If you'd like to try FS4 yourself, the fully-expanded version is emulated in a browser here!
https://archive.org/details/msdos_Microsoft_Flight_Simulator_v4.0_1989

I am now obsessed with figuring out the artist for the box and manual art.

My dad was super into aviation, and when I was about five years old he co-rented an airplane with some other guy.  One summer when we were on our way to a family reunion, just before take-off, my dad looked over and said "want to do it?"  I was terrified and excited, and all I could do was furiously nod.  He smiled, took his hands off the yoke, and punched the gas.  With all the grit, determination, and focus a five year old could muster, I held it steady as we gained speed, and when he said "Pull!", I pulled back.  Gently, smoothly, partly because my weak little arms could only manage that much force, and partly because I thought that's how it was supposed to go.  We gained altitude gently, smoothly, and my excitement grew.  Wait wait!  Can't get too carried away!  Gotta keep it smooth!  We soon reached cruising altitude, I sighed in relief, and my dad patted my head and took back the controls.

I think that was the same trip when he over estimated the plane's fuel efficiency and ran out of gas halfway between two airports, and probably would have crashed and killed us all if we didn't have a tailwind.  Of course, he didn't mention that until we were older and were joking about how he somehow always manages to run out of gas when we're halfway between two towns.

I miss my dad.

I’m a commercial pilot today thanks to the old flight sim and a little curiosity at 9 years old. Really gave me a jump start on a lot of things.

This was my first flight simulator and fell in love with flying. 30 yrs later, I am now a real life Airline Captain at a comercial Airline!

approaching tall building i thought nooo he would never would he


crash into something....

"Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight."

BUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUB

My Man has a shelf just for flight sims

This was 1989?? This actually looks phenomenal for its age.

I was 30 when this came out, and I am embarrassed to say how many hours and hours I spent flying this sim. It was such an improvement over previous MSFS titles, and I played them all....from the first one on my Atari 400XL to FSX, and today, I shall be installing the newest version. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.

I used to love playing flight simulator on my 386 back in the day :)

Everyone: Look at the new Flight Simulator!
LGR: Flight Simulator 4.0!

YouTube: let's do some FS2020
LGR: Let's not.

Edit: I found the booklet where I read McTulson's name. It is written that he was a "simulation oriented illustrator".
But, as LGR replied it could be John Mattos. I can't find his name in the booklet (published in 1989) but that does not mean it is wrong.
Sorry if I wrote wrong information.
The artist who drew those pictures is Andrew McTulson. I don't know if he can be reached using social networks or anything else.

Being a coder, my dad showed me how to manipulate fun aspects of the planes in the source code, from wing shape/length to altering the color of the plane. So many hours of memories. The bonus of him passing on his real life pilot's knowledge was also wonderful. I miss my childhood. 🙂

1:39 Microsoft Flight Simulator 9/11 Edition!

I bought this in the store when it was released..... Damn, I'm old

8:32 alternate version of history where on 9/11 every building BUT the twin towers and the Empire State Building was destroyed

I believe there’s millions of 40 year olds who could take off and land a Cessna at Chicago o’hare intl airport.

I remember when games from the 90s especially simulation games would come with large informative manuals. Those manuals were like an encyclopedia you'd be reading before you even get to play haha but I guess that's what made gaming back then fun.