AeroSync Flight Simulator

AeroSync began in 2022 with a desire to capture the enjoyment of flying in virtual reality, using general aviation aircraft and helicopters. The simulator also works on a regular screen. A first free version was released in 2026; the macOS version is available to download on itch.io.

The project has gone through several technical stages, from Unreal Engine 4 and 5 to Unity 6. That journey covers physics, rendering, flight controls and synchronising several players around a single aircraft.

A flight model for each type of aircraft

The physics work brings together several flight models, including JSBSim for aeroplanes and a solution developed for helicopters. The aim is to account for the behaviour of each aircraft family and improve the simulation gradually.

Players can use a gamepad, a joystick on a computer, VR controllers or hand tracking. In VR, they can reach out and grab the cockpit controls; on a screen, they use the simulator in a more conventional way.

Sharing the cockpit

Multiplayer runs over a local network. The pilot and copilot can both control the same aircraft, with their inputs kept in sync. Other players can join as passengers, watch flights from the ground or fly in formation.

This part of the project directly connects development with my own flying experience: sharing a cockpit means making each person’s actions clear and consistent for the other participants.

A world at different scales

Cesium provides mapping and geospatial data streaming. Online maps and their level of detail are adapted to the capabilities of each device. Smaller local maps also make it possible to fly without an internet connection.

Lighting, weather and the day/night cycle follow the same approach: the available effects vary by platform. Development and porting work covers Windows, macOS, Meta Quest, iOS and visionOS; the itch.io page lists the versions currently available to download.

A simulator featured by Cesium

On 21 September 2023, Cesium published an article about my simulator following an interview. I discuss the connection between my flying experience and the project’s development, along with my use of Cesium for Unreal to create a flight environment spanning the globe.

The article covers VR cockpit interactions, flying together and the integration of terrain and geospatial data.

Read my interview with Cesium.