Best flight simulator for beginners

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

For beginners looking to get into flight simulation, you'll want a flight simulator that is easy to learn, offers good tutorials, and has a user-friendly interface. Here are some of the best options for beginner-friendly flight simulators:

1. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)

Why it’s great for beginners:
- Realistic graphics and scenery: It’s visually stunning and offers detailed, real-world landscapes, which makes it engaging.
- Ease of use: The game has an extensive set of tutorials that guide you through basic flying techniques, from takeoff to landing. The "Assistance" options allow you to make the flight easier by turning on features like autopilot, navigation aids, and flight stabilization.
- Variety of aircraft: You can start with small, easy-to-fly planes like the Cessna 172 and gradually move up to more complex aircraft as you learn.
Available on: PC, Xbox Series X|S

2. X-Plane 12

Why it’s great for beginners:
- User-friendly interface: It offers a relatively simple interface and a range of beginner tutorials that will help you get started.
- Smooth learning curve: While X-Plane is known for its advanced realism, you can adjust settings to make it more approachable for beginners. It's good for learning basic flight controls.
- Support for third-party content: You can easily add free or paid aircraft and scenery as you become more experienced.
Available on: PC, macOS, Linux

3. Aerofly FS 4

Why it’s great for beginners:
- Simple controls: Aerofly FS 4 focuses on ease of use, making it a great option for beginners. The controls are simplified without sacrificing too much realism.
- Scenic flying: The simulator offers breathtaking landscapes and a wide range of easy-to-fly aircraft, making it a relaxing experience while still providing a taste of flight simulation.
- Minimal setup: It’s relatively easy to get started with no complex setup or complicated settings.
Available on: PC, iOS, Android, and VR platforms

4. FlightGear

Why it’s great for beginners:
- Free and open-source: FlightGear is completely free to use, making it an excellent choice for someone just starting out without wanting to make an initial investment.
- Wide variety of aircraft: It offers a variety of beginner-friendly aircraft and you can gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable.
- Community support: As an open-source platform, it has a dedicated community that can help you with tips and tricks.
Available on: PC, macOS, Linux

5. Prepar3D (P3D)

Why it’s great for beginners:
- Variety of learning modes: While this simulator is used by both professionals and enthusiasts, it has features aimed at beginners, including training modes, simplified controls, and various aircraft options.
- Scalability: You can start simple and gradually increase the complexity as your skills improve.
- Great for learning real-world aviation: Prepar3D has robust training and educational tools, making it a great option if you're serious about learning how to fly.
Available on: PC

6. Deadstick: Bush Flight Simulator

Why it’s great for beginners:
- Casual and fun experience: If you're interested in casual flying, Deadstick offers a more relaxed approach with an emphasis on bush flying in small aircraft, which is easier for beginners.
- Less technical: The flight model is forgiving for beginners, and the challenges are less technical than other sims.
Available on: PC

Key Features to Look for in a Beginner Flight Simulator:

User-Friendly Interface: Choose a simulator with intuitive controls and simple setup.
Tutorials and Training: A good flight simulator for beginners will have detailed tutorials and easy-to-understand guidance for new pilots.
Scalable Difficulty: Look for simulators where you can start easy and progressively challenge yourself with more complex aircraft.
Customization Options: Adjusting settings like auto-pilot or simplified controls can make the learning process easier.

Recommendation:

If you're a total beginner and want something that’s visually engaging and has a good range of features to ease you in, Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is an excellent option due to its accessibility and vast community support. For something more lightweight and easy to dive into, Aerofly FS 4 is a great choice as well.

What kind of aircraft or flying experience are you interested in, and do you have any preferences regarding platform (PC, console, etc.)?

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