(For privacy, the captain’s identity has been obscured in the image.)
Welcome to Flight Simulation Showcase — a place for flight simulation enthusiasts who want to get more out of Microsoft Flight Simulator. This site is built for sim pilots of all levels — whether you’re just starting or refining your setup, flying techniques, and aircraft knowledge.
About Me
My name is Pete, and aviation has been a lifelong passion.
I’m not just a flight simmer — I’m also a real pilot, and that experience shapes everything you’ll find on this site. I focus on practical, realistic flying, not just theory or guesswork.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to fly:
- Full cockpit simulators, including a Boeing 737
- Military-style simulators, such as an F/A-18
- A fully enclosed cockpit used in a NASA-related study
My performance in those environments was rated highly — even compared with pilots who had significantly more hours, which gave me a deeper appreciation for both real-world aviation and high-quality simulation.
What This Site Is About
Flight Simulation Showcase is focused on helping you:
- Get the best performance and visuals from MSFS 2024
- Learn real-world-inspired flying techniques
- Choose the right hardware and add-ons
- Discover scenic routes and realistic flight ideas
- Troubleshoot common issues quickly and clearly
Everything here is written in a clear, practical, no-nonsense way — the kind of guidance I would have wanted myself.
How I Approach Flight Simulation
I believe the best flight simulation experience comes from:
- Realism where it matters
- Simplicity, where it helps
- Consistency in setup and flying style
You won’t find overcomplicated theory here — just what works.
A Personal Moment
One of the most memorable aviation experiences I’ve had came from a very special surprise.
After a flight from Sydney to Perth, my partner Lynn arranged a birthday gift I’ll never forget.
The crew kindly invited me onto the flight deck — once the aircraft had landed and parked — and I was able to sit in the cockpit and take it all in.
It was a simple moment, but one that really stayed with me — and a reminder of why aviation has always meant so much to me.
Interestingly, it wasn’t my first time on a flight deck.
Back in the mid-1970s, I was invited up during a flight from Sydney to Singapore on a Boeing 747 — around 2 am in the morning.
I was seated on the observer’s jump seat, right in the middle of the cockpit.
I still remember the layout clearly: the captain in the left seat, the first officer on the right, and the flight engineer seated behind us at his panel, surrounded by gauges and switches. There was also another crew member resting in a bunk behind the cockpit.
At one point, a stewardess brought me a coffee — something that probably wouldn’t happen today.
What struck me most was the complete lack of sensation of movement. Despite travelling at hundreds of miles per hour, it felt perfectly still — something that’s hard to appreciate until you experience it firsthand.
It was a completely different era of flying — and an experience that has stayed with me ever since.
Final note: In later years, I was lucky enough to be given a top-to-bottom tour of the 747 by an authorized engineer. I will write about that experience
Thanks for Being Here
Whether you’re flying short scenic routes or managing full airliner operations, I hope this site helps you enjoy flight simulation even more.
— Pete