Can you really fly the same plane in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Hey flight sim fan! Have you tried the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator? Its realistic graphics and simulated flight dynamics provide an incredible virtual flying experience. But can you truly share a plane with a friend in the simulator? Let’s look at what’s possible now and exciting future features coming soon.
Sharing an aircraft through "shared skies"
One of Flight Simulator‘s most innovative multiplayer capabilities is the ability to share control of a single plane. Lead developer Martial Bossard described it this way:
"Flight Simulator Multiplayer allows you to share control of a single aircraft. This is a great tool for giving or receiving instruction over the Internet or a LAN with someone far away (or down the hall)."
By enabling the “shared skies” option, two pilots can take turns flying the same aircraft. Player 1 acts as the pilot in command from the virtual cockpit, while Player 2 occupies the copilot position with an external camera view. They can switch roles and hand over control of the plane‘s systems seamlessly.
This opens up engaging cooperative play:
- Certified flight instructors can guide students through lessons
- Friends can experience flight together and share piloting duties
- Pilots can demonstrate techniques to each other
But successfully sharing an aircraft requires planning and effective communication between pilots. Let’s look at why that is.
Chatting essential for coordination
To fully utilize Flight Simulator’s shared skies capability, the pilots need to talk to each other clearly. Unfortunately, built-in voice chat is not yet implemented in the simulator. Players have to rely on third party apps like Discord to communicate verbally.
Typing messages within the simulator itself is restricted to basic preset options – not conducive to coordinating a shared flight. Clear verbal communications makes transferring aircraft control between players smooth and efficient. Phrases like “You have the controls” become essential.
Commercial airline crews master this through extensive “crew resource management” training. Pilots learn to communicate concisely, resolve conflicts, and maximize cooperation. Virtual pilots in Flight Simulator benefit from similar skills!
Shared cockpit view coming later
While aircraft control can be shared now in Flight Simulator, a full “shared cockpit” view is still in development. Currently, only the acting pilot in command can experience the immersive first person view from the cockpit. The other player is limited to an external third person camera view of the aircraft.
According to the developers, this deeper level of cockpit sharing is planned for 2022. Both pilots will eventually be able to see control movements in real-time as the other player manipulates them. Having shared access to the virtual knobs, switches, and levers will take cooperation to the next level!
How general multiplayer works
Flight Simulator’s multiplayer mode allows many users to share the same virtual airspace simultaneously. But most pilots still fly separately in their own individual aircraft, not literally sharing controls.
Here is how typical multiplayer sessions play out:
- Invite friends – Create a group and have pals join
- Enable nameplates – See other players‘ locations in the sky
- Coordinate flight plans – Pick departure/destination airports
- Fly "together" – Stay in proximity to your friends‘ planes
While you won‘t be seated in the same virtual cockpit, you can still complete fun formation flights and reenact airshows with planning.
A December 2021 update increased the max number of simultaneous multiplayer aircraft to 50, up from just 10 originally! Over 15 million virtual pilots have logged an incredible 2.8 billion miles in Flight Simulator as of January 2022 according to Microsoft.
Real aviation vs. the simulation
When comparing Flight Simulator’s multiplayer experience to real world aviation procedures and regulations, some key differences stand out:
| Real aviation rules | Microsoft Flight Simulator | |
|---|---|---|
| Separation standards | Strict minimum miles between aircraft at same altitude | Aircraft can fly unrealistically close |
| ATC communications | Structured phraseology protocols | Informal open chat |
| Crew coordination | Extensive training required | Varies based on user experience |
The simulator provides an accessible recreation of flight, but behaviors are not fully realistic. Multiplayer is fun for general aviation simulation, but not a replacement for real training.
No reputable flight instruction program relies solely on simulators without actual flight time and interaction with certified flight instructors. Simulators serve a supplemental role in training curriculums.
According to FAA regulations, a maximum of 20 hours of simulator time can be credited towards the 40 hours of required training for a Private Pilot License. Certain skill demonstrations also must be completed in actual aircraft.
Mike Jones, a retired USAF pilot and popular flight simulator YouTuber, emphasized that "a simulator can‘t teach you to land in a real plane." He pointed to the lack of true motion feedback and simplified flight dynamics. However, Jones still believes simulators have great utility in building overall experience.
Conquering fear of flying
While not a substitute for formal flight training, using Microsoft Flight Simulator over time can help anxious flyers overcome aerophobia.
The incredibly detailed visuals and physics modeling realistically simulate many flight sensations, especially for small general aviation propeller planes. Equipping the home simulation setup with actual aircraft controls like yokes and pedals increases immersion further.
By repeatedly experiencing common air travel sights and motions like turbulence in the simulator‘s safe virtual environment, individuals prone to aviophobia can slowly acclimatize. With practice, this can make the prospect of real commercial flights less intimidating and panic-inducing.
Dr. Larry Lachter, a psychologist researching virtual reality exposure therapy, noted that "the key is making the feared situation feel as real as possible. Advanced home flight simulators like Microsoft‘s latest provide exactly that – and expose users to it in a controlled, comfortable setting."
Tips for maximizing the shared skies experience
To get the most out of Microsoft Flight Simulator‘s multiplayer modes:
- Use aviation callsigns – More realistic than gamertags when roleplaying pilots
- File flight plans together – Coordinate takeoff times, route waypoints, destinations
- Tune radios to shared frequencies – Enables simulated ATC communications
- Consider formation flying – Adds challenge and realism
- Watch live weather – Wind, visibility affects multiplayer dynamics
- Utilize group flight planning tools – Apps like FSEconomy facilitate coordinated ops
The ability to share aircraft control with your friends is an exciting new frontier for flight simulation. It brings Microsoft Flight Simulator closer than ever to the true communal experience of real aviation. There‘s never been a better time to take to the virtual skies together!
Let me know if you have any other questions! I could talk flight simulation all day. This new version has me more immersed than ever in the world of aviation.