This Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition tier list ranks every major option by overall effectiveness. Rankings factor in damage output, survivability, versatility, gear requirements, and how well each option scales.
Tier definitions: S = best in class, always a strong pick. A = strong and competitive, minor weaknesses. B = solid but clearly outperformed in most situations. C = viable only for players who enjoy the playstyle.
Builds Rankings
| Tier | Build | Rating | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | General aviation VFR pilot | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Airline pilot | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Bush pilot | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Helicopter pilot | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Sailplane pilot | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
Detailed Builds Analysis
General aviation VFR pilot (A-Tier)
General aviation VFR pilot is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000). See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Airline pilot (A-Tier)
Airline pilot is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Daher TBM 930. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Bush pilot (A-Tier)
Bush pilot is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Airbus A320neo. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Helicopter pilot (A-Tier)
Helicopter pilot is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Airbus A310-300. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Sailplane pilot (A-Tier)
Sailplane pilot is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Guimbal Cabri G2. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Best With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) | Learning the basics, VFR sightseeing at 110 knots, and any airfield with a short strip. | The most flown light single in the world and the sim's default trainer. |
| Daher TBM 930 | Medium and long range flights when you want jet speed with light aircraft workload. | A single engine turboprop that cruises above 300 knots and climbs to the low thirties, with a Garmin G3000 touchscreen suite. |
| Airbus A320neo | First IFR flights with SIDs, STARs and an autopilot managed descent. | The sim's default narrowbody and the aircraft most tutorials use for a first airliner flight. |
| Airbus A310-300 | Long haul flights and pilots who want more hand work than a modern glass airliner gives them. | Added with the 40th Anniversary Edition, a two crew widebody from an earlier generation of airliner design. |
| Guimbal Cabri G2 | Learning the hover, which takes most people several hours before it stops being a fight. | A light two seat training helicopter and the gentler of the two rotary aircraft added in the 40th Anniversary Edition. |
Check our weapons guide for in-depth stats and comparisons.
Equipment Analysis
Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000): The most flown light single in the world and the sim's default trainer. The G1000 glass cockpit version gives you a moving map and autopilot, while the analogue variant makes you fly with a compass and a chart.
Daher TBM 930: A single engine turboprop that cruises above 300 knots and climbs to the low thirties, with a Garmin G3000 touchscreen suite. It is the fastest way to cross a continent without learning airline procedures.
Airbus A320neo: The sim's default narrowbody and the aircraft most tutorials use for a first airliner flight. The stock version is simplified compared with study level add ons, which is exactly why it is the right place to start.
Airbus A310-300: Added with the 40th Anniversary Edition, a two crew widebody from an earlier generation of airliner design. Its flight management system is older and less automated than the A320neo's, so more of the flight lands on you.
Guimbal Cabri G2: A light two seat training helicopter and the gentler of the two rotary aircraft added in the 40th Anniversary Edition. Its low inertia rotor is unforgiving of clumsy collective work, which is the point.
Meta Analysis
The current meta in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition centers on Streamed satellite terrain and Live weather and live traffic. Builds that leverage both systems outperform those that focus on only one. Our combat guide explains these interactions in depth.
What's strong right now:
- General aviation VFR pilot with Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
- Flight planning and ATC builds are gaining ground as players find new combinations.
- Bush pilot remains essential for learning hard content. See the boss guide.
What's underrated:
- Airline pilot is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
- Airbus A320neo offers excellent performance for its investment level.
What's overhyped:
- Pure Sailplane pilot builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.
Quick Picks by Situation
| Situation | Best Build | Best Gear | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall best | General aviation VFR pilot | Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) | Highest consistent performance |
| New player | Airline pilot | Daher TBM 930 | Most forgiving, teaches mechanics |
| Hard content | Bush pilot | Airbus A320neo | Survivability when you need it |
| Group play | Helicopter pilot | Airbus A310-300 | Utility and team support |
| Experienced player | Sailplane pilot | Guimbal Cabri G2 | Unique challenge and high ceiling |
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 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
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition Classes & Characters
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