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, allowing players to fly a new wave of aircraft, including electric VTOL air taxis and hybrid-electric airliners.
The game's improved physics engine and collaborations with manufacturers enable players to experience futuristic powered-lift aircraft designs now, before their real-world commercial operation next year.
MSFS2024 also introduces a new "Career System" game mode, simulating the journey from pilot training to missions like search and rescue, alongside aircraft ownership and maintenance.
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.
