Aviation Career Addon for Flight Simulator
Budget: $25 – $100 USD
The goal of this application is to build a career-based addon either web or app based for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, adding structure, progression, and an economic system around the flight simulation experience. The addon will connect to the simulator to read and record real-time flight data, tracking key metrics such as landing rate, time airborne, distance flown, fuel usage, and incidents.
A core component of the system is an aircraft-type-rating system. Players will need to complete a checkride to become qualified to fly any specific aircraft. These checkrides will require the player to perform a full flight sequence, starting from a cold and dark startup, taxiing, departing via a SID procedure, flying a STAR arrival, conducting an instrument approach, taxiing back to the gate, and shutting down the aircraft properly. Players can attempt a checkride for any aircraft at any time, with no progressive unlocking system. However, if a checkride is failed, there will be a 12-hour cooldown before the player can attempt the same aircraft again. Players are free to attempt checkrides for other aircraft during that cooldown period.
Once a player has type ratings, they can choose between two career paths. First, they can join an existing real-world airline based on publicly available data. Employment in an airline will require the player to hold the relevant type ratings and will limit the player to the airline’s real-world fleet and route network. As an airline employee, the player will earn credits per flight, but this income will be based solely on the length of the flight and will include a flat rate bonus per flight to ensure short-haul flights remain rewarding and viable. Route profitability, demand, and operational costs will not apply to employees—they will receive fixed, predictable income without financial risk.
Alternatively, the player can start and manage their own airline. In this path, the player will have full control over route creation and airline management. They will earn significantly more credits per flight compared to an employee, but will also be responsible for managing all operational costs, including route fees and aircraft maintenance. Credits earned can be used to purchase gates and hangars at various airports, effectively establishing hubs. Over time, airline owners will be able to purchase aircraft and hire AI or player pilots to expand their operation. Aircraft maintenance and wear will be tracked over time based on flight hours, incidents, and usage. Maintenance costs will be deducted from the player’s credits, and neglecting maintenance will result in penalties or failures. These maintenance and operational costs will only apply to airline owners, not employees.
The app/site will feature a financial system where credits earned from flights can be used to expand the airline. Players will have the ability to take loans or raise capital by offering investor shares in their airline. Accepting investors will reduce the player’s share of future earnings proportionally. All route and flight planning within the app will be informed by real-world airline route databases, ensuring that suggested flights are commercially viable and realistic.
Beyond these core features, the application will include several additional systems to enhance depth and long-term engagement. Flights will be scored based on performance metrics such as landing rate, fuel efficiency, on-time arrivals, and smoothness. High performance will positively affect airline reputation and may offer credit bonuses. The app will track pilot experience points and rank progression, moving from First Officer to Captain and beyond. Higher ranks can unlock small perks, such as reduced checkride cooldowns.
A dynamic market system will simulate route demand and profitability, allowing the player's airline to respond to market conditions and compete with AI-operated airlines. Periodic contract flights and special events will also be available, offering higher rewards for completing unique or time-sensitive missions. Players will be able to form or join community airline alliances, sharing routes, hubs, and earnings, with optional alliance-wide events and goals.
The app will log any incidents or accidents, such as emergency landings or crashes, and apply financial penalties or reputation losses. In the future, optional multiplayer airline management may allow multiple users to co-manage an airline, assigning different management roles. Additionally, a mobile companion app could be developed to let players monitor stats, routes, and financials remotely. For players seeking a more challenging experience, a hardcore mode can be enabled where severe failures or financial collapse may result in permanent career resets.
This addon is designed to enhance Microsoft Flight Simulator by providing structure, career progression, and realistic economic management, while allowing players the freedom to fly how they want—whether that be as a career pilot for an established airline or as the CEO of their own aviation empire.
A core component of the system is an aircraft-type-rating system. Players will need to complete a checkride to become qualified to fly any specific aircraft. These checkrides will require the player to perform a full flight sequence, starting from a cold and dark startup, taxiing, departing via a SID procedure, flying a STAR arrival, conducting an instrument approach, taxiing back to the gate, and shutting down the aircraft properly. Players can attempt a checkride for any aircraft at any time, with no progressive unlocking system. However, if a checkride is failed, there will be a 12-hour cooldown before the player can attempt the same aircraft again. Players are free to attempt checkrides for other aircraft during that cooldown period.
Once a player has type ratings, they can choose between two career paths. First, they can join an existing real-world airline based on publicly available data. Employment in an airline will require the player to hold the relevant type ratings and will limit the player to the airline’s real-world fleet and route network. As an airline employee, the player will earn credits per flight, but this income will be based solely on the length of the flight and will include a flat rate bonus per flight to ensure short-haul flights remain rewarding and viable. Route profitability, demand, and operational costs will not apply to employees—they will receive fixed, predictable income without financial risk.
Alternatively, the player can start and manage their own airline. In this path, the player will have full control over route creation and airline management. They will earn significantly more credits per flight compared to an employee, but will also be responsible for managing all operational costs, including route fees and aircraft maintenance. Credits earned can be used to purchase gates and hangars at various airports, effectively establishing hubs. Over time, airline owners will be able to purchase aircraft and hire AI or player pilots to expand their operation. Aircraft maintenance and wear will be tracked over time based on flight hours, incidents, and usage. Maintenance costs will be deducted from the player’s credits, and neglecting maintenance will result in penalties or failures. These maintenance and operational costs will only apply to airline owners, not employees.
The app/site will feature a financial system where credits earned from flights can be used to expand the airline. Players will have the ability to take loans or raise capital by offering investor shares in their airline. Accepting investors will reduce the player’s share of future earnings proportionally. All route and flight planning within the app will be informed by real-world airline route databases, ensuring that suggested flights are commercially viable and realistic.
Beyond these core features, the application will include several additional systems to enhance depth and long-term engagement. Flights will be scored based on performance metrics such as landing rate, fuel efficiency, on-time arrivals, and smoothness. High performance will positively affect airline reputation and may offer credit bonuses. The app will track pilot experience points and rank progression, moving from First Officer to Captain and beyond. Higher ranks can unlock small perks, such as reduced checkride cooldowns.
A dynamic market system will simulate route demand and profitability, allowing the player's airline to respond to market conditions and compete with AI-operated airlines. Periodic contract flights and special events will also be available, offering higher rewards for completing unique or time-sensitive missions. Players will be able to form or join community airline alliances, sharing routes, hubs, and earnings, with optional alliance-wide events and goals.
The app will log any incidents or accidents, such as emergency landings or crashes, and apply financial penalties or reputation losses. In the future, optional multiplayer airline management may allow multiple users to co-manage an airline, assigning different management roles. Additionally, a mobile companion app could be developed to let players monitor stats, routes, and financials remotely. For players seeking a more challenging experience, a hardcore mode can be enabled where severe failures or financial collapse may result in permanent career resets.
This addon is designed to enhance Microsoft Flight Simulator by providing structure, career progression, and realistic economic management, while allowing players the freedom to fly how they want—whether that be as a career pilot for an established airline or as the CEO of their own aviation empire.