dailynewsnblog
Summary
- World Update 21: Australia features new Australian points of interest, photogrammetry cities, activities, and more alongside a collaboration with the New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service (RFS).
- Experience the critical real-world operations of aerial firefighting with a new water bombing mission in New South Wales, Australia.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, Steam, and with Xbox Game Pass with support for Xbox Play Anywhere.
Fresh off the release of Sim Update 5 last week, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has launched World Update 21: Australia that brings to the region 30+ new photogrammetry cities, six new airports, 36 new handcrafted points of interest (POIs) like The Big Koala, new Discovery Flights over locations such as the Cocos Islands, and new activities ranging from Landing Challenges, Rally Races, and a Bush Trip – you can get the full details on Update 21: Australia here on FlightSimulator.com.
Unique for this World Update is Microsoft Flight Simulator’s collaboration with the New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service (RFS), widely acknowledged as the largest volunteer fire service in the world. Comprised of nearly 40,000 dedicated volunteers, the RFS is rooted in the NSW communities, studiously managing bushfires that remain a significant, reoccurring threat across Australia.
You’ll be able to experience the critical real-world operations of aerial firefighting yourself within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with a new RFS-inspired mission, where you’ll use water bombing to put out a fire in New South Wales.
To learn more about their work in protecting the Australian wilderness, we had the chance to talk with NSW’s Director of Aviation, Assistant Commissioner Jayson McKellar AFSM, about the yearly challenges the NSW Rural Fire Service faces in bushfire response, how flight simulations like Microsoft Flight Simulator can help educate players about aerial firefighting, and what advances in technology have made the biggest difference to firefighter safety in recent years.
For readers who may not know the NSW Rural Fire Service, how do you describe the RFS mission and the scope of emergencies you respond to beyond bush and grass fires?
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead combat agency for bush fires in NSW and is widely acknowledged as the largest volunteer fire service in the world.
The Service works to protect life, property and the environment. While bush and grass fires are a core focus, our volunteers also respond to structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, storms, floods and search operations.
A large part of our work also happens before emergencies, including hazard reduction and community education to reduce risk for individuals and communities.
The RFS is at the forefront of aerial firefighting innovation and response, with its fleet playing a pivotal role in firefighting efforts not just in NSW, but right across Australia and internationally.
When people think of bushfire response, they often picture aircraft first—what are the biggest operational constraints for aircraft during a bushfire (smoke, turbulence, visibility, terrain, fatigue, airspace management)?
In support of ground crews, aviation assets are a vital tool to help stop or slow a fire’s run and protect lives and property.
Aircraft are effective but they operate within clear limits. For example, smoke can reduce visibility, turbulence from fire behaviour can make flying difficult, and terrain can restrict access.
Pilots and crews also have to manage fatigue limits, especially during protracted incidents or across ongoing intense fire season.
All aircraft operate in controlled airspace, coordinated by specialist aviation teams. If conditions are not safe, aircraft will not be used.
The RFS operates large air tankers (LATs) like Boeing 737s and C130 Hercules—what kinds of incidents or conditions make a LAT the right tool?
Large Air Tankers are used on large or fast-moving fires, particularly where access for ground crews is limited. They are effective for laying long retardant lines to slow a fire and support containment.
They are always used as part of a broader strategy alongside ground crews.
These LATs are refilled on the ground rather than scoop-filled—can you walk us through the typical turnaround (loading facilities, airfields/bases, coordination)?
LATs operate from established airbases with specialised loading facilities. After completing a drop, the aircraft returns to base, is refilled and receives updated tasking. Turnaround depends on distance and demand, but the aim is to keep aircraft cycling efficiently between the fireground and base if multiple drops are required.
Helicopters play multiple roles—water bombing, reconnaissance, transport—how do you decide which one to deploy (e.g., CH-47 Chinook vsBell412)?
It depends on the incident. Larger helicopters are used for high-volume water bombing on significant fires. Medium and smaller aircraft are used for reconnaissance, crew transport, targeted drops and intelligence gathering.
The choice is based on fire behaviour, terrain, available water sources and operational priorities. We can also pre-dispatch aircraft to areas of the state ahead of where forecast weather may see elevated fire danger and risks.
“Birddog” or lead planes guide tankers and help coordinate operations—what does that role involve, and why is it critical for safety and effectiveness?
The lead plane flies ahead of large tankers to assess conditions, identify safe flight paths and guide the aircraft onto the target. They also coordinate with ground crews and other aircraft. This role is critical to ensuring drops are accurate and carried out safely.
The (Cessna) Citation and (Beechcraft) King Air also have scanning and intelligence gathering technology to provide planning and Incident Management Teams.
How is simulation training typically structured for aerial firefighting (qualifications, progression, recurrent training)?
Pilots complete aircraft qualifications before progressing to specialised firefighting operations. This includes supervised operational flying and regular recurrent training. Simulation supports this by allowing crews to practise procedures and emergency scenarios in a controlled setting.
The RFS recently opened the RFS Aviation Centre of Excellence, located at our State Training Academy in Dubbo, NSW. The Centre houses four state-of-the-art simulators that provide RFS personnel with the ability to safely train and develop skills in the field of aerial firefighting.
If simulation tools can help, what scenarios would be most valuable to practice (e.g., changing winds, reduced visibility, mixed aircraft types, airspace congestion)?
Scenarios that reflect real conditions are the most useful. This includes changing winds, reduced visibility from smoke, multiple aircraft operating together and coordination with ground crews. These situations test decision making and communication.
The RFS leverages mapping, weather forecasting, and incident management tools—what data sources and systems are most essential in the first hours of a new fire?
Early situational awareness is critical. Real-time weather data, mapping and intelligence from crews on the ground and in the air all feed into decision making. Having a clear picture early allows resources to be prioritised quickly and safely.
What advances in technology have made the biggest difference to firefighter safety and operational outcomes in recent years?
Real-time mapping, improved fire behaviour modelling and better communication systems have made a significant difference. These tools allow faster decisions and better coordination across the fireground.
What does it mean to the RFS to see aspects of aerial firefighting operations represented in a global simulation like Microsoft Flight Simulator?
The addition helps build awareness of the complexity involved in aerial firefighting. If people gain a better understanding of how aircraft support firefighting operations, that is a positive outcome.
It is also a great opportunity for those with a keen interest in aviation to better understand the role of aerial firefighting and the possibility of career paths within the sector locally. The more dedicated and highly trained professionals we have in this field, the better.
From your perspective, what are the “must-get-right” elements if a simulator aims to reflect the realities of aerial firefighting (procedures, coordination, constraints, decision-making)?
It’s important to accurately represent coordination and procedures involved in tasking aircraft to assist with fighting a fire. In addition, accurately determine the operational limits of the aircraft and things like weather conditions would also be important.
Aerial firefighting is not just about flying. It is about working within a broader system that includes ground crews, airspace control and changing conditions.
Are there common myths about aerial firefighting that you’d hope a realistic simulation can help correct?
One of the most common misconceptions is that aircraft can put out fires on their own. In reality, they support ground crews by slowing fire spread and creating opportunities for containment.
Firefighting is always a combined effort, with the work of firefighters, fire trucks and heavy plant along with the assistance from above with aerial assets.
How do you think interactive experiences can help global audiences understand Australian bushfire behaviour and the complexity of managing it?
Areas of NSW are some of the most bushfire prone land in the world.
Bushfires are influenced by so many factors including the weather, vegetation and terrain, fire history and mitigation works in the area. Interactive experiences can help people better understand those factors.
It can also showcase the coordination required between aviation assets and the incredible amount of work that is also done by our crews on the ground, who are mostly all volunteers.
What would you want players to take away about the relationship between aircraft operations and ground firefighter safety?
Aircraft are there to support firefighters on the ground. Close coordination between air and those on the ground is essential.
Every drop of water or retardant is aimed at strengthening containment lines, reducing fire intensity or protecting crews.
If readers want to help their local emergency services or improve their own bushfire preparedness, what are the most practical first steps?
It’s so important to have a bushfire survival plan – understand your local risk and know what you and your family will do if fire threatens. Discuss and continually review the plan, not just for where you live, but work, regularly travel or holiday too.
Preparing your property can make a real difference. There are simple things you can do around your home like cleaning gutters, trimming vegetation and having a hose that can reach all around your property.
It’s also important to stay up to date and monitor conditions. In NSW we urge people to download the Hazards Near Me app to find out about incidents near them or check the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Is there anything you think is essential for understanding the realities of bushfire management in NSW?
Bushfire management and preparation happen year-round. The work carried out before fire seasons, including training and hazard reduction, plays a major role in how well we can respond when fires occur.
Fire seasons are becoming longer and more intense, so we will continue to do what we can to train and prepare, and invest in the best resources and technology for our firefighters.
We strongly encourage anyone wishing to join the RFS or local volunteer firefighting agency to reach out and see what roles may be suitable for them. Whether it’s on the frontline holding a hose, preparing meals in catering, operating radios in the communications brigade or indeed on waterbombing helicopters or 737 Large Air Tanker, every role is important.
You can experience World Update 21: Australia today as a free download for all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, Steam, and with Xbox Game Pass with support for Xbox Play Anywhere.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Aviator Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$199.99
$149.99
Aviator Edition
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Aviator Edition includes everything from the Premium Deluxe Edition plus the entire fleet of 30 Microsoft-published Marketplace aircraft developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator between 2021 and 2024.
Fly with Purpose
· Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.
· Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.
· Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.
Advanced Simulation
· Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism.
· New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
· Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.
Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin
· Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet.
· Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences.
· The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Premium Deluxe Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$129.99
$97.49
Premium Deluxe Edition
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Premium Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 25 additional aircraft and 10 additional handcrafted international airports.
Fly with Purpose
· Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.
· Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.
· Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.
Advanced Simulation
· Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism.
· New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
· Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.
Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin
· Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet.
· Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences.
· The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Deluxe Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$99.99
$79.99
Deluxe Edition
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 10 additional aircraft and 5 additional handcrafted international airports.
Fly with Purpose
· Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.
· Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.
· Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.
Advanced Simulation
· Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism.
· New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
· Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.
Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin
· Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet.
· Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences.
· The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Standard Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$69.99
$55.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Standard Edition
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Standard Edition includes over 65 aircraft and 150 handcrafted airports.
Fly with Purpose
· Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.
· Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.
· Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment.
Advanced Simulation
· Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism.
· New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion.
· Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator.
Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin
· Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet.
· Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences.
· The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.
