Hello Captains, and welcome back! A few weeks ago, I shared my initial impressions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. While it’s been out for a while, my move from Colorado to Texas — along with some other life priorities — delayed the purchase. Now, after three months of flying, I’ve become especially interested in one…
Tag: Microsoft Flight Simulator
Why I Update My GPU Drivers (and You Should Too)
Hello Captains, and welcome back. One of the most common questions I get is: “Which GPU driver version are you running, and have you had any issues with it?” Fair question. My philosophy has always leaned toward “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Back in my Prepar3D days, I’d often hold off on updates—whether…
Holding Short or Taking Off? The Future of MSFS 2020 Add-Ons
Hello Captains, and welcome back! It probably comes as no surprise that many flight sim developers have shifted their focus exclusively to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Over the past few months, we’ve seen a noticeable trend: fewer new add-ons are being released for MSFS 2020, as developers pivot to the newer platform. I assume this…
BeyondATC: A Promising Voice in the Sky, But Is It Ready for Prime Time?
Hello Captains and welcome back. I finally did it! After watching many videos, reading even more reviews and speaking with some new friends from the flying club, I decided to pull the trigger and purchased BeyondATC. While I joined VATSIM on day one and before that was a member of SATCO and I do still…
Trying Before Buying: MSFS 2024’s New Aircraft Rental System Explained
Hello Captains and welcome back! Just a few weeks ago, I shared my thoughts on the CSS 737 Classic subscription model—where, for less than the price of an overpriced coffee, you could take the aircraft for a 30-day spin. For only $5, sim pilots could test the waters before committing to a long-term relationship with…
Coffee, Conversation, and the Challenges of MSFS 2024
Hello Captains and welcome back, I recently had the pleasure of chatting face-to-face with a fellow flight sim enthusiast I’ve recently met. Our neighborhood is home to a variety of clubs and interest groups—including a flying club that celebrates all things aviation, from real-world flying to simulated flight. While the majority of our club members…
Immersion & Escape: Why I Love Flight Simulation
Hello and welcome back! A few weeks ago, I received an email from Timothy asking what I like most about flight simulation. I’m excited to answer his question, but I also want to expand on it by exploring the broader genre of simulation gaming. I’ll also touch on a few aspects I dislike. My History…
Making Every Flight Count: Tips for Thriving in A Pilot’s Life Career Mode
Welcome Back, Captains! Last summer, I reviewed several career-mode add-ons available for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Of those, A Pilot’s Life (Chapter 2) by Sim Bit World has recently become a personal favorite—and today, I’d like to pass along a few helpful tips for making the most of it. If you’re unfamiliar with A Pilot’s Life…
Subscription Skies: Thoughts on the CSS 737 Classic Pricing Model
Hello Captains, and welcome back! Subscription-based services are nothing new. In our busy lives, we subscribe to everything from magazines and streaming platforms to in-car entertainment systems. Even in the world of video gaming, subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass have become the norm. The flight simulation community isn’t immune either, with services such as Navigraph…
What Caught My Eye at FSExpo 2025: ChasePlane and KPHX News
Hello Captains, and welcome back! If you were lucky enough to attend FlightSim Expo 2025 this past weekend, you’re probably already up to speed on all the latest announcements. But if, like me, you couldn’t make the trip, you’ve likely been refreshing FSElite for updates and press releases as they rolled in. Rather than recap…