On the heels of a successful beta, Microsoft Studios have announced that 'Microsoft Flight' will be available to download worldwide for free starting 29th February, 2012. The game will be available to download from microsoftflight.com, with the option to purchase content packs, aircraft and other content from Games for Windows LIVE.

“There was an overwhelming demand for access to the Microsoft Flight beta and the number of requests was more than double what we initially planned for,” said executive producer Joshua Howard. “We received amazing feedback from the beta participants and it’s great to see this level of excitement from fans as we move toward the release of ‘Microsoft Flight.”

In addition to exploring the Big Island of Hawaii for free, fans can unlock access to the skies over the remaining Hawaiian Islands by purchasing the Hawaiian Adventure Pack, the first in a series of expansions for Microsoft Flight. The entire island chain offers hundreds of miles to explore and includes stunning recreations of landmark features, from the breathtaking Waimea Canyon in Kaua’i to the high-rise hotels of Waikīkī. The Hawaiian Adventure pack includes new challenges, five new job types, and 20 new missions that will test a player’s skill. It also includes the Vans RV-6A, a two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt airplane made famous for its speed and maneuverability.

Players who sign in to Microsoft Flight using their Games for Windows – LIVE account will have the ability to purchase additional content for the game, including two new planes that offer entirely different flying experiences:

The Maule M-7-260C is a rugged utility aircraft that is especially adept at handling take-offs and landings on rough, unprepared surfaces. Players can find out what makes the Maule the plane of choice for adventurous bush pilots by trying tricky landing challenges that push the aircraft’s ability to land on rough airstrips. Once players master that task, they can enter the Maule’s beautifully recreated cockpit and take the controls to transport people and cargo to complete jobs and advance their pilot career.

The North American P-51 Mustang is a historical fighter plane with strong performance characteristics, maneuverability and sharp looks. Stripped of guns and some weight, this version represents a restored Mustang that might be found at airshows today. The Mustang’s superb agility makes it a great option to choose to complete hoops courses and master many other skilled challenges and missions found in the game.

All aircraft in Microsoft Flight have been created with detailed graphics and accurate physics to immerse players in the flying experience. Players can choose to take the helm using highly rendered, accurate cockpits and authentic piloting procedures, or simply use their mouse and keyboard to control the plane in an exterior view. More experienced players can tailor the flight controls to match their skill level, making Microsoft Flight easy for beginners while still challenging for the most accomplished PC pilots.

Today, Microsoft Studios premiered 'Microsoft Flight,' a new PC game that lets players jump into the challenge, fun, and freedom of flight. Microsoft Flight will be available as a free download this spring, giving players the freedom to fly the skies over the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii, complete a variety of missions, test your skills in flying challenges, or find hidden aero-caches on the island.

In Microsoft Flight, players view the world from above in a realistic representation of the earth, complete with region-specific weather patterns, foliage, terrain and landmarks. Players can choose to take the helm using highly rendered, accurate cockpits and authentic piloting procedures, or simply use their mouse and keyboard to control the plane in an exterior view. More experienced players can tailor the flight controls to match their skill level, making Microsoft Flight easy for beginners while still challenging for the most accomplished PC pilots.

Start Exploring For Free


After downloading Microsoft Flight for free, players can jump into hours of gameplay on the Big Island of Hawaii. In addition, players who sign in to their Games for Windows – LIVE account automatically receive additional free content, including the legendary Boeing Stearman plane, supplementary missions, and access to Achievements and an Online Pilot Profile. Those looking to deepen their experience can purchase and download additional content that adds new aircraft, regions and customization options. The frequently released new content for Microsoft Flight includes daily aerocache challenges and updates that make every flight unique and fun.

Be the First to Fly the Definitive Light Sport Aircraft ICON A5


Microsoft Studios worked with the personal airplane manufacturing team at ICON Aircraft to give aviation fans the exclusive opportunity to fly the all-new ICON A5 before real-world production starts at the end of 2012. Designed by the world-class aeronautical engineers behind the Voyager spaceship, X-Prize winning SpaceShipOne, and Virgin Galatic’s SpaceShipTwo, the ICON A5 is the 'jet ski for the skies,' a high-wing amphibious monoplane with a carbon fiber airframe and a comfortable, automobile-inspired cockpit with space for two. The ICON A5 will be the first aircraft available to players for free in Microsoft Flight.