Sim Update 13 Beta is Now Available for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Sim Update 13 is now available to download for those wishing to try it out ahead of its official release.

Sim Update 13 was always poised to be a fairly significant update for the simulator, in particular for the avionics and aircraft. But it goes beyond just that with additional changes to the UI, fixes to various SDK and API elements, and much more. Some of the standout features of this new update include new EFB functionality.

Those new functionalities are part of the Boeing 787 and also the Boeing 747-8i, whereby the EFB can now integrate with SimBrief to request payload, wind data, routes and much more. The 787-10 now allows you to calculate takeoff performance and send it to the FMC. Furthermore, the first iteration of a computer and programmed step climb has been implemented.

It’s not just the heavies that saw some significant changes in this update. Glass cockpits with the Garmin G3000 / G5000 and the G1000 Nxi also got some love. The new displays can now show the wind vector on the Navigation Map, Nearest Map, and Weather Map panes. You will also be able to adjust the weather radar gain via the GTC Weather Radar Settings page. There is also a number of fixes and changes as documented down below.

Sadly, there’s no mention of World Hub being part of this beta, but please tell us if you see any sign of it. If you want to learn more about World Hub (aka Scenery Gateway), then you can read more about it here.

The usual caveat applies; this is a beta release. Therefore, you should only involve yourself if you’re super sure you want to use it with your simulator. It’s worth noting that some add-ons may not be compatible with the latest release or you may find yourself dealing with bugs. However, if you wish to give it a go, you can opt in by following the instructions on the MSFS forums.

General Bug Fixes

• Fixed Active Pause: now aircraft velocity and angular velocity are also frozen.
• Added Logbook compression to fix an issue where the logbook stopped recording flights after reaching 16MB limit size.
• Fixed scenarios where a white dot and white outline could appear when using a yoke (see Known Issues below)

Menu

• Airports can be searched if they have special characters
• Fixed Main Menu tile image for Top Gun Maverick DLC that was extending beyond the tile boundaries

Accessibility

• Screen Reader will now correctly narrate the highlighted option within pop-up dialog prompts (e.g. “OK”, “Cancel”, “Save”, etc.)
• D-Pad and keyboard navigation within UI menus will no longer jump unexpectedly to the Social Panel or tooltips when reaching the final item in a horizontal grid or list.
• Logbook can now be navigated line-by-line using either gamepad D-Pad or keyboard.
• Updated tooltip to better explain how to adjust slider or cyclic options using gamepad or keyboard.

Install

• Fixed an issue where deleting content on Xbox would delete it on PC too, and vice versa

Online

• Fixed a bug where the user would not join a group after accepting an invitation through the platform
• Fixed a bug where light simvar were not properly replicated

Navigation/Traffic

• Fixed a bug where airplanes didn’t slow down enough to turn while taxiing.
• Fixed a bug where airplanes performing a go around would go in circles forever.
• Update AIRAC cycle to 2308

Glass Cockpits

Garmin G3000 / G5000

• Added support for displaying the wind vector on the Navigation Map, Nearest Map, and Weather Map panes.
• Enabled user control of weather radar gain via the GTC Weather Radar Settings page.
• Adjusted map and SVT absolute terrain colors to more closely match the real unit.
• Fixed a bug where the Nav Data Bar ISA field was displaying ISA temperature instead of delta ISA.
• FMS-managed Mach speed selections are now rounded to the nearest 0.001 instead of 0.01.
• Attempting to activate the weather radar while on the ground will now show a confirmation dialog.
• Tuned autopilot VOR/LOC intercept behavior to reduce overshoot in most scenarios.
• Fixed an issue where the autopilot would be inaccurate when flying in external camera view.
• The Navigation Map, Nearest Map, and Weather Map’s cyan selected heading line is now shown in Track Up mode in addition to Heading Up mode. The line is also no longer hidden when the selected heading is outside of the range compass’s heading boundaries.
• ADF frequencies below 200kHz (down to 190.0) are now tunable.

G1000 Nxi

• Adjusted map and SVT absolute terrain colors to more closely match the real unit.
• Fixed a bug where the Nav Data Bar ISA field was displaying ISA temperature instead of delta ISA.
• Tuned autopilot VOR/LOC intercept behavior to reduce overshoot in most scenarios.
• Fixed an issue where the autopilot would be inaccurate when flying in external camera view.
• The Navigation Map, Nearest Map, and Weather Map’s cyan selected heading line is now shown in Track Up mode in addition to Heading Up mode. The line is also no longer hidden when the selected heading is outside of the range compass’s heading boundaries.

Aircraft

General

• Corrected an issue with the fuel system that could cause it to not use any fuel in some setups
• Corrected an issue that could cause some P-51s to run out of fuel early in Reno races
• Fixed camera freeze with joystick top hat

External HUD

• Analogic-style external HUD now displays up to 16 tachometers.

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner / Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental

• Added Functionality:
• Both planes now support data uplink features via Simbrief. This allows the pilot to request the route, payload, and wind forecasts on the appropriate CDU pages. We have also added payload and fuel management pages to help pilots load the planes more optimally. You will find that under the SETTINGS page on the CDU. The 787-10 now comes with the EFB enabled. At the moment its sole purpose is to calculate takeoff performance settings and to send the data back to the FMC. Additionally a first iteration of computed and programmed step climbs has been implemented.
• CDU: Add SimBrief related options in SETTINGS.
• FMC: Add ROUTE REQUEST functionality backed by SimBrief integration.
• FMC: Add wind uplink functionality backed by SimBrief integration.
• CDU: Weight&Balance page added under SETTINGS for fuel and payload management.
• VNAV: Added support for step climbs.
• AP: FLCH mode sets thrust to achieve the target altitude in 125 seconds if possible.
• CDU: Added CRZ CLB and CRZ DES page titles to the CRZ page when in those regimes.
• CDU: Added cruise climb-related functionality to the PERF INIT, CRZ, PROG, and LEGS pages.
• CDU: Added the MAX ANGLE speed field to the CLB page.
• CDU: NAV RADIO accepts manual VOR course entry when VOR is in manual tuning mode.
• CDU: An invalid entry message is given when an abeam point cannot be found.
• CDU: The WIND and REF OAT fields on TAKEOFF REF page 2 can be auto-populated by pressing the corresponding LSK while the scratchpad is empty.
• CHECKLISTS: Added support for closed loop checklist items that automatically complete based on the corresponding system states.
• CHECKLISTS: Checklist page will display the first incomplete checklist upon page entry or NORMAL button press.
• CHECKLISTS: Added CHKL INCOMPLETE NORM cautions for before takeoff, approach and landing checklists.
• CHECKLISTS: Added Resets page where all checklists can be reset instead of having to reset every checklist individually.
• CHECKLISTS: Added support for overriding checklists and individual checklist items.
• EICAS: Added STAB GREENBAND warning to advise of incorrect takeoff CG entry.
• EICAS: Added a step climb alert if the climb has still not been started five minutes after passing the point.
• ND: Added a marker displaying the location of the next cruise climb.
• [747] ND: Add VOR/VORCTR/APP/APPCTR formats.
• [747] SYSTEMS: Added automatic fuel system management option that will change the fuel system configuration in flight as fuel quantities change in tanks. Defaults to off, inhibited on ground.
• [747] SYSTEMS: Added insufficient fuel warning if the predicted fuel at the destination goes below the set reserves (or zero if not set).
• [787] SYSTEMS: Added insufficient fuel warning if the predicted fuel at the destination goes below the set reserves (or 4000 lbs if not set).
• Bugfixes and Improvements:
• AP: Tuned localizer intercept behavior to reduce overshoot in most scenarios.
• AP: Ensure FAC can always capture when close to the beam.
• AP: Fixed an issue where the autopilot would be inaccurate when flying in external camera view.
• AP: The MCP speed window now opens with current speed when changing from VNAV to another vertical mode.
• CDU: Fixed an issue where a fix info ETA or altitude prediction could not be deleted when the prediction could not be calculated.
• CDU: NavRadio Page CRS value is now green instead of white
• CDU: Pressing the CLB> or DES> page links on the forecast pages will always return you to the VNAV page you came from.
• CDU: More accurate “blanked” versions of the VNAV pages.
• CDU: Fix a bug where setting the assumed temp on the TAKEOFF REF page did not set the thrust mode appropriately.
• CDU: Climb thrust mode no longer syncs to takeoff thrust mode when reentering the THRUST LIM page.
• CDU: Fixed a bug that might navigate back to the LEGS page immediately after starting the creation of a hold.
• CDU: The QUAD/RADIAL field on the HOLD page parses entries more accurately.
• CDU: The RUNWAY POS field displays meters when the game unit is metric.
• CDU: CRZ ALT is now properly synced between CDUs.
• CDU: Distances to go now truncate rather than round.
• CDU: Do not show direct to indications in LEGS page when a direct to is performed internally by other FMS modifications.
• CDU: Vertical track error now blanks when invalid.
• CONTROLS: Engaging reverse thrust via the toggle control input should now work more reliably.
• EICAS: Added TCAS OFF advisory message.
• EICAS: Fixed multiple bugs in AUTOBRAKE EICAS alerts.
• FLIGHT MODEL: Slight increase in braking efficiency.
• FMC: ROLLOUT and FLARE modes now disarm/disengage when the AP is disengaged.
• FMC: Corrected approach mode engagement/disengagement logic.
• FMC: Fixed a bug where the pre-flight phase was skipped.
• FMC: Fixed a bug where fix info was able to look past the first intersection if another fix info page was used.
• FMC: Fix info abeam points are now deleted when passed.
• FMC: Fix info no longer looks at legs behind the plane.
• FMC: When initializing a cruise descent, restriction and transition speed limits are deleted if the new cruise altitude is lower than their corresponding ones.
• FMC: Fix info predictions are now available for the active leg.
• FMC: Fixed a bug where approach phase would not activate with flaps 1.
• FMC: Fixed a bug where an altitude intervention in cruise could result in an early descent rather than a cruise descent.
• FMS: Lat/long where value is 000 now works
• MCP: Corrected LOC/FAC and APP light logic.
• ND: Updated VOR/APP Modes: DME, CRS, FREQ/IDENT to show correct VOR values for VOR R on FO ND, and to show correct ILS values when in APP or APPCTR mode
• PFD: The VNAV speed band is now not shown during approach phase.
• SYSTEMS: Fixed issues with thrust calculations that could lead to erroneous CLB1 and 2 values
• VNAV: Fixed a bug where the auto-descent would not occur if the MCP altitude was adjusted closer than 10 NM from T/D.
• VNAV: The thrust/drag required messages now occur at the correct speeds in approach phase.
• VNAV: The top of the speed band is now VMO/MMO – 11 knots rather than 16 knots.
• VNAV: Fixed various issues causing the descent path to not be calculated correctly when modifying VNAV parameters after sequencing T/D.
• [747] AP: Thrust HOLD mode now activates at 70 knots during takeoff.
• [747] CDU: DES DIR and DES NOW now work on the right CDU.
• [747] CDU: Fixed VOR tuning data on the right CDU.
• [747] EICAS: Fixed a bug where the FUEL XFEED CONFIG warning would be shown immediately after takeoff, before the fuel system automatically switched the configuration.
• [747] EICAS: Flaps display now hidden when starting C&D.
• [747] FMC: The FMC speed target is now always the current manevuering speed in approach phase.
• [747] FMC: Fixed certain instances where changing or removing a procedure containing the active flight plan leg would cause the active leg’s flight path to change unexpectedly.
• [747] FMC: Early Descent now reaches the target -1250 fpm descent rate.
• [747] SYNOPTICS: Adjusted fuel synoptics styling.
• [747] SYSTEMS: Rate of fuel transfer from reserve to main tanks increased.
• [747] SYSTEMS: Fixed “FUEL IMBALANCE” warning text saying “FUEL IMBAL”.
• [747] SYSTEMS: Fixed Stab tank warning message condition being reversed.
• [747] TOOLTIPS: Fixed Capt/FO AIR DATA KNOB description, fixed FO Baro Outer Knob tooltips
• [747] TOOLTIPS: Fixed autothrottle tooltip value to show ON instead of ARMED if autothrottle is engaged, updated AP Alt Knob Push tooltip description
• [787] CDU: DES DIR and DES NOW now work when the CDU is on the left or right MFDs.
• [787] CDU: Fixed VOR tuning data when the CDU was on the left or right MFD.
• [787] CHECKLISTS: Added ‘Recirculation Fans ON’ to Preflight checklist
• [787] FBW: Fixed an issue where FBW could snap back to an older trim setting one time upon disengaging autopilot
• [787] FBW: Reduced pitch and roll sensitivity
• [787] FBW: Fixed an issue where trim speed would not change at the correct rate
• [787] FMC: Corrected the flaps 1 holding speeds.
• [787] FPL: Fixed certain instances where changing or removing a procedure containing the active flight plan leg would cause the active leg’s flight path to change unexpectedly.
• [787] HUD: Guidance cue is now not shown when the flight director is off.
• [787] MFD: Fixed an issue where the passenger count on the AIR page wouldn’t be updated
• [787] ND: Fixed issue on Xbox in CTR mode where the ‘18’ compass number was not visible.
• [787] PFD: Changed baro setting alert background to black.
• [787] PFD: Limited LS deviation indicator to prevent going too far outside the bounding box, to match the real unit.
• [787] PFD/HUD: Fixed a bug where the AFDS baro source was displayed as L even with no AP or FD engaged.
• [787] SYSTEMS: Primary hydraulic pumps now only run in AUTO mode after the second engine is started.
• [787] TOOLTIPS: Updated AP Alt Knob Push tooltip description.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

• Fixed Radio Panel and ADF interactions

Cessna Citation CJ4 / WT21

• FMC: Added the Route Request feature that allows to uplink a route from SimBrief. You’ll find this feature via IDX → ROUTE MENU on the FMC.
• FMC: New USR SETTINGS menu found on the INDEX page two that provides various options
• CJ4: Ground Power can now be toggled on/off, when available, via the USR SETTINGS menu
• CJ4: Passenger cabin lights have been added which can be controlled via the USR SETTINGS menu
• FMC: Added FIX INFO page and function
• PFD: Fixed an issue where the red AP disconnect annunciation would flicker
• MFD: Improved terrain map rendering
• FMC: Adjust calculation of average speeds on the FLT LOG page
• CJ4: Improvements to the electrical system and more sensible display of (dis)charging current of the battery
• CJ4: Fixed seatbelt/safety chimes not always working
• AP: Tuned autopilot VOR/LOC intercept behavior to reduce overshoot in most scenarios.

Cessna Citation Longitude

• Fixed throttle lever foley sounds sometimes playing incorrectly.
• The autopilot selected airspeed reference in MAN speed mode is now limited to between 80kt to 324kt or M0.20 to M0.84.
• The weather radar will now fail if power is removed from the right main bus.
• Adjusted the power draw of the weather radar. Power draw remains low while the radar is off or in standby and increases when it is actively scanning.
• Pressing the HDG knob while HDG mode is active will now cause the selected heading to automatically sync with airplane heading until the airplane stops turning or the HDG knob is manually turned.
• Pressing the HDG knob while an autopilot/flight director NAV mode is active (FMS, VOR, LOC, BC) will now toggle HDG Sync Mode.
• Fixed an issue where for a short period (~1 second) after closing a popup opened from the GTC CNS bar, it was impossible to interact with anything on the GTC screen.

Daher TBM 930

• The autopilot selected airspeed reference is now limited to between 80kt to 265kt or M0.20 to M0.69.
• The weather radar will now fail if power is removed from bus 2.
• Adjusted the power draw of the weather radar. Power draw remains low while the radar is off or in standby and increases when it is actively scanning.
• Pressing the HDG knob while HDG mode is active will now cause the selected heading to automatically sync with airplane heading until the airplane stops turning or the HDG knob is manually turned.

DG1001E

• Fixed pink textures on some instruments in external view

Peripherals

New Supported Devices

• Added support for the Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls Pro on PC and Xbox

New Presets

• Added a General Aviation preset for the Thrustmaster Airbus Quadrant

Various Peripheral Fixes

• Fixed yoke value after suspend MSFS on Xbox

VR

• Corrected an issue that could cause the yoke commands not to work properly in VR on some planes
• Corrected an issue that could cause VR instruments controls to be dropped when the player hovered a glass cockpit supporting click interactions