In the 2020 edition of There are some issues as can be expected by a map that includes the entire world, but by and large have an exquisitely detailed world to explore, including some areas that are normally off-limits.
Take Area 51, for instance. Sure, it may be meme-worthy now, but it is a real-world classified United States Air Force base established in 1955. In the past, it has been the subject of UFO conjecture and the existence of aliens that the government is covering up. A more plausible explanation is that it is a testing area for experimental aircraft. In fact, some information has been declassified as to what aircraft were tested there, such as the Lockheed U-2 aircraft. Sadly, that is not flyable in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The Location of Area 51 in Microsoft Flight Simulator
Area 51 is located in southern Nevada, deep within the desert. In real life, visiting the area is prohibited. On the ground, there are numerous signs around the vast perimeter warning that it is a restricted area, photography is prohibited, and the use of deadly force is authorized. Upon getting close, military staff dressed in camouflage and driving in white pickup trucks will visit. In the air, Area 51 is classified as prohibited airspace. Upon getting close to the area, pilots will normally be warned to adjust their heading on 121.5MHz, which is the emergency frequency for aircraft. Continuing upon the current trajectory can result in an interception by military aircraft or the possibility of an attack on the offending aircraft.
Luckily, these things do not exist in Microsoft Flight Simulator, meaning players can visit Area 51 as they please. As it happens, Area 51 does have an airport named Homey Airport (KXTA). Homey Airport is the official name for the facility, and KXTA will show up on the map in Microsoft Flight Simulator, which means players can take-off and land there. They can even use an airliner, as it has a long runway.
Players wishing to fly there from another location instead could take off from KLAS in Las Vegas, then fly north-northwest for about 83 miles to Area 51. Players will know they are getting close, as the Air Force base is next to a large salt flat, named Groom Lake, which can be seen from a long distance.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available now on PC.
