Thinking of taking to the virtual skies? Let’s talk about the cost of Microsoft Flight Simulator
So you want to fly. Maybe you dream of photorealistic landscapes, or you are curious about piloting a virtual plane. The cost question will come up. Let’s explore the financial requirements for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) and its companions.
Breaking Down the Cost of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Editions
Let’s talk about the main choice: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. The common entry point is the Standard Edition. You will pay $59.99. You receive a detailed simulation. Expect 37 aircraft with unique flight models and 35 hand-crafted airports. Add in 4 classic commercial airports, 15 glider airports, and 14 heliports. A nice hangar for your money.
Game Pass: Your Budget-Friendly Flight Ticket
If you enjoy good deals or want to test before committing, consider Xbox Game Pass. For a low monthly fee, you can access many games. Guess what? Microsoft Flight Simulator is included. It’s like an all-you-can-fly buffet at a fraction of the purchase price. Great for testing or for budget gamers.
Free Flight Simulators: Taking to the Skies Without Spending a Dime
If you’re pinching pennies, let’s explore some excellent free flight simulator options. FlightGear is a long-standing open-source simulator. It’s customizable and completely free. Then you have GeoFS, a web-based tool using satellite imagery for a detailed flying experience in your browser. For RC aircraft fans, FS One focuses on radio-controlled flight physics. It’s drone piloting practice without the crash risk.
- FlightGear: Type: Open-source simulator.
- GeoFS: Type: Web-based simulator.
- FS One: Type: RC simulator.
Demo the Waters: X-Plane 12’s Free Trial
Want to try something more intense before buying? X-Plane 12 offers a free demo. You can download it for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The catch? You are limited to 15 minutes per flight. It’s a brief yet intense test drive. Enough to sample its detailed simulation but not enough to get lost in the skies.
The Big Leagues: The Jaw-Dropping Costs of Professional Flight Simulators
Now let’s move from home cockpits to the heavy-duty simulators used for airline training. Expect sticker shock. Strong professional flight simulators cost anywhere from $50,000 to a staggering $25 million or more. Why such a range? It depends on the simulator type.
At entry-level are Basic Simulators. These serious kits often reside in flight schools. Well-off hobbyists buy them too. Start at around $50,000 for a simulator of a single aircraft model, with old-school gauges and a basic visual system. Think Cessna 172, not Boeing 747.
Next up are Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs). Companies like Redbird produce these. They leap in fidelity and features. AATDs cost between $71,900 and $214,900. You get more sophisticated systems and realism.
The best are Full Flight Simulators (FFSs). Airlines use these realistic machines for training. They replicate every flight aspect, including motion. Costs? Hold on: $5 million to $25 million or even greater. They are highly complex devices.
The cost of professional simulators rises due to several factors:
- Simulated Aircraft Type: Simulating complex jets like a Boeing 787 costs more than for a simple Cessna 152.
- Certification Level: Simulators needing rigorous certification standards, like FAA Level D, are more expensive due to stringent testing.
- Features: Motion platforms, high-resolution visuals, realistic sound systems, and detailed cockpit replicas all drive costs up.
For example, Frasca‘s Basic Training Devices (BTDs) start at around $200,000 for piston aircraft and can reach $700,000 for turboprop or jet models. Redbird’s MCX, FMX, AMS, and VTO simulators range from $69,900 to $214,900. Notably, United Airlines invested $25 million in a single Boeing 787 simulator.
The Price of Adding More Planes to Your Virtual Hangar
In MSFS, you may wonder about expanding your aircraft collection. The base game provides many planes, but you can buy more. Costs for additional planes vary. Some premium addons, like the MD-82 by Leonardo Software, are pricey, likely around $75. Think of it like a premium DLC car in a racing game but for the skies.
Building Your Dream Home Cockpit: Equipment Costs
The software alone isn’t enough for dedicated simmers. The quest for immersion often leads to hardware. The question “How Much is A Flight Simulator?” often turns into “How much is a home flight simulator setup?”. The answer varies widely. You could start small with a Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot desktop trainer for about $349. Or go big and create a replica Cessna 172 cockpit with Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) certification for about $15,000. The flight sim hardware choices are vast; only your budget limits you.
Subscription Surprises? Clearing Up Misconceptions about MSFS
Lastly, let’s clarify a common myth. You may have heard of a subscription requirement for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Do not worry! Microsoft Flight Simulator does NOT need a subscription after purchase. Perhaps there’s confusion with Game Pass, which is a subscription service that provides access to various games, including MSFS. After buying the game, you own it and can fly as much as you want without ongoing fees.
If you’re looking at a budget-friendly Game Pass option, free simulators, or dreaming of a multi-million dollar setup, flight simulation offers choices for every interest and financial level. Happy flying!
