If you’ve ever loaded a flight plan in MSFS 2024 and seen things like “SID” and “STAR” pop up, you’re not alone in wondering what they actually do.
The good news is — they’re not complicated once you understand the basics. In fact, they’re one of the biggest things that make your flights feel like real-world airline operations.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
Simbrief flight planner
What is a SID?
A SID (Standard Instrument Departure) is simply a planned route that takes you from the runway up into your cruise phase.
Instead of just taking off and turning wherever you want, a SID:
- Keeps aircraft safely separated
- Reduces pilot workload
- Follows noise and terrain restrictions
- Matches real-world procedures
Think of it like a guided path out of the airport.
What a SID usually includes
- Initial climb instructions
- Waypoints to follow
- Speed and altitude restrictions
- Turns after takeoff
Once you reach the final waypoint of the SID, you transition into your main en route flight.
What is a STAR?
A STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) is the opposite of a SID.
It takes you from your cruise phase down toward your destination airport in a structured way.
Instead of randomly descending, a STAR:
- Brings you in from a specific direction
- Manages traffic flow into busy airports
- Prepares you for the approach
What a STAR usually includes
- Step-down altitude restrictions
- Speed limits
- Arrival routing into the terminal area
- Transition to the runway approach
Why this matters in MSFS 2024
If you’re flying aircraft like the 737 or A320, the FMC relies heavily on SIDs and STARs.
Without them:
- VNAV won’t behave properly
- Descents can become messy
- You’ll end up too high or too fast
With them:
- The aircraft flies a smooth, realistic profile
- You get proper descent planning
- Everything feels far more “real airline.”
Simple way to think about it
- SID = How do you leave the airport
- STAR = How you arrive at the airport
That’s it.
Do you always need them?
Not always, but in most cases:
- Yes for airliners
- Optional for small GA flying
If you want realism, always include them in your flight plan.
Final tip
Don’t overthink it.
Just pick a SID and STAR that matches your runway and direction — the aircraft will handle the rest.
SUMMARY
SIDs and STARs are structured departure and arrival routes that make your flights smoother, more realistic, and far easier to manage—especially in airliners.
MSFS 2024 SIDs and STARs