The latest version of Laminar Research’s X-Plane, 12.1.4, is now available in public beta. This update, known as the flight lessons update, introduces numerous quality-of-life improvements, along with new flight lessons.

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Flight lessons

Version 12.1.4 introduces new flight lessons for beginners. Users will be guided through four introductory lessons in the Cirrus SR-22 before moving on to the Lancair Evolution. All of this is led by Austin Meyer, the creator of X-Plane.

‍Camera updates

The new build introduces a new physics-based camera option. According to Laminar Research it will simulate the forces experienced while flying a real aircraft. The new camera system is primarily focused on enhancing the interior view, however a new hand-held camera mode has also been added for external views.

Scenery

Salzburg Airport (LOWS) has undergone significant improvements, particularly in its local autogen, which has been enhanced considerably. Additionally, the Red Bull hangars and Salzburg Castle are now featured. 

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Parts of southern Germany, northern Italy, and Austria are now the demo area, with Salzburg being the location for the new flight lessons.

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In addition Barra Airport (EGPL) has also been updated. The Scottish airport is known for its unique runway—or lack thereof.

Safe Mode

Laminar Research is introducing a "safe mode" feature. This allows plugins to be isolated without needing to delete them manually one at a time when searching for the source of a crash.

Additional improvements were made, including new library objects and enhancements to the G1000 with the introduction of the SAR function, along with other general updates.

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Refer to the X-Plane blog post for further details on the update.

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