Microsoft Flight Simulator launched on 18 August 2020 and streams Bing Maps imagery with Azure generated 3D buildings across roughly 37,000 airports. The 40th Anniversary Edition arrived with Sim Update 11 on 11 November 2022 as a free update, adding helicopters, sailplanes, seven historic aircraft and the Airbus A310, taking the roster to 37 flyable machines with individual flight models. Live weather and live traffic feed real conditions into the sim, so a departure into low cloud at 03:00 local is genuinely low cloud at 03:00 local.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General aviation VFR pilot | A | Balanced | Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) | Yes |
| Airline pilot | A | Balanced | Daher TBM 930 | Yes |
| Bush pilot | A | Balanced | Airbus A320neo | Yes |
| Helicopter pilot | A | Balanced | Airbus A310-300 | Yes |
| Sailplane pilot | A | Balanced | Guimbal Cabri G2 | Yes |
New player? Start with Airline pilot. See our beginner's guide for why.
General aviation VFR pilot
General aviation VFR pilot is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Streamed satellite terrain |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000)
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Innsbruck Airport (LOWI) to learn General aviation VFR pilot-specific mechanics
- Focus on Streamed satellite terrain. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) as your first major upgrade
- See our full General aviation VFR pilot build guide for the optimal gear progression
Airline pilot
Airline pilot is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Daher TBM 930 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Live weather and live traffic |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Daher TBM 930
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Innsbruck Airport (LOWI) to learn Airline pilot-specific mechanics
- Focus on Live weather and live traffic. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Daher TBM 930 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Airline pilot build guide for the optimal gear progression
Bush pilot
Bush pilot is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Airbus A320neo |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Flight planning and ATC |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Airbus A320neo
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Innsbruck Airport (LOWI) to learn Bush pilot-specific mechanics
- Focus on Flight planning and ATC. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Airbus A320neo as your first major upgrade
- See our full Bush pilot build guide for the optimal gear progression
Helicopter pilot
Helicopter pilot is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Airbus A310-300 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Assistance and realism sliders |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Airbus A310-300
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Innsbruck Airport (LOWI) to learn Helicopter pilot-specific mechanics
- Focus on Assistance and realism sliders. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Airbus A310-300 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Helicopter pilot build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sailplane pilot
Sailplane pilot is a strong option in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Guimbal Cabri G2 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Rotary wing and sailplane flight models |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Guimbal Cabri G2
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Innsbruck Airport (LOWI) to learn Sailplane pilot-specific mechanics
- Focus on Rotary wing and sailplane flight models. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Guimbal Cabri G2 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sailplane pilot build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Airline pilot is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
General aviation VFR pilot is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Sailplane pilot offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Helicopter pilot shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Guides
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Overview
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Best Builds
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Tier List
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Walkthrough
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Beginner's Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Tips & Tricks
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Weapons Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Combat Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Boss Guide
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Maps & Locations
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Crafting Guide
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