Zoom in or out by pinching the map, smaller airports appear by zooming in more.
Select an airport on the map by tapping on its ICAO code or search it using the ICAO Search button.
Choose takeoff or landing by tapping on the icon to the right of the airport name, tap again to cancel it.
Search for real flights and fly them.
Zoom in or out by pinching the map.
Search for an aircraft using the search bar by entering the aircraft type or flight ID.
Click on any aircraft on the map to display the flight information.
Choose MY PROFILE to manage your stats and rank. Each complete flight with take off and landing will earn you Flight Points (FP).
Choose VIRTUAL AIRLINE to manage your Virtual Airline.
Choose an available server from the list.
Join ATC (Beta) for playing as ATC or Pilot.
Keep the chat list pressed to activate abuse reporting, scroll on the desired highlighted player/phrase, then release to report the user.Press on a single player name to address him directly and keep track of your conversation (tap outside to deselect it).
Tap to switch multiple panel configuration.
Keep the button pressed and move up/down to quickly change the panel.
Press and hold on a single instrument for 1 second and move up/down/left/right to customize it.
Available on any HD Airport. Follow map instructions to reach your assigned gate, then reach the parking area following instructions provided by the VDGS. When correctly parked (OK), the PASSENGER BOARDING BRIDGE will become available.
Using X-Plane with your Mac will make you feel like you really are inside the cockpit of a speeding Cessna Citation X, realistic Boeing 737-800, the nostalgia-filled classic F-14 Tomcat, and almost 20 other planes, gliders, and helicopters.
Where do you want to explore today? X-Plane 12 is the best flight simulator for Mac users who want to experience flying between 17,000+ airports around the world. Everything from the volumetric 3D clouds to geographically accurate water color, forests, vegetation and more will help you experience every corner of the world from wherever you are today.
Part of the answer to that question is that I have a secret weapon that helps me develop X-Plane at a much faster rate than any would-be competitors. While other teams are struggling to keep their organization and computers working, I and my team are able to work quickly and freely with no computer glitches holding us back, unlike almost everyone else using computers today.
A complete and extensive comparison article between X-Plane 12 and Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 release. These two behemoths of next-gen simulators are testing the flight sim audience with very different features and functionality. This article aims to help you decide which simulator is best for you based on your flight sim experience and expectations. We have covered pretty much all aspects in this comparison article and we hope you find it insightful and interesting.
As an expert flight simulation enthusiast with decades of experience, I understand the importance of selecting the right flight simulator for one's needs. In this article, I will be comparing the latest releases of two highly popular simulators: X-Plane 12 and Microsoft Flight Simulator. This in-depth analysis will provide insights into various aspects of each simulator, including performance, graphics, aircraft, weather, add-ons, multiplayer, pricing, and more.
One of the key performance indicators for a flight simulation program is frame rate (FPS - Frames Per Second). A higher FPS translates into smoother graphics and a more seamless flying experience. X-Plane 12 is known for its refined graphics engine, which ensures steady FPS, even in demanding scenarios. This is achieved through a combination of Vulkan and Metal APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), which enhance rendering efficiency and optimize resource utilization.
On the other hand, the latest release from Microsoft features an overhauled graphics engine that leverages DirectX 12 (DX12). This technology allows for more efficient CPU and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) usage, ensuring that the simulator can deliver stunning visuals while maintaining optimal FPS. Additionally, the simulator takes advantage of Azure AI (Artificial Intelligence) to intelligently optimize the use of system resources in real-time.
In terms of load times, X-Plane 12 has made significant improvements over its predecessors. Thanks to its advanced LOD (Level of Detail) system, the simulator can now load terrain and scenery data more efficiently, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall experience. Moreover, this simulator has received praise for its ability to manage VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), preventing excessive consumption and ensuring smooth performance.
The rival simulator from Microsoft has also made substantial progress in load times, with data streaming technology enabling the rapid rendering of detailed scenery. This simulator harnesses the power of the cloud to stream terrain and imagery data, which not only speeds up load times but also reduces the demand for local storage.
For users with multi-core processors, both simulators have made efforts to optimize performance. X-Plane 12's implementation of Vulkan and Metal APIs enables better distribution of tasks across multiple cores, resulting in more efficient CPU utilization. Similarly, the Microsoft contender's use of DX12 also promotes enhanced multi-core performance, allowing for more sophisticated simulations without straining system resources.
In summary, both simulators have taken significant strides to enhance performance. X-Plane 12's utilization of Vulkan and Metal APIs, along with its advanced LOD system, delivers a smooth and immersive experience. Meanwhile, the Microsoft simulator's adoption of DX12 and Azure AI ensures optimal frame rates and efficient resource management. Ultimately, the choice between these two simulators depends on individual preferences and system capabilities, as both offer a high-performance flight simulation experience.
The graphical fidelity and immersive environments offered by flight simulators are key factors that contribute to their success and appeal. In this section, we will delve into the captivating world of graphics and scenery as presented by two premier flight simulators, X-Plane 12 and the new Microsoft Flight Simulator release.
Starting with X-Plane 12, the simulator boasts an impressive rendering engine (the software responsible for displaying the 3D models and textures). This engine utilizes Vulkan API (an open standard 3D graphics and compute API) to improve performance and reduce stutters. The global scenery in X-Plane 12 is based on OpenStreetMap data, which allows for an accurate representation of the Earth's surface, including roads, buildings, and natural features.
The visual fidelity of this simulator is further enhanced by the implementation of Physically Based Rendering (PBR), a technique that simulates the interaction of light with material properties. The PBR results in realistic reflections, shading, and materials, providing an impressive level of detail to the aircraft and the environment.
In contrast, the new Microsoft Flight Simulator utilizes the Asobo Engine, which is specifically designed for this title. This engine employs DirectX 12 (a collection of application programming interfaces for handling multimedia tasks) to achieve high performance and stunning visuals.
One of the standout features of the Microsoft Flight Simulator is its integration with Bing Maps, allowing the simulator to render a highly detailed and accurate representation of the world, complete with photorealistic ground textures and 3D models of buildings and terrain. Additionally, this simulator leverages Azure AI (cloud-based artificial intelligence) to process and render accurate real-time weather data and atmospheric effects, creating an unparalleled level of immersion.
Both simulators excel in their respective domains. While X-Plane 12 showcases outstanding accuracy in its global scenery and employs Vulkan API for optimal performance, the new Microsoft Flight Simulator sets a new benchmark for visual realism with its cutting-edge Asobo Engine and Azure AI integration.
In summary, when comparing the graphics and scenery of these two leading flight simulators, it is evident that each offers unique strengths. X-Plane 12's OpenStreetMap-based scenery and PBR provide a high level of detail, while the new Microsoft Flight Simulator's integration with Bing Maps and Azure AI create an unmatched, immersive experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two simulators will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
In this section, we will delve into the out-of-the-box aircraft offerings provided by the two prominent simulators, examining the intricacies of their default fleets. Avid flight sim enthusiasts understand that a high-quality aircraft lineup is essential for an immersive and authentic experience.
X-Plane 12 offers a comprehensive selection of default aircraft, ranging from General Aviation (GA) aircraft to high-performance commercial jets. GA aircraft are smaller, private planes used for personal, recreational, or business purposes, while commercial jets are larger, airline-operated aircraft for passenger and cargo transport. X-Plane 12's default lineup includes noteworthy models such as the Cessna 172 Skyhawk (a popular GA aircraft), the Boeing 737-800 (a widely used short-to-medium-range commercial jet), and the Airbus A320 (a modern narrow-body airliner). Additionally, the software boasts several specialized aircraft, including the Sikorsky S-76 (a medium-sized, multi-purpose helicopter), and the Space Shuttle Orbiter (a retired spacecraft for educational purposes).
The latest Microsoft Flight Simulator release presents an equally impressive default aircraft collection. It features the likes of the Diamond DA40 (a single-engine, four-seat GA aircraft), the Beechcraft King Air 350i (a twin-turboprop utility airplane), and the Airbus A320neo (an advanced variant of the A320 family). The simulator also provides users with access to the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental (a long-range, wide-body commercial jet) and the Icon A5 (an amphibious Light Sport Aircraft, or LSA, designed for leisure flying). An LSA is a small, easy-to-fly aircraft with simple systems and lower operating costs.
59fb9ae87f