The latest update for Microsoft Flight Simulator is out with Sim Update 13 coming together with a package of updates across a wide range of content and features as well as some new capabilities for quite a few of the series built in aircraft. There are also some install troubles that have been plaguing some people that are under investigation – this is what we know!
Highlights from the change log
Sim Update 13 has less “wizz bang” new features and is instead an update that appears primarily focused on fixing problems and resolving bug lists. It’s the kind of update that many in the community have asked for and it looks like Microsoft and Asobo have delivered.
Some key updates include core features such as logbook lockups related to the size of the pilot logbook exceeding 16mb. Its a small and silly thing but a major problem for those who have hit the limit.
Active Pause, a feature that has long been problematic, now appears to have some serious changes to it that will ensure that aircraft velocity and angular velocity are also frozen. That one has caused me some problems over the years.
The dark line on the horizon that is often visible when flying in the mountains has been reduced as well – a full fix will need a complete re-write of the atmospheric code which is apparently well underway for 2024.
Airbus 310-300 sees quite a few fixed items on the list resolving a crash to desktop issue, texture issues, localization issues, and returned sound levels based on community feedback and requests.
The change log includes new and updated features for the G1000, G3000/5000, and a small fix for the GNS430W/GNS530W.
Both Boeing 747-8i and 787-10 see some significant improvements too with lengthy lists of feature enhancements and bug fixes.
Both of these aircraft have made big strides thanks to the aircraft and avionics updates over the past several months and this one continues to add functionality. The 787-10 in particular gets an EFB system, based on the real world model, with the sole purpose to calculate takeoff performance settings and to send the data back to the FMC. Meanwhile, both aircraft now have SimBrief integration for the first time. An exciting move forward for dedicated airliner flyers.
Other aircraft have smaller improvements including the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, Cessna Citation Longitude, Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny”, Daher TBM 930, Douglas DC-3, Grumman G-21 Goose and even the H-4 Hercules “Spruce Goose” sees a few updates including a new tug boat to move the airplane into takeoff position.
World Updates from 2 to 14 have also seen updates that fix problems with meshes, floating buildings and more.
The full (and lengthy) change log is available here.
Install problems
Slow download speeds and long periods spent installing updates have long been a problem for Microsoft Flight Simulator users and Sim Update 13 appears to have run aground with this problem once again. A post on the official forums noted the issue.
We are seeing reports from players mentioning slow download speeds when installing Sim Update 13. We are monitoring this situation closely and currently investigating.
Later, an update to the same post reported improved download speeds and efforts to restore normal service.
Our support team is making progress with this issue. While it is not fully resolved yet, we are starting to see improvements on our end. We are still working to restore normal service, but players may notice that Sim Update 13 installs successfully now, although possibly at slower download speeds than you may be used to. We thank you for your continued patience as we work to get this fully resolved.
The messaging from this is located here on the official MSFS forums. Hopefully, if you have been affected previously, your speeds should be back up to a more normal level.
Stormbirds 
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