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 dispelled after flying the Joby S4 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, finding it combines the best characteristics of helicopters and airplanes.
The Joby S4 features a modern, simplified cockpit with intuitive dual "inceptors" (flight stick and throttle) replacing many traditional controls, making it approachable to learn.
It offers versatile flight capabilities, easily transitioning between stable, computer-assisted hovering and fast, smooth cruise flight up to 170 knots.
The simulator experience highlights the S4's predictable handling and the freedom to operate it like a helicopter for precision landings or like a conventional airplane for runway operations.

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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.