My big question, (while I wait for downloads to complete):
Is it possible to “just fly around” in MSFS 2020?
I had an opportunity to try to fly MSFS 2020 between update cycles and I decided that I wanted to check out the scenery around NYC. Since there seemed to be no obvious way to “just fly around”, I “filed a flight-plan” (which seems to be a requirement), flying local VFR from KJFK to KJFK. I also turned off everything else - ATC, objectives, etc. etc. etc., so that I’d have the airport and airspace surrounding it all to myself.
The result was that, after takeoff, there was some kind of objective, (or a waypoint), somewhere over Queens (that I ignored), and was then surrounded by large red rectangular “gate” like objects and the words “TOO FAST” in huge red letters that made it impossible to fly - even at the normal cruising speed of a Cessna 172 it was insisting that I was “TOO FAST”. Eventually I just turned off the game. The best I can figure out is that, somehow or other, the flight sim “decided” that I needed to land and was insisting I do so.
If I want to do objectives or lessons, that’s fine. However most of what I want to do is just fly around.
Especially when flying a new sim, I want to take the time to get acquainted with how the sim works, configure my joystick/flight controls the way I like them, set sane and usable graphics settings, and get used to how the various planes handle before trying things like lessons or objectives.
So, here’s the big question:
Is it possible to “just fly around”? (The equivalent of FSX and earlier sim’s option to “Just Get Me Flying!”)
What happened that caused me to get all these red brackets and “TOO FAST” legends? How do I turn all that stuff off so that I can do what I want?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Jim
Yes just make a flight in the world map, hell you dont even have to make a destination just a starting point and then push the fly button.
If you flew FSX then make sure to go to the assist menu and turn all setting to HARD to get rid of all the noobish assists they want to strap people with.
Another way to just enjoy scenery is to use the Drone camera. That way, you can get up-close and personal with various landmarks and take your time checking all the details. It’s also a good way to go exploring inside the terminals of most payware airports.
A Flight Plan is not required at all. You don’t have to start from an airport, airfield or even the ground…
Left click anywhere on the World Map!
Select Set As Departure.
Custom Departure will now show on screen.
Click Fly Now.
You’ll start in the air, engine(s) on, flying at that spot.
EzzyPezzy.
The drone camera is accessed by pressing the Insert key on the keyboard by default. It is maneuvered by using WASD keys and R and F for altitude changes. The camera direction is controlled by the Keypad arrow keys and 7,9 to control roll.
In the on-screen toolbar select the camera. You’ll be presented with 3 tabs, the right one is what you need. Make any settings changes you want (I just increase drone speed to maximum) then you can explore to your hearts content!
I use an Xbox controller for my drone.
If you can find an inexpensive used Xbox controller, the default bindings for that are perfect for driving the drone around. I got one for about $20 (US) that had a sticking button, but a screwdriver, some rubbing alcohol, and some canned air fixed it right up.
Honestly, IMHO it would be easier to “fly around” using Google Earth and much of the scenery is more up-to-date depending on location. Also, I think it has a very crude flight simulator to zoom around the world.
Of course! You can do whatever you want…it’s a simulator! You won’t get in trouble with any government agencies.
Lots of times I’ll take up a GA plane (I’m into airliners) take off without a flightplan and just look around at the scenery. This will be what I’ll be doing when the new Canada update arrives!
It can be as complex or as simple as you want to make it.
Drone camera is the most easy way to see things in the sim.
Just use F6 to increase the X-axis translation speed. That will get you moving faster. The more you hold it down, the faster the rate. Release it, try moving the drone, add to taste.
XBox controller (I use a knock-off model) is the best. Very easy once you get used to the controls.
The big red rectangles telling you that youre going to fast can be turned off by turning your landing and taxi assistance off in settings under co-pilot
