Welcome to Flight Simulation Association

5 steps to get started with flight simulation.

Home flight simulators are a great source of fun for aviation enthusiasts. If you're wondering how to get started, you're in the right place!

Get Started Join FSA
Get Started

Remember: Start with the Basics

These steps are intended to get you flying quickly so that you can start learning. Once you have a better idea for how you'd like to improve the experience, you can decide on detailed next steps.

If you'd rather to read "all the details" before getting started, our Setting Up a Home Flight Simulator Guide goes in-depth on the topic.

Get Started

Step 1

Download and Install a Flight Simulator

For now, use the computer that you already have and see how the simulator performs. Worry about computer tuning or upgrades later, once you have a better sense of your long-term goals.

Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) is the most popular flight simulator by number of active users. It's available on PC and Xbox.

X-Plane is known for its focus on realistic flight physics, and is the only option compatible with Mac or Linux.

Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) specializes in military flight simulation, but is only available on PC.

If you don't have a computer, Infinite Flight is available on mobile devices and tablets. A free 90-day trial is available to FSA Captains.

Having trouble choosing? Read our Simulator Selection Guide

Simulator Options

Step 2

Purchase Basic Peripherals

A joystick or yoke is essential to get started. Choose something basic that will allow you to control any aircraft and doesn't take up much space on your desk. Rudder pedals, throttles, and other add-ons can come later, after learning what type of flying you prefer and what you'd ultimately like to get out of your setup.

The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick is a great budget option. Many experienced flight simmers began their journey with this controller.

The Logitech Flight Yoke System is another popular option for beginners who prefer a yoke over a joystick.

Honeycomb's ALPHA Flight Controls is a more expensive option, but offers a more realistic feel and provides flexibility over the long-term.

Looking for additional options? Read our Flight Controls Guide

Simulator Options

Step 3

Start Flying!

After installing your simulator and connecting peripherals, choose an aircraft and go for your first flight! Focus these first few hours on having fun. Learn what you do and don't like, what you might want to tweak or improve going forward, and how you want to use the simulator over the long-term.

Try flying different aircraft in a variety geographies and weather conditions. See if you gravitate towards general aviation flying, airliners, military operations, or a mix of all three. This will inform what types of software and hardware add-ons you might consider next.

Decide if your computer performance is adequate with your simulator's settings configured as desired. If you find yourself wanting more, computer upgrades or tuning might your next area of focus.

Consider if you prefer "doing your own thing", or if would you benefit from meeting and "simming" with others. If so, joining a virtual airline or online community that adds structure and purpose to your flying could be next.

These are just a few examples of what you might consider as you start exploring, and are by no means exhaustive. Asking these questions now will help inform how to proceed when you reach Step 4.

Simulator Options

Step 4

Decide on Next Steps

After spending some time getting to know your simulator, you'll have a better idea of what's working, what needs improvement, and where you might need help. That's where FSA comes in...regardless of what you'd like to focus on next, our resources that can help you achieve your long-term goals!

Looking for more reading material? Our Learning Guides go in-depth on a variety of flight simulation topics.

Want to enhance the simulator with a new software or hardware add-on? Our Member Discounts offer year-round savings from top industry developers.

Looking for a more social experience? Our local clubs, Discord community, and annual convention provide great opportunities to meet others.

Want to speak with an expert? FSA Captains receive a free, 1-hour coaching session to help shape your flight sim experience. Coaches can help with a variety of topics, including technical support, computer performance issues, add-on recommendations, replicating real-world aircraft, and more!

Feeling stuck or lost? We have a resource for that, too! Our free coaching session described above is ideal for getting you pointed in the right direction.

Example Benefits Available to FSA Members

FlightSimCoach Coaching Session

1:1 Coaching

Free Session for
New FSA Captains
FLYING Magazine

FLYING Magazine

Free Subscription for FSA Captains
Charts and Navdata

Charts and Navdata

One Month Free for
First-Time Subscribers
Flight Controls

Flight Controls

10%+ Off Thrustmaster, Honeycomb, Virtual Fly, and more!
Airport Sceneries

Airport Sceneries

10%+ Off FlyTampa, Flightbeam, Orbx, Fsdreamteam, and more!
Avionics

Avionics Hardware

5%+ Off RealSimGear, FlightSimBuilder, SIMiONIC, and more!

Step 5

Join FSA

Get access to resources that will help you perfect your home simulator and connect you to a passionate community of flight sim enthusiasts.

Can't decide? Compare benefits

Our Growing Community

15,000+

Members

First Officer

Free

Get connected to FSA and see how we're supporting flight sim and aviation.

Start Free

Guides and learning resources

Discord community access

Local clubs and member meet-ups

Limited access to selected discounts

Captain

$48/year

Annual Subscription

Unlock benefits from our partners and get special perks at our annual convention.

Become a Captain

Subscriptions help us promote flight sim. Learn more

70+ Flight Sim Discounts

Save $100s on Software and Hardware

Free Select Orbx Products

+ 20% off Most of Orbx's Product Range

1-Hour Coaching Session

Get Instruction, Tech Support, and More

FLYING Magazine Subscription

+ 50% off Print Editions

20% Off FlightSimExpo Tickets

+ Free Online Event Access