How to manipulate Microsoft Flight Simulator for beginners

This section explains the minimum flying method that MSFS beginners should remember. Once you've learned this much, you'll be able to fly the plane freely in full assist mode. Many flight simulator games follow the MSFS flying method.
Note that joysticks vary in number of buttons and levers depending on the product, and the settings are also different. Here we will use the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick(V1 FLIGHTSTICK) as an example.
We will also introduce the game's default settings. You can freely change the setting value assignments in the MSFS settings screen .

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Contents

Piloting Basics

For beginners, when flying in Free Flight (World Map) , start in the air or at the end of a runway. If you start from a parking spot, you will need to start the engines manually. Depending on the aircraft you choose, more complicated start-up procedures may be required.

Parking brake

At the start of the game, the parking brake will be on for many planes. Turn off the parking brake first.
Each time you press the key in the photo, the parking brake will be toggled on/off.

Parking Brake
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	[Ctrl]+[Space]	[Ctrl] + Num key [Del]
Controller	[RB]+[X]	Directional Pad Left
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	[B1]	[B2]

Parking brake : [Ctrl]+[Space]/Left[Ctrl]+Num[Del]

keyboard

Parking brake : [RB]+[X]/Directional Pad Left

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Flap

Flaps (high-lift devices) increase air resistance when deployed (Down), but allow you to fly at a slower speed. Deploy (Down) them during takeoff and landing. Retract (Up) them during cruising flight.

Flap
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	Min[Ctrl]+[V] / Down[V] / Up[B] / Max[Ctrl]+[B]	Min[F5] / Down[F6] / Up[F7] / Max[F8]
Controller	Directional Pad Up / Down	Directional Pad Up / Down
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	MULI-FUNCTION LEVER RIGHT	MULI-FUNCTION LEVER RIGHT

keyboard

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Throttle

It controls the power output of the engines/motors, which causes the plane to ascend or descend.

Throttle
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	Min[Ctrl]+[F] / Down[F] / Up[R] / Max[Ctrl]+[R]	Min[F1] / Down[F2] / Up[F3] / Max[F4]
Controller	Min[RB]+[B] / Down[B] / Up[A] / Max[RB]+[A]	Min[A]+[B] / Down[B] / Up[A]
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	MULI-FUNCTION LEVER LEFT	MULI-FUNCTION LEVER LEFT

Throttle : [Ctrl]+[F][R]/[F1][F2][F3][F4]

keyboard

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Landing gear

Stow (Up) it after takeoff and deploy (Down) it before landing.
Each time you press the key in the photo, the landing gear will be toggled stow/deploy.

Landing gear
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	[/]	[G]
Controller	Directional Pad Right	Directional Pad Right
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	Up[B11] / Down[B12]	[B4]

keyboard

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Elevator

It raises and lowers the nose of aircraft. As a result, the plane ascent or descends. But essentially, you control the plane's ascent or descent with the throttle.
In rotorcraft (helicopters), it is used to move the aircraft forward and backward.

Elevator
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	Num key [8]/[2] or [W]/[S]	Num key [8]/[2]
Controller	Left Analog Stick Front / Rear	Left Analog Stick Front / Rear
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	STICK Front / Rear	STICK Front / Rear

Elevator : [W][S] or num[8][2]/num[8][2]

keyboard

Elevator : Left Analog Stick Front / Rear

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Aileron

It tilt the aircraft left or right. As a result, the plane turns.
In rotorcraft (helicopters), it is used to move the aircraft from side to side.

Aileron
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	Num key [4]/[6] or [A]/[D]	Num key [4]/[6]
Controller	Left Analog Stick Left / Right	Left Analog Stick Left / Right
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	STICK Left / Right	STICK Left / Right

keyboard

Aileron : Left Analog Stick Left / Right

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Rudder

Turns the nose of aircraft left and right. By operating in coordination with the ailerons, smooth turns can be achieved. Controls steering while on the ground.
In rotorcraft (helicopters), it is used to turn the aircraft's direction.

Rudder
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	Num key [0]/[Del] or [Q]/[E]	Num key [0]/[Enter]
Controller	Trigger [LT]/[RT]	Trigger [LT]/[RT]
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	STICK Twist	STICK Twist

Rudder : [Q][E] or num[0][Del]/num[0][Enter]

keyboard

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Cockpit/External Camera Switching

Each time you press the key in the photo, the viewpoint will switch to the cockpit/external camera.

Cockpit / External camera switch
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	[BackSpace]	[End]
Controller	Xbox View/Back Button	Xbox View/Back Button
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	Xbox View/Back Button	Xbox View/Back Button

Cockpit / External Camera : [BackSpace]/[End]

keyboard

Cockpit / External Camera : Xbox View/Back Button

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Active Pause (pause the game)

Each time you press the key in the photo, the game will pause/resume.

Active pause
	MSFS2024	MSFS2020
Keybord	[Esc]	[Pause]
Controller	Xbox Menu/Start Button	Xbox Menu/Start Button
V1 FLIGHTSTICK	Xbox Menu/Start Button	Xbox Menu/Start Button

keyboard

controller

V1 FLIGHTSTICK

Controller for flight simulator

Flight simulators can be operated using a keyboard, mouse, or game controller, but they are difficult to operate and the experience is completely different from the feeling of actually flying an airplane. To enjoy a more intuitive and realistic control feeling, a dedicated controller is required.

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 Collectors Edition

Thrustmaster 2024-11-19 USD99.99

OFFICIAL MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR LICENSE: Official Microsoft Flight Simulator license for Xbox Series X|S and PC. COMPLETE FLIGHT EQUIPMENT: 10-bit precision with 5 axes (including Z axis) , 14 buttons, 1 rapid trigger and 1 multidirectional hat switch. DETACHABLE THROTTLE: playable on your lap in sitting position or on the desk if you separate the joystick from your throttle. DUAL RUDDER SYSTEM: The aircraft can be maneuvered laterally using the Z axis of the joystick or via the tilting lever on the detachable throttle. ADAPTED TO ALL TYPES OF FLIGHTS: ergonomic locations of buttons with adjustable resistance of the joystick to use all types of aircrafts. ECOSYSTEM: Compatible with the Thrustmaster TFRP (sold separately): the first rudder ever to feature the S.M.A.R.T. slide rails system, for smooth steering.

(US) (UK)
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System

TURTLE BEACH 2023-10-11 USD329.95

Universal, all-in-one design including throttle quadrant, trim wheel & yoke. True to life 180° yoke handle rotation with non-contact hall effect sensor. Modular throttle quadrant with customizable lever handles and buttons. Integrated rudder and brake controls at your fingertips. Full color flight management display to learn and configure the system. Authentic Status Indicator Panel for PC.

(US) (UK)
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Rudder Pedals

TURTLE BEACH October 31, 2022 USD269.99

Ultra-Smooth Rudder Axis with Swappable Springs. Differential Brakes. Adjustable Pedal Width. Non-Contact Hall Effect Sensor in All Axes. Two Sets of Swappable Pedals. Stable, Non-Slip Base.

(US) (UK)
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick Universal Simulation Controller

TURTLE BEACH November 17, 2022 USD129.96

High-Precision, Non-Contact Main Axes. Customizable, Multi-Function Throttle & Flap Levers. Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC. 27 Programmable Buttons, 8 Axes, POV Hat & Rapid-Fire Trigger. Integrated, OLED Flight Management Display. Intuitive Flight Configuration Wheel.

(US) (UK)
Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack – Airbus Edition

Thrustmaster November 9, 2022 USD299.50

Since its launch, the TCA Airbus Edition range has become a reference in civil aviation simulation on PC. Thrustmaster is proud to bring its range to Xbox with the TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition! These ergonomic replicas of the Airbus sidestick and quadrant (A320/A320neo type, 1:1 scale) are officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and compatible with PC.

(US) (UK)
Thrustmaster TCA Yoke Boeing Edition

Thrustmaster November 9, 2021 USD499.99

Officially-licensed Boeing yoke inspired by the iconic Boeing 787 airliner (1:1 scale ergonomic replica). PENDUL_R mechanism replicating the pendular sensation experienced in genuine Boeing Dreamliner airliners (8.3-inch / 21-cm range of travel). Suspended mechanism with adjustable springs for smooth motion and flexible linear resistance, allowing for an outstanding level of control.

(US) (UK)
Thrustmaster TFRP Rudder Pedals for Flight Simulators

Thrustmaster May 23, 2016 USD129.99

The Thrustmaster TFRP adds an innovative new product to Thrustmaster’s wide range of joysticks and other related flight-themed controllers. Long range of travel on rudder axis for precise maneuvers. Self-centering rudder axis: The perfect balance between smoothness and resistance for re-centering, for the most accurate maneuvers.

(US) (UK)
Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls

Honeycomb Aeronautical January 31, 2023 USDxxx.xx

The Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls XPC brings the ultimate immersion of aviation in the comfort of your own home. It features a NEW front grill design, a full 180-degree yoke rotation with upgraded hall effect sensors to provide smooth precision with no center detent.

(US) (UK)
Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System

Logitech October 9, 2016 USDxxx.xx

POV Hat, 14 button controls, and 3-position mode switch. Stainless steel yoke shaft and 2-position clamp. Comes with separate three axis lever throttle. Integrated 1-USB 2.0 Port 20 Hub ; LCD Display: Yes. Windows 10 or later, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, XP/XP64, and Vista compatible. POV Hat, 14 button controls, and 3-position mode switch. Stainless steel yoke shaft and 2-position clamp.

(US) (UK)
CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB

CH Products April 7, 2003 USD159.95

You, too, can make your wings take flight. CH Products 200-615 Flight Sim Yoke USB Game Controller offers the best possible control and performance with Microsoft or virtually any compatible simulator. Command the skies with the king of flight simulator controls, the Flight Sim Yoke USB. This one-of-a-kind yoke offers features that will allow you to fly with the greatest sense of realism.

(US) (UK)