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FA50 New
The FA50 is a three-engine, long-range business jet that first flew in 1976 - the first purpose-built trijet in business aviation. Its supercritical wing, drawn from fighter-aircraft heritage, paired with three fuel-efficient turbofans to deliver transcontinental range, high cruise speed, and a reputation for reliability that defined the type. It remains a popular choice for operators who want intercontinental capability in a compact airframe, with the largest active fleet flying in the United S... The FA50 is a three-engine, long-range business jet that first flew in 1976 - the first purpose-built trijet in business aviation. Its supercritical wing, drawn from fighter-aircraft heritage, paired with three fuel-efficient turbofans to deliver transcontinental range, high cruise speed, and a reputation for reliability that defined the type. It remains a popular choice for operators who want intercontinental capability in a compact airframe, with the largest active fleet flying in the United States.
Our Aircraft
This is our first aircraft release, roughly two and a half years in the making, and we're proud of both the state it ships in and the airplane we chose to bring to Microsoft Flight Simulator. In our eyes it's unmatched in design and aesthetics - a graceful trijet that still turns heads on any ramp.
What really drew us in is the cockpit. The FA50 sits at a fascinating crossroads between classic and modern, blending traditional steam gauges with more contemporary avionics. We modelled the commonly seen EFIS upgrade - a digital Collins 85C EFIS paired with a Garmin MX20 MFD and a GNS-XLS Flight Management Computer - which gives the panel its distinctive mixed character.
Most current releases lean toward full modern Garmin glass cockpits. We wanted to do something different. To match the story of an aircraft that has been flying - and quietly upgraded - for decades, we've given the cockpit a used, lived-in look rather than a showroom finish. Given the average age of these airframes today, that feels like the honest way to represent them, and it adds real character to every flight.
Systems & Avionics
- Completely custom made avionics such as: EFIS 85C, MX20 MFD, GNS-XLS FMS
- Working weather radar with tilt function, plus datalink weather on MX20 and GNS-XLS (MSFS 2024 only)
- Custom EFB app with SimBrief and JetCard import (weight and balance), Navigraph Charts integration, ground handling services page, and many options to customize the aircraft to your needs (some features MSFS 2024 only, see 2020 note below)
- Paperclip chart for takeoff and landing performance, with synced speed bugs and weights
Autopilot & Autothrottle
- Accurate autopilot modes matching the real aircraft, including VNAV, Climb and Descent modes with profiles
- Parallel Course, VNAV Offset, and VNAV Direct To
- Autothrottle holding Max Continuous Thrust in climb and Mach Hold in cruise
Flight Model & Sound
- Accurate custom flight model and ground handling, vetted by real FA50 pilots
- Custom sound set recorded from the real aircraft
Modelling & Visuals
- Detailed PBR textures inside and out, with a used, realistic cockpit and cabin look and feel
- Custom liveries using decal mesh technique for unparalleled resolution
- Dynamic registration for most liveries
- Custom animations throughout the aircraft
Interactivity
- Many interactive elements inside and out, such as sun shades, window blinds, TOW/NO TOW sign, and Torque Link disconnect feature
- Fuel your own aircraft according to real world ops
- Tow your own aircraft with a remote control (MSFS 2024 only)
MSFS 2024 Native
- Native MSFS 2024 export with walkaround items, weather radar with tilt function, and ground handling physics
MSFS 2020 Note
The 2020 version features a Lite EFB which does include the most important features to operate the aircraft but misses certain features. A fully enhanced EFB is only available in MSFS 2024.
FSWeekend Challenges
Try the Contrail challenges at home! The Contrail Shop conducted landing challanges at the 2025 FlightSimWeekend in Lelystad.
Over 100 people participated in landing challenges at KSFO San Francisco and LPMA Madeira Airport.
Can you beat their score? Remember, each participant only had one try!
Please note that the aircraft listed below are required to complete the landing challenges.Try the Contrail challenges at home! The Contrail Shop conducted landing challanges at the 2025 FlightSimWeekend in Lelystad.
Over 100 people participated in landing challenges at KSFO San Francisco and LPMA Madeira Airport.
Can you beat their score? Remember, each participant only had one try!
Please note that the aircraft listed below are required to complete the landing challenges.