Gamification of Training: From Virtual Cockpit to Real-World Flying

Flight simulators like MSFS and X-Plane can be powerful and structured tools for aviation education.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11:35 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

FlightSimExpo attendees look over Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 at last year's conference. [Credit: FlightSimExpo]

Key Takeaways:

Flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane can be highly beneficial for aspiring aviators.
Their effectiveness depends on "structured playtime," where practice aligns with the real-world syllabus, using appropriate controls and checklists.
Simulators aid in developing practical skills such as navigation, landmark recognition, and understanding aircraft systems, even when highlighting differences between virtual and real aircraft.
Dedicated learners who use simulators for structured homework, following their syllabus, can successfully transfer virtual practice into real-world flight proficiency.

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There’s a fledgling aviator out there who will likely be getting an aviation video game this holiday season. Your mother asked me, “Would it help if (insert learner’s name) used Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane?”

I answered yes—as long as this Junior Birdman understands the limitations of it and it has cockpit-appropriate controls for what the learner is flying in the real world and—I cannot believe I am writing this—said JB engages in “structured playtime.” This means repeating the flights you have done with your instructor on the sim or attempting the maneuvers as listed in the syllabus you are using.