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 are valuable learning tools for aspiring pilots, but their effectiveness hinges on "structured playtime" that aligns with real-world syllabi, appropriate controls, and checklists.
Simulators help learners practice complex maneuvers, navigation, and procedures, allowing them to pre-familiarize with ground checkpoints and reduce anxiety for actual flights.
Successful integration of simulators involves actively applying real-world lessons to the virtual environment, which can highlight differences (e.g., aircraft systems, radio communication) and deepen a pilot's overall understanding.

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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.