I am not 100% set on the flight dynamics yet - especially the ground ones feeling twitchy, almost as if the aircraft is slightly floating on takeoff roll rather than firmly on the ground. Differs per aircraft though, just did a mission in the VL3 and felt completely unrealistic, the c172 felt much better. 

13 minutes ago, AlexMD11 said:

I am not 100% set on the flight dynamics yet - especially the ground ones feeling twitchy, almost as if the aircraft is slightly floating on takeoff roll rather than firmly on the ground. Differs per aircraft though, just did a mission in the VL3 and felt completely unrealistic, the c172 felt much better. 

Ultimately as always it all comes down to how each FM per aircraft is implemented.. Of all the GA aircraft in the default fleet, the C172 has traditionally got the most attention FM wise in 2020, and now appears to be the case also in 2024.  In terms of the bigger birds, the iniBuilds A330/Beluga/A310 and WT/Asobo 737 Max appear to be the best FM wise, based on a majority of reports. So those would be the best indicators of what the underlying MSFS 2024 flight dynamics engine brings to the table above and beyond 2020. Of course the best indicators are yet to come from what all the well known 3rd party aircraft devs will do 🙂 
 

Edited November 22, 20241 yr by lwt1971

4 hours ago, lwt1971 said:

Urgent you're probably thinking what I'm thinking 🙂... aircraft using CFD must be getting the most and/or quickest benefits to their flight models in 2024. And now that all default aircraft FMs are based on the CFD tech (that's what I remember from a recent Q&A) it hopefully bodes well across the default fleet. Although some I'm sure haven't received as much attention/tuning as others.

That said, I wonder now about the 3rd party aircraft who don't currently use CFD tech in their FMs and how those stand to gain from adopting MSFS 2024 flight dynamics tech? Do you have more insights on this? I'm gonna go scouring through the MSFS dev support forums and also the SDK docs. On my initial read of the SDK docs wasn't clear if the new detailed aircraft geometry/surfaces setup capabilities only benefit CFD FMs or all FMs
 

Yes, we're thinking in the same track. 👍

I've pretty much only flown the v2024 add-ons, and the A310 (which felt fine, but not sure if it's "better"...?).

I'm not sure how the new FM will interact with non-cfd planes, or if there will be any benefit or possible detriment.

We'll have to see what 3PDs like SWS and JustFlight do. I don't think PMDG use any CFD, either, but they have more fundamental problems to worry about, unfortunately.

If I can get the Kodiak or Arrow to run, I'll see how they handle. If they work, I might give the 146 a try, too.

3 hours ago, AlexMD11 said:

I am not 100% set on the flight dynamics yet - especially the ground ones feeling twitchy, almost as if the aircraft is slightly floating on takeoff roll rather than firmly on the ground. Differs per aircraft though, just did a mission in the VL3 and felt completely unrealistic, the c172 felt much better. 

Yeah. The Super Hornet and MAX had pretty wild takeoff rolls when I tried them the other night.

Definitely a per-addon situation, methinks.

The A400.. he commented on good ground handling and once again much less skiddish like the other 2024 birds he's tried, compared to 2020. The systems depths continues the theme of 2024 providing unprecedented fidelity for default aircraft.
 

 

Another real life pilot gives their feedback on MSFS 2024's flight model:

Quote

As a pilot with 10 years experience and use Xplane 11, FS2020, and now FS2024 mostly for instrument training in GA I can also agree, 2024 is a major upgrade to the flight dynamics from 2020. I'm also very excited how the water dynamics are being handled as I plan to get my water rating soon in the real world. FS2020 was like landing on ice, FS2024 actually behaves correctly.

 

Helisimmer's initial take below (he's going to wait until the sim is in a more usable state before doing a proper review, like some other media are also doing).. obviously he's not happy about the launch bugs and server load issues. On the specific topic of heli flight dynamics he says "tried to fly the H125 around for a bit and the flight dynamics feel nicer than in MSFS2020" but hit other bugs afterwards. I do recall he didn't like the heli flight dynamics he saw at the private preview event so sounds like an improvement since then?

https://www.helisimmer.com/articles/initial-impressions-msfs-2024-not-impressed

I completely agree with him about the aviation activities ever since I learned about how they work a few months ago. Like I him I wish the activities were free-form and not tied or "locked down" to career progression.. for him it was even more annoying since the initial tests/etc require fixed-wing flying even if ones wants to do heli related activities/missions.

 

Edited November 23, 20241 yr by lwt1971

7 hours ago, lwt1971 said:

Helisimmer's initial take below (he's going to wait until the sim is in a more usable state before doing a proper review, like some other media are also doing).. obviously he's not happy about the launch bugs and server load issues. On the specific topic of heli flight dynamics he says "tried to fly the H125 around for a bit and the flight dynamics feel nicer than in MSFS2020" but hit other bugs afterwards. I do recall he didn't like the heli flight dynamics he saw at the private preview event so sounds like an improvement since then?

https://www.helisimmer.com/articles/initial-impressions-msfs-2024-not-impressed

I completely agree with him about the aviation activities ever since I learned about how they work a few months ago. Like I him I wish the activities were free-form and not tied or "locked down" to career progression.. for him it was even more annoying since the initial tests/etc require fixed-wing flying even if ones wants to do heli related activities/missions.

 

His problem with the FM was specific to a Pinnacle Landing, in that the ground effect onset was too severe, etc. IIRC, the landing platform at the lighthouse is also a steel mesh, so theoretically, ground effect should be greatly lessened due to the wash slipping through. Seems reasonable to me as I've had some pretty drastic transitions when coming aboard ships in certain helos.

I haven't looked into the career mode, but from his description, I can see how it would be frustrating for a rotary-only aviator to have to get his fixed wing ticket punched first.

But that's what he gets for not diversifying his flying skills 🤣

Have since flown the C-17, A400M, PC-12 NGX (Carenado), Got Friends Optica, FSR500 (v2020), A2A Comanche (v2020), the DCD A-10C and TMS F-22 (v2020).

Basically sticking to the NEW Defaults and slowly introducing some favorite 3rd Party addons.

First, the FSR500 and A2A Comanche both fly WONDERFULLY in v2024. I haven't checked systems in depth yet, but everything I tried in a hand-flown VFR flight and pattern work worked as expected. I know A2A has made zero changes, but IDK if FSR made any changes for v2024.

Regardless, what I can say is that both of these aircraft (still) set the bar for Excellent flight models and handling in MSFS. If you don't have either, do yourself a favor and GET THEM.

The C-17 was a real pleasure to fly. And since I accepted the 50% load as default, it was fast and performant! MilTech have stated it's "fully CFD", and it does fly/handle like how I'd imagine a big tactical airlifter should. I'll be coming back to this one for sure.

The PC-12 NGX by Carenado seemed pretty good. Maybe a bit too quick on roll rate, but nothing crazy. It handles BETTER than the SWS PC-12 in v2020, for sure. 

The Got Friends Optica is truly a breath of fresh air - genuinely brought a smile to my face, unlike the old Orbx version I bought years ago. I might not fly this one too often because I prefer helicopters for "low and slow", but it's a great addon if helos are not your thing.

Sadly, the TMS F-22 loaded into the sim, but I could not get the MFD's or HUD to function at all. In fairness, there has been no v2024 Compatible release yet, but I figured I'd take a chance...

The DCD A-10C, like the Super Hornet (also by DCD), is my least favorite flight model by far. Super twitchy/yo-yo in pitch, and seems grossly overpowered (a rocketship compared to the Gold Standard DCSW version). I will still make a custom profile for it (and the S Hornet) and see if I can get them to an acceptable peer level to their DCSW counterparts.

Finally, the A400M. I've seen more than a few reports from disgruntled users complaining of the aircraft "falling out of the sky on final" and problems with autopilot and such. Noting that, I took several short hop flights and did some laps around the pattern in it. It feels a bit too sharp in handling, with perhaps a bit too much roll authority. The Airbus style flight and power management controls are all there, and since this is a thoroughly modern Airbus (with which I'm barely familiar), AND a turboprop, i'm probably mis-managing the power and flight regimes. I will definitely be keeping watch for professional pilot reviews on this one, because it's a beautiful, ultra-capable BRUTE with fairly unique capabilities, and I want to keep on flying it.

All that and an ongoing good experience with the sim itself. None of the issues that seem to be afflicting so many others, and i'm thankful for that!

So, I continue to have no reason to go back to v2020. 🙂

ETA: I also tried the Working Title 747 SuperTanker, but the utter lack of wing flex (same in flight as on ground 😮 ) made me quit the flight. It showed up in their pre-release photos, but I thought they'd have gotten at least an in-flight flex by release. Hopefully coming "soon" as I'd love to go back to it!

Edited November 24, 20241 yr by UrgentSiesta

13 hours ago, UrgentSiesta said:

Have since flown the C-17, A400M, PC-12 NGX (Carenado), Got Friends Optica, FSR500 (v2020), A2A Comanche (v2020), the DCD A-10C and TMS F-22 (v2020).

....

ETA: I also tried the Working Title 747 SuperTanker, but the utter lack of wing flex (same in flight as on ground 😮 ) made me quit the flight. It showed up in their pre-release photos, but I thought they'd have gotten at least an in-flight flex by release. Hopefully coming "soon" as I'd love to go back to it!

Thanks for the detailed report! .. Looking forward to trying the A400 and C17 myself. Re: the default 747, I hope sometime soon during the 2024 evolution that Working Title will give it more of the same kind of upgrade they gave to the Citation, 787, etc. Not sure when PMDG's 747 will land so will be good to have a decent interim solution until then.
 

Edited November 24, 20241 yr by lwt1971

Real World pilot here. I never bothered with default Asobo aircraft because they were just too twitchy on the ground and in the air in pitch. They also handled crosswind landings poorly.

 Booted up the 150 in 2024 and was blown away. I did essentially a commercial checkride in it, and threw in some spins for fun. It was very convincing and it finally had inertia and realistic feel.

I did manage to get it to enter and fully develop a left spin while holding right rudder, which is unrealistic, but if edge of the envelope flying is the only issue then 2024 is a fantastic upgrade. Good job to the team.

EDIT: For anyone who wants to see something cool, do a steep turn and try and fly through the location you started the turn. We have wake turbulence!!

Edited November 24, 20241 yr by WestAir

A real life commercial pilot’s response:

 

Commercial pilot here. FS 2024’s flight model is finally now significantly better than X-Plane. Feels like I’m flying the real thing

19 hours ago, WestAir said:

Real World pilot here. I never bothered with default Asobo aircraft because they were just too twitchy on the ground and in the air in pitch. They also handled crosswind landings poorly.

 Booted up the 150 in 2024 and was blown away. I did essentially a commercial checkride in it, and threw in some spins for fun. It was very convincing and it finally had inertia and realistic feel.

I did manage to get it to enter and fully develop a left spin while holding right rudder, which is unrealistic, but if edge of the envelope flying is the only issue then 2024 is a fantastic upgrade. Good job to the team.

EDIT: For anyone who wants to see something cool, do a steep turn and try and fly through the location you started the turn. We have wake turbulence!!

Thanks for the report!, and surprising that the C150 is that good given it's always been second fiddle to the C172 when they do improvements. Have you tried the C172 (G1000 version) or other GA birds especially any edge-of-envelope flying?
 

2 hours ago, lwt1971 said:

Thanks for the report!, and surprising that the C150 is that good given it's always been second fiddle to the C172 when they do improvements. Have you tried the C172 (G1000 version) or other GA birds especially any edge-of-envelope flying?
 

Not yet. I only had time for the one day of playing around.

Wednesday I'm planning on taking a spin around Manhattan in the 172SP G1000, followed by some maneuvers, and I'll try and do an MSFS flight immediately after to really compare feel.

V1-Simulation's latest test, iniBuilds A321neo.. some of his quotes/findings:
- the taxiing with tiller feels great and realistic .. the ground friction with the braking feels much better and realistic
- "cloud breakouts are incredibly better in 2024, coloring so much better, the heavier clouds don't look ashy any more"
- one bug he noticed: only left wing was showing flex
- he felt that autoland didn't flare the aircraft enough, if at all
- "way better than any default airbus I've flown in any sim, by a long shot .. rivals some payware too"

And his summary/TLDR of his view on MSFS 2024 as it currently stands bugs and all (timestamped video link below): "flight modelling wise there is a substantial change to how aircraft behave on and around the ground, from 1000 feet down to touchdown and taxiing, the simulator is significantly different, without question better than 2020 .. the floating is less, the aircraft have more inertia, etc .. what's driving me to keep coming back to the sim is how the flying feels, how the airplanes are responding to control, especially from 1000 ft above to ground"

 

 

Edited November 25, 20241 yr by lwt1971