Just a reminder.
FSG@ will hold its biannual 737 Sim-Saturday on December 13th, 12:45 pm, at:
Extreme Flight Simulation
1350 Tri State Parkway 128
Gurnee, IL 60031
If your still unsure, take a look at the video below.
Did you know you could fly a simulator plane?
I was wondering what would happen if I linked two Xbox consoles together for flight simulation. Would they talk to each other? Would it even work? The answer, as I discovered, is yes - and the results were far more interesting than I expected.
With Microsoft FS2020 (and even more so with FS2024), two Xbox systems can indeed share the same virtual sky. Each runs under its own Microsoft account, both signed in to Xbox Live, and both joined to the same multiplayer group. Once configured on the same network, the synchronization is remarkable - aircraft positions, weather, and time of day line up perfectly. Fly side-by-side, and it feels like formation flight in the truest sense.
Here's a simple layout to illustrate the setup - two Xbox consoles, two screens, and a shared Ethernet connection forming a small but capable “dual-station simulator.”
One station becomes the Pilot Flying, the other the Pilot Monitoring. You could just as easily think of them as Captain and First Officer, working from different perspectives within the same world.
The applications are wide-ranging. For training, one console can act as the instructor’s desk, monitoring or recording the other’s flight. For cooperative flying, both pilots can operate within a shared environment, using party chat or Discord to coordinate. And for cinematic content, one console can focus purely on external camera work while the other handles the aircraft.
In short, two Xboxes and one network cable can create something very close to a full-fledged training environment - a small demonstration of what’s possible when technology and imagination converge in the cockpit.
With Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 now preparing for takeoff on PlayStation 5, the sim world welcomes its third major platform -joining Xbox and PC. Like the Xbox version, PS5 currently faces hardware limitations, with the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One standing as the only officially supported control system at launch.
I’ve spent plenty of hours flying with that same setup—paired with Thrustmaster’s TFRP rudder pedals—both on my Xbox Series X at home and on my PC for off-site demonstrations. It’s a compact, reliable, and capable kit that sets up easily. But as every seasoned simulateer knows, setup is only half the battle—settings are everything. Each aircraft behaves differently, and dialing in the right control sensitivities can transform a good flight into a great one.
I’ll admit, finding that perfect balance took time. My controls always felt slightly off - until I stumbled on a solution from one of my favorite YouTubers, Huddison. His recent video on sensitivity tuning for the HOTAS system in FS2024 finally clarified the process and helped me achieve smoother, more realistic control responses.
FS2024: Setting Up The Hotas 1 From Scratch | Can Be Used For All Hotas (Xbox, PC & PS5)
If you’re configuring FS2024 on your own rig—on PS5, Xbox, or PC—I can’t recommend his walkthrough enough. Huddison's straightforward approach makes fine-tuning FS2024 accessible, even for newcomers.
In future posts, we’ll talk more about controlling sensitivity in FS2020 and X-Plane.
When Microsoft announced that Flight Simulator 2024 would be landing on PlayStation 5, it marked more than a platform expansion—it signaled a pivotal evolution for both virtual and real-world aviation training. Long confined to PC and Xbox, the franchise’s entry into the Sony ecosystem may democratize access to flight simulation on a scale unseen before.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | More PS5 Pro Beta!
More videos like this at Cow Town
Early impressions from closed beta testing suggest the PS5 build performs admirably, leveraging the console’s speed and the DualSense controller’s adaptive feedback to enhance realism. While only a few peripherals—most notably the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4—are currently supported, that limitation may ease as developers and manufacturers respond to a newly engaged audience.
For aspiring aviators and certified pilots alike, this expansion matters. Modern iterations of Flight Simulator already mirror professional-grade training environments through high-fidelity aerodynamics, dynamic weather, and global photogrammetry. The PS5’s accessibility and plug-and-play simplicity could extend these benefits to a new generation of student pilots, veterans, and aviation programs seeking affordable, at-home proficiency tools.
The implications reach beyond gaming. With Sony’s VR ecosystem maturing and Microsoft pursuing cross-platform capability, the PS5 edition could foster a blended future—where recreational pilots, trainees, and professionals share one global virtual airspace.
The skies are widening, and for the flight sim community, this may be the next great leap—from simulation to education, and from console to cockpit.
Stay tuned: in future posts, we’ll explore early PS5 performance data, hardware integration, and the simulator’s emerging role in real-pilot training initiatives.
FSG@ Network
Connecting flight simulation enthusiasts across Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois
About Us
The FSG@ Network is a volunteer-driven family of local flight simulation groups. It only takes three simmers to start your own group—and it’s free! Our mission: build home simulators, enhance flight safety and training, and foster camaraderie. Interested? Email us using the email form to the right of this screen.
Meeting Highlights
Simulateers, don't forget to fly the Ford Tri-Motor and First Flight simulations!
Note: Donations, and volunteers with STEM, CFI or teaching experience welcome. Interested? Email us using the email form to the right of this screen.
Want to join us to see what we're about?
Our next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 19, 18:30–20:30 at Centurion Hanger.
RSVP to Ken Butterly for a one-day entry code if you lack a KRAC pass.
Look forward to seeing you soon!
Cheers!
Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder
Saturday, December 17, 1966, stands out as one of the most memorable days of my early flying experiences. It marked my very first interstate flight — from Portsmouth, Virginia, to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina — and my first of several visits to the historic site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight.
The aircraft that day was a green-and-cream Piper Tri-Pacer, a sturdy little, short-wing Piper with plenty of character. An interesting feature of these aircraft was what the manufacturer optimistically called an “Auto-Pilot.” In reality, it was a clever bungee system linking the ailerons and rudder to help maintain coordinated flight. This particular Tri-Pacer even had a wing leveler — quite the luxury for its day.
If you’d like to learn more about these wonderful airplanes, I highly recommend visiting the Short Wing Piper Club.
As best I recall, the flight took about 45 minutes, navigating VOR to VOR — a classic cross-country in the days before GPS. The SkyVector plan I’ve shared below recreates the route as I remember it, though for simplicity, it’s now plotted airport to airport.
Nearly sixty years have passed since that flight, but the memories remain vivid. Last year, I took some time to simulate the journey and capture a few photos.
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This year, though, I’ll be making the flight again — virtually — in a beautifully rendered Piper Tri-Pacer from Lionheart Creations (see my earlier post for details).
So, join me on December 17th as we honor the Wright Brothers and celebrate their historic first flight at Kitty Hawk — a perfect occasion to look back at where aviation began, and where for many of us, the dream of flight truly took off.
Your thoughts?
I know - it's hard to believe - but not everyone is going to want to do the simulation.
However, that doesn't mean you won’t someday find yourself flying in a Ford Tri-Motor. These historic aircraft have a way of capturing your imagination the moment you see one.
Ford Tri Motor Ride 8-11-2024
More videos like this at JakesRodShop
For those who are up to the challenge, join me this November on our Ford Tri-Motor transcontinental flight. I recently completed the journey myself, and I can promise - it’s a sightseeing adventure well worth your time.
Your thoughts?
1350 Tri State Parkway, Suite 128Gurnee, IL 60031
To reserve your flight time, email Scott Sherer at flightsimulatorgroupat@gmail.com.
You can also submit your info through the contact portal on this page.
Extreme flight Simulation Clips
Change of venue!
MSFS2020/2024 Famous Flyer 6: Ford 4-AT Trimotor
This hand-flown commemorative flight recreates an authentic 1930s cross-country run. The Ford Tri-Motor had no GPS or autopilot - so no cheating!
First flight in payware Ford Trimotor (X-Plane 11)
More video's like this at Flight Sim Historian
Note: X-Plane 12 has its own version.
The Route - SkyVector
Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder
Nearly a century ago, November 2025 to be precise, the Ford Tri-Motor , affectionately known as the "Tin Goose”, started production in Dearborn Michigan. This rugged Junkers inspired design brought dependability and reliability to early airline operations.
Henry Ford's Contributions to Aviation History
In upcoming posts, I’ll share the route, flight details, and setup so anyone can follow along. Based on my tests, FS2020 - FS2024 and X-Plane have detailed models that work well.
Whether you’re a seasoned simulateer or just curious about aviation’s golden age, join me in stepping back in time with the Tin Goose.
Your thoughts?
Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder
I recently received an email from a simulateer in Italy. He saw our blog site and wandered if we'd ever heard of Aerofly FS4? I told him no but said I'd look into it.
Aerofly FS 4 Flight Simulator - Aircraft AddOn Trailer
This little puppy runs PC, tablet or phone. It runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Apple iOS, Google Android and Nintendo Switch.
More video's like this at Aerofly Flight Simulator and GamerFuture
And what about VR?
This VR Sim Puts Microsoft Flight 2024 To Shame!
Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder
Change of venue!
Shoreland Lutheran High School (FSG@SLHS), our newest FSG@ location has offered to host our October monthly meeting.
Change of Venue! Location: 3927 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142 Time: 18:00 through 20:00 Water and soft drinks on us! See you there. RS...
