The latest release of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator features 10 Cessna and Beechcraft airplanes that Textron Aviation said are realistic and comparative to the real things. A team of the Wichita airframer’s designers, flight test engineers, and pilots were involved in developing the software.
That realism includes worldwide VFR, real-world weather information, accurate navigational data, real-time air traffic information, and virtual sightseeing. Users can pilot a Cessna 172 Skyhawk or Beechcraft Baron G58 through the Grand Canyon or fly a super-midsize Citation Longitude twinjet to and from 37,000 airports, including Teterboro and London Biggin Hill.
“Microsoft Flight Simulator is at the forefront of the at-home flight simulation experience, and Textron Aviation was thrilled to work directly with Microsoft on the new version of the famous franchise,” said Textron Aviation interior design and customer spec manager Brandi Arroyo. “We’re proud to offer the most versatile general aviation lineup in the world and honored that this program brings our aircraft to life virtually using real-world data. Pairing up Microsoft developers with Cessna and Beechcraft designers and engineers was a natural partnership that provides Flight Sim users with the most realistic experience possible.”
Other Textron Aviation aircraft included in the flight simulation software are the Citation CJ4, Beechcraft King Air 350i, Cessna 208B, Grand Caravan EX, Bonanza G36, Skyhawk 172 (steam gauges or G1000), 152, and 152 Aerobat.