Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s Sim Update 6 beta received build 1.8.8.0 on July 16, keeping public testing active across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The latest details appeared in the July 16 weekly briefing, which also covered new aircraft, community events, and the latest creator video.
Players enrolled in the beta can review the new build’s release notes and submit feedback through the beta surveys. Testing is available through the Windows Store and Steam versions on PC, along with Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Players who have not joined the test can still follow the enrollment process for Sim Update 6.
The A220 preview is now available to watch
Developers from iniBuilds and Synaptic Simulations appeared in a July 15 livestream focused on the upcoming A220 Airliner. The broadcast is now available as a video for anyone who missed it live.
Carenado’s DO228 takes the spotlight
The briefing also highlighted the newly released DO228 from Carenado in the in-sim Marketplace. The developer has created flight simulator aircraft since 2001, beginning with a goal of building planes that matched the quality and flying experience its team wanted for itself.
Carenado pointed to the Citation II S550, C90 King Air, and B1900D as important aircraft from its earlier catalog. Within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the studio considers the DO228 and CT210 its proudest releases so far.
The DO228’s turboprop engine required special attention because its behavior differs from many other aircraft in the category. Carenado also credited Aerocardal in Santiago, which provided access to a real DO228 about a decade ago when the team first developed the aircraft for FSX. That access helped inform the newer version.
France-themed flight planned for the community
This week’s Community Fly-In Friday is built around France’s national holiday. The planned route connects Marseille and Paris, with the flight passing over the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.
The new Carenado DO228 is the suggested aircraft for the flight, but it is not required. The briefing also looked back at the previous community event in Kiribati and pointed players toward the ongoing group-flight schedule.
New screenshot challenge and community video
The current screenshot challenge is titled “Daring Deeds.” The previous challenge focused on favorite aircraft, while JohnStarp was named the latest weekly winner.
A separate community video puts Carenado’s DO228 through its paces and gives viewers another look at the aircraft in action.
The next weekly briefing is scheduled for July 23, 2026. Share your thoughts on the Sim Update 6 beta and the DO228 in the comments, and follow updates on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Developed by Asobo Studio
Pursue your dream of an aviation career with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming to create the most sophisticated, immersive and awe-inspiring flight simulator of all time. To achieve this unprecedented level of accuracy, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is powered by the significantly evolved Asobo Studio engine.
- Genre: Simulator
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation VR2, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
- Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
- Release: 2024-11-19
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
-
Age Rating:
PEGI 3 / ACB G / GRAC ALL / USK 0 / ESRB E / CERO A / CLASS_IND L
- IGDB Rating: 70.8/100
