Microsoft Flight Simulator includes a wealth of different aircraft to take control of, and each aircraft is fairly unique, including the onboard avionics such as GPS and autopilot systems. Some aircraft feature very simplified systems, such as the JMB. Others are far more complex, such as the TBM 930 and the three default airliners. If you want to add at least a degree of realism to your flight sessions, then getting a basic understanding of these different systems is imperative.

This guide goes over the basic ins and outs of the GPS and autopilot avionics systems featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator‘s default aircraft (not including airliners). While the panels on different aircraft may have quite a number of buttons, knobs, levers, gauges, and screens, it’s not as intimidating as it might seem. Well, once you know what everything is for, that is. Let’s get started with the most common type of Garmin panel in Microsoft Flight Simulator that features a GPS and autopilot system.

The Garmin G1000 is a very modern panel system that makes the flying experience far more simplified and seamless. This is thanks to its powerful dual-screen array. The left side features the common gauges in digital form (altitude, airspeed, pitch angle, compass, and barometer) overlaid on top of the extremely useful synthetic vision.

Synthetic vision is a 3D rendering of the terrain that’s in front of the aircraft. It can detect just about everything, including mountainous terrain. This is extremely useful when flying in unfamiliar areas, or where there’s low visibility, as the SV screen is perfectly clear of the visual obstructions that the real world has. It also can show terrain that’s a few miles out, allowing pilots to anticipate what’s ahead even if they can’t see it yet with the naked eye. Airports and airfields are also preset on the SV screen, making landings all the easier. A wind speed/direction indicator is also featured on this screen, which is a very important tool for every phase of flight.

On the right side of the screen is the GPS and more digital aircraft gauges, including the RPM, oil pressure/temp, fuel, and more. The G1000’s GPS system also comes outfitted with NEXRAD capabilities. This displays precipitation that’s within range of the aircraft’s radar. The intensity of the precipitation is labeled with different colors. Green is moderate, yellow is low intensity, orange is medium intensity, and red/pink is severe (the kind that pilots tend to avoid). Weather conditions is a topic that’s discussed more in our guide on “Essential tips for every flight.”

Garmin G1000 in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk.

Here are some basic tips for the G1000 GPS, including how to use its autopilot (AP) system in Microsoft Flight Simulator:

The higher end of the spectrum is the G3000 model of Garmin’s GPS system. This one features three touchscreens that span across the entire length of the aircraft. It has just about all of the same features as the G1000. The only real difference between the two is that the GPS map screen sits in the center of the console, leaving both the pilot and co-pilot to have identical screens that display all of the other data (altitude, heading, vertical speed, airspeed, etc.) Unsurprisingly, the G3000 also sports NEXRAD capabilities and synthetic vision.

With this module being so similar to the G1000, a lot of the previously mentioned operations are also similar. If anything, this is the easier one to learn since the touchscreens negate the use of using knobs and traditional buttons for some operations. The TBM 930 is one of the aircraft that feature the G3000 panel. There are two separate screens that are identical to each other (one each for the pilot and co-pilot) that sit below the main screens. They are used to control some of the operations, like the map range, for example, and also to change some of the info that’s displayed on the main screens.

Here are some basic tips for the G300 GPS (TBM 930 edition), including how to use its autopilot system in Microsoft Flight Simulator:

Cessna Skyhawk 172 outfitted with a classic Garmin GNS 530.

The most humble GPS offering in Microsoft Flight Simulator is the GNS 530 dual-screen module from Garmin. This humble little GPS/AP system handles the core operations; nothing more, and nothing less. This includes a GPS screen that shows the map, but lacks a weather radar and wind speed indicator. Depending on the aircraft, the autopilot system may be able to guide the direction of the plane but it cannot not hold the altitude.

The new “Flight Assistant” feature.

As part of Sim Update V, Asobo outfitted Microsoft Flight Simulator with an advanced autopilot feature known as the Flight Assistant. This feature will completely handle all of the operations mentioned beforehand, as the aircraft will fall entirely under the control of the CPU. This little hat trick is so advanced that it can even taxi, takeoff, and land the aircraft entirely independent of user input. It’s pretty much like a car’s self-drive mode, except for airplanes. This can be used in any aircraft, regardless of whether the avionics system is basic or advanced. You can use this feature for the more difficult aircraft, or if you just don’t want to mess with the slightly complex operations discussed here in this guide.

Note: So far, a precise “land here” command doesn’t seem to have been implemented. But, for the most part, the Flight Assistant should be able to land the aircraft once an airport is selected as the destination target.

We have a similar guide dedicated to airliners in the works. For more information, check out our features and guide hub. Microsoft Flight Simulator is available via Steam, the Microsoft Store, and also as part of Xbox Game Pass.