Aviation · head to head
CAE Flight Training vs X-Plane 12
CAE Flight Training
Aviation
World leader in professional flight training
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
X-Plane 12
Aviation
Professional flight simulation software
- From
- $59.99/lifetime
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: CAE Flight Training cAE does not publish pricing information on their public website; X-Plane 12 commercial and professional use requires a separate licence at $1,000, against $59.99 for the personal digital download
- They diverge on capability: CAE Flight Training covers Full-flight simulators, X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which CAE Flight Training and X-Plane 12 actually diverge.
| Attribute | CAE Flight Training | X-Plane 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | $59.99/lifetime |
| Pricing model | usage-based | one-time |
| Platforms | On-site | Windows, Macos, Linux |
| Founded | 1947 | 1995 |
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 X-Plane 12
- Flight physics
- Global scenery
- Realistic aircraft
- Weather simulation
- ATC system
- Plugins
- Add-ons
- VR headsets
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 X-Plane 12
- Cadet to captain airline training programmesnot X-Plane 12
- Cabin crew and maintenance technician trainingnot X-Plane 12
- Flight data analysis and operations management through Flightscapenot X-Plane 12
- Courseware and training records management with CAE Pelesysnot X-Plane 12
X-Plane 12
- Flight simulation for private pilots and enthusiastsnot CAE Flight Training
- Procedure practice and aircraft familiarisationnot 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
X-Plane 12
- Commercial and professional use requires a separate licence at $1,000, against $59.99 for the personal digital download
- The personal edition therefore cannot be used for paid training or commercial simulation
- The professional edition is a distinct product rather than an upgrade path
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
X-Plane 12
$59.99/lifetime- X-Plane 12$59.99/lifetime
- Full simulator
- Global scenery
- Realistic physics
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.
Choose X-Plane 12 if
- You need flight physics.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
- You also want global scenery.
Questions people ask
- Is CAE Flight Training or X-Plane 12 better?
- Neither clearly leads. CAE Flight Training starts at On request and X-Plane 12 at $59.99/lifetime, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, CAE Flight Training or X-Plane 12?
- CAE Flight Training starts at On request and X-Plane 12 at $59.99/lifetime.
- Does CAE Flight Training or X-Plane 12 run on more platforms?
- CAE Flight Training runs on On-site. X-Plane 12 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
- 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 X-Plane 12 is typically brought in for.
- What can CAE Flight Training do that X-Plane 12 cannot?
- CAE Flight Training covers Full-flight simulators, Type rating training, Crew resource training, Maintenance training. X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics, Global scenery, Realistic aircraft, Weather simulation.
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.
SourceX-Plane 12: How much does X-Plane 12 Personal Edition cost?
X-Plane 12 Personal Edition is priced at $59.99 for digital download, the same price on Steam, or $99.99 for the DVD set.
SourceCAE 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.
SourceX-Plane 12: What is the pricing difference for professional use of X-Plane 12?
Professional-use versions are significantly more expensive, ranging from $1,000 for digital downloads to $1,250 for USB keys.
SourceCAE 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.
SourceX-Plane 12: How do I activate X-Plane 12 after purchasing the digital download?
When you purchase the digital download edition, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to use and activate X-Plane 12.
SourceRelated pages
More on CAE Flight Training
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