FSS News

FSS Status Quo Q2-2025

Written by Team FSS | May 22, 2025 1:21:27 PM

Keeping You in the Loop!

The year 2025 is already nearly halfway over - time for a mid-year update on the status of our projects. And the FSExpo is coming up - the biggest flight simulation event in North America!

Boeing 727 Series

We’ve released the 727 passenger variant and are thrilled with the positive feedback we’ve received so far. We especially love collaborating with third-party livery creators - they’ve already produced some amazing liveries for the aircraft, all available for free on flightsim.to. Huge shoutout to users CptAnubis and Fscabral, who’ve been particularly active!

Super 27

We’re currently working on the Super 27, officially known as the 727-200RE. This is a modernized version of the classic 727, featuring two upgraded engines - the powerful JT8D-217s from the MD-80 series. There will also be several cockpit changes, including new engine gauges, some updated instruments, and a planned EFIS variant with an advanced autopilot system, paired with the GNS-XLS. We’ll be sharing more details at FSExpo - stay tuned!

 

727-100

We’ve received many requests for the 727-100 variant, both in passenger and freighter configurations. Since our focus right now is on the Super 27, we can’t make any promises regarding a potential release or timeline. That said, it’s definitely on our radar, and we’re seriously considering adding it to the lineup.

 

FS24 Compatibility

Sim Update 2 for FS2024 has now been released, and finally, you no longer need to use the beta to fly the 727 in the new sim. Many of you have already made the switch to FS2024, and we’re closely watching how things develop. At some point, we’ll start developing new products exclusively for FS2024 so we can create native products that take full advantage of the sim’s new features. For now, the 727 remains a compatibility version - which is why it still shows the FS2020 tag in the aircraft selection menu.

Currently, the FS2024 version of the 727 is only available through the Contrail App. We're working with Aerosoft to overcome some technical hurdles so that you'll also be able to get the FS2024 version via Aerosoft One in the future. In the meantime, you can migrate your serial key to Contrail for free. A short guide on how to do that is available here.

 

E-Jets Series

It’s been a while since our last update for the E-Jets - and there’s a good reason for that: everyone is waiting for the custom FMS with the new LNAV and VNAV features. A handful of testers already have access to a recent build, and the feedback has been fantastic. We’re incredibly grateful for their dedication - testing can definitely be frustrating at times. We’d like to share a few examples with you soon to show what we’re working on.

 

Here is an example of an incorrect vertical path calculation. The E-Jets descend with a static 3-degree angle unless it is changed in the MCDU. This generally works, but there's a bug: once the aircraft has passed the TOD, the calculation becomes inaccurate.

 

This arrival includes an ARC that is not drawn correctly. The issue is that the aircraft attempts to turn north and circle around the entire airport instead of turning south to follow the approach.

 

This is another fun case where the route gets messed up enroute. Worth noting: all of the issues shown here have already been fixed over the past few weeks. But it gives you a good idea of what we've been working on lately.

One of the biggest challenges right now is integrating proper performance data. While the manual values serve as a good baseline, the most accurate lateral and vertical path calculations require "real-world" data. In many airlines, flight data analysts study aircraft logs in detail to evaluate every aspect of a flight. That’s the same approach we’re now taking. We’re building logging functionality into the test version that provides us with detailed insight into every phase of every flight. The more we fly, the richer our database becomes - helping us fix a wide range of bugs currently caused by inaccurate or missing performance data.

We're working hard every day to get the new version to you as soon as possible. We hope you understand that we can't give you an exact timeline just yet - after all, you probably don't want to deal with bugs like the ones shown above, right?

 

Join the test team

We’re currently working through a list of critical bugs that must be resolved before we expand the test team. Once that’s done, we plan to gradually open testing to more users. If you’re interested in joining, make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter - you’ll receive more information by email when the time comes.

 

FS24 Compatibility

The E-Jets are also available as a compatibility version for FS2024 through the Contrail App. We’re working to make them available via Aerosoft One as well. A native FS2024 version with new features won’t be started until the custom FMS is complete. After all - that’s the update everyone’s been waiting for, right?

 

FSExpo 2025

We're coming to Providence – and we can't wait to meet you! We'll have our own booth right next to our partners Contrail and Aerosoft. You’ll get the chance to try the latest E-Jets test build and our 727 live on site!

Please also join us for our presentation on Friday, where we’ll be sharing exclusive new insights and behind-the-scenes updates.

Online or, even better, in person.

 

More Love in Flight Simulation

Recently, we listened to a heartfelt episode of Die Simulanten podcast titled "More Love" (german only), and it struck a chord with us. The message? Clear and urgent: Our flight simulation community needs more kindness, more respect – simply, more love.

In recent months, we’ve seen an increase in harsh comments, quick judgments, and destructive criticism. Whether it's directed at developers, content creators, or fellow simmers – this kind of negativity not only demotivates those who spend their time and passion building this ecosystem, but it also drives a wedge between us as a community.

Flight simulation is a hobby rooted in detail, patience, and passion. But it should also be rooted in appreciation. Behind every aircraft, repaint, scenery, or system lies hours of hard work – often unpaid, often done late at night after a full day’s work.

Let’s remind ourselves:

  • Developers are humans.
  • Feedback can be honest and still respectful.
  • A delay is not a disaster.
  • A bug is not a betrayal.
  • And no one deserves hate for doing what they love.

Of course, constructive feedback is always welcome - especially for us. Without our community, we wouldn’t have brought either the E-Jets or the 727 to the level they’re at today. And naturally, any developer should deliver a product that matches its price. But in the end we’re all here because we love aviation. Let’s not forget that.

So, here’s our ask:
Next time you're about to post a comment, ask yourself – “Am I adding something positive? Am I building someone up, or tearing someone down?” Let’s celebrate each other’s work, offer feedback constructively, and support this amazing hobby so it can continue to grow.

Let’s bring back the love ❤️