Today Microsoft released a major update for its popular sim Microsoft Flight Simulator, while there is news on the third-party add-on side as well.
The update, dubbed Sim Update 8 and numbered 1.23.12.0, includes tons of changes some of which are listed below.
- New marketplace interface, including a map displaying available airports with improved discoverability and a better navigation experience
- New Private Match game mode to Reno air Races is available via the Content manager and allow customization of aircraft performance, number of laps, in-race assists and time of day)
- New optional propeller simulation system with hundreds of moving surfaces covering the propeller realistically simulated has been implemented on 3 planes Cessna 152, Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX and Beechcraft King Air 350i now use the new propeller simulation system. This improves propeller effects such as p-factor as well as feathering, prop drag, etc…
- A new Spotlight Event landing challenge is available for you to fly, featuring the Cessna Citation CJ4 landing at Reno Stead airport
Further updates include several bug fixes, stability improvements, navaids changes including the display of Tacan channels, weather improvements, and plenty of tweaks to default aircraft.
The full patch notes can be found here, and you can expect a download of about 500 megabytes on the windows store or Steam on PC, followed by a 4.34 gigabytes download within the sim. You’ll also have to download a ton of minor updates to content within the Content Manager (for me it was 11 gigabytes).
We also get an update for the increasingly-complex and impressive freeware A32NX Airbus A320 Neo add-on by FlyByWire.
Version 1.5 the custom flight management system, which includes seven new leg types, holds, the overfly options, and more, has been implemented in the Development version.
The same has been done with the new TCAS systems. You can find more information about both here and here.
These features were previously exclusive to the experimental version of the add-on.
FlyTampa also just released its rendition of Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ).
The airport is available on the developer’s own store for $17.99. A release on the Orbx Central store will follow.
Below you can take a look at what you can expect.
- Terminal Interior Models
- PBR Textures and Dynamic Lighting
- 3D Terrain including tunnels and bridges
- 2021-22 version of Toronto Airport
It’s worth mentioning that this is a completely different rendition of Toronto Pearson than the one released by Reg Designs yesterday. We advise considering your purchase carefully taking a good look at both renditions before deciding which one is best for your needs.
Recently, we published our latest interview with head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann and we heard more about Microsoft’s plans for the next few months, including World Update Australia.