During FSExpoFriday, VA SYSTEMS announced major updates to two of its products. Both the Checklist App and the Explorer platform were the focus of this year’s presentation from VA SYSTEMS. They also spoke more about VA HARDWARE products as well, but we will cover that in a separate post.
Checklist App
First released in April 2026, the A320 Family Checklists package brought structured operating procedures directly into Microsoft Flight Simulator through the VA Systems In-Game Panel. Now, the company is preparing several new features designed to improve immersion and flexibility for pilots.
One of the most requested additions is Audible Checklists, which will allow checklist items to be read aloud within the simulator. The feature aims to create a more realistic cockpit environment while reducing the need to constantly reference on-screen text.
Future updates will also introduce Abnormal Checklists and Cockpit Flows, providing pilots with additional procedural guidance for non-standard situations and helping users develop more consistent operating habits.
VA Systems confirmed that support for additional aircraft families is already in development, extending the checklist experience beyond the Airbus A320 series. The company is also working on fully customisable checklists, which will enable users, virtual airlines, and training organisations to create and share their own procedures through the VA Systems Dashboard.
Existing owners of the A320 Family Checklists package will receive Audible Checklists, Abnormal Checklists, and Cockpit Flows as free updates. Additional aircraft packages and custom checklist functionality will be released separately in the future.
The A320 Family Checklists package is available now through the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace and directly from the VA Systems Store, starting at £4.99.
Explorer Platform
Since launching in October 2025, The Explorer has helped simmers discover real-world airline schedules through advanced search and filtering tools. However, following community feedback, the next version will introduce several new ways to discover flights.
The platform will be split into dedicated modules, including Schedules, Routes, Airlines, Airports, Aircraft, and Regions. This will allow users to explore flights based on what interests them most, whether that’s a favourite airline, airport, aircraft type, or simply a region of the world.
VA Systems is also developing several companion tools. A new Dispatcher module will help users prepare and organise flights, while an Itinerary Generator will make it easier to build realistic multi-leg journeys.
Perhaps most ambitious is LiveOps, a new feature designed to connect simmers with real-world aviation activity. The system will enable users to discover flights based on current airline operations, aircraft movements, and live aviation conditions.
Speaking about the update, VA Systems founder and CEO Matthew Symons said the redesign is focused on supporting the different ways simmers discover flights, making the process more flexible and enjoyable.
Alongside the overhaul, VA Systems has confirmed it is reviewing The Explorer’s pricing model, with further details expected closer to release.
The update represents the largest expansion of The Explorer since launch and signals VA Systems’ ambitions to create a complete flight discovery platform for the flight simulation community.
Lego Giveaway
Finally, the team confirmed that their Lego Giveaway returns for FlightSimExpo 2026.
This year, attendees will have the chance to win one of two LEGO Pan Am DC-3 sets, celebrating one of aviation’s most iconic aircraft.
To give more visitors the opportunity to win, VA Systems will hold two separate prize draws throughout the weekend:
- Saturday at 4:00 PM
- Sunday at 2:00 PM
One LEGO Pan Am DC-3 set will be awarded during each draw. You will need to visit their booth in order to win.
