MSFS Integration: Virtual Competition

The Airsports MSFS2020 Client is a bridge application that connects Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024 to the Air Sports Live Tracking platform. It allows virtual pilots to compete in the same precision flying and Air Navigation Race (ANR) tasks as real-world aircraft, with real-time scoring and live leaderboards.

1. Introduction

The client brings professional-grade competition opportunities to the virtual world. While you fly in MSFS, the application transmits your high-fidelity telemetry directly to our cloud scoring engine.

• Platform Sync: Competitions must be configured and managed through your user account on airsports.no.
• Realism: The platform treats virtual aircraft exactly like real ones, applying the same rigorous scoring rules and timing windows.

2. Installation

The Airsports MSFS2020 Client is a standalone application delivered in a ZIP archive.

1. Extract: Download and extract the archive to a dedicated folder on your computer.
2. Contents: Ensure all items (files and folders) remain together in the same directory.
3. No Installer Required: The application runs directly from the extracted folder.

3. Getting Started

Sign Up as a New User

If you don’t have an account on Air Sports Live Tracking yet, you can create one directly through the client:

1. Enter your email and a password.
2. Click Signup. This connects to our Firebase authentication system.
3. Validate: Check your email for a verification link. You must click this link before you can log in.
4. If you don’t see the email, check your spam folder or use the “Resend verification email” button in the client.

Updating Your Profile

New profiles are initially locked for safety. Upon your first login:

1. A pop-up will inform you that your profile must be updated.
2. Enter your First Name and Last Name.
3. (Optional) Enter your preferred Aircraft Registration.
4. Click Save Profile.
5. Once saved, the “Start Tracking” button will become enabled.

4. Usage & Tracking

Using the application is straightforward:

1. Log In: Enter your credentials and click Login.
2. Launch MSFS: Start Microsoft Flight Simulator and spawn your aircraft at the desired departure airport.
3. Connect: Click “Start Tracking”.
4. Status: The client will display “Connecting…” and then update with the timestamp of the latest position sent. If the timestamp is increasing, your positions are being recorded successfully.
5. Stop: To end the session, click “Stop Tracking” or simply close the application.

5. Known Issues

• Session Persistence: You must log in with your email and password every time the application starts; credentials are not currently remembered for security reasons.
• SimConnect: Ensure you are in the cockpit and the simulation is unpaused before clicking “Start Tracking” to ensure a stable SimConnect bridge.

6. Join the Community

Don’t fly alone! Join hundreds of other virtual and real-world pilots to discuss tactics, find upcoming events, and get technical support in our official Slack workspace.

• Slack (General Community): Join our Slack Workspace

Ready to fly? Head back to the Introduction to learn about the different competition types.