MSFS 2024
Asobo Studio Details MSFS 2024 Sim Update 7: ATC Overhaul, Historical Weather, Helipads
By Emma Thornton · · 2 min read
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's Sim Update 7 will bring a revamped ATC system with realistic phraseology, historical weather playback, and improved helipad physics. The update is scheduled for October 22, 2026.
Asobo Studio has outlined the feature set for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's Sim Update 7 (SU7), slated for release on October 22, 2026. The most significant change is a ground-up redesign of the default ATC system, which now uses a context-aware phraseology engine that adheres more closely to ICAO Doc 4444 and FAA JO 7110.65. Initial climb and descent clearances are now issued with expected altitudes, and the system supports full SID/STAR assignment based on active runways and traffic flow.
Historical weather is finally making its debut, allowing users to fly in any weather condition from the past five years using archived METAR and GRIB data. This is a direct response to community demand for replaying significant weather events. The weather engine also gains improved thunderstorm modeling with better updraft/downdraft simulation and microbursts near convective cells.
Helipad enthusiasts will appreciate the new rotorcraft flight model enhancements, including ground effect and translational lift improvements, plus the addition of over 1,200 new helipads worldwide. Asobo has also fixed several longstanding issues with glass cockpit refresh rates and autopilot PID tuning. SU7 will be a mandatory update and is expected to weigh around 8 GB. A public beta will begin on October 8 for Windows Insiders and Xbox Insiders.
Tags: Asobo Studio, MSFS 2024, Sim Update 7, ATC, Historical Weather