This MSFS news roundup covers the seven biggest Microsoft Flight Simulator stories from May 15–21, 2026: Asobo opened the Sim Update 5.1 public beta to fix Xbox and PS5 memory crashes, PMDG completed the 737NG visual overhaul, FlyByWire announced sim-specific A32NX and A380X builds, GSX Pro 4.0 shipped as a free upgrade, FlightControlSpotter V2 launched, Just Flight’s Fokker 70/100 Professional reached final beta, and new studio Echo Simulations debuted with the Falco F8L. All stories apply to MSFS 2024 build 1.7.27.0 (SU5) unless noted.
TL;DR — this week’s biggest MSFS stories
- Asobo opens SU5.1 beta to fix memory crashes on Xbox and PS5 caused by Sim Update 5.
- PMDG completes the 737NG visual overhaul; the DC-6 Cloudmaster enters native MSFS 2024 beta.
- FlyByWire splits its releases into MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 specific builds.
- GSX Pro 4.0 lands as a free upgrade with a full UI redesign and a new invoice system.
- FlightControlSpotter V2 ships with a Fly-By camera that tracks your aircraft or live AI traffic.
- Just Flight’s Fokker 70/100 Professional is in final beta with a complete autopilot rewrite.
- Echo Simulations debuts with the Falco F8L, an Italian classic now live on the MSFS 2024 Marketplace.
1. Asobo opens SU5.1 public beta to fix Xbox and PS5 memory crashes
Category: Release (beta) · Source: Microsoft Flight Simulator blog · Build: 1.7.28.0
Asobo released Sim Update 5.1 (build 1.7.28.0) into public beta on 13 May, targeting the memory-management regression introduced by SU5 on Xbox Series X|S and PS5. The bug caused cockpit screens to go black mid-flight and avionics to shut down with low-memory warnings. The beta is open on all platforms: PC (Microsoft Store and Steam), Xbox, and PS5.
Why it matters: If you’ve had black screens or dead avionics on console since SU5, enrol in the beta via the official forums. If you’re new to switching builds, our guide to the MSFS 2024 Content Manager walks through how updates and downloads are handled.
2. PMDG completes the 737NG visual overhaul; DC-6 Cloudmaster enters MSFS 2024 beta
Category: Release · Source: PMDG forums via MSFS Addons
PMDG released the High Detail Update for the 737-800 on 14 May, completing the visual overhaul of the entire NG fleet. The update reworks access panels, gear bays, ground equipment, lighting, and all 90-plus liveries. The DC-6 Cloudmaster has simultaneously entered native MSFS 2024 beta testing — free update for existing owners, direct purchase available for new buyers. Marketplace release of the 737-800 update is expected late May.
Why it matters: Pull the 737-800 update from the Operations Center; DC-6 owners will get a native build with better performance than the current version once it clears beta. New to the PMDG 737? Our PMDG Boeing 737 tutorial walks through cold-and-dark startup to first flight.
3. FlyByWire announces sim-specific builds: A32NX and A380X split across MSFS 2020 and 2024
Category: Announcement · Source: FlyByWire Simulations NOTAM
FlyByWire Simulations announced on 13 May that the free A32NX and A380X will ship as dedicated builds per simulator going forward. Their updated installer has a sim-selector at top-left. MSFS 2020 support is not ending — both platforms receive updates through the transition.
Why it matters: Update the FlyByWire installer and confirm the correct sim is selected; MSFS 2024 users should see more capable, faster updates as a result. If you’re new to add-on installs, see our MSFS 2024 community folder setup guide.
4. GSX Pro 4.0.0 ships as a free upgrade with redesigned UI and invoice system
Category: Release · Source: FSDreamTeam via MSFS Addons
FSDreamTeam released GSX Pro v4.0.0 on 18 May as a free update. The UI is fully rebuilt with colour-coded service-progress indicators; a new economy layer generates realistic ground-service invoices per turnaround; and a new Mercedes Econic fuel truck is included. Update via the FSDreamTeam installer.
Why it matters: Even if you skip the invoice layer, the cleaner UI makes the update worth grabbing today.
5. FlightControlSpotter V2 launches with Fly-By camera and AI traffic integration
Category: Release · Source: FlightControlTools via MSFS Addons
FlightControlTools released FlightControlSpotter V2 on 14 May as a free update for registered MSFS 2024 users. The Fly-By Live Camera actively follows your aircraft or any nearby AI traffic with customisable zoom, angle, and transition intervals. A Drone Position Save and Load feature stores custom spotting locations. Available on SimMarket (PC, €12.00) and the in-sim Marketplace (PC and Xbox).
Why it matters: For cinematic footage capture, V2 removes the guesswork of static spotting; the AI-traffic tracking is especially useful at busy hubs. If you fly with a yoke or throttle quadrant, our MSFS 2024 camera controls guide covers the underlying drone-cam shortcuts V2 builds on.
6. Just Flight confirms Fokker 70/100 Professional is in final beta
Category: Announcement · Source: Just Flight via MSFS Addons
Just Flight’s Fokker F70 and F100 Professional for MSFS are in final beta. The AFCAS Profile mode (the aircraft’s primary autopilot) is fully recoded, flying from 35 feet after takeoff down to approach minimums while honouring all altitude and speed constraints. Braking and autobrake are complete; part of the team has shifted to manuals and pre-release videos. No public release date yet.
Why it matters: Watch Just Flight’s site for a date announcement — these are the last major regional jets missing from MSFS’s high-quality third-party lineup.
7. Echo Simulations debuts with the Falco F8L on the MSFS 2024 Marketplace
Category: Release · Source: Echo Simulations (primary) · MSFS Addons
New studio Echo Simulations launched the Falco F8L — a 1955 Italian two-seat sport aircraft — on the MSFS 2024 Marketplace on 15 May. It features a 180 hp Lycoming AEIO-360-B1E, constant-speed Hartzell prop, and a fully interactive analog cockpit. Priced at €24.49 (€22.19 at launch), exclusive to the in-sim Marketplace. Cruise: 170 kt. Stall: 52 kt.
Why it matters: Search “Falco” in the in-sim Marketplace to find it; a solid debut from a studio worth watching for future releases.
Frequently asked questions
When does Sim Update 5.1 leave public beta?
Asobo has not announced a stable date. SU5.1 (build 1.7.28.0) entered public beta on 13 May 2026 and is open on PC, Xbox, and PS5; expect a stable rollout within two to four weeks based on prior SU cadence.
Is the FlyByWire installer change required for MSFS 2020 users?
Yes. Both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 users need the updated FlyByWire installer with the sim-selector at top-left. MSFS 2020 support continues — the split simply gives each simulator its own build.
Is GSX Pro 4.0 free for existing owners?
Yes. GSX Pro v4.0.0 is a free update for all existing GSX Pro owners. Install it via the FSDreamTeam installer.
Is the Echo Simulations Falco F8L available on Xbox?
Yes. The Falco F8L is sold exclusively through the in-sim MSFS 2024 Marketplace, which makes it available on PC and Xbox Series X|S at €24.49 (€22.19 at launch).
When is the next MSFS news roundup?
Flight Sim Workshop publishes the MSFS news roundup every Friday at 14:00 UTC. The next edition will cover stories from 22–28 May 2026.
Build context
All stories above apply to MSFS 2024 build 1.7.27.0 (SU5) unless noted. SU5.1 (build 1.7.28.0) is in public beta — opt in via the official forums to test the memory-crash fixes before they go live. For the previous week’s stories, see our MSFS 2024 news roundup for April 17–24, 2026.
Last updated: 22 May 2026. Reviewed by the Flight Sim Workshop editorial team. Tested against MSFS 2024 build 1.7.27.0 (SU5).
