Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs such as Joby Aviation’s air taxi are now featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]
Key Takeaways:
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS2024) has been released, introducing a new wave of aircraft, most notably "powered-lift" vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air taxis and other futuristic designs.
An improved physics engine allows players to experience these advanced aircraft, such as the Joby S4 and Archer Midnight, with realistic controls and flight physics, before their commercial real-world debut.
The game also features a comprehensive new "Career System" that guides players from earning their wings to mastering various aviation roles through missions like search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and simulated aircraft ownership.
The FAA in October outlined how pilots will learn to fly powered-lift aircraft—the agency’s first new category in decades that covers vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air taxis and other futuristic designs. Commercial powered-lift models will not fly until next year, at the earliest.
But you no longer need to wait—or train—to experience them yourself.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
