Pilot Training Flight Simulator (PTFS) is one of Roblox’s most detailed and realistic aviation experiences, designed for players who want to learn how flying actually works. Whether you’re stepping into the cockpit for the first time or switching from smaller planes to commercial jets, the game gives you a full aviation playground with dozens of aircraft, multiple airports, carrier operations, and realistic flight controls.
This beginner guide walks you through everything you need to start flying confidently — from understanding the basic controls and choosing the right aircraft to practicing smooth takeoffs, safe landings, and exploring advanced features like autopilot and carrier launches. The goal is to simplify the learning curve so you can enjoy the thrill of flying without feeling overwhelmed.
By the end, you’ll know how to spawn planes correctly, taxi like a pro, master basic maneuvers, and avoid common mistakes that every new pilot makes. Whether you want to fly casually, roleplay professionally, or move toward more complex jets, this guide sets the foundation for your journey in PTFS.
Table of Contents
Controls (PC / default) — condensed master list
- E — Engine on/off.
- W / Up Arrow — Increase throttle.
- S / Down Arrow — Decrease throttle.
- Mouse — Pitch/roll control (move mouse to steer in flight).
- Left/Right Arrow or A/D — Rudder / roll (depending on aircraft mode).
- G — Toggle landing gear (remember to lower before landing).
- B — Brakes. (Some guides list B for brakes; useful on landing roll.)
- R — Altitude hold toggle (if aircraft supports it). T — Cruise mode.
- L — Catapult launch (carrier) — requires carrier-capable aircraft and positioning. Q — Anchor on carrier catapult (raises blast shield).
Step-by-step: basic takeoff (small GA plane, e.g., Cessna 172)
- Spawn at the Training Centre (or a small airport) to get a Cessna 172 if you want a trainer.
- Seat in aircraft → Press E to start engines. Check engine sound and instruments.
- Taxi to runway: gently apply throttle and use rudder/keys to steer. Follow taxiway lines — use ground charts if unsure.
- Align on runway, full throttle (W). For light planes, rotate at appropriate speed (learn via practice — on Cessna it’s low). Pull back gently to climb.
- Climb out: establish climb attitude, retract gear (G) when safely positive climb and above safe altitude. Trim with small mouse/controls.
Step-by-step: approach & landing
- Plan your approach early — choose runway, reduce throttle, set flaps if aircraft has them (flaps help slower landing speeds).
- Lower landing gear (G) when established on final (important).
- Use gentle pitch and throttle adjustments to maintain airspeed; aim for runway centerline. Use B to brake after touchdown.
- If you overspeed or misalign, go around: full throttle, climb, circle back for another approach.
Spawning aircraft and airport behaviour
- Airports have spawners that limit what aircraft can be spawned there (military bases, regional airports, international airports have different spawn lists). Big international airports can spawn almost any aircraft; small fields only light aircraft.
- Some airports have carrier or catapult mechanics (USS Gerald R. Ford etc.) — use Q to anchor and L to catapult launch for compatible aircraft.
Recommended beginner aircraft
- Cessna 172 / Student Pilot — easiest for learning basics and stalls. (Spawns at Training Centre.)
- Light props / small turboprops — next step before jets. Avoid heavy jets until you master trim, throttle control, and multi-engine behavior.
Advanced features to explore (once comfy)
- Altitude Hold / Cruise Mode — helps keep level flight while you trim. R and T toggles exist on certain planes.
- Autopilot / ATC interactions — community servers/roleplays may use ATC features and frequencies (see ATC 24 references on the wiki).
- Ground charts & taxi diagrams — use ptfs.app charts for realistic taxi and gate planning (very useful for bigger airports).
Common beginner mistakes & fixes
- Forgetting gear — always lower gear on final; heavy damage if you land gear up. (Toggle G.)
- Too much speed on short runways — reduce throttle earlier, use flaps/brakes. Practice short-field landings at quieter airports.
- Overcontrolling with mouse — small smooth inputs beat big jerky corrections; practice in a Cessna.
Here are Tips & FAQs for the game Pilot Training Flight Simulator (PTFS) on Roblox:
Top Tips for PTFS
- Start at a small airport with a trainer aircraft to learn the basics before handling bigger jets.
- Master throttle and pitch control early—keep steady speed and attitude rather than making big jerky moves.
- Regularly check gear and flaps — forgetting the landing gear is a common mistake that leads to rough landings.
- Use the correct airport for your aircraft size — large jets require major airports; small airfields may not support them.
- Learn the visual flight aids — for landings, things like the PAPI lights are useful.
- Taxi carefully and follow the taxiway markings — collisions, wrong taxiways, or setting up wrong may delay your flight or get you stuck.
- Use advanced modes when ready — such as Altitude Hold (R) and Cruise Mode (T) once comfortable with basic flight.
- Reset/despawn when you’re done — unused aircraft will despawn in time, helps reduce clutter/lag.
- Watch updates and patch notes — PTFS evolves; new features (like aircraft failures, new planes) change gameplay.
- Practice landings often — landing well differentiates new pilots vs. experienced ones in PTFS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I spawn an aircraft?
A: At an airport go to a “Plane Spawn” stand, choose category and aircraft. Some airports restrict which aircraft categories spawn there.
Q: What controls should I use on PC?
A: Examples: E = engine on/off; W = throttle increase; S = throttle decrease; G = toggle landing gear.
Q: How do I land properly?
A: Use PAPI lights to stay on correct descent; match speed range shown in UI; flare appropriately just before touchdown.
Q: What happens if I leave my plane alone?
A: Unoccupied aircraft/vehicles will despawn after ~2 minutes to reduce lag; the timer resets if someone enters the craft.
Q: Can I do carrier operations (catapult/arresting wire)?
A: Yes — on the aircraft carrier (e.g., USS Gerald R. Ford) there are features: Q to anchor/raise blast shield, L to launch via catapult, tail-hook to land with arresting wires. Requires carrier-capable aircraft.
Q: What is ‘Advanced Flight Mode’? Should I use it?
A: Advanced Flight Mode gives you more control over roll/pitch/rudder (for displays, military aircraft) but is more complex. Beginners are recommended to keep it OFF until comfortable.
Q: Why can’t I spawn a large jet at a small airfield?
A: Because spawn lists are limited by airport size — small airfields may only support light or regional aircraft.
Q: Where do I find airport charts/taxi diagrams?
A: The community resource site (such as ptfs.app charts) provides ground charts for airports. These help with realistic taxiing and gate parking.
Hi, I’m Anshul Patel, author and co-founder of TigerJek.com. I am a long-time Roblox and mobile gaming enthusiast with 6+ years of gameplay experience. I test every method, build, and strategy personally before writing guides for TigerJek. My goal is to simplify complex games and help players progress faster.




