Download and install the Simeaven W2XP models and W2XP sceneries for the parts of the world in which you want to fly (note that Europe is in the X-Plane 11 section of their site, and the rest of the world in X-Plane 10 - although they work in X-Plane 11 just fine).

(While alpilot does not have the entire world, the X-Plane 11 underlying mesh is also very good as it is, and while not as detailed, is more current.) UHD is more detailed but harder on the system, HD less so. It is excellent, you can download only the areas you want, and it is donationware. It will increase the resolution of your terrain and will make roads, forest boundaries, towns, power lines, etc.

This is sort of the equivalent of ORBX Vector.

Download and install alpilot’s HD or UHD Mesh Scenery V4.

But realize it’s cutting edge, and you may need to back off sliders a bit.

Note that X-Plane 11 is taxing on the system, at least as much as P3D, although I find it much smoother at low frame rates. While X-Plane betas are often quite stable, unless you like finding out that things may not work the way they should, stick with the current stable release. 11.2 is the most recent stable release, although many users (including myself) are using the 11.3 beta.

Download X-Plane, either the full package or the free beta.

There are likely dozens of other possible ways to get started, but based on my experience in P3D and X-Plane, this is what I would do if I were to do it again: This list of steps is a version of my own experience with the switch. 2018.Īs a former P3D user I am often asked “What advice do you have for others making the switch?” So I’m writing this little how-to in hopes it will help other P3D and FSX users at least get the most out of X-Plane, if not make the switch completely. Note: I’ll be updating this as I make changes to my system and as the X-Plane ecosystem evolves.

X plane 11 addons for beginners