The Ultimate Guide to the Best FSX Addons - see here!

[WhiteRabbit]

Last updated: 8th Dec 2015

** Note: This guide is based on the non-Steam version of FSX. Please keep an eye on this guide for information and addon compatibility.

If you would like to contribute to this guide, please feel free! You will be added to the contributor list at the bottom of the page.

Tired of flying boring default planes in FSX? Get some real planes in your hangar today. Here’s a list of the best aircraft addons available for FSX (2015):

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

PMDG Aircraft

Remember the old Flight Simulator tagline “As real as it gets”? Well, this is it. PMDG have established themselves as one of the leading flight simulator addon developers on the market.

The level of quality and detail in their products are close to unmatched. If you’re wondering which payware aircraft you should invest in, PMDG should be a strong contender.

One of my first payware aircraft for FSX was the magnificent PMDG 747. At the time, I had no idea flight sim planes could be so detailed and complex. I went from being an amateur flight simmer with very limited knowledge, to a skilled flight simulator pilot capable of handling the fully simulated FMC and Autopilot systems.

It didn’t happen overnight though – the learning curve is quite steep, so you must be prepared to read a lot of manuals and documentation!

Today, they have many other aircraft in their product lineup, like the MD-11, 737NGX and the recently released PMDG 777. Take a pick, you can’t go wrong with these guys.

Steam Edition compatibility: 777, 737 Compatible

Learning Curve: 5/5
http://www.pmdgsimulations.com/

FlightSimLabs Concorde X

The people over at FlightSimLabs are relatively new to the addon business, but they proved themselves in 2010 when they released the Concorde for FSX.

The quality and attention to detail was on par with PMDG, and that’s not an easy feat to accomplish. Concorde X is absolutely amazing, but buyers beware; this is not an easy plane to master. In fact, it’s one of the most difficult aircraft addons out there.

Much of it has to do with the older technology present in the Concorde itself. This plane was meant for 3 pilots, not 1. Luckily FSL (FlightSimLabs) has made a few features to help the lone pilot in the cockpit, like the automated flight engineer. Still I would not recommend it for complete beginners.

They are currently making an Airbus A320, and I have no doubt it will turn out amazing when it is released.

Steam Edition compatibility: Currently not working. Under consideration

Learning Curve: 5/5
http://www.flightsimlabs.com/

Level-D Simulations 767

These guys have been around for a very long time with their Boeing 767.

Back in the day there was a lot of talk about which company was better; PMDG or Level-D? Today though, PMDG has taken the throne with their long lineup of great aircraft and new features, but the Level-D 767 has withstood the test of time remarkably well.

While it is an older addon with older graphics, it is wonderfully simulated and can easily be compared to the PMDG 747. There are other B767’s on the market, but none are as detailed and complex as the Level-D. Highly recommended if you’re a Boeing 767 fan. A great aircraft. PS: Keep an eye on this company, a 757 has been rumored for many years. Maybe it’ll happen sometime!

Steam Edition compatibility: Working. Information here[forum.avsim.net]

Learning Curve: 5/5
http://www.leveldsim.com/sevensix_home.asp

Majestic MJC8 Q400 ( Dash-8 )

Another very high quality, “end game” if you will, FSX addon.

This is the Dash-8 everybody has been waiting for. It comes in 3 editions; pilot, pro and training – with the latter being the most feature rich version. The Majestic MJC8 Q400 features a fully simulated and complex FMC, fuel management system, saving and loading panel state function, custom sounds, high quality cockpit and external models, TCAS (traffic avoidance system) and weather radar.

If you buy the pro or training version you also get a HUD system, a completely customizable failure system, an even more advanced flight management system and autopilot as well as 2D panels and a whole host of other features.

Another really cool implementation is the mist feature; you basically get misty windows during cold starts which will dissipate when you turn on the window heat.

I should say though that it is definitely a difficult aircraft to learn, the FMC for instance will take some time to understand. Not recommended for complete beginners, unless you have a strong determination and eagerness to learn difficult things.

Highly recommended for intermediate flight simmers and up. One of the absolute best FSX addons to date.

Steam Edition compatibility: Working

Learning Curve: 5/5
Majestic – MJC8 Q400 Pilot Edition [www.fspilotshop.com]

iFly B737NG

This 737 version was released a few months before the PMDG 737NGX, and to the surprise of many ( especially those who were waiting for the NGX ) it turned out to be a very detailed and complex aircraft.

Compared to the NGX it does hold up pretty damn well. Almost everything is simulated, framerate is good (iFly might have slightly better frames), and the iFly 737 is around 20 bucks cheaper than the NGX. Even though they are similar and both great addons, I would say the PMDG version is slightly better.

If you’re looking for a great 737 simulation you can’t go wrong with this one though, especially if your wallet is a little stretched.

Steam Edition compatibility: Working

RECENT RELEASE: Boeing 747-400[www.iflysimsoft.com]

Learning Curve: 5/5
http://www.iflysimsoft.com/

Aerosoft Airbus X Extended

On the lookout for a good Airbus? The Aerosoft X Extended A320/321 version is probably one of the, if not the best Airbus simulation on the market right now.

For a long time there has been a shortage of good Airbus addons for FSX, so when Aerosoft released their improved version in 2012 it immediately received a lot of praise – not because people was desperate for a new FSX Airbus, but because it was actually pretty good !

The graphical quality is impressive, handling is nice, great light system and its procedures are challenging and interesting ( especially if you’re used to Boeing ) A lot of systems are simulated nicely and of course you get to experience a full FBW (Fly-By-Wire) Airbus system.

Finally a worthy Airbus for FSX. Airbus fans, go get it ! Recommended for sure.

Steam Edition compatibility: Working

Learning Curve: 4/5
http://www.fspilotshop.com/aerosoft-a320a321-for-fsx-and-p3d-p-5261.html

CaptainSim

Very popular developer. They make solid aircraft with many fully simulated systems that are deep, but not too complex.

This is a perfect fit for intermediate flight simmers, or eager new simmers looking for their first couple of payware planes. CaptainSim has a lot of products, often on sale. Recommended products are the 707, 727, 757 and L-1011 which are quite nice.

Their classic C-130 is also very good. It is simulated well ( was actually tested by real C-130 pilots ) and the interior/exterior look great – like most of the CaptainSim planes do.

This can’t be stressed enough; their planes look REALLY good ! Overall a great company with many beautiful classic aircraft in their lineup. Recommended!

Steam Edition compatibility: Information here[www.captainsim.org]

Learning Curve: 3/5
http://www.captainsim.com/

Commercial Level Simulations / Wilco

Want to jump in and fly right away? Then these companies are probably for you.

Although more complex than default aircraft, CLS and Wilco planes are pretty simple to fly. Recommended for pilots who just want to pick up a plane and have a good time while also learning about basic systems.

They can also be used as a stepping stone towards more difficult planes. If you’re interested in trying it out, I would strongly recommend going for the CLS MD-80/81. It is one of their best products with many simulated systems.

Steam Edition compatibility:
Wilco E-Jets v2 Embraer 175/195[www.wilcopub.com] Confirmed working

Learning Curve: 2/5
Commercial Level Simulations[www.commerciallevel.com]
Wilco Publishing[www.wilcopub.com]

GENERAL AVIATION

A2A Simulations

Outstanding quality, extreme realism, incredible aircraft. Is that enough praise? Well, this company deserves it.

They make aircraft and products of the utmost quality. I’ve had so much fun flying their planes. Everything about them just radiates quality. Do yourself a favor and buy something from them, you won’t be disappointed.

You should check out their B17, P40, P47, P51 and Spitfire – And their latest wonder the A2A Cessna 182, absolutely stunning aircraft. Many simmers also use their AccuSim and AccuFeel coding replacement products. AccuSim gives enhanced realism to their own aircraft (these are expansion packs to the original product), while AccuFeel can be bought as a standalone product for FSX. It enhances things like ground effects and turbulence, and it has been tested on over 40 payware aircraft.

Steam edition compatibility: Working. Information here[a2asimulations.com]

http://www.a2asimulations.com/

Aerosoft

These guys have a lot of cool planes, airports and scenery addons. One GA aircraft that must be recommended is the Twin Otter X Extended. This great little turboprop features realistic flight behavior, a fully simulated and realistic cockpit, a failure system and detailed interior and exterior models.

The Diamond DA20-100 Katana and PBY Catalina X are also highly recommended Aerosoft products. Awesome planes.

Steam Edition compatibility: Under consideration

http://www.aerosoft.com

Carenado

Carenado is another solid company. It seems like with every new release their planes just get better and better.

With a large and loyal fan base Carenado is one of the most popular companies around. They make aircraft that look great, are easy to pick up and fly and for the most part works as in real life.

Some are better than others, and my personal favourites are the C-210, 337 Skymaster, C-185, A36, B58 Baron, TBM850, and the Malibu.

A lot of people also use A2A’s AccuFeel with Carenado aircraft, which make them even better. Find out which one you like the best and try it out.

Steam edition compatibility: Working

http://www.carenado.com

ADDITIONAL QUALITY PRODUCTS

RealAir Simulations[www.realairsimulations.com]
Steam Edition compatibility: Lancair Legacy Compatible

MILITARY AIRCRAFT & HELICOPTERS

Vertical Reality Simulations F/A-18E

Probably the best military aircraft out there for FSX, extremely detailed and fun. Some features include radar tracking, weapons lock, FBW, night vision HUD. Now with combat capability (TacPac). Brutal and deadly aircraft.

Steam Edition compatibility: Under consideration

http://www.vrsimulations.com/FA18EFSX.htm

Aerosoft F-16 Fighting Falcon

Great classic military jet. Simulated wonderfully. Comes with external weapons loadout tool. Tons of features. Development focus has been on handling and flight behaviour, Offensive features not simulated. Flies very well. Mach 2 capable.

Steam Edition compatibility: Under consideration. Info here.[forum.aerosoft.com]

Aerosoft F-16 Fightring Falcon [www.fspilotshop.com]

Lotus Sim L39 Albatros

Beautiful aircraft. Great developer, obviously has a keen eye for details. Simulated to perfection, highly recommended if you like older military jets.

Steam Edition compatibility: Unknown

Lotus Sim L39 Albatros [www.fspilotshop.com]

Aerosoft F-14 Tomcat X

Aerosoft has just released the amazing F-14 Tomcat X. Having been in development for 3-years, this promises to be one of the most comprehensive military aircraft packages yet released.

Tomcat X features include the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier, supporting AI aircraft, and much much more. Best of all, the Tomcat X is a TacPack Powered* aircraft, which means users who own the TacPack will also be able to utilize live weapon systems and other TacPack-exclusive features built into the Tomcat.

Steam Edition compatibility: Unknown

Aerosoft F-14 Tomcat X [www.aerosoft.com]

HONORABLE MENTIONS

http://milviz.com/fs/news.php
http://www.irissimulations.com.au/
https://lhsimulations.com/en/
http://indiafoxtecho.blogspot.no/
http://www.vaafse.org/simskunkworks/public_html/index.php
http://www.coolsky.no/
http://www.antsairplanes.com/
http://www.sibwings.com/
http://www.warbirdsim.com/
http://www.baytower.ca/

BEST HELICOPTERS

Dodosim - 206 [www.flight1.com]
Cera Sim - Bell 212 [www.fspilotshop.com]
Cera Sim - Bell 412 [www.fspilotshop.com]
Aerosoft - Huey X [www.fspilotshop.com]

SCENERY & AIRPORTS

Scenery
Taburet Scenery[www.fspilotshop.com] Steam Edition compatible
REX4[www.realenvironmentxtreme.com] Steam Edition compatible
FTX Global[www.fullterrain.com] Steam Edition compatible
MegaSceneryEarth[www.megasceneryearth.com] Untested
BlueSkyScenery[www.blueskyscenery.com] Untested
UK2000 Scenery[www.uk2000scenery.com] Steam Edition compatible
FSDreamTeam Airports[www.fsdreamteam.com] Steam Edition compatible
Earth Simulations Sceneries[earthsimulations.com] Steam Edition compatible
Orbx (Scenery & Airports) [www.fullterrain.com] Working. Requires SimConnect
Ultimate VFR Phtoscenery[www.ultimatevfr.com] Steam Edition compatible
NL2000 Photoscenery[www.nl-2000.com]
Airports
SIM720 Airports[flight.sim720.co.uk] Steam Edition compatible
To be updated

WEATHER

Active Sky Next[www.hifitechinc.com] Steam Edition compatible
Active Sky Evolution[www.hifitechinc.com] Confirmed working
To be updated

GENERAL ENHANCEMENTS

FSUIPC[www.schiratti.com] Steam edition compatible
Ezdok (EZCA) Camera Addon[www.ezdok-software.com] Working. More info here.[forum.avsim.net]
GSX Ground Services[www.fsdreamteam.com] Requires SimConnect
LINDA[www.fs-linda.com]
To be updated

FLIGHT PLANNERS

Professional Flight Planner X[www.flightsimsoft.com]
FlightSim Commander[www.fscommander.com]
Plan-G[www.tasoftware.co.uk]
SimBrief[www.simbrief.com]
RouteFinder[rfinder.asalink.net]
SkyVector Aeronautical Charts / Planning [skyvector.com]
To be updated

AIRPORT INFORMATION, PROCEDURE CHARTS & MAPS

Navigraph[www.navigraph.com]
Navigation Charts Worldwide[www.allanville.com]
SkyVector Aeronatical Charts[skyvector.com]
To be updated

TRAINING, TUTORIALS & BOOKS

Video Training
Angle of Attack[www.flyaoamedia.com]
In-game Training
FSFlyingSchool[www.fsflyingschool.com] Steam Edition compatible
Books
FSX for pilots: Real World Training[www.amazon.com]
Bill Bulfer's Boeing 737 / 777 guides[www.cockpitcompanion.com]
To be updated

VIRTUAL AIR TRAFFIC / ATC

Virtual Air Traffic
VATSIM[www.vatsim.net]
IVAO[ivao.aero]
FScloud[www.fscloud.net]
AI Traffic
World of AI[www.world-of-ai.com]
Ultimate Traffic 2[www.flight1.com]
ICE AI Traffic[www.iceaitrafficgroup.altervista.org]
To be updated

FREEWARE ADDON REPOSITORIES

Besides payware, there is also a huge amount of FSX content available for free. Check the following websites:
Best Quality Freeware FSX aircraft[msflights.net]
20 Best Free FSX addons[flyawaysimulation.com]
Reddit FSX Freeware list
http://forum.avsim.net Free registration required
http://www.flightsim.com/
http://simviation.com/
http://www.fs-freeware.net/

ADDITIONAL STEAM COMPATIBLE ADDONS

See this thread: Addons that are working fine

SUPPLEMENTARY LINKS

Contributors to this guide

Initial guide created by Emil Kapitan. Contributors: Blackrabbit, Fohu, Python, FSXTerrain, aviationresults, R-M-C, Silver_Dragon, Twelvefield, Doc8Ball, roggek, =4c=|Nikola, matt9529, nuumsakk, Earth Simulations, *SoW* untraceable smurf, Grolsche, V3G4N0, merlinux, MoerasGrizzly, FreeS0uL, dodongos, Squishy, antonvs.fsim
Source: http://fsxgetstarted.com/aircraft/

[WhiteRabbit]

Publicado originalmente por R-M-C:

Hi guys, have some interesting links as supplement. :cwat:

Thanks! I have added several of those links. I have a many to add yet, but am going to wait until I have a better idea of compatibility. I appreciate your input :)

[R-M-C]

Oh.., thanks BlackRabbit! I did not expect. :D

I use FSX since the beginning and have about 350 GB of addons already installed and made multiple installation backups, have absolutely no performance problems. At the moment, except to the re-integrated multiplayer (I've never used it anyway), i have no reason for steam version.
But no matter, I think the Scenery addons should not cause problems, because they have supposedly changed nothing in the systems.
Or is there already known problems with scenery addons?

[N1tromad]

fs pass

Publicado originalmente por BlackRabbit:

Publicado originalmente por nohope4me:

What about Fs passengers, does it work?

I may be wrong here, but I think FS Passengers uses FSUIPC, in which case it would currently not be supported.

I don't use FS Passengers so I can't confirm, sorry!

it does not need FSUIPC but needs simconnect

[DangerBongos]

This is what PMDG has to say about support for the steam version:

Gents-

We have been in conversation with Dovetail about whether or not we will support their Steam release by pushing PMDG products via their Steam channel, but we have not yet reached agreement with them on the topic, and it is unlikely we will do so soon.

Since we did not agree to give (word chosen intentionally) them our products for inclusion in their steam channel, we have not been given beta/testing/advance copies of their product- and thus we do not know anything about compatibility with our products.

At this point compatibility between our products and the steam version of FSX is purely at your own risk until we have an opportunity to evaluate and determine how best to support this new version.

If you would like to know more- or have questions for PMDG-stay tuned.

I want to be very cautious and not give you the impression that PMDG and Dovetail are engaged in some struggle- as this is not the case.

Dovetail and PMDG (in partnership with a few others in the FSX development community) were competitors in the bid to purchase the rights to the FSX code- and Dovetail won. They have been gracious with us- and invited us to participate in their steam channel- but at economic terms that make it very hard to justify for the type of products we produce.

Dovetail has made what we think is the correct choice with this early release by allowing access to it for outside developers like PMDG- but in order to fully support it with our existing products, we will have to rebuild our installation processes to accomodate the changes- and this is going to take us time and testing.

There has been none of the communication that we would normally have expected from a major publisher to allow us preparation time in order to adequately support our mutual customers who wish to use PMDG products with the new steam version of FSX- but this is likely due to the rush to make the marketing deadline- and as such all of us will have to adapt on the fly.

While it would have been nice to have a beta/advance copy so that we could simply roll out installation updates to you all in concert with Dovetail's release- that didn't happen so we will have to address it sometime after the holidays are over....

It might lag a bit after that too- since our primary focus right now is the 777 release for P3D and the 744v2.0....

We will look things over and report back...

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/457475-pmdg-products-and-steam/page-3#entry3137327

[Storm Pat]

For the most realism. PMDG always wins.

[Silver_Dragon]

Virtual traffic:
Ultimate Traffic 2: http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=ut2

Weather:
Active Sky Next: http://www.hifitechinc.com/products/activeskynext

[Nikola]

You forgot the new iFly 747-400

[Fohu]

Some more AI traffic addons

Free traffic
ICE AI Traffic: http://iceaitrafficgroup.altervista.org/downloads.html
World of AI: http://www.world-of-ai.com/

Payware traffic
MyTraffic X 5.4c: http://secure.simmarket.com/mytraffic-x-professional-5.4-b.phtml
Traffic 360: http://www.justflight.com/product/traffic-360-download

[BVA_Admin]

Boston Virtual ATC also has a list of add-ons that go well with FSX. You can view them here[www.bostonvirtualatc.com].

[Michaelj316]

i hope they get pmdg to work soon or ill be getting my money back dovetails assured in many posts on there website that addons would work so I hope they fix it

[MadDoggyca]

needs for traffice 360 ect. best add-ons are REX ect and AI traffic packs...

[Alizona]

So far I cannot get (real-time weather payware) ActiveSky Next working with Steam Edition but I sent a support request in to the developers and they said they'd get back to me on it. If anyone has been successful with either AS Next or with its predecessor (which I also have), Active Sky 2012, please report. This is a great informative thread, thanks for making it.

If we bought the Acceleration disk way back when, is there any way we can install that third-party SDK application ourselves so we can get add-on aircraft working completely and not partially? Looking for reports on that as well.

P.S. That PMDG response is terrific, not so much in the outlook for Steam Edition (the response makes it look not quite so rosy), but simply for its candor and refreshing honesty, something there doesn't seem to be enough of anymore in our world... but I digress as usual. :)

[Twelvefield]

One of the best add-ons for FSX isn't hardware or software but a book, you know, made out of paper pages with words in ink.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-Pilots-Training/dp/0764588222/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419023877&sr=8-1&keywords=fsx+for+pilots

[Doc8Ball]

So far in my research to port my downloaded aircraft over to SE i have discivered these are working.

IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE YOU GO TO A:\Steam\SteamApps\common\FSX\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\LegacyInterfaces\FSX-XPACK AND INSTALL SIMCONNECT AS SE DOES NOT DO THIS UPON INSTALL.

Working mods thus far.
Virtavia C-17
Active Sky Next (Requires Simconnect)
FS Addon Vancouver +
Quality Wings BAE 146 Ultimate (Unsure about TCAS screens as I have not tested since Ive installed Sim connect)
Real Enviroment Extreme 4
Aerosoft's Seahawk and Jayhawk helicopter's
Majestic's MJC8-400 (Not verified, shows up in game but have not had a test flight yet)

And thats just what ive got installed so far. Been testing as i install so i dont mess anything up and get lost. Still have about 8 or so addons varying from planes to addon airports and Misc. stuff like Accufeel ALS and EZ dok camera. If anyone else has been testing these please leave some feedback. Thanks to the autor of this sticky post :) Hope this helps you update the thread.

[roggek]

VIRTUALCOL - F O K K E R 50 VIRTUAL X works with FSX Steam edition
https://www.virtualcol.com/products/producto.php?id_prod=23

Just Flight Comet jetliner works with FSX Steam Edition:
http://www.justflight.com/product/comet-jetliner-for-fsx-download