Sim Lab: Silence Can Be Golden in Microsoft Flight Simulator

Futuristic Joby S4 eVTOL is a must-fly aircraft in MSFS2024.

Sean Siff

Friday, September 18, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The inceptors are the primary inputs for the digital fly-by-wire flight control system. [Credit: Sean Siff/MSFS2024]

Key Takeaways:

The author's initial skepticism about eVTOL aircraft was completely dispelled after experiencing the Joby S4 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, finding it to be an innovative and enjoyable aircraft.
The Joby S4 features a modern, fly-by-wire cockpit that replaces traditional controls with two intuitive "inceptors" (flight stick and throttle), simplifying flight inputs and control.
It offers versatile flight characteristics, combining stable, computer-assisted hovering capabilities with rapid acceleration and smooth cruise flight up to 170 knots.
The S4 provides an intuitive and engaging simulation experience, seamlessly transitioning between helicopter-like hovering and airplane-like cruising, making it highly recommended for MSFS2024 players.

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If you’ve had concerns about electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, I’ll admit that I have too. Especially since we will soon be sharing the taxiways and airways with this new class of aircraft in the not-too-distant future.

However, after recently spending a few hours with the Joby Aviation S4 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS2024), it turns out that my preconceived notions about eVTOLs were mistaken. Flying the S4 completely changed my mind, and I plan on rotating the S4 into my regular sim flight missions on MSFS2024.