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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introduces a new feature that adds a realistic twist to flying: Exiting the plane! Now, as a pilot, you can leave the cockpit and walk around your aircraft for manual preflight checks. You can even use this opportunity to explore famous landmarks on foot. But how do you actually do that?

In this guide, you’ll learn the basic shortcuts for boarding and deboarding your plane in MSFS 2024. You’ll also discover the purpose behind this feature and how to customize it to fit your play style.

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How to Exit Planes (& Other Vehicles)

Platform

Cockpit Exit/Enter Shortcut

PC

Shift + C

Xbox

LB + B

The simplest way to exit your plane is by looking for the nearest door. This should be on your left when seated on the left side of a plane and the same is true for the opposite side. Click on the cockpit door handle or use the A button on your XBOX controller. Planes with canopies will have a latch along the seal. Some aircraft will have doors to the rear of the plane and behind the pilot's cabin. You will have to move your camera around the plane to find these.

If you can't find the manual exit, or simply want to get out of the plane quickly, there is a button prompt you can use. Press SHIFT + C on your keyboard to take control of your character on PC and leave the aircraft. Press LB + B on an XBOX controller to do the same. Pressing this button combination again will immediately teleport you back inside of the plane's cockpit. The aircraft must be on the ground for you to exit it in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

How to Change the Key Bind for Boarding and Deboarding

  1. Go to 'Settings.'
  2. Navigate to the 'Controls' tab.
  3. Select your keyboard or controller.
  4. In the search bar, type "Take Control of Character."
  5. Unbind the current key and assign your desired input.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may prompt you to save your changed key binds as a new preset. If you want to avoid this prompt, duplicate one of the game’s default key binding presets and apply your changes to the duplicate. Make sure to duplicate the 2024 key bind preset, as the 2020 preset has a bug that removes the unbinding shortcut.

On Foot Controls

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Once you're on foot, you can interact with the external parts of your plane. You will have to do this to complete some preflight checks in career mode. Left Click on your mouse or press A on XBOX to do so. Your pilot will automatically have a flashlight at night for visibility. You can also crouch and sprint.

  • PC Crouch - C
  • PC Sprint - Space Bar
  • XBOX Crouch - X Button
  • XBOX Sprint - RT

The Purpose of the Walk-Around Feature in MSFS 2024

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In addition to letting you visit landmarks around the world, the walk-around mode’s primary purpose is to simulate preflight inspections and checks. You’ll need to step off the aircraft, walk around it, and inspect every part while also removing chocks and engine covers and ensuring the engine oil quality is good.

Once you exit the plane, interaction pins will appear all over the aircraft. By clicking on these points—or pressing the A button near them—you can perform the necessary preflight checks. These actions are crucial, as skipping them could result in malfunctions or crashes during flight.

How to Get the ‘5K Fun Run’ Achievement

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 includes an achievement called the “5K Fun Run,” awarded after walking or running for five kilometers, which is just over three miles.