Rudder, in any flight simulator, is an essential component to control an aircraft’s yaw and movement around the vertical axis. However, if your rudder is not working correctly, it can be concerning. Recently, many users have been facing rudder problems on the Microsoft Flight Simulator.
So, what can you do in case of flight simulator rudder problems?
Firstly, recalibrating the rudder will fix the issues regarding its controls. Secondly, switching your flights between VFR and IFR can solve this problem. Thirdly, clearing the cloud-saved data of MSFS has proven useful. Finally, recalibrate the TPR brakes to get rid of the rudder problems.
This is only a briefing of the entire article. To act on these problems, you need to read the article till the very end.
Flight Simulator Rudder Problems: Quick Fixes
Quick fixes are always a big help and can minimize or jot down the bigger problems. Fortunately, you can apply a few quick fixes for the rudder problems of the Microsoft Flight Simulator. I’ve mentioned them down below, take a look.
Restart the Flight Simulator:
Rebooting the Microsoft Flight Simulator is known for solving many problems. It restarts all the running processes that are connected with the MSFS.
Also, any connected components are rebooted. Similarly, the rudder is rebooted and might just work properly!
Reset the Rudder Keys:
Resetting the keys of the rudder may mitigate the problems as well. It’s a quick and easy process and easy to follow.
To reset your rudder keys, first, go to the key settings of the rudder. Afterward, from the rudder (yaw right) and rudder (yaw left), reset it to the rudder axis right and left. That will reset the settings of the rudder.
Reboot Your PC:
Rebooting your PC can help if you find the Microsoft Flight Simulator or any of its functions glitching. Simply hit restart on your PC and let it take some time to reboot all the processes.
From there you can relaunch Microsoft Flight Simulator and check if the rudder’s problematic or not. Before relaunching the MSFS, make sure you’re using the best gaming resolution for your PC to minimize problems.
Flight Simulation Rudder Problems: 4 Problems and Solutions
Some common problems with the rudder have been disrupting the simulator experience of the Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Fortunately, these problems have their reasons and solutions. I have mentioned it all in the segment down below. You can get to know the problems and fix them right now!
Problem 1: Unsteady Controls
When this problem occurs, the controls are hard to keep steady. The unsteady controls are noticeable while takeoff or landing. If you’re facing problems while landing the plane or flying it, you’re probably encountering this issue.
This problem mostly occurs due to buggy updates of the Microsoft Flight Simulator. Buggy updates can be a pain for software and hardware.
Other flight components may also malfunction due to it. For instance, if you see your MSFS throttle failing to work, it may be because of a buggy update.
Moreover, the “assistance” features of the Microsoft Flight Simulators create issues with the rudder too. It’s because they’re still considered to be experimental features.
Solution:
Firstly, turn off the taxi assist and the auto rudder. Go to the settings of Microsoft Flight Simulator and you should find these under the “Assistance” options.
After that, recalibrate the rudder. Follow the steps below to recalibrate your rudder-
- First, connect the controller you’re looking to recalibrate and head over to the control panel.
- Then, click “Devices and Printers”. You should find the connected controller there.
- After that, right-click on the controller and select “Game controller settings”.
- Next, click on “Properties”.
- Afterward, click on the “Settings” tab Reset the settings to default and click OK.
- After resetting, press the “Calibrate” button to start calibrating the controller.
- Then, go through the Game Device Calibration and follow the instructions.
- Finally, test your calibration on the “Test” section of the controller properties. If the calibration seems fine to you, click OK and exit. If not, you can repeat all the steps and change the calibration.
A good tip would be to map one of your joystick buttons to re-center the rudder. This way, you can maintain calibration for a longer time. On keyboards, it’s NumPad5.
Problem 2: Rudder Malfunctioning
This is one of the most known Microsoft Simulator rudder problems out there. The rudder picks up different commands and gets out of control when this problem occurs.
Similar to the 1st problem, many assistance features may cause this issue. On top of that, wrong flight settings can be a reason as well.
This problem commonly happens on Xbox. The Xbox gamepad sometimes goes haywire and you might see your plane going right/left on its own. However, your aircraft isn’t supposed to change directions without your input and it’s a big problem.
Solution:
To solve this problem, you will need to turn off the autopilot feature. The rudder may go crazy because of pilot assist.
Also, you have to readjust the flight settings by switching between the IFR and VFR routes. To do this-
- First, create a flight plan in the MSFS. If you’ve experienced the rudder issue in VFR mode, fly a route to IFR mode and exit the main menu.
If you’ve experienced the issue in IFR mode, fly a route to VFR mode and exit to the main menu. - Then, fly another route to the opposite mode. That way, you will be able to adjust the rudder and the flight settings.
Problem 3: Rudder Stopped Working
This problem is frustrating and common. If this problem occurs, you may inspect your rudder not working at times. When the rudder won’t work, you can’t properly fly your desired aircraft!
The reason behind this problem can be problematic cache and save files. Sometimes cloud-saved data from the Microsoft Flight Simulator can cause this issue.
If the rudder stops working all of a sudden, the simulator faces difficulties to run as well. For example, there have been instances of the flight simulator getting stuck because of this.
Solution:
The solution to this problem is deleting the cloud-saved data of the Microsoft Flight Simulator. Note that, the data controls all the activities, logbooks, and bush flights. So, unfortunately, you will lose all the progress you made on the simulator.
To clear the cloud-saved data of MSFS, you need to-
- First, close the Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Then, press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box. Type “cmd” and press enter. It will open Command Prompt.
- After that, copy and paste this following command: start shell:appsFolder\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe! App -DeleteCloudSaves
- Finally, hit ‘Enter’ and it should erase the cloud-saves for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Reboot your PC and relaunch Microsoft Flight Simulator for this to take effect.
Since the cloud-saves contained the controller key bindings and sensitivities, you’ll need to reset it.
Problem 4: Rudder Brake Stuck
Pedal issues with the Microsoft Flight Simulator can give raise rudder problems. When the rudder brake is stuck, the rudder becomes uncontrollable. On top of that, the brake of the airplane you’re flying may malfunction as well.
Miscalibration of the TPR pedals is the cause of this problem. The miscalibration leads to picking up wrong signals and making the rudder brake stuck.
Solution:
To solve this problem, the TPR pedal needs to be calibrated. Note that, TPR calibrations are different from regular radar calibrations. To calibrate the TPR pedals-
- First, install the calibration software on your PC.
- Then, you should see a left, right, and rudder bar that shows the deadzone, final and RAW values.
- From there, keep the right and left bars of the same value (preferably 98-99). Also, keep the rudder’s value at 50.0.
- Finally, apply the settings. You will also have to unplug the device so that the calibration is saved for your device. Close the calibration tool and relaunch the MSFS. Enjoy the calibrated TPR pedals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does MSFS have an auto rudder?
Yes, the Microsoft Flight Simulator has an auto rudder functionality. It can be found on the assistance menu. By activating the auto rudder, engine/prop torque can be reduced drastically. It prevents the plane from going out of control and keeps the engine steady.
How do you check my rudder drop?
You can check your rudder drop by measuring the trammel gauge of your plane. This gauge is an L-shaped instrument. The more your rudder carrier is worn down, the more your rudder drop will be. Try to keep your rudder drop low at all times.
Does autopilot control the rudder?
Yes, the autopilot can control the rudder of an airplane. Since autopilot is automated, your rudder will be controlled automatically. Additionally, you can experience many features like automated flying, reduction of fuel consumption, etc.
Endnote
That’s everything on the flight simulator rudder problems. With all the information above, you should be able to solve the rudder problems quickly!
Always check the accessories (controller, mouse, keyboard, etc ) you’re going to use for the MSFS to make sure they’re working. That way you can troubleshoot faster.
Best of luck.