Do you have the same issue if you follow the OP’s steps to reproduce it?
Yes. This happens to me too (75% of all flights, maybe?). The steps to reproduce it is as simple as getting close to an airport of any kind (e.g. joining the pattern).
Provide extra information to complete the original description of the issue:
- In my case the pause/freeze is preceded by stutters.
- Sounds continue playing during the freeze.
- Happens with all kinds of airports, both at stock airports and add-ons, and most sizes. I have no hard data to back it, but I believe smaller airstrips (grass fields) have a lower risk of causing a freeze.
- The same kind of stutter and freeze close to an airport (approach/joining the pattern) may also end with a CTD, indicated by the sound going silent, followed by a CTD. (CTDs are quite rare now, but they always happen close to landing.)
- Observation: Most of my flights are 45 min or more, with different departure and destination airports. Can’t say if it is a requirement.
- Note: I’ve only tested using GA airplanes (but several different). The default C152 can be used to reproduce the problem.
- Same recommended NVidia driver as the OP (531.29).
- I currently use the Varjo Aero headset, I haven’t tried any other for a while, nor have I tested without VR.
If relevant, provide additional screenshots/video:
Relevant but difficult; I can try.