Find aircraft background, systems descriptions and manuals for the aircraft you are researching. Each note keeps its source and version context close by.
VSL B-8M · VSKYLABS · X-Plane 11 · X-Plane 12
This Bensen-inspired simulator variant uses a longer tail boom and a 45 hp half-Volkswagen engine. Those alterations are documented features of the VSL B-8M.
Official developer / designated-store reference · checked 2026-09-14
The Bensen B-8M is an open gyroplane design in which the main rotor turns through airflow rather than engine drive. A separate engine and propeller provide forward thrust, while rotor tilt and rudder control the aircraft.
VSKYLABS’ VSL B-8M is a modified interpretation of the design, with a longer tail boom and a 45 hp half-Volkswagen engine. These are features of the simulated variant rather than a claim that every real B-8M uses that configuration.
307 Stratoliner · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
The linked 2023 guide describes the MSFS 2020 cockpit. It provides equipment background; this older manual does not establish unchanged MSFS 2024 controls.
Legacy guide; MSFS 2024 interface remains unverified
307 Stratoliner · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
The upper-panel toggle selects traditional instruments or the GNS suite. The avionics master must be on for either arrangement.
MSFS 2020 guide · PDF page 3, visually checked
307 Stratoliner · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
The guide locates the yoke visibility click on the small pilot panel lights at the forward ends of the side consoles.
MSFS 2020 guide · PDF page 4
307 Stratoliner · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
GROUND connects the external power unit; FLIGHT removes it and brings the batteries online. The guide also provides an interactive checklist.
MSFS 2020 guide · PDF pages 7–8
307 Stratoliner · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
Separate upper-panel switches show the fuel truck and services scene, including boarding steps, attendant and baggage.
MSFS 2020 guide · PDF pages 3 and 7
307 Stratoliner · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
The guide places tank valves at the engineer’s station and tank selectors on the pedestal. Their functions should be read together.
MSFS 2020 guide · PDF pages 5 and 7
307 Stratoliner · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
The illustrated Sperry controls set heading, bank and pitch. The guide explicitly says it will not capture the selected altitude; pitch adjustment remains part of levelling off.
MSFS 2020 guide · PDF page 6
307 Stratoliner · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2020
Local Legend 10 brought the Stratoliner to MSFS in June 2023. Microsoft lists Boeing Delivery, Emerald Harbor, WorldTravel and AREA liveries for this release.
2023-06-30 · release and package scope
The Stratoliner drew on Boeing's B-17 engineering while using a broad circular fuselage for passengers. Four radial engines powered the low-wing, tailwheel aircraft. It entered commercial service in 1940 and represented an early move toward flying above much of the weather.
Only a small number were built, and individual aircraft had eventful later histories. Its flight engineer station and period systems make it a different kind of cockpit from the later Boeing jets. The simulator manual describes how those crew responsibilities are represented.
Aircraft / family
C. V. Glines · retrospective drawing on Bob Buck’s memoirs
New aircraft, useful sources and improvements to AirframeDB. Occasional updates, when there’s something to share.
