Sim Update 13 for Microsoft Flight Simulator now available

The much-anticipated Sim Update 13 is now officially out, and it brings a host of changes and fixes aimed at addressing various aspects of the simulator. Sim Update 13 brings several general improvements to Microsoft Flight Simulator, addressing stability, performance, and overall user experience. The update includes various bug fixes.

Some of the key general improvements introduced in Sim Update 13 include:

• Stability and Memory Improvements: Sim Update 13 focuses on improving the stability of the simulator, addressing several crashes that have been reported by users. The update also includes memory optimizations, resulting in improved performance and reduced loading times.
• Logbook Enhancement: The in-sim logbook has been updated to allow for the storage of more flights. Previously, the logbook had a size limit of 16MB, causing flights to be deleted once the limit was reached. With the update, users can now save a larger number of flights without worrying about losing their logbook data.
• World Update Fixes: Sim Update 13 includes fixes for issues that were reported in previous World Updates (World Updates 3 to 12). Microsoft, Gaya, and Orbx have worked together to resolve the majority of the open issues.

Aircraft Improvements

Sim Update 13 brings significant enhancements to the aircraft included in Microsoft Flight Simulator. From improvements to the glass cockpits to new functionalities for specific aircraft, the update aims to enhance the realism and functionality of the aircraft models. Here are some of the noteworthy aircraft improvements introduced in Sim Update 13:

Boeing 787 and Boeing 747

The Boeing 787 and Boeing 747 have received new functionalities and bug fixes, adding more depth and realism to the aircraft models. One of the standout features is the integration of SimBrief functionality with the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) of the Boeing 787 and Boeing 747-8i. This integration allows pilots to request payload, wind data, and routes directly from SimBrief. Additionally, the 787-10 now allows pilots to calculate takeoff performance and send it to the Flight Management Computer (FMC), streamlining the pre-flight preparation process. Another notable addition is the implementation of a computer and programmed step climb.

Glass Cockpits

Sim Update 13 introduces improvements to the glass cockpits of various aircraft models, including the Garmin G3000, G5000, and G1000 Nxi. The new displays now have the ability to show the wind vector on the Navigation Map, Nearest Map, and Weather Map panes, enhancing situational awareness for pilots. Additionally, pilots can now adjust the weather radar gain via the GTC Weather Radar Settings page, allowing for more accurate weather depiction.

Accessibility and Usability Enhancements

Sim Update 13 also brings several accessibility and usability enhancements. These enhancements include:

• White Dot and Toolbar Behavior: The update introduces two new options in the accessibility menu, allowing players to customize the behavior of the toolbar and the central white dot in the simulator. Players can now choose how the toolbar and white dot behave.
• Horizon Line Visibility: In certain situations, the horizon line could be seen through the sides of terrain and objects, causing a visual distraction. Sim Update 13 reduces the visibility of the horizon line, making it less prominent. While the line may still be visible in some circumstances, the update aims to minimize its impact on the overall visual experience.
• Marketplace Fixes: The update addresses a bug that prevented content bought inside the Marketplace from appearing in the Content Manager if the content was part of a non-bought pack.

The entire list of updates and changes primarily consits of bug fixes and quality of life improvements, which can be found here. Please be advised, if you are playing on PC, outdated packages in your community folder may have an unexpected impact on the game performance and behavior. If you suffer from stability issues or long loading times, move your community package(s) to another folder before relaunching the title.