Flight Simulator X: Acceleration offers some of the most exciting flying to be found on a desktop. Try your hand at fast, challenging, and fun air racing.

To race against a computer opponent Click Missions on the main menu to the left, and then choose Racing from the category list. Select a Mission from the list and then click Go to Briefing or Next.

To race against a human opponent Host a multiplayer session, and then choose Missions. -or- Join a Competition category multiplayer session.

Race courses in Flight Simulator X: Acceleration have pylons gates, hoops in the sky, narrow canyons, islands, or turn points you must negotiate. Here is an explanation of a few racing aids that can help you win.

Race Map

It can be extremely challenging to keep track of where you are while whipping around a race track at low altitude and high speed. Flight Simulator X: Acceleration includes a Race Map that points in the direction of the next waypoint and depicts the waypoints in relation to your aircraft and each other.

Map element	How it works
Pointer	Points to the currently active waypoint/pylon gate.
Waypoints Map	Displays all waypoints in relation to each other. Current waypoint is highlighted.
Aircraft	Depicts your aircraft in the middle of the waypoints map.
Zoom in/Zoom out	Displays a greater or lesser area of the waypoints map.

 

To display/hide the Race Map Press U to cycle through map states.

Aircraft Information

Racing is hard on airplanes and if you push your racer too hard, it might break down before you get to the finish line. Monitor the Aircraft Information gauges through the entire race.

Icon	Indicates
	Level of boost (nitrous) or coolant remaining.
	Engine temperature.
	Inches (Hg) of manifold pressure.
	Overall engine health.

 

Race Information

Flight Simulator displays race information onscreen to keep you abreast of your status and progress. This will help you manage how fast to fly the course and perhaps help you prevent incurring penalties.

Element	Indicates
Place	Your place relative to other racers.
Lap Counter	Lap number/total laps number.
Total Time	Time elapsed since race started.
Current Lap	Time elapsed in current lap.
Last Lap	Time elapsed in last lap (speed flown during last lap).
Ahead/Behind By	Indicates your position in the race.

 

Maneuvers Icon

Some race courses require you to perform aerobatic maneuvers to stay within the course. When a gate requires a maneuver, an icon appears onscreen to help guide you through the maneuver. Note that the Maneuvers Icon indicates the actual maneuver you need to fly, not just the direction you must fly.

To use the Maneuvers Icon, follow the pointer through the maneuver.

Race Results Screen

At the end of each race, a screen displays the race results. If the race is flown in Multiplayer, your results appear as soon as you finish the race. The screen updates with the results of other pilots as they finish the race.

To dismiss the Race Results screen Press ESC.