MSFS: Fly to any airport using the G1000 NXi and Visual Approaches / Microsoft Flight Simulator

In this beginners' tutorial, you'll learn how to use the G1000 NXi autopilot, visual approaches, and VNAV capabilities to fly to any airport in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
=== Chapters ===
00:00 Introduction
00:09 Recommended assistance settings
01:24 Flight planning using the World Map
03:05 Noting our cruise altitude and destination airport runway
03:37 Noting the departure airport's elevation
04:09 Configuring the autopilot
09:10 Setting the altimeter (if using live weather)
11:22 Changing the time of day
11:39 Takeoff and activating autopilot
12:55 Changing heading to get on course
13:48 Arming navigation mode
15:20 Choosing an activating a visual approach
18:03 Altitude hold mode, cruise power and airspeed
18:52 Using vertical navigation (VNAV) to descend
21:14 Reaching the top of descent (TOD)
22:59 Updating the altimeter setting
24:13 Approaching the runway and disconnecting autopilot
25:12 Short final and landing
26:41 Shutdown and conclusion
=== Discord Server ===
If you want to chat with me and others who follow the channel, join us here in the "On The Ground" Discord server: / discord
=== Disclaimer ===
I am not a flight instructor and my videos are not to be used as a resource for real-world flight training. This video is for entertainment and gaming purposes only.
#msfs #microsoftflightsimulator #flightsimulator

[@mikeoreilly4020]

Excellent tutorial video as are most of yours. I'm a retired airline pilot. If I could make one suggestion, as soon as you disable the auto-pilot and transition to a visual approach, with no nav radios tuned, press the FD button to get rid of the flight director since it's not giving you valid commands and has just become a nuisance in the HSI.

[@coriscotupi]

Great comment. I'd also add that it's a good idea to always keep the HDG bug in sync with the actual airplane heading, even in manual flight. After each turn, it's best to re-sync the bug.

[@gabsmoscow]

I agree and he does make great videos and has a talent for explaining things. Great comment about the FD; I love it when real world pilots chime in.

[@RubinGnoni]

Hi Kip. I wanted to take a moment to express my immense gratitude and admiration for the incredible content you create for the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) community. Around 9:00 pm today, after turning off my Xbox Series X, I found myself in the living room, looking for something enjoyable on KZbin. That's when I stumbled upon this video. I can't quite put into words the impact your content has had on my MSFS experience-it's nothing short of unbelievable. Your ability to make MSFS enjoyable is truly remarkable. I don't want to exaggerate, but I genuinely feel like I've learned to fly and truly appreciate the intricacies of MSFS through your videos. The way you articulate and put words in the right place at the right time makes everything so clear and understandable. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for the fantastic work you do. Your dedication and passion shine through, and I believe Microsoft should take notice of the tremendous contribution you make to the MSFS community. I'm optimistic that recognition and rewards will come your way one day. On a personal note, I'm 75, and my family can't believe the amount of time I've happily devoted to enjoying MSFS. Your videos have not only enhanced my skills but also deepened my love for aviation simulation. Also, I had the pleasure of participating in one of your streams before Christmas. It was an absolute delight, and I wanted to commend you on your engaging and informative sessions. Way to go! Once again, thank you for being a beacon in the MSFS community and for making this hobby so enjoyable for people like me. Looking forward to more of your incredible content. My gamertag is Luladrown

[@KipOnTheGround]

Thanks so much Rubin! I really appreciate the kind words and am so glad that my videos have helped your enjoyment of simming. I’ve learned so much from the simming and aviation community, even through comments on my own videos, and am happy to try to share what I’ve learned with others. Hope you had an amazing time during the holidays, and happy new year!

[@patrickjocelyn5836]

I'm so glad you were able to put my sentiments into words lol. I'm grateful as well and have learned so much. Kip, you're awesome. Thanks for the fantastic content

[@KCPrible98]

Yes, I have to concur with everything @rubingnoni just said. I have watched you for years and am getting a refresher on Visual Landings in the G1000 as I'm flying a SR22T across northern Russia chasing the northern lights. Most of the airports along my way will not have formal landing procedures so doing Visuals is going to be a welcome relief especially when there is not much daylight this time of year. You might remember me as my Initials just happen to be KIP.

[@coriscotupi]

@@KCPrible98 I'm a RL pilot, been inactive for a number of years (age is finally taking its toll) so I haven't actually flown the G1000. Your videos have helped me understand and make the most use of the G1000 in MSFS. Fully agree with @RubinGnoni, your tutorials are first-rate.

[@carlrichards9011]

You are a natural teacher. Your instruction flowed smoothly and consistently. Every word you spoke was to the point with no hesitations or ums and ahs and no irrelevant filler. You were clear and all business. You didn't assume that we knew anything about the subject and fully explained each step along the way. Other video creators could learn a lot about presentation by watching this video. It was a pleasure to watch and very instructive. Great job. Please keep them coming.

[@glyngoold2659]

As a non-pilot I found this tutorial to be very informative and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such a clear and useful manner.

[@oelph]

I've been flying MSFS since December and still learning things from our videos. They are THE BEST that I've come across. Thank you.

[@cesco1997]

YES THE GARMIN TUTORIALS ARE BACK

[@remsmith3233]

You’re simply a wonderful instructor. Your instructions are calm, clear, well understood, and very informative. You provide details when appropriate and useful in real time. You mention safety issues helping me become a better pilot. You should feel proud of yourself creating a well earned reputation of bringing an excellent ptofessional.

[@gotbordercollies]

Great video - I learned more from this video than many others - thank you Kip

[@flyingdutchmanwa]

Incredibly useful and clearly presented video!

[@p0sher]

Excellent tutorial for a beginner. Very well explained, clear and concise. I have learnt a lot! So thanks!

[@criscusack]

Love this video. You have a way of clearly explaining how this stuff works, which to a greenhorn like me is most welcome. Keep up the great work, and I'll be watching!

[@12thFan23]

I've had MSFS 2020 since drop and I've learned more in this one video than I can put in words! I'd been just mostly winging it trial and error and doing things the hard way but this helps a ton. Wish I could give it 100 thumbs up. Thanks dude!

[@bleonardyou]

I learned to fly in the late 60s and picked up my instrument rating in 1981 in a Turbo Arrow that I flew for 10 years. Then, there was no such thing as a glass cockpit for GA planes or GPS, for that matter. I just last year started flying a simulator because I missed flying so much and I thought that I had taught myself most of what I needed to know about the G1000. Your video taught me how wrong I was. I bet I picked up 10 or more things that I didn’t know. I’m not at my simulator now but I intend to watch this video and fly the same flight with you first chance I get. Thanks for a great lesson. I subscribed and I will look forward to more great content in your other videos.

[@kartal2339]

this is the best video that i watch for g1000 ...thanks

[@818Ready]

Bravo, consise information with clarity. Starting off with the OG VOR and then GS 530/430 stack. It's so refreshing to finally get to the G1000 This video jump started my basics in a big way 🙌 Thank You

[@SteveGad]

Hey Kip. I've sat through a lot of these kind of vids - and sadly been lost in the complexity and the way it's delivered. Often its like listening to an auctioneer 'Click this, hit v-ref, then set bugs and...' and I think WTF? But I have to tell you buddy, your presentation and teaching skills are absolutely first class. You diction and pacing (even to a fussy Englishman) are perfect, your anticipation of potential pitfalls and questions we'd ask are also on point (as you guys would say lol) All in all a really great tutorial. You've certainly helped this aspiring DA-62 Pilot and I can't thank you enough.

[@KipOnTheGround]

Thanks, Steve! Really appreciate your kind words and glad the video helped.

[@KnightNotHorse]

Incredibly incredibly helpful, thank you so much! Great showing/zooming into instruments, everything clearly explained, really appreciated.🌞

[@lifeafterwork]

Your videos are very comprehensive and easy to understand - liked and subscribed!

[@pdep]

This video is one of the best [101-stage] G1000 NXi videos published on KZbin - if not the best! Kudos - nothing missed, simple to follow and well presented. Thank you. 👍

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT tutorial Kip, thanks. I always pick up a tip or three watching your vids. As flyinghorse says, a ILS AND RNAV would be a perfect progression! !! !!! Also using the same two airports

[@ArmchairFlightseer]

Yes,please

[@l1johnson]

I really appreciate your ability to describe procedures to make them totally understandable!

[@lloydyt1]

Thanks mate, so happy found this, can sit back now and enjoy the flight😉

[@chilli-soup]

This vid made my Jack Russell lay down and chill, i didn't take her out today bad weather. Just subbed 🐕🫶👍🤣

[@fernandosoaresdev]

The best basic tutorial for visuals I've watched so far! Thanks, Capt. Kip!

[@peterdepra]

A really useful video. All was clearly explained and demonstrated with a good level of detail. Plus, my favourite, no fluff or diversion into other subjects. Good job - thank you. 👍

[@hantuan107]

super clear and thorough instructions. thank you sir!

[@mjbresolin]

This is absolutely a wonderful help! My first use of AP thanks to you.

[@kristianjorg418]

This is the most clear and precise tutorial I have come across. Hats off for a great intro to the auto pilot functions. I have spent a few days with MSFS and and can happily land on manual mode anywhere (in the sim). But all those knobs and buttons has been a mystery to me. Until today! :)

[@harlont]

Excellent video. Just the info I was looking for, and easy to follow. Thank you.

[@dazecm]

Nice editing with the targetted zooms to highlight areas you're speaking about Kip. Great job.

[@martinhimself]

Awesome video. Thank you for explaining all steps. I am new to MSFS and that is very helpful.

[@Miquel_Angel_PB]

Great tutorial, I’ve learned a lot

[@RAVS_73]

This is a phenomenal video. Bravo Sir.

[@RickyRozayyy]

Great video I’m a beginner with Microsoft flight sim and this has really helped

[@yannbastiaans]

Been an airline pilot all my life but learned a lot about using the G1000. Thank you for your nice and clear tutorial!

[@cesargranada6194]

This is the best video ever! Thank you! I am enjoying much more the game thanks to you.

[@dismaldunc]

That was great! thank you. Im currently binging these vids in anticipation of get a new PC to replace my current potato. Can't wait to get started. my last go with MSFS was when i ran under DOS on a B&W monitor.

[@bratinc]

Very clear explanation. Thank you!

[@vincentdermience1137]

Great. Precisely the kind of videos I like to see : short and efficient, and extremely useful ! Many thanks Kip. And I'm looking forward to more like these with increasing complexity 🙂

[@socalfun64]

Great Job! Thank You. I got my ppl and Instrument ratings before all this stuff existed. This will come ‘

[@antoineinocencio8647]

Hello Kip. Once again, congratulations on this remarkable work. It's a real pleasure to follow your videos. Everything seems more obvious and more approachable. Thank you so much. A French Simmer. 👍👍👏👏

[@KenMac-ui2vb]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@dlnljl5681]

Good tutorial on using the G1000 basic operations. Long landing was a result of landing with a tailwind which also pushed you to the right of center line

[@sambuckner7054]

This tutorial is awesome! I had been trying to find a tutorial that got me from point a to z without being overly complicated and this was it! I’ve watched it several times and it has opened a whole new, exciting experience with MSFS!! Thank you Kip!!!

[@Retsam03]

Outstanding video probably one of the best tutorial videos of the G1000 I've ever seen

[@thegodpharaoh79]

I usually don't leave comments, but really have to this time. This is a very well done video, well prepared and very informative!! This will make using the G1000 so much easier for me. Keep up the good work !

[@jherc135]

Great tutorial. I have to admit I'm one of those guys that's spawns on the runway and off I go. I REALLY enjoyed being able to set this up. I made a checklist, worked like a charm. It really added to the realism of the game for me. Thanks so much, I'm hooked.

[@gtacosmembers4278]

Muchas gracias me ha sido de gran ayuda, no me había animado a usarlo hasta que vi tu tutorial al fin pude llegar a un aeropuerto al que me era muy difícil aproximarme

[@AudioJellyfish]

I had no clue you could just click the airport and the correct departure would select! Great tip!

[@spacebaron2117]

What an incredible video! I have been in Microsoft Flight Sim for many years now. I learned to navigate using NDB's and VOR's; no GPS! When I first saw the G1000, I was scared to death of it! It looks so overwhelming and complicated that I just preferred to fly the Cessna 152 as it is more familiar to me. Thanks to your video, I understand how the G1000 works a lot better now. Thank you for that!

[@MattMajcan]

bravo. i figured out how to navigate with heading mode on my own but i was just totally winging it on the landings. i just waded through so many landing tutorials that had nothing to do with what i was trying to figure out. this video literally answered every single question i have an also taught me several things i had no idea about. welp it turns out the plane ive been using the l-39 must not not have g1000 because everything else works pretty much the exact same way as this video except that there are no visual approaches.

[@shalveenkumar2142]

Good job man, I've got 3000 hours instructing in light aircraft and a 1000 now on 121 jets. I stumbled across your video and thought this guy is making great content for those who want to get into flying!

[@nigelsmith721]

Excellent presentation. I learned a lot...thanks.

[@georgecarter5260]

Great lesson. Appreciate it very much.

[@simmybear31]

The best GPS video I've watched for ages - even an idiot like me understood it THANK YOU!

[@KipOnTheGround]

😆 Glad it helped!

[@jrv8374]

I really needed to watch this video. Thanks!

[@bikersi9821]

Great tutorial thank S. I’ll definitely be following this. Subbed.

[@tfisadog5260]

RubinGnoni You have taken my thoughts and put them into to words to Kip. I am just a regular person wanting to just fly without all the extras that everyone does. Kip puts things into very simple easy to understand words without all the hype that everyone need to promote their videos. And that is what I have been looking for. After a year I am finally becoming able to understand the new program and completed a couple flights. Thank You and My wife thanks you as I have quit yelling at the computer and learning the use the program as I did the original program.

[@jcpflier6703]

This was excellent! I just subscribed to your channel. 👏👏👏

[@zoldrin]

Hey buddy, this delighted me and keen to start flying again for new year :)

[@theophanie77]

Very good video. Seems so simple. Thanks a lot. Jean-michel. France.

[@buzzy7326]

You're a natural at explaining this information Kip! Please continue to enlighten us with your knowledge. Your time and talents are greatly appreciated as it makes my simming experience much more complete and enjoyable.

[@patrickjocelyn5836]

I was just wondering how to fly the 172. This video came right on time. Many thanks Kip.

[@ClaytonCoffman]

Very good tutorial! One step that I was expecting also was hitting the approach (APR) button. GP which stands for glide path will show up in white. When on final the GP turns green and a magenta diamond appears. GP controls lateral plus vertical and you can effectively use the auto pilot all the way down to the runway.

[@jerseytensd]

Absolutely the best how-to manuals on using G1000 and MSFS flight planning. I also watched your other videos they are also high quality and extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@Simjack2021]

One of the best MSFS tutorials on KZbin 🙂. One question is I know the throttle cannot be controlled by the autopilot on the G1000 so what was your throttle set at to maintain the VNAV speed of 57 knots (just above stall speed I think) and another question is did you leave any flaps on after takeoff?

[@mdradek]

Great tutorial for me - taking first steps in MSFS. Great, clear explanations, easy understandable diction (polish man here;)). Thank you very much, going to familiar with other videos of yours:)

[@Hitman-I-Que]

Excellent tutorial.

[@mavicator]

Super educational video. Thanks a million for this. Please do create one for G3000 as well, with TBM930. Thank you.

[@bigglb4223]

Top Class video your presentation techniques are clear and at the right pace. Thank you.

[@53roger]

Kip, I appreciate your effort on the video tutorials, they certainly help...a lot. I've been sim flying for decades but now i only fly intermittently so it's easy forget what does what. These really help. Thank you

[@bobinternationalvocalreact8025]

Nice tutorial hope you continue your great job. Just subscribed Thank you.

[@69THGILF]

Very good video. Thanks for making this. Liked and subscribed.

[@deltatango5293]

Thank you for remembering that we all started knowing very little and really wanted some help to get going.

[@rednationarmy1898]

DAMN i wish i had this when i started. Amazing video Kip!

[@user-jp3ri2ul5m]

Love it, thank you for an amazing tutorial.

[@TheMarvin676]

Thanks for this! Great vid! Very helpful.

[@spediegunz]

Welcome back, I definitely got my start from your channel looking forward to some commercial aircraft stuff and vatsim stuff from you

[@dixonmak]

Great vid! Full of good info. Thank you.

[@stevehosking379]

Great vid. Clearly explained and really useful for beginner like me. Appreciate the effort you have gone to produce this.

[@surinderparkash1135]

Many thanks Kip, I’ve learnt more from your videos than any other and appreciate very much your amazing content and teaching skills.

[@colinwright27]

Brilliant video. Thank you so much. Watched it earlier and just given it a try in my local area in the UK. Worked a treat. I've recently got a Quest 3 vr headset and getting back in to playing MSFS and this is going to make it so much better.

[@elmarbartel2699]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! This is the perfect tutorial to understand and practice. Incredible.

[@Rahhhhhnman]

Excellent video Kip, all this time and I've never used a visual approach...I will now. Thanks for your effort in producing this.

[@whiteheyseuss9867]

Another great video, I learned how to fly with the g1000 from your old vidyas but this was a much needed refresher course for me, good job Kip!

[@ckott99]

Really nicely done! As a private pilot flying traditional 6 pack instrumentation, I've been wanting to get familiar with the G1000 NXi system. This tutorial has been very helpful. I'm doing sims to airports I actually use so that when I have a chance for using the real NXi I'll be prepared.

[@GumperVanLier]

Great video, Kip. I love using visual approach. You're an excellent teacher. Happy New Years to you.

[@TomEMaddox]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been flying in the sim since it released and was able to use the basics of the Autopilot system to get from point A to point B. But I had never learned to set the climb rate of FLC before takeoff. Most importantly I had never even thought about using the approach options. I had always just manually added extra way points to the world map to make sure I was flying straight in to the designated runway. I have just now finished my first flight using all of the info you provided in the video and will be continuing to do so in the future. Thanks again!

[@nosleep60]

Great video, helped me a lot!

[@davidbradley6871]

Good evening KIP, Found this video very helpfull , have been flying MSFS since release , your video is very clear and clarified some points which i had not quite got a grip on. Many thanks

[@fares5968]

Great tutorial,the explanation is very clear.Thank you.

[@giginicolaescu]

foarte instructiv .

[@jakew9887]

Great presentation. Thanks

[@flyinghorse2739]

Without exaggeration, ive watched around 30 videos and yours, hands down, are the best. Can you do a video where the flight has multiple waypoints and how to enter Glide Scope or have you done a video on that too already?

[@KipOnTheGround]

Thank you! I do have several videos with more complex routes and including ILS and RNAV approaches, as well as a ton of livestream recordings that generally feature routes like that as well. Here's one of my more popular RNAV approach videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV7RnYGHjsmrb8U If you haven't used it yet, I'd recommend checking out SimBrief. It's a great way to do simulator flight planning and is free.

[@rontaumelscheibe]

Many thanks from Munich for this great tutorial! Ron

[@randallmacdonald4851]

That that was nice. THank you Kip.

[@global3dee968]

Great tutorial. Thank you

[@garyamusic]

Happy New Year Kip! Hoping to have more free time to join in on your trips...

[@KipOnTheGround]

Happy new year! 🎊

[@socalfun64]

So awesome my guy! Thank You.

[@user-nq1ze6yj6n]

This video was excellent and explained so much I was trying to do and previous was not able. Thanks again !!!!