Hello Captains, and welcome back to another blog post!
One of the most frequent questions I receive is: What are your favorite add-ons in MSFS? Today, I’m diving into my top picks, explaining why they stand out, and why you might want to add them to your sim.
ChasePlane
It’s no surprise that ChasePlane ranks as my #1 favorite add-on for MSFS 2020. If I end up writing a “Best of 2025” list, I suspect ChasePlane will still hold the top spot—I absolutely love this tool and have missed it dearly over the years.
Currently, ChasePlane is only available for MSFS 2024, but fingers crossed that we’ll see it in MSFS 2020 before the end of the year. The ease of setting up custom camera views and the stunning cinematic features make this add-on a must-have. As I’ve said before, ChasePlane is keeping MSFS 2024 as my primary sim for now.
Fenix Airbus A320 Family
When the Fenix A320 debuted a few years ago, it quickly became a favorite for obvious reasons. For years, I considered myself a Boeing guy, frequently flying the PMDG 737, 777, and 747. While the FSLabs A320 in P3D sparked some interest, it wasn’t until MSFS 2020 and the Fenix release that Airbus aircraft secured a permanent spot in my rotation.
With its depth of realism and affordability, the Fenix A320 family remains the top choice for simmers flying MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024.
GSX Pro
GSX Pro sparks a love/hate relationship within the flight sim community, but for me, it’s an essential part of every flight.
The immersion it brings—from passenger boarding to baggage loading, fueling, and catering—adds an invaluable layer of realism. And when it comes to pushback, GSX Pro outperforms any other solution. It’s an add-on I can’t live without.
Add-On Airports
I’ll admit—I have an obsession with add-on airports. While I occasionally fly into default airports, if it’s one I frequent, I usually purchase a detailed add-on version for maximum realism. Even Microsoft’s hand-crafted airports often lack the depth of a well-made payware airport.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Denver International Airport (KDEN) – FlightBeam
One of my first purchases in MSFS 2020, FlightBeam’s rendition of Denver far surpasses the default hand-crafted version. Having lived in Denver and flown in and out of DEN countless times, this airport holds sentimental value. - London Heathrow (EGLL) – iniBuilds
Heathrow is a top-tier airport add-on with excellent performance. It serves as a key hub for my flights in the UK. - Austin Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) – Dominic Design
As a resident of Central Texas, AUS is my go-to airport for real-world travel. While smaller than DEN or DFW, Dominic Design has captured the airport’s layout beautifully in MSFS. - Challenging Airports
For added excitement, I enjoy flying into more difficult airports, such as:
- Washington Reagan (KDCA) – Drzewiecki Design
- Innsbruck (LOWI) – Orbx
- London City (EGLC) – Orbx
- Madeira Airport (LPMA) – Amsim
With over 80 airports in my collection, this is just a glimpse of my favorites!
iFly 737 MAX 8
The more I fly the iFly 737 MAX 8, the more I love it. Though I’ve only completed a handful of flights, I plan to maximize its potential soon by joining a new airline in A Pilot’s Life.
Of course, I’m eager to enjoy all these add-ons—and many more—in MSFS 2024 in the near future.
Until next time…
✈️ Happy Flying!
Jerry