Modifications, typically abbreviated as “mods,” for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) are alterations to the core simulation software program or its related recordsdata. These adjustments can vary from easy visible enhancements, reminiscent of improved plane textures or surroundings, to advanced additions like new plane fashions, practical climate techniques, and up to date avionics. A consumer would possibly set up a modification to reinforce the realism of particular airports, introduce new airplane liveries, and even incorporate solely fictional plane into the simulation.
The flexibility to switch FSX contributes considerably to its longevity and continued reputation. Including modifications can drastically improve the simulated expertise, providing larger realism, selection, and consumer customization. This open structure for modification has fostered a big and energetic group that continues to develop and share enhancements, successfully increasing the simulator’s content material far past its unique scope. The continual improvement of modifications has breathed new life right into a platform launched in 2006, guaranteeing ongoing relevance and a wealthy consumer expertise for years to come back.
This text will delve additional into varied features of FSX enhancements, exploring classes of accessible alterations, in style assets throughout the group, set up processes, and potential compatibility issues.
1. Plane
Plane symbolize a central facet of modifications inside Flight Simulator X. Enhancements and additions on this class considerably affect the simulation expertise, providing customers a wide selection of plane to pilot and increasing the scope of digital aviation. From enhancing present default plane to introducing solely new fashions, modifications cater to various pursuits and ranges of simulation complexity.
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Mannequin Enhancements
Modifications can enhance the visible constancy of default plane by introducing high-resolution textures, detailed 3D fashions, and practical animations. These enhancements remodel the looks of present plane, offering a extra immersive and visually interesting expertise. For instance, a consumer would possibly set up a modification that updates the cockpit of a default Boeing 737 to incorporate extra correct instrumentation and practical wear-and-tear, thereby enhancing the sense of immersion throughout flight.
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New Plane
One of the crucial vital contributions of modifications is the introduction of plane not included within the unique simulator. These vary from traditionally vital plane to fashionable airliners and common aviation plane. This enormously expands the simulator’s versatility, permitting customers to expertise a broader vary of plane and operational environments. An instance contains the addition of basic plane just like the Douglas DC-3, enabling customers to expertise the “golden age” of aviation.
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Methods and Avionics Updates
Modifications can enhance the performance and realism of plane techniques. These enhancements can embrace up to date flight fashions, practical autopilot techniques, or extra detailed simulations of engine efficiency and gasoline consumption. A modification would possibly, for instance, improve the simulation of a selected plane’s hydraulic techniques, offering a extra correct illustration of how these techniques operate in real-world operation.
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Liveries and Paint Schemes
Plane modifications typically introduce new liveries and paint schemes, permitting customers to customise the looks of their plane. This will embrace real-world airline liveries, historic paint schemes, and even fictional designs. This side of plane modification contributes considerably to the visible selection throughout the simulation and permits for personalised customization, additional enhancing the consumer expertise.
These sides of plane modifications contribute considerably to the depth and longevity of Flight Simulator X. The flexibility to constantly improve and broaden the accessible plane ensures ongoing engagement throughout the group and supplies a continually evolving simulation expertise. The breadth and depth of modifications associated to plane mirror the dedication and creativity throughout the Flight Simulator group.
2. Surroundings
Surroundings modifications basically alter the visible illustration of the digital world inside Flight Simulator X. These modifications improve the realism and immersion of the simulation expertise by bettering the standard and element of terrain, airports, and different environmental options. From international enhancements to extremely particular regional enhancements, surroundings modifications play an important function in making a plausible and interesting digital setting.
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Mesh and Terrain Enhancements
Mesh modifications alter the underlying terrain information, leading to extra correct and detailed representations of mountains, valleys, and different landforms. These enhancements considerably enhance the visible realism of the simulated world, changing the often-generic default terrain with extra correct and interesting landscapes. A consumer flying over the Alps, for instance, would possibly set up a mesh modification that precisely depicts the peaks and valleys, thereby making a extra immersive and practical expertise.
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Airport Enhancements
Airport modifications can remodel generic default airports into extremely detailed representations of their real-world counterparts. These modifications typically embrace custom-designed buildings, correct taxiway layouts, practical floor markings, and even dynamic airport lighting. As an example, a modification for a selected worldwide airport would possibly embrace detailed terminal buildings, jetways, and precisely positioned signage, considerably enhancing the visible constancy of the airport setting.
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Landmarks and Buildings
Modifications can introduce or enhance the illustration of landmarks and buildings within the simulated world. These can vary from well-known international landmarks to regional factors of curiosity, considerably enriching the visible setting. A consumer flying over a significant metropolis would possibly set up a modification that provides practical fashions of iconic skyscrapers and different outstanding buildings, rising the realism and visible enchantment of the cityscape.
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Photorealistic Surroundings
Photorealistic surroundings makes use of high-resolution aerial imagery to create extraordinarily detailed and practical representations of particular areas. These modifications typically cowl smaller areas because of the massive file sizes related to high-resolution imagery, however they supply unmatched ranges of visible constancy. A consumer would possibly set up photorealistic surroundings for his or her native space, permitting them to expertise acquainted landmarks and terrain with distinctive element and realism.
The affect of surroundings modifications on the general Flight Simulator X expertise is substantial. These enhancements remodel the digital world, making a extra immersive and interesting setting for digital pilots. The extent of element and realism provided by surroundings modifications contributes considerably to the enduring reputation of Flight Simulator X, offering customers with a continually evolving and visually wealthy digital world to discover.
3. Climate
Climate considerably impacts aviation, and inside Flight Simulator X, modifications improve the realism and dynamism of climate techniques. These modifications permit customers to expertise a wider vary of atmospheric situations and perceive their results on flight, including one other layer of complexity and immersion to the simulation. Correct climate illustration is essential for a practical simulation expertise, because it straight influences flight planning, plane efficiency, and general security. For instance, modifications can introduce practical wind shear, a sudden change in wind velocity and path, which poses a big problem to pilots throughout takeoff and touchdown. Simulating such situations throughout the simulator permits customers to observe acceptable responses and perceive the potential risks of wind shear.
Modifications improve climate depiction inside Flight Simulator X by incorporating real-world climate information, dynamic climate patterns, and superior visible results. Actual-world climate information integration permits customers to expertise present meteorological situations of their simulated flights. This dynamic integration connects the digital world with real-world climate techniques, enhancing the sense of realism and immersion. Additional, these modifications supply a extra practical depiction of varied climate phenomena, reminiscent of thunderstorms, fog, and icing situations. As an example, a consumer flying over the Midwest would possibly encounter a simulated supercell thunderstorm, full with practical lightning, turbulence, and precipitation, offering a difficult but instructional expertise.
Integrating practical and dynamic climate into Flight Simulator X by way of modifications elevates the simulation from a easy recreation to a useful coaching software. Customers acquire sensible expertise navigating various climate eventualities, enhancing their understanding of meteorological impacts on aviation. Furthermore, superior climate modifications supply customizable climate parameters, permitting customers to create particular eventualities for observe or experimentation. The flexibility to manage and manipulate climate situations supplies a useful platform for studying and exploring the complexities of flight in varied atmospheric situations. Whereas not an alternative to real-world flight coaching, the improved climate simulation offered by modifications provides useful insights and sensible expertise for aspiring and skilled digital pilots alike.
4. Utilities
Utility modifications symbolize an important class throughout the Flight Simulator X modification panorama. These instruments broaden the simulator’s performance past core flight simulation, offering options that improve realism, enhance consumer expertise, and supply useful help in flight planning and administration. Utilities bridge the hole between simulation and real-world aviation practices, providing functionalities just like these utilized by real-world pilots and air visitors controllers.
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Flight Planning and Administration
A number of utilities support in pre-flight planning, permitting customers to create practical flight plans, calculate gasoline necessities, and handle different logistical features. These instruments typically combine with on-line assets to supply real-world climate information and navigational data. As an example, a flight planning utility would possibly permit a consumer to plot a route from London Heathrow to New York JFK, considering present wind situations and air visitors management procedures, mirroring real-world flight planning processes.
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Navigation and Communication
Utilities can improve the simulation’s navigation and communication techniques, providing extra practical interfaces and functionalities. Some utilities present digital air visitors management (ATC) interfaces, enabling customers to work together with simulated air visitors controllers, including one other layer of realism to the expertise. Different utilities would possibly improve the performance of the onboard navigation techniques, mirroring the complexities of contemporary avionics. For instance, a consumer would possibly make the most of a utility that simulates a practical VHF radio, permitting them to speak with digital ATC and different simulated plane, as they might in real-world flight.
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Plane Administration and Management
Utilities can present enhanced management over plane techniques, permitting customers to handle gasoline consumption, monitor engine efficiency, and troubleshoot technical points. These modifications can add a deeper layer of realism by simulating the complexities of managing an plane’s varied techniques. As an example, a consumer would possibly use a utility to handle gasoline distribution inside a long-haul plane, optimizing gasoline effectivity and balancing the plane for optimum efficiency, mirroring the obligations of a real-world flight engineer.
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Replay and Recording
Utilities facilitate the recording and playback of flight periods, enabling customers to investigate their efficiency, assessment difficult eventualities, or just share their flights with others. These instruments might be useful for self-improvement, permitting customers to establish areas for enchancment of their piloting strategies. For instance, a consumer would possibly assessment a recording of a difficult touchdown to investigate their strategy and establish any errors, contributing to talent improvement.
The inclusion of utilities in Flight Simulator X enormously expands its capabilities, reworking it from a primary flight simulator right into a complete aviation platform. These instruments supply vital worth to customers of all talent ranges, from novice pilots studying the fundamentals of flight planning to skilled simmers looking for elevated realism and management over their digital plane. The continuing improvement and refinement of utility modifications contribute considerably to the longevity and continued evolution of the Flight Simulator X expertise.
5. Sounds
Audio constancy considerably contributes to the immersive expertise inside Flight Simulator X. Sound modifications improve the realism and depth of the simulation by bettering the standard and authenticity of varied auditory parts, from engine noise to environmental sounds. These modifications remodel the soundscape, making a extra plausible and interesting digital setting for the consumer. Correct sound illustration, very similar to visible element, elevates the simulation from a primary recreation to a extra immersive and interesting expertise.
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Engine Sounds
Engine sounds are essential for representing the distinctive auditory traits of various plane. Modifications can exchange generic engine sounds with high-fidelity recordings of real-world plane engines, precisely reflecting the nuances of engine start-up, idle, takeoff energy, and cruise. For instance, a consumer would possibly set up a modification that replaces the default sound of a turboprop engine with a recording of a selected Pratt & Whitney PT6A, precisely capturing the distinctive whine of this engine sort.
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Environmental Sounds
Environmental sounds embody a variety of auditory parts throughout the simulation, reminiscent of wind, rain, and floor rolling sounds. Modifications can improve these parts, offering a extra practical and dynamic audio setting. For instance, a modification would possibly introduce the sounds of birds chirping close to rural airports or the distinct rumble of visitors close to city areas, additional enhancing the sense of immersion throughout the simulation.
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Cockpit Sounds
Cockpit sounds contribute to the immersive expertise of working the plane. Modifications can improve the sounds of switches, buttons, and warning techniques, offering a extra practical and tactile expertise throughout the digital cockpit. As an example, a modification would possibly embrace the distinct click on of a toggle change or the delicate hum of avionics gear, enhancing the consumer’s sense of presence throughout the plane.
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Air Site visitors Management and Radio Communications
Clear and practical air visitors management (ATC) and radio communications are important for a practical simulation expertise. Modifications can improve the standard and authenticity of those communications, together with practical radio chatter and ATC directions. For instance, a modification would possibly enhance the readability of ATC voices, making it simpler for customers to grasp directions in busy airspace, mirroring the challenges and significance of clear communication in real-world aviation.
The affect of sound modifications on the general expertise inside Flight Simulator X is critical. By enhancing the authenticity and depth of the audio setting, these modifications considerably enhance immersion and realism. The cautious consideration to element in recreating practical sounds contributes to the enduring enchantment of Flight Simulator X, offering customers with a richer and extra participating simulation expertise.
6. Realism Enhancements
Realism enhancements symbolize an important class of modifications inside Flight Simulator X, aiming to bridge the hole between simulation and real-world flight. These modifications introduce superior options and changes that enhance the constancy of the simulated setting, plane techniques, and flight dynamics, offering a more difficult and rewarding expertise for customers. The pursuit of realism is a driving pressure throughout the Flight Simulator group, and these modifications symbolize a big effort to duplicate the complexities and nuances of real-world aviation.
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Superior Flight Fashions
Superior flight fashions improve the simulation of plane conduct, incorporating components reminiscent of aerodynamics, engine efficiency, and weight distribution. These modifications typically exchange the simplified default flight fashions with extra advanced and correct calculations, offering a extra practical and difficult flight expertise. For instance, a practical flight mannequin would possibly precisely simulate the results of hostile yaw, requiring the pilot to make use of rudder enter throughout turns, as can be mandatory in an actual plane.
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Methods Simulation
Modifications can improve the simulation of varied plane techniques, reminiscent of hydraulics, electrical techniques, and gasoline administration. These enhancements enhance the depth and complexity of plane operation, requiring customers to handle these techniques successfully throughout flight. As an example, a practical hydraulic system simulation would possibly introduce the opportunity of hydraulic failures, forcing the consumer to adapt to altering flight situations and implement acceptable emergency procedures, mirroring the challenges confronted by real-world pilots.
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Failure Simulation
Introducing the opportunity of system failures provides a component of unpredictability and problem to the simulation. These modifications can simulate a spread of failures, from minor malfunctions to catastrophic occasions, requiring customers to diagnose issues and implement acceptable options in real-time. For instance, a modification would possibly simulate an engine failure throughout takeoff, forcing the consumer to make crucial choices and execute emergency procedures, offering a useful coaching expertise in dealing with sudden conditions.
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Environmental Results
Realism enhancements also can embrace improved simulation of environmental components reminiscent of wind, turbulence, and terrain results. These modifications improve the immersion of the simulation by precisely depicting the affect of those components on plane efficiency and dealing with. As an example, a modification would possibly simulate the results of wind shear, creating sudden and unpredictable adjustments in wind velocity and path, difficult the pilot’s capability to take care of management of the plane throughout crucial phases of flight.
The cumulative impact of those realism enhancements considerably transforms the Flight Simulator X expertise. By incorporating superior flight fashions, detailed techniques simulations, practical failure eventualities, and correct environmental results, these modifications blur the traces between simulation and actuality, offering customers with a difficult, participating, and academic digital aviation expertise. These modifications mirror the dedication of the Flight Simulator group to reaching the very best ranges of realism and immersion, pushing the boundaries of what is doable inside a simulated setting.
7. Group Creations
Group creations are the lifeblood of the Flight Simulator X modification ecosystem. The dedication and creativity of the group drive the continual improvement and enlargement of modifications, guaranteeing the simulator’s longevity and ongoing relevance. This collaborative setting fosters innovation and supplies an enormous library of user-generated content material, enriching the simulation expertise for customers worldwide. The open nature of Flight Simulator X, permitting for intensive modification, has cultivated a thriving group that continues to evolve and broaden the simulator’s capabilities far past its unique scope.
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Collaboration and Sharing
The Flight Simulator X group thrives on collaboration and the sharing of modifications. Quite a few on-line platforms and boards function hubs for builders and customers to share their creations, trade concepts, and supply help. This collaborative spirit ensures a relentless stream of recent and up to date modifications, fostering a dynamic and evolving ecosystem. This collaborative setting permits customers to profit from the collective experience of the group, accessing all kinds of modifications that cater to various pursuits and preferences. For instance, builders typically share their work-in-progress, looking for suggestions and help from different group members, resulting in larger high quality and extra refined modifications.
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Variety of Content material
The community-driven nature of modifications ends in a various vary of content material, catering to a broad spectrum of pursuits throughout the Flight Simulator group. Modifications vary from extremely specialised and area of interest additions to broadly in style enhancements that enchantment to a broader consumer base. This variety ensures that customers can discover modifications that swimsuit their particular pursuits and preferences, whether or not it is a extremely detailed regional airport surroundings, a practical simulation of a selected plane system, or a utility that enhances flight planning capabilities. This huge and different library of content material contributes considerably to the replayability and longevity of Flight Simulator X.
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Preservation of Legacy
Group creations play an important function in preserving the legacy of Flight Simulator X. As expertise advances, guaranteeing compatibility and sustaining older software program can change into difficult. Nevertheless, the devoted group actively updates and maintains modifications to make sure compatibility with newer working techniques and {hardware} configurations. This ongoing effort preserves the simulator’s performance and accessibility for future generations of digital pilots, guaranteeing that Flight Simulator X stays a viable and pleasant platform for years to come back.
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Accessibility and Openness
Many community-created modifications are freely accessible, selling accessibility and inclusivity throughout the Flight Simulator group. This open strategy permits customers to reinforce their simulation expertise with out vital monetary funding, fostering a welcoming and collaborative setting. The free availability of many modifications encourages experimentation and exploration, permitting customers to find new content material and personalize their simulation expertise to their liking. Whereas some advanced modifications could also be commercially accessible, the overwhelming majority of group creations are freely distributed, reflecting the group’s dedication to sharing and collaboration.
Group creations are integral to the continued success and enduring reputation of Flight Simulator X. The collaborative spirit, variety of content material, preservation efforts, and accessibility of modifications contribute considerably to the wealthy and evolving ecosystem surrounding the simulator. This vibrant group ensures that Flight Simulator X stays a dynamic and interesting platform for digital aviation fanatics worldwide, continually pushing the boundaries of what is doable throughout the simulated world.
Steadily Requested Questions on Flight Simulator X Modifications
The next addresses widespread inquiries concerning modifications for Flight Simulator X, aiming to supply clear and concise data for customers contemplating enhancements to their simulation expertise.
Query 1: Are modifications secure to put in?
Typically, modifications obtained from respected sources are secure. Nevertheless, customers ought to train warning and obtain recordsdata solely from trusted web sites and boards identified throughout the Flight Simulator group. Verifying file integrity and checking group suggestions will help mitigate potential dangers.
Query 2: How are modifications put in?
Set up procedures fluctuate relying on the particular modification. Most modifications embrace detailed set up directions inside a readme file. Generally, modifications contain copying recordsdata into particular directories throughout the Flight Simulator X set up folder. Some modifications could require extra software program or utilities for set up.
Query 3: Can modifications have an effect on simulator efficiency?
Modifications, significantly advanced surroundings or plane enhancements, can affect simulator efficiency. Greater-resolution textures and detailed fashions require extra processing energy and reminiscence. Customers ought to contemplate their system specs when putting in modifications and modify settings as wanted to take care of acceptable efficiency ranges.
Query 4: Are modifications appropriate with all variations of Flight Simulator X?
Compatibility can fluctuate. Some modifications are designed for particular variations of Flight Simulator X, together with Steam Version, Deluxe Version, or Gold Version. Checking compatibility data earlier than set up is essential to keep away from potential conflicts or points.
Query 5: What if a modification causes issues?
If a modification causes points, customers ought to first try to take away the modification following the offered uninstall directions. Consulting group boards or contacting the modification developer can present help in troubleshooting and resolving issues.
Query 6: Are there authorized issues concerning using modifications?
Most modifications are freely distributed for private use throughout the Flight Simulator group. Nevertheless, distributing or modifying copyrighted content material with out permission is prohibited. Customers ought to respect mental property rights and cling to the phrases of use specified by modification builders.
Cautious consideration of those continuously requested questions ought to help customers in making knowledgeable choices concerning modifications for Flight Simulator X. Accountable acquisition and set up practices are important for a constructive and enhanced simulation expertise.
The following part will discover particular examples of in style modifications, offering a deeper perception into the various vary of enhancements accessible for Flight Simulator X.
Ideas for Using Modifications
Efficient use of modifications can considerably improve the Flight Simulator X expertise. The following pointers supply steerage on choosing, putting in, and managing modifications to maximise enjoyment and decrease potential points.
Tip 1: Analysis Compatibility: Earlier than putting in any modification, completely analysis its compatibility with the particular model of Flight Simulator X in use. Contemplate working system compatibility and potential conflicts with different put in modifications.
Tip 2: Select Respected Sources: Obtain modifications from established and trusted group web sites or boards identified for internet hosting dependable content material. Keep away from downloading recordsdata from unknown or unverified sources to mitigate the chance of malware or corrupted recordsdata.
Tip 3: Again Up Unique Recordsdata: Earlier than putting in modifications that alter core recreation recordsdata, create backups of the unique recordsdata. This precautionary step permits for straightforward restoration of the unique recordsdata if points come up or if the modification is now not desired.
Tip 4: Learn Set up Directions Fastidiously: Most modifications embrace detailed set up directions. Fastidiously comply with these directions to make sure correct set up and keep away from potential conflicts or errors. Pay shut consideration to file paths and any particular necessities talked about by the modification developer.
Tip 5: Handle Modifications with a Instrument: Think about using a modification supervisor software to prepare and handle put in modifications. These instruments can simplify the set up, uninstallation, and activation/deactivation of modifications, streamlining the modification administration course of.
Tip 6: Take a look at Modifications in Levels: When putting in a number of modifications, check them in phases reasonably than putting in them unexpectedly. This strategy helps isolate potential points and establish any conflicts between modifications, simplifying troubleshooting.
Tip 7: Monitor System Efficiency: After putting in modifications, monitor system efficiency throughout flight periods. Modify simulator settings as wanted to take care of acceptable body charges and stop efficiency degradation, particularly with resource-intensive modifications.
Following the following pointers ensures a smoother and extra pleasant expertise when incorporating modifications into Flight Simulator X. Cautious planning and accountable set up practices maximize the advantages of modifications whereas minimizing potential dangers.
This text concludes with a abstract of key takeaways concerning using modifications inside Flight Simulator X.
Conclusion
Modifications for Flight Simulator X symbolize a big facet of the simulator’s enduring reputation and continued evolution. This exploration has highlighted the various vary of enhancements accessible, encompassing plane, surroundings, climate, utilities, sounds, and realism enhancements. The collaborative efforts of the group drive the creation and refinement of those modifications, fostering a dynamic setting of innovation and enchancment. Cautious consideration of compatibility, accountable acquisition practices, and correct set up procedures are important for maximizing the advantages and minimizing potential dangers related to modifications.
The continuing improvement and refinement of Flight Simulator X modifications make sure the platform’s continued relevance throughout the flight simulation group. These modifications supply a pathway to a richer, extra immersive, and more and more practical digital aviation expertise. The potential for additional enhancement and enlargement stays substantial, promising ongoing engagement and delight for digital pilots for years to come back. Exploration of accessible assets and energetic participation throughout the group are inspired for these looking for to reinforce their Flight Simulator X expertise.
