X-Plane 12 vs CAE Flight Training

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.

What people use each for

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

Where each one falls short

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Which should you pick?

Questions people ask

Is X-Plane 12 or CAE Flight Training better?

Neither clearly leads. X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime and CAE Flight Training at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.

Which is cheaper, X-Plane 12 or CAE Flight Training?

X-Plane 12 starts at $59.99/lifetime and CAE Flight Training at On request.

Does X-Plane 12 or CAE Flight Training run on more platforms?

X-Plane 12 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux. CAE Flight Training runs on On-site.

What is X-Plane 12 best used for?

X-Plane 12 is most often used for flight simulation for private pilots and enthusiasts, procedure practice and aircraft familiarisation. Of those, flight simulation for private pilots and enthusiasts and procedure practice and aircraft familiarisation are not what CAE Flight Training is typically brought in for.

What can X-Plane 12 do that CAE Flight Training cannot?

X-Plane 12 covers Flight physics, Global scenery, Realistic aircraft, Weather simulation. CAE Flight Training covers Full-flight simulators, Type rating training, Crew resource training, Maintenance training.