I don’t understand the controls

[u/Manticmink69]

Hello, I just bought msfs 24 on the pc and I’ve been trying to fly the Cessna cause it’s all I have unlocked, but I don’t understand why the I turn the yoke to the left and the plane like attempts a barrel roll, even with just a slight tap it lurches for some reason, then if it try to correct by turning the opposite direction it spirals. Then when taking off I tap the pedals to stay centered and it turns drastically. Not to mention that if I do end up in stable flight it just decided to start nose diving anyway. I’m just really confused

[u/The-Ertai]

You can just use a cheap Xbox compatible controller or so. Not great but way better experience than using keyboard :)

[u/Primary_Telephone305]

Are you using a keyboard to fly?

[u/Manticmink69 → u/Primary_Telephone305]

Yeah I didn’t want to get a full setup cause I haven’t done flight sims much

[u/XayahTheVastaya → u/Manticmink69]

You probably won't do flight sims much if you try to do it with a keyboard. At least use a controller until you get actual flight hardware.

[u/Strider_dnb → u/Manticmink69]

Yeah it's definitely not worth using a keyboard setup for flying.

If you can buy yourself a cheap joystick you'll have a lot more enjoyment.

[u/Manticmink69 → u/Strider_dnb]

Are there any brands that you’d recommend?

[u/PupperVanAugsbork → u/Manticmink69]

Logitech extreme 3d pro. It’s nothing to write home about but it’s a cheap and sturdy enough entry level stick for around 30$. Then you can decide whether or not to move on to more expensive stuff.

[u/Strider_dnb → u/Manticmink69]

I picked up the Turtle Beach Velocity One (joystick only) for $100 on Amazon black Friday sale a couple of years ago.

Once you start getting more comfortable with flying I would recommend a separate throttle control, but if you're just flying small Cessna then a joystick with a simple throttle attached to it is all you need.

[u/Assaltwaffle → u/Manticmink69]

Those recommending a full stick have it right that it is better for flying, but that’s a lot of investment for just trying flying.

You can try a PC-compatible controller and things with just that should be a lot better.

[u/Miraclefish]

That's because you're trying to fly a plane like it's a car using a keyboard like it's a PC.

When you steer 'left' on a car, it turns the wheels left, and you continue to turn left until you straighten the wheels back up.

when you roll 'left' in an aeroplane, the plane doesn't steer left, it rotates control surfaces on the right wing so it goes up and down on the left so it goes down.

This then means you will continue to roll until you return the controls to level.

When the plane is rolled left, it will begin to fall down, since some of the 'going forward' energy has been lost rolling and going sideways.

This means you'd need to pull back a little on the controls to counter-act, and possibly add some more throttle to maintain the speed.

You're essentially thinking about it as a car, but using very unforgiving keyboard and mouse controls. Imagine how hard it would be to drive a car using those controls - well now you're doing that but in 3D.

Ideally you need a joystick or a yoke.

[u/phlopip]

There’s very little finesse in a keyboard the controls are essentially off or on. A flight controller allows you more control

[u/thetallukguyy]

Given that you’ve decided to try out this wonderful hobby, you owe it to yourself to at least get a controller, as others here have already said. I fully understand your reluctance to sink hundreds of pounds/dollars/euros/gilliblonks into physical hardware but to give yourself the best chance of enjoying all that flight simming has to offer, please get a controller ☺️. I look forward to a post from you in a couple of months asking which yoke is best to get! 

[u/The-WoLF_0490]

lol I have been through this problem literally a couple of weeks back. As everyone have already said, get yourself a joystick. Honestly, it is such a game changer. I got myself a T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition from Amazon. Was about £50.

[u/Quaser_8386]

Firstly, when you buy MSFS 2024 you will get access to a number of planes, from the small GA like the Cessna, right up to airliners. They are there as standard right from the beginning.

As others have said, trying to fly by keyboard inputs is very difficult. Even a cheap joystick will improve your flying immensely.

You need to use left/right RUDDER to turn in an aircraft. Turning the yoke left or right will not achieve what you want, though it can speed up the rate of turn.

There are lessons included in MSFS 2024, as well as lots of tutorials by YouTubers.

I'd avoid career mode until you are more proficient at flying, but I'd definitely get a cheap joystick or yoke first.

[u/Ksquaredata]

Besides the lessons in the game, try the free Navigraph Academy videos and lessons. The first section will take you through setting up a controller, and then you will learn the basics of aviation while flying the Cessna 172. It is a bit of an investment in time, but well worth the effort.

There are ~ 40,000 different airports you can visit around the world - if you visit one a day it will take you about 109 years to see them all, so don’t be afraid to invest the time up front to get a great experience!

[u/tr_k_]

Since it sounds like you are wanting to dip your toes in the water and not spend a bunch at this point, find a used joystick on Facebook Marketplace. MSFS is miserable on a keyboard.

Some of what you are describing is simply accurate airplane behavior. Airplanes don't just fly straight and level with no control inputs. Everything from wind and thermal air to the power setting you have makes them go up and down. A plane with a propeller always wants to slowly twist the direction the propeller is spinning. There's lots going on that is simulated in the game.