Characters & Roles Guide for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Introduction

Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020 edition) is not a traditional game with defined characters. Instead, the true "characters" are the aircraft themselves—each with unique handling, systems, and personality. Additionally, you—the pilot—adopt different roles depending on the mission and conditions. This guide treats every major playable aircraft as a distinct unit and outlines the pilot roles you can master. All aircraft are available to fly from the start (depending on your edition), but some are locked behind Deluxe or Premium Deluxe purchases.

Aircraft as Playable Units

1. General Aviation Trainers

• Cessna 152 – Two-seat trainer. Strengths: Light, forgiving, ideal for basics. Weaknesses: Slow, short range, no GPS. Playstyle: VFR pattern work, short hops. Unlock: Standard Edition. Recommended: Yoke + rudder pedals.


• Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) – Four-seat classic with glass cockpit. Strengths: Stable, modern avionics for IFR. Weaknesses: Moderate performance. Playstyle: VFR/IFR cross-country. Unlock: Standard Edition. Recommended: Thrustmaster TCA Yoke.


• Piper PA-18 Super Cub – Tailwheel bush plane. Strengths: STOL, rugged. Weaknesses: Needs precise rudder. Playstyle: Bush flying, unpaved strips. Unlock: Standard. Team synergy: Formation bush trips.


• Diamond DA40 NG – Modern composite trainer. Strengths: Efficient, great visibility. Weaknesses: Light weight, crosswind sensitivity. Playstyle: Touring, pilotage. Unlock: Standard.


• CubCrafters XCub – High-performance bush plane. Strengths: Powerful, wide speed envelope. Weaknesses: Complex autopilot. Playstyle: Backcountry exploration. Unlock: Premium Deluxe.




2. Turboprops & Business Aircraft



• TBM 930 – Single-engine turboprop. Strengths: Fast, pressurized, G3000 cockpit. Weaknesses: Expensive, complex systems. Playstyle: High-speed executive travel. Unlock: Standard. Recommended: High-end joystick with throttle quadrant.


• Beechcraft King Air 350i – Twin turboprop. Strengths: Range, cabin comfort. Weaknesses: Symmetry in engine management. Playstyle: Regional air taxi or corporate. Unlock: Premium Deluxe. Team synergy: Multiplayer formation airliners.


• Cessna Citation CJ4 – Light business jet. Strengths: Speed, altitude capability. Weaknesses: Short range (relative). Playstyle: Quick point-to-point. Unlock: Deluxe.


• Cessna Citation Longitude – Midsize business jet. Strengths: Exceptional range, advanced avionics. Weaknesses: Heavier than CJ4. Playstyle: Transcontinental trips. Unlock: Premium Deluxe.


• Pilatus PC-6 Porter – Utility turboprop. Strengths: STOL, cargo door, ski/float options. Weaknesses: Low speed. Playstyle: Cargo drops, remote airstrips. Unlock: Standard.




3. Commercial Airliners



• Airbus A320neo – Short-to-medium haul. Strengths: Fly-by-wire, automated, efficient. Weaknesses: Steep learning curve for FMC. Playstyle: Realistic airline operations. Unlock: Standard. Recommended: Full yoke + rudder, A320-specific throttle quadrant. Team synergy: Shared Cockpit mod for two-pilot crew.


• Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental – Jumbo jet. Strengths: Iconic, huge, four engines. Weaknesses: Slow to accelerate, complex systems. Playstyle: Long-haul flights, oceanic crossings. Unlock: Premium Deluxe.


• Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner – Long-range widebody. Strengths: Composite construction, fuel-efficient engines, modern cockpit. Weaknesses: Requires systematic checklists. Playstyle: Ultra-long-haul. Unlock: Premium Deluxe.


• Bombardier CRJ 550/700 – Regional jet. Strengths: Agile, realistic FMS. Weaknesses: Small cabin. Playstyle: Short hops, regional networks. Unlock: Deluxe (CRJ is add-on but in Deluxe? Actually CRJ is included in Deluxe and Premium Deluxe).




4. Vintage & Special Aircraft



• Douglas DC-3 – Classic radial-engine transport. Strengths: Historical significance, rugged. Weaknesses: Radial engine management, manual navigation. Playstyle: Retro flights, cargo. Unlock: Premium Deluxe.


• Extra 330LT – Aerobatic aircraft. Strengths: Extreme rates, 3D maneuverability. Weaknesses: Unstable in cruise. Playstyle: Aerobatic competitions, formation aerobatics. Unlock: Premium Deluxe.


• Icon A5 – Amphibious light sport aircraft. Strengths: Water landings, folding wings. Weaknesses: Limited performance. Playstyle: Coastal exploration, waterways. Unlock: Premium Deluxe.


• Savage Cub – Ultralight bush plane. Strengths: Very short field performance. Weaknesses: Slow, no instruments. Playstyle: Bare-bones bush flying. Unlock: Deluxe.


• Ventus 2cT – Self-launching glider. Strengths: Silent flight, long glide ratio. Weaknesses: Requires thermal/ridge lift. Playstyle: Soaring, cross-country gliding. Unlock: Standard.




5. Community/Add-On Characters (Notable)



• FlyByWire A32NX – Free community mod that greatly enhances the default A320neo. Strengths: Realistic FMC, custom cockpit, optional EFB. Weaknesses: Requires manual installation. Playstyle: Hardcore simulation. Unlock: Free download (not included in base).


• Working Title CJ4 – Base was updated to improve the CJ4 via Working Title mod. Strengths: Better autopilot, FMC. Playstyle: Business jet with realistic systems.




Pilot Roles (Character Classes)



You, the pilot, can adopt various roles depending on aircraft and mission. These are not locked but represent progression tiers.



VFR Pilot



• Description: Fly by visual reference. Use landmarks, charts, and ground references. No reliance on instruments for navigation.


• Strengths: Simple, scenic, forgiving. Weaknesses: Limited to good weather, day flights.


• Equipment: Cessna 152/172, Piper Cub, any GA.


• Playstyle: Low-altitude sightseeing, pattern work, cross-country with pilotage.




IFR Pilot



• Description: Fly solely by instruments in clouds or low visibility. Use navigation aids (VOR, ILS, GPS) and air traffic control.


• Strengths: Ability to fly in all weather, precise approach. Weaknesses: Requires instrument proficiency, awareness of procedures.


• Equipment: Any aircraft with IFR avionics (G1000, G3000, airliners).


• Playstyle: Realistic flights following IFR flight plans, approach minimums.




Commercial Airline Pilot



• Description: Operate airliners by strict procedures, checklists, and SIDs/STARs. Manage crew coordination (even solo).


• Strengths: High altitude, speed, automation. Weaknesses: Boring if you dislike long flights.


• Equipment: A320neo, 747, 787, CRJ.


• Playstyle: Full flight from gate to gate, use of autopilot, ATC communication (AI or online).




Bush Pilot



• Description: Land and take off in remote, rough, uphill/downhill strips. Use STOL techniques.


• Strengths: Adventure, challenge of tricky landings. Weaknesses: High risk, requires fine rudder control.


• Equipment: PC-6, Super Cub, XCub, Savage Cub.


• Playstyle: Off-airport operations, floatplane versions of GA.




Aerobatic Pilot



• Description: Perform loops, rolls, spins, and competitive aerobatics.


• Strengths: Exhilarating, trains precise control. Weaknesses: Disorienting, not for casual.


• Equipment: Extra 330LT, any aerobatic-capable aircraft (e.g., TBM in a pinch but not ideal).


• Playstyle: Using flight dynamics, practicing sequences.




Helicopter Pilot (via Add-Ons or Future Updates)



• Note: Base game does not include helicopters, but third-party add-ons offer them. Roles include tour, utility, and air ambulance.

Unlock Conditions & Edition Differences

Note: All aircraft are flyable from the start within your edition. There is no in-game currency or leveling to unlock them.

Recommended Equipment per Character

• General Aviation / Trainers: Joystick or yoke with throttle quadrant and rudder pedals. Head tracking (TrackIR) or VR for immersion.


• Turboprops / Business Jets: Precise yoke (Alpha or Bravo Throttle) for fine adjustments. Autopilot panel helpful.


• Commercial Airliners: Full yoke (TCA Airbus or Boeing yoke), dedicated throttle quadrant, rudder pedals (Thrustmaster TPR or MFG Crosswind). MCDU panels can be simulated via tablet app.


• Aerobatic: Deluxe joystick with twist or pedals, no center spring (e.g., VKB Gunfighter). VR for disorientation realism.


• Bush Flying: Joystick with strong centering; pedals essential for tailwheel.




Team Synergy in Multiplayer



Microsoft Flight Simulator multiplayer allows up to hundreds of players in shared airspace. Team synergy is best achieved via:

• Formation Flying – For air shows or group tours. Use GA aerobatic aircraft or fighters (with add-ons). Communication via Discord.


• Shared Cockpit – Supported natively for the A320neo? Actually official Shared Cockpit is limited; third-party mods (YourControls) allow multiple players to control one aircraft. Great for airliner crews.


• Airline Operations – Rely on Vatsim or PilotEdge for ATC and realistic airline roles.


• Racing – Use aircraft like the Extra 330LT in a timed course (check Neofly or Bush Divers events).

Conclusion

While there are no narrative characters, the aircraft themselves and the pilot roles create a rich tapestry of gameplay. Choose your airborne character—whether you prefer the serenity of a glider or the roar of a 747—and master the skies accordingly.