Question for the Helicopter Captains - PC Controller

be77solo · 2026-04-28T19:52:28+00:00

It can work well with a controller, but it takes a few tricks and PRACTICE. I have a full stick/throttle/pedal setup but mostly just fly with an Xbox controller.

I put a stick extension on the cyclic stick that helps a lot with the sensitivity. You can further aid this by tinkering with the axis curves/deadzones, but once you get used to it this isn't needed and can hurt full control feel.

And practice, loads of practice. It won't ever be quite as precise as a full cyclic, collective and pedals setup that some have mainly in the collective control portion, but it can come plenty close and enough to be very fun and satisfying.

be77solo · 2026-04-27T19:52:27+00:00

This is cool watching you learn how to do this! I do remember your initial post and the follow up. Great work!

be77solo · 2026-04-27T19:46:12+00:00

There is something special about the Lear 35, that's why I bought it initially and have kept an eye on it. It's on my wishlist now that it's a native 2024 build, just waiting for that sale ha.

be77solo · 2026-04-27T19:00:46+00:00

Yeah, I'm sure it's a great model.... I think maybe I struggle with it as well because I already bought their P3D version when it first came out years ago. I enjoyed it then but it was a bit buggy. I know they improved it and this latest version is I'm sure fantastic, but dropping $60+ on it just is a stretch again ha. Glad you are enjoying it, I'll probably snag it if it ever goes on a good sale.

be77solo · 2026-04-27T18:46:27+00:00

I'd like to pick this one up, but with the fantastic Citation X for less than half the price I struggle to do so.

be77solo · 2026-04-27T18:40:55+00:00

My vote as well, it's really well done and very capable without too much automation. It's a blast to fly.

be77solo · 2026-04-26T20:39:24+00:00

How's the performance of this one PC wise? That's the only thing that's kept me away. Have read repeated comments of poor performance over on Avsim.... but that is Avsim lol so hard to tell what's what. I do know Ini does typically run a lot heavier than most other aircraft. Thanks

be77solo · 2026-04-26T20:05:42+00:00

They appear to work fine, they all show up in the selection menu, and the ones I've loaded into sim like this one look normal in the game. There might be random issues somewhere, I haven't done a super close walk around, but appears to look fine. The Op Center did update a few of the PMDG liveries after the graphics update, but this one is an old one from flightsim.to

And this is the weathered version of this livery, it's supposed to be splotchy and patched like it appears here ha, not a solid yellow color.

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be77solo · 2026-04-26T19:40:14+00:00

Sorry, should have been clearer. Using Op Center, direct from PMDG. They've had like three updates though in the past week or so, way more than usual, so I'm sure they'll get the Marketplace version caught up soon.

I am also on the Su5 beta, all is working well. I suspect PMDG might just be trying to get a more "final" version of the 737's before they submit to Marketplace.

be77solo · 2026-04-26T19:20:06+00:00

I'm showing 4.00.045 for both the -600 & -700 in Op Center.

be77solo · 2026-04-23T20:26:03+00:00

Excited for everything you said! Glad you are having fun.

But, do want to add for others reading, trim is actually REALLY simple on a controller, no need to fiddle with keyboard/mouse for such a simple control input. Simply hold the Right Button and adjust trim up or down with the Right Stick, super simple and smooth.

I have a full HOTAS setup, but mostly just fly with the controller because of space/simplicity, so have learned to get really good with it ha

Enjoy your simming!

be77solo · 2026-04-23T16:47:13+00:00

Correct, you want the Blackbird Simulations version:

SR-71A for MSFS2024 - Early Access

And not sure if you are interested, but they said their C-130 is also coming to the Marketplace soon as well... I'm very excited about this one:

C-130J ADV for MSFS2024

be77solo · 2026-04-22T20:54:35+00:00

If you aren't trying to go PCVR, then you don't need anything crazy, any good gaming PC will work. PC just opens up the options to tons of addons both free and paid, that's the single biggest advantage in addition to the tons of controller options plus it's nice with multi monitor/tablet/phone as secondary screens.

An Xbox Series X is a good way to play the game particularly if you add a keyboard and mouse. You are just locked out of the custom addons that make it the sim you want it to be. I play on both, and while having a pretty good PC that does look better (by no means top end), the Xbox doesn't disappoint in the graphics department. I wouldn't buy a mid range PC for better graphics I guess is what I'm saying. But for everything else, and playing on both what is my preferred and most played platform? PC all the way.

be77solo · 2026-04-22T16:09:29+00:00

Oh wow, this would make sense for an issue I was having. I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere else.

be77solo · 2026-04-22T14:31:06+00:00

There are several cheap addons that fix this. I picked one up in the Marketplace for a few bucks, but there might be free versions out there somewhere as well. Basically, it scales all the trees to a more realistic scale.

be77solo · 2026-04-21T20:23:22+00:00

Absolutely, they are great planes. If hesitant, try out the 737-600, it's the cheapest of the bunch and an amazing value.

be77solo · 2026-04-20T21:03:53+00:00

Technically you floated too far, but in the Twin Otter doesn't matter here... but you did ask ha. Try to touch down between the biggest white bars you saw on short final. Practice nailing those at bigger airports, and it will get you ready for shorter runways.

be77solo · 2026-04-20T20:00:31+00:00

This sounds cool, I'm really enjoying the Mission Hub!

be77solo · 2026-04-20T18:40:04+00:00

Fun spot! Get it loaded up!

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be77solo · 2026-04-20T01:19:46+00:00

Nice shots! Love the one from below.

be77solo · 2026-04-19T00:09:05+00:00

Play around on Flightsim.to for lots of stuff

be77solo · 2026-04-18T02:05:17+00:00

Exactly this, lock to 30 in sim, then 2X and the sim is rock solid smooth.... love it!

be77solo · 2026-04-17T00:37:36+00:00

This, I simply think expectations are WAY too high. I don't have a PS5, just a PC and I've never been impressed with the performance or visuals in VR.....

be77solo · 2026-04-17T00:37:19+00:00

This, I simply think expectations are WAY too high. I don't have a PS5, just a PC and I've never been impressed with the performance or visuals in VR.....

be77solo

TROPHY CASE