especially during complex, high-load scenarios.

According to iniBuilds, a major focus in this update was WASM performance and consistency. The team says it optimized memory handling, reduced unnecessary data copying in key systems, refined data access patterns to cut stack pressure, and added extra safety checks across critical memory pathways. The goal is simple: fewer WASM-related crashes and a more stable overall experience in the cockpit.

Beyond the deeper technical changes, v1.2.5 also delivers a broad round of fixes across the aircraft's major systems. iniBuilds says the patch addresses areas including FMGS logic, flight guidance behavior, navigation predictions, and MCDU functionality, while also bringing updates to the EFB, sounds, and aircraft model. It is the kind of update many long-haul simmers love most, less flashy trailer material, more "let's make the airplane behave better at FL370."

The published changelog highlights a long list of systems fixes, including corrections to manual position time behavior, Direct To behavior, fix page issues, top-of-climb prediction, takeoff page field locking, fuel and load page behavior, altitude constraints on the ND, waypoint-bearing issues, missing top-of-climb markers in OP CLB, cruise altitude selection and flight phase logic, green dot speed mismatch, and vertical guidance timing with wind shift sensitivity. In short, this update takes a broom to a lot of the little gremlins that can make advanced airliner flying feel rough around the edges.

There is also a visual cleanup pass in the patch. iniBuilds says v1.2.5 fixes several art and model issues, including missing landing gear parts, an unanimated APPR button, the EVA command guard not opening, incorrectly mounted sun shades on the exterior model, and inverted rudder trim animation. The EFB also gets attention, with fixes for enroute map token loss in flight and a 403 error caused by a bad API call.

On the audio side, iniBuilds says the update restores the missing "retard" callout and fixes the absence of a windshear alert, two details that matter when immersion and situational awareness are part of the whole airliner ritual.

iniBuilds noted that testers have already reported noticeable improvements in performance and consistency, particularly in demanding scenarios, and the developer encouraged users to grab the update ahead of a busy Cross The Pond weekend. The update is available through the iniManager.

For A350 fans, v1.2.5 looks like a nuts-and-bolts maintenance release in the best possible sense. No fireworks, no confetti cannon, just a sturdier widebody and fewer reasons for your virtual long-haul to turn into a systems soap opera.

via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/04/22/inibuilds-rolls-out-a350-v1-2-5-for-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024-and-2020

The numbers are in, and the latest Navigraph FlightSim Community Survey paints a pretty clear picture of where the hobby is headed in 2026. This year's survey drew a record 42,332 responses, with 15,600 included in the final published dataset after incomplete entries and insincere responses were filtered out. That makes it one of the biggest snapshots of the flight sim community yet, even if Navigraph and others note that the results likely lean toward more dedicated PC-based simmers.

The headline item is hard to miss: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is now the most-used primary sim platform among respondents. According to the published results summarized by multiple outlets, MSFS 2024 claimed 49.5% of primary platform usage, ahead of MSFS 2020 at 27.8%. Combined, that gives the Microsoft Flight Simulator family a commanding 77.3% share of respondents' primary sim choice.

For X-Plane fans, the story is steadier than flashy. X-Plane 12 came in as the third most-used primary platform, landing at roughly 11.7% in one report, while broader platform share summaries also show the sim holding a stable presence in the community rather than making a dramatic leap or slide. In other words, X-Plane is still very much in the conversation, even if the Microsoft ecosystem is currently flying in formation far out front.

Another big takeaway is that MSFS 2024 appears to have completed the overtake of MSFS 2020. Last year, the newer platform was still climbing. Now, the survey suggests a large portion of users who switched platforms moved from MSFS 2020 into 2024, helping cement the newer simulator as the current front-runner. Sentiment around MSFS 2024 also appears to have improved significantly, with reporting on the survey noting that most respondents now lean toward recommending it.

The survey also offers a reminder about who tends to answer these polls. A reported 90.0% of respondents said they primarily use Windows PC, while 2.1% reported Xbox and 0.5% PS5 as their main platform. That does not mean consoles are irrelevant to flight simulation, but it does mean these results should be viewed as a strong snapshot of the dedicated sim crowd rather than a perfect mirror of the entire global market. It's less "full census" and more "hangar talk with a very large headset-wearing crowd."

Add-ons remain a huge part of the ecosystem, and the 2026 survey reinforces that point. Reporting based on the results shows major interest clustered around well-known developers, with Fenix, PMDG, and iniBuilds among the biggest names on the Microsoft Flight Simulator side, while ToLiss, Zibo, and FlightFactor continue to stand tall in the X-Plane world. That split says plenty about how simmers continue to invest in platform-specific depth, especially when it comes to airliner ops.

So what does it all mean? In plain English: MSFS 2024 now has the momentum, MSFS 2020 still has a loyal base, and X-Plane 12 remains the dependable third pillar of the hobby. The survey shows a community that keeps growing, keeps spending on add-ons, and keeps chasing realism one checklist at a time. The cockpit may be virtual, but the platform battle is very real.

For developers, content creators, and sim pilots alike, the 2026 Navigraph survey is another useful weather report for the state of the hobby. And right now, the skies belong to MSFS 2024. But in flight simulation, as every pilot knows, conditions can change fast.



via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/04/22/navigraphs-2026-flightsim-community-survey-shows-msfs-2024-taking-the-lead

X-Plane pilots have a fresh update to check out, and while Laminar Research is calling X-Plane 12.4.2 a smaller release, it still packs a few meaningful improvements where it counts. According to Laminar's April 15, 2026 announcement, version 12.4.2 focuses on important crash fixes, quality-of-life upgrades, and some behind-the-scenes graphics engine work. The update is now available in Public Beta, and Laminar says it launched as Release Candidate 1 because the scope is focused and they expect the beta cycle to be short.

One of the biggest highlights in 12.4.2 is a major refresh of Nice C te d'Azur Airport (LFMN). While the airport has been included in X-Plane 12 from the beginning, Laminar says this update gives the airport a complete overhaul. The scenery rework was led by Matthias Gerstberger, a retired airline pilot, who rebuilt and refined the original airport package that had been provided by Aerosoft. Laminar says the result preserves the custom buildings from the earlier version while significantly improving the overall detail level.

That makes this a pretty scenic excuse to fire up the sim and head for the French Riviera. In the real world, Nice is France's third busiest airport and the second busiest outside Paris, handling around 14 million passengers annually. Its location is one of the things that makes it so memorable in the sim and in real life, sitting between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, with the city of Nice pressing up against the field. Laminar also notes that the airport's layout leaves little room for expansion, adding to its reputation as one of Europe's more operationally challenging airports.

For simmers who love dramatic approaches, Nice brings plenty to the table. The airport first opened in 1945 on land partially reclaimed from the sea, and both parallel runways, 04L/22R and 04R/22L, run along the coastline. That means arrivals and departures often serve up gorgeous views over the Baie des Anges, which should make this refreshed airport one of the more fun default destinations to revisit in X-Plane 12.4.2.

Laminar also says 12.4.2 includes a new round of Gateway airport updates, continuing the steady stream of improvements created by the community's airport artists. That means beyond Nice, users should see more polish across additional airports as part of this release.

This update also fits exactly where Laminar said it would in the current roadmap. In its March 31, 2026 roadmap update, the studio described 12.4.2 as the next release and characterized it as a minor bug-fix update, with 12.4.3 slated to follow as the upcoming VR-focused release. So while 12.4.2 may not be the headline-grabber that a major systems or VR patch would be, it looks like an important cleanup and refinement release that keeps the sim moving forward.

For X-Plane fans, that is usually the sweet spot: fewer fireworks, more stability, and a better excuse to go sightseeing somewhere spectacular. And with Nice C te d'Azur getting the spotlight this time around, 12.4.2 feels like the kind of update that quietly whispers, "Go take the long approach."

Bottom line: X-Plane 12.4.2 may be a modest update on paper, but between crash fixes, graphics engine tweaks, quality-of-life improvements, a refreshed Nice airport, and more Gateway updates, it looks like a worthwhile beta for sim pilots ready for a springtime hop along the C te d'Azur

via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/04/22/x-plane-12-4-2-heads-to-public-beta-with-nice-airport-overhaul-and-key-fixes

Laminar Research has shared a fresh look at what is coming next for X-Plane, and the April 2026 roadmap gives simmers a clearer picture of the updates lined up over the next several months. In its roadmap post published on March 31, 2026, Laminar said 12.4.2 would be a smaller bug-fix release, 12.4.3 would become the VR Update, 12.4.4 would follow as another bug-fix build, and 12.5.0 would be the next major release focused on flight model improvements.

One of the biggest talking points is X-Plane 12.4.3, which Laminar is calling the VR Update. According to the roadmap, this update will include a rewrite of the VR system, support for Apple Vision Pro via CloudXR, mixed reality features, and additional VR details still to be announced. Laminar also teased that a dedicated VR blog post would follow, which it then published on April 8, 2026, offering an early preview of the 12.4.3 work.

Looking farther down the runway, X-Plane 12.5.0 is shaping up to be the next major step forward. Laminar says that update will focus on the flight model, including helicopter improvements, gusting wind improvements, Dear ImGui support for UI development, and a new enhanced airport. For X-Plane users who like the deeper technical side of the sim, that makes 12.5.0 one of the most interesting updates currently on the horizon.

In the meantime, Laminar has already started rolling out the smaller update that sits before all of that. The official X-Plane 12.4.2 release notes, dated April 15, 2026, say the update is still in beta and includes fixes for crashes tied to the ATC screen, secondary-monitor avionics displays such as the G1000 PFD, and graphics-related issues. That makes 12.4.2 less about flashy new features and more about tightening bolts before the bigger updates arrive.

There is also some scenery news folded into the latest X-Plane cycle. Laminar's Gateway Update for 12.4.2, published on April 15, 2026, highlights a batch of new and updated airports included in the release, along with Laminar Workshop scenery such as Juneau International in Alaska. That gives airport and scenery fans something extra to look at while waiting for the larger VR and flight-model releases later in the year.

For the X-Plane community, the big takeaway is pretty simple: April's roadmap is not just about one patch, but about where the sim is headed next. With a VR-focused update on approach, a major flight model update queued behind it, and 12.4.2 already in beta, Laminar is signaling that 2026 will be a busy year for X-Plane pilots

via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/04/16/x-plane-outlines-april-2026-roadmap-with-vr-flight-model-improvements-and-more

There's some tough news breaking across the Microsoft Flight Simulator community this week, especially for virtual pilots who rely on realistic live traffic to bring their skies to life.

FSLTL, one of the most popular freeware traffic solutions for MSFS, has confirmed that the FlightRadar24 data feed it uses for real-time live traffic injection will be shut down on or before April 30, 2026. That means the current system that helps populate the sim with real-world aircraft movements will soon be grounded unless a new data provider can be found.

According to statements shared by the FSLTL team, the issue comes down to cost. While there had been hope for a lower-cost option that users could purchase directly through FlightRadar24, that plan never materialized. The standard pricing for the API appears to be far too expensive for practical use in a freeware tool, with estimates reportedly running higher than many simmers would be willing to pay for a single session.

Once the cutoff happens, FSLTL says it will release a version of its injector that removes the current FlightRadar24 API calls. In plain English, that means the injector will likely continue only as a static aircraft injection tool, rather than a live real-time traffic solution.

The good news is that this does not affect the FSLTL Base Models package. The aircraft models, liveries, and related updates are expected to continue, so the project itself is not disappearing overnight. Still, this is a major blow for simmers who have come to depend on FSLTL for one of the most immersive freeware traffic experiences in MSFS.

FSLTL says it is actively searching for alternatives, but the road ahead is uncertain. The team outlined several possible outcomes, including finding another free provider, working with a lower-cost partner, remaining static-only, or in the worst-case scenario, ending the injector entirely.

To their credit, the FSLTL developers made it clear they do not blame FlightRadar24 for the decision. FlightRadar24 is a commercial business, and maintaining access to live aviation data comes with real costs. Still, for the flight sim community, this marks the end of an era unless a new solution can be found.

For now, simmers who value live traffic immersion will be watching closely to see what happens next. One thing is certain: the skies over Microsoft Flight Simulator may feel a little quieter after April 30.

Stay tuned to Sky Blue Radio for more updates from around the flight sim world.

via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/04/21/fsltl-set-to-lose-flightradar24-live-traffic-feed-on-april-30

Attendees can book planespotting tours, flight sim classes, a walking brewery tour, social events, and more.

The initial schedule for the June 12-14 convention in Saint Paul is now available flightsimexpo.com/schedule.

SAINT PAUL - April 16, 2026 - FlightSimExpo is a three-day, action-packed show featuring developer announcements, hands-on exhibits, panel discussions, flight sim workshops, and more. Attendees can also register for fun, group activities designed to enhance the FlightSimExpo weekend.

Tours & Experiences

FlightSimExpo attendees are invited to explore the aviation industry, culture, and history of Saint Paul through optional Tours & Experiences! Starting this weekend, attendees can sign up for: