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Aviation · head to head

CAE Flight Training vs Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

CAE Flight Training logo

CAE Flight Training

Aviation

World leader in professional flight training

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 logo

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Aviation

Hyper-realistic cloud-based flight simulation

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: CAE Flight Training cAE does not publish pricing information on their public website; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 pricing not disclosed on vendor site; available only through external retailers
  • They diverge on capability: CAE Flight Training covers Full-flight simulators, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers Photogrammetry scenery.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CAE Flight Training and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 actually diverge.

Attributes where CAE Flight Training and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 differ
AttributeCAE Flight TrainingMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024
Starting priceOn request$9.99/month
Pricing modelusage-basedsubscription
PlatformsOn-siteWindows, Xbox
Founded19472020

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Aviation).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in CAE Flight Training

  • Full-flight simulators
  • Type rating training
  • Crew resource training
  • Maintenance training
  • Certification
  • Airlines
  • Regulators
  • Learning platforms

Only in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Photogrammetry scenery
  • Realistic weather
  • Aircraft systems
  • Global coverage
  • ATC
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • Azure cloud
  • Third-party add-ons

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

CAE Flight Training

  • Type rating and recurrent training for airline and business jet pilotsnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Cadet to captain airline training programmesnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Cabin crew and maintenance technician trainingnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Flight data analysis and operations management through Flightscapenot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Courseware and training records management with CAE Pelesysnot Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Flight trainingnot CAE Flight Training
  • Recreationnot CAE Flight Training
  • VR flyingnot CAE Flight Training
  • Network flyingnot CAE Flight Training

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

CAE Flight Training

  • CAE does not publish pricing information on their public website
  • Company website serves as corporate overview and navigation hub without pricing details
  • Pricing inquiry requires contacting CAE directly through their Contact Us section
  • No indication of pricing tiers or quote-based model on public pages

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

  • Pricing not disclosed on vendor site; available only through external retailers
  • Multiple editions without published pricing comparison

Pricing, plan by plan

CAE Flight Training

On request
  • Pilot TrainingFree
    • Full-flight simulators
    • Type ratings
    • Crew training
  • Maintenance TrainingFree
    • Technical training
    • Systems training
    • Certification

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

$9.99/month
  • Game Pass$9.99/month
    • Full simulator
    • Game Pass included
    • Cloud saves
  • Standalone$89.99/lifetime
    • Full simulator
    • Lifetime license
    • All updates

Which should you pick?

Choose CAE Flight Training if

  • You need full-flight simulators.
  • You work on On-site.
  • You also want type rating training.
CAE Flight Training review

Choose Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 if

  • You need photogrammetry scenery.
  • You work on Windows, Xbox.
  • You also want realistic weather.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 review

Questions people ask

Is CAE Flight Training or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 better?
Neither clearly leads. CAE Flight Training starts at On request and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 at $9.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CAE Flight Training or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
CAE Flight Training starts at On request and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 at $9.99/month.
Does CAE Flight Training or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 run on more platforms?
CAE Flight Training runs on On-site. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 runs on Windows, Xbox.
What is CAE Flight Training best used for?
CAE Flight Training is most often used for type rating and recurrent training for airline and business jet pilots, cadet to captain airline training programmes, cabin crew and maintenance technician training, flight data analysis and operations management through flightscape. Of those, type rating and recurrent training for airline and business jet pilots and cadet to captain airline training programmes are not what Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is typically brought in for.
What can CAE Flight Training do that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 cannot?
CAE Flight Training covers Full-flight simulators, Type rating training, Crew resource training, Maintenance training. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 covers Photogrammetry scenery, Realistic weather, Aircraft systems, Global coverage.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

CAE Flight Training: How much does CAE flight training cost?

CAE does not publish pricing on their website. The company offers civil aviation training programs and defense/security services but requires customers to contact them directly for pricing quotes specific to their training needs.

Source
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: What editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are available?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available in four editions: Standard (70 aircraft, 150 airports), Deluxe (80 aircraft, 155 airports), Premium Deluxe (95 aircraft, 160 airports), and Aviator (125 aircraft, 160 airports, includes 30 Microsoft-published marketplace aircraft).

Source
CAE Flight Training: How do I get pricing for CAE training programs?

Pricing is not available on CAE's public website. Customers interested in training programs must use the Contact Us section on their website to reach CAE directly and request quotes for specific aviation or defense training services.

Source
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Where can I purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on Microsoft Store, Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Game Pass. Pricing is not listed on the official website; customers must check these retailers for current prices.

Source
CAE Flight Training: Does CAE offer a pricing calculator or pricing tiers?

CAE's website does not display pricing tiers, calculators, or any cost information. All pricing inquiries require direct contact with CAE through their contact channels.

Source
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