Levels of the X-Plane Simulator
Build your own sim for flight training
X-Plane is now approved for a very wide range of FAA certification levels with a wide range of companies. The FAA, though, requires a specific set of features in order to approve a simulator, features which are not all present in the desktop version of X-Plane.
Users can unlock the features required for FAA certification by using a special USB key, for sale here, with the standard desktop copy of X-Plane. One copy of X-Plane and one USB key is required for each computer that will be part of the simulator.
In other words, the copy of X-Plane that can be purchased right here for under $50 has all the features required for FAA certification built in--you just have to buy USB keys (one per computer) to unlockthem all!
Please note that using these keys makes X-Plane certifiable by the FAA; it does not automatically confer certified status. The FAA only certifies the combination of the hardware and the software used in a simulator, and users who want to certify their sim must do so through the FAA.
The X-Plane simulator comes in four levels, each one unlocking a specific set of features.
To use the X-Plane Pro USB keys (applicable to a level 2, 3, and 4 simulator), users will need to download and install the HASP USB key driver.
The Level 1 X-Plane Simulator
This is the standard retail copy of X-Plane. It requires one X-Plane DVD for each copy of X-Plane on the network.
A Level 1 simulator is what users get when they purchase X-Plane and use it for whatever they desire. This requires no USB key to be plugged in. Many copies of X-Plane on many computers can be networked to act as external visuals, external cockpits, instructor stations, and the like. One X-Plane Disc 1 DVD is required for each computer networked together running the simulator. This system cannot be certified by the FAA or any other authority for logging flight training, due to the fact that it does not self-test for the presence of flight controls or a useable frame rate. However, since only one X-Plane Disc 1 DVD is needed for each computer, this setup is amazingly affordable and easy to assemble at almost no cost, even though a user could never certify the system.
The Level 2 X-Plane Simulator
This version of X-Plane is for commercial use, FAA-approved simulators, and EFIS-App. It requires one Level 2 USB key for each copy of X-Plane or EFIS-App on the network.
This is similar to the Level 1 simulator, but it adds EFIS-App, a standalone program that runs on its own computer that gives a very realistic Avidyne primary flight display (PFD) and modular flight deck (MFD). All that is required to run this is a copy of X-Plane or EFIS-App and a Level 2 key for each computer that will be networked into the simulator. Of course, two monitors can be hooked up to one computer running EFIS-App so that one only has to buy one computer to run both the Avidyne PFD and MFD, which will save some money.
Additionally, this is the key that needs to be used for commercial purposes and FAA-approved simulators for flight training. This gives a "Commercial Use" startup message. It checks for flight controls and it self-tests the frame rate as required for FAA certification.
This is the option designed to replace Microsoft ESP.
The Level 3 X-Plane Simulator
This version of X-Plane requires one Level 3 USB key for each copy of X-Plane or EFIS-App on the network.
The Level 3 key for X-Plane will do everything that the Level 2 will do, in addition to driving real Garmin G430 and G1000 GPS units. It can do cylindrical and spherical projection as well.
Note: In order to interface with a real G430 or G1000, users must get a Simulator G430 or G1000 from Garmin, then make the wiring harnesses to plug them in to the serial or Ethernet cables to the computer. Users unsure on how to do this are better off buying a simulator boxed and ready to go from Precision Flight Controls. PFC does provide ready-made units with real G430s and G1000s installed and running.
The Level 4 X-Plane Simulator
This version of X-Plane requires one Level 4 USB key for each copy of X-Plane or EFIS-App on the network.
A Level 4 simulator does everything that the Level 3 sim does. It adds the ability, though, for EFIS-App to simulate the AVIO system in the Eclipse Jet. This option is currently only available from Excel Aviation. Email info@x-plane.com for more information on this.
Summary
Since X-Plane has been approved for flight training in many countries to many levels, users should be able to use it to build their own flight simulators by simply purchasing a copy (or copies) of X-Plane, purchasing the appropriate USB key (both of which can be done on the Ordering page), and possibly downloading EFIS-App. From there, all that's left is to build the hardware.
USB key drivers for Windows and Mac OS can be downloaded here. Run these installers to make X-Plane "listen" to the USB keys.
Quick links
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System requirements
- A 2 GHz CPU
- 1 GB RAM
- DirectX 9 video card or newer
See X-Plane in action!
Prepare to be stunned by X-Plane. Videos and photos speak where words can't. See the Multimedia page...
What do other people think?
Get more opinions before you buy. Read reviews and connect with current users. We're confident they feel as strongly about X-Plane as we do. Learn more...
Switching from Microsoft Flight Simulator
Tens of thousands of users have done it already. Switch to X-Plane and find out how accurate a computer flight model can be. Don't worry... You can bring over your old MSFS scenery, and you'll find that creating aircraft in X-Plane is much easier than in "the other sim." Learn more...
Using the pro-level USB keys
To use the X-Plane Pro USB keys (applicable to a level 2, 3, and 4 simulator), users will need to download and install the HASP USB key driver.
What sets X-Plane apart?
It's blade element theory, of course. By breaking down every surface of the airplane and calculating the forces acting on each piece individually, X-Plane delivers the most realistic flight experience available. Learn more...
Try the demo, or get the update
The demo is free, and it's a relatively small download. The updates, too, are free, and their bug fixes and new features make them worth the time it takes to get them. See the Downloads page...
Get the manual
In either PDF or Wiki form, the X-Plane manual can answer many of the questions you may have. See the Support page...
X-World: Links and Lists
Click here to jump to the X-World page.
Fly in space, fly on Mars
Only in X-Plane can you find accurate modelling of space and Martian flight. Click below to to open instructions on flying these special situations in X-Plane.
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Official X-Plane sites
XSquawkBox.net: The X-Plane Scenery Development page
Scenery Central: The X-Plane 8 scenery page
The X-Plane SDK: "Plug-In Headquarters"
X-Plane Airport and Navigation Data: The source for data updates and designer information.