Hello Captain,
Grab a drink. We're ready to answer some of the most pressing general questions about ChasePlane™ in this blog, but it will be a long one!
The teaser video was just that, a tease. The video showcased only a tiny feature of ChasePlane: our Cinematics™ mode. While Cinematics mode played a key role, custom views with assigned shortcuts were also used to cut between shots quickly, ensuring every angle was available on-demand without fumbling with an Xbox controller or settings the in game camera panel.
As we polish any rough edges before release, you'll see more feature details and sample media shared on our socials.
Celebrating ~10 Years of ChasePlane
ChasePlane™ was originally released in 2016 for FSX and continues to be available as a commercial product for Lockheed Martin Prepar3D V6. Over the years, it became the go-to camera system for serious simmers, redefining how virtual aviation was captured and experienced. The feedback from hundreds of thousands of active users helped shape its evolution, pushing us to refine and expand its capabilities.
When Microsoft Flight Simulator arrived in 2020, it brought a new era of visual fidelity and a host of new challenges. The demand for a modern, intuitive, and powerful camera system was greater than ever. We knew ChasePlane had to rise again, but that was much easier said than done due to major technical limitations.
For the past four years, MSFS enthusiasts have dealt with a clunky camera system, workarounds, confusing key bindings, view limitations, lack of physics, and a constant feeling that things could be better. FSX and Prepar3D users know firsthand how it felt to have something better. We felt the same way. That's why we never stopped trying to build ChasePlane for Microsoft Flight Simulator. And now, here we are.
What is ChasePlane?
ChasePlane™ is a powerful and versatile camera system that lets you quickly create custom views or import views from a global community of users or shared by your favorite content creators. It also gives you seamless control over views, allowing you to bind keyboard/button shortcuts to call up the perfect wing view, pax view, taxi view, or beacon cam you've dreamed of having.
Switch effortlessly between cockpit views, stunning exterior angles, and immersive world and airport cameras with three distinct Camera Modes- Internal, External, and World. Feeling cinematic? Activate Cinematics™ mode with a single click and enjoy the show.
Designed for ease of use and flexibility, ChasePlane keeps you in complete control without unnecessary complexity.
Awesome! For which sim!?
ChasePlane™ will be available for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, with a separate version developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Due to the significant differences in the underlying code between these two platforms, a single unified application isn't feasible. Instead, we'll ensure each version is tailored to take full advantage of its respective simulator, delivering the best possible experience for both.
ChasePlane will debut on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. As Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 evolves, we will continue developing ChasePlane for it at a reasonable pace. While we do have a "working" build, the simulator's current state makes it difficult to commit to a public release. Frequent changes create challenges for efficient development, and we cannot afford to waste time chasing a moving target.
Once the 2024 version of ChasePlane is ready, it will be made available for free to current owners of the 2020 version for a limited time after release.
Xbox tho?
Xbox fam, you know we've always had your back. We've brought you countless add-ons designed to bring the best PC experiences to the console. However, this time, it just isn't possible. On the technical side, ChasePlane™ goes beyond what can be offered on Xbox. ChasePlane is PC only.
Why do I need ChasePlane?
Some simmers manage with an Xbox controller, the clunky built-in camera panel, or a patchwork of custom views learned from lengthy YouTube tutorials. Others even use a second keyboard and third-party apps to switch views. We get it; you can do hard things the hard way. Or, you can do hard things easily and go way beyond what you thought possible.
That's where ChasePlane™ comes in.
ChasePlane isn't just an improvement; it's a complete rethinking of how camera systems should work in a modern desktop simulator. It fully replaces Microsoft Flight Simulator's built-in system with one designed from the ground up to be intuitive, powerful, and feature-rich.
Experience a new level of realism with physics-based camera motion that dynamically responds to the aircraft's environment, not by altering the flight model but by embracing it. You, the pilot, and your cameras are now "on board." Feel the subtle vibrations during takeoff, the rush of turbulence, and the fluid shifts during flight maneuvers, all captured with precision for a more immersive experience.
We're not new to flightsim utilities. Some will always insist that wooden wagon wheels get the job done, while others prefer high-performance tires built for speed and comfort. You may not think you need ChasePlane, but once you experience its features, you'll wonder how you ever flew without it.
Physics? Did you say physics?
Our physics are finely tuned using extensive research and real-world pilot footage (Meta Glasses are amazing!). Rather than just telling you about it, let’s show you. The videos below showcase our default "realistic" settings, but you can adjust the intensity effortlessly with a simple slider, so if you want to see a less firm touchdown effect, you can. This is a good time to put the drink down or you just may spill it...
OK I'm ready; tell me what else ChasePlane can do!
- FlyBy™ Mode
- Cinematics™ Mode
- Tower Cam™ View
- Airport Runway/Parking/Overview Cameras
- Internal, External, World Camera Modes
- Easy creation of unlimited custom views in all camera modes
- Import developer-provided default views
- Community Access to instantly sample/import views from your favorite content creators & users
- Clear Sorting Structure: Mode → Groups → Views
- Camera groups to organize collections of views with similar settings
- Set preferred default Zoom factor per group/view
- Assign shortcuts to individual views and/or entire camera groups
- Gimbal option for views to keep horizon level
- Physics-based camera motion that respects the flight model, never alters it.
- Multiple physics types (Human, Mounted, Orbit, Chase)
- Adjustable mouse look speed and momentum
- Single control assignment set for all camera movements instead of per-mode control sets
- Intuitive Interface focused on views, not settings
- Use "Mouse Look" while in Drone Mode
- Cloud and local backups
- Sim-pit pilots can align views perfectly with their IRL setup.
- No spreadsheet outlining aircraft compatibility.
- Works in VR
- Works with TrackIR
- All this and more, built as an in-sim panel with the elegance and usability you expect from //42
ChasePlane is built for simmers who want more control, flexibility, and a visually beautiful sim experience.
WHEN CHASEPLANE!?
We know the question on everyone's mind, but here's the deal: We don't set release dates. When we say "Soon™", it's because we're already using ChasePlane™ daily. It's not just in development; it's in action, proving itself in real-world use as we fine-tune every detail.
The final stretch involves one last wave of testing at Area 42, where we stress-test ChasePlane in diverse scenarios to catch any potential blockers. Like with all our products, this ensures that when it launches, it's solid, and we don't drown in support or flood you with updates. Right now, we're refining the UI, polishing features, and making sure everything runs smoothly across different setups.
That said, it won't be long now. Hey, you've waited four years for this; what's a little more for us to get it jussssst right?
