Where to go now?

Flight Sim Where to Go Now?

Next Steps for Expanding Your Flight Simulation Journey

You’ve mastered the basics, flown your first routes, and maybe even taken on online ATC. So, what now? Flight simulation offers limitless opportunities beyond the cockpit. Whether you want to push toward real-world training, join a community, or build your own virtual airline, there are many directions you can take to keep the experience engaging and rewarding.

This page outlines your next steps—designed to help you grow, learn, and stay inspired.

1. Join a Virtual Airline

Virtual Airlines (VAs) simulate the structure and operations of real-world carriers. You can join as a pilot, follow assigned routes, log flights, earn ranks, and participate in events. Some VAs are casual, while others are run with airline-level professionalism.

Benefits include:

• Scheduled flights and dispatch briefings
• Community support and forums
• Custom ACARS tracking software
• Realistic fleet assignments and career progression

Popular platforms:

• VAMSYS – Used by many well-organised VAs in Europe.
• phpVMS – Open-source system used by custom VAs worldwide.
• IVAO and VATSIM-affiliated VAs – Allow for network-based flying with realistic routes and ATC interaction.

Some airlines are based on real carriers (e.g. British Airways Virtual, Delta Virtual), while others are fictional but professionally run.

2. Explore Bush Flying, Helicopters, and Challenging Conditions

If you’re used to flying commercial jets between major airports, you might enjoy:

• Bush flying: Operate small aircraft into short, unpaved strips in Alaska, Papua New Guinea, or Canada.
• STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) challenges using aircraft like the CubCrafters XCub or Pilatus PC-6.
• Helicopter flying: Available in X-Plane, MSFS (with recent updates), and DCS World.
• Mountain and coastal VFR navigation: Learn to plan and execute routes using visual references and terrain.

These types of flying demand different skills and keep the experience fresh.

3. Transition to Real-World Flight Training

Flight simulation is an excellent stepping stone into real aviation. Many pilots started their journey in the virtual world before heading to a flying school.

You could consider:

• Trial flights at local airfields
• PPL (Private Pilot Licence) ground school—sim skills are directly transferable
• Flight simulator-based PPL practice: Using your sim to rehearse circuits, navigation, and checklists
• EASA or FAA ATPL pathway: Understanding what real pilot training involves and how to prepare

If you’re already flying in the sim, many concepts (attitude flying, radio calls, navigation) will feel familiar in the real world.

4. Create and Share Your Own Content

Become a contributor to the flight sim community by:

• Developing scenery using tools like the MSFS SDK, WED for X-Plane, or ADE for P3D.
• Painting liveries for your favourite aircraft.
• Recording and streaming your flights on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
• Writing tutorials or reviews on blogs and forums.
• Creating missions or flight challenges for others to download.

Flightsim.to, AVSIM, and X-Plane.org all have active contributor communities.

5. Build a More Advanced Setup

If you’re enjoying the simulation and want a more tactile or professional environment:

• Upgrade hardware: Consider a yoke, throttle quadrant, or rudder pedals.
• Add displays: Build a multi-monitor or projector setup for immersion.
• Try VR: Flight simulation in virtual reality adds a powerful sense of presence and realism.
• Build a home cockpit: From basic setups with switch panels to full 1:1 replicas of airline cockpits.

You can go as far as budget and space allow. Some enthusiasts build full home simulators for commercial jet training.

6. Attend Sim Events and Join Communities

The community is a major part of what makes flight sim engaging long-term. Look for:

• VATSIM/IVAO online fly-ins
• Community Discords for simulator-specific discussions
• FlightSim Expo (US) / FSWeekend (Europe) – In-person flight sim events
• Online forums like AVSIM, Reddit r/flightsim, and MSFS forums for help, support, and ideas

Interacting with others helps you stay up to date, get help, and discover new aspects of simming.

7. Mix Realism with Fun

Remember, flight sim doesn’t have to be all about realism. You can:

• Fly fantasy routes, historic aircraft, or military jets.
• Try formation flying or aerobatics.
• Use missions and challenges provided in simulators or community addons.
• Roleplay as a private pilot, cargo operator, or airline captain.

There’s no “correct” way to fly—only what keeps you engaged.

You’ve built a strong foundation in flight simulation—now the sky’s the limit. Whether you pursue realism, creativity, training, or community involvement, there’s always more to explore. Stay curious, stay engaged, and let your virtual flying experience evolve alongside your interests.