From backcountry strips in Idaho to updated airfields in Missouri and South Carolina, these five new freeware releases offer both general aviation and helicopter pilots fresh destinations to explore.
KSMS – Sumter Airport, South Carolina
Located just north of the city of Sumter, South Carolina, ➡️ Sumter Airport (KSMS) serves primarily general aviation traffic with limited air taxi operations. The new scenery by danielsjam brings the airfield to life with fully hand-crafted models, custom taxiway and ramp markings, and animated hangars that open and close based on the time of day. The SCAS hangar and a second multi-door hangar both feature operable doors controlled by the yoke visibility command, allowing interactive access even outside of normal operating hours. The inclusion of animated elements and realistic texturing gives this small airport a lively, functional feel that makes it an excellent addition for local GA flights.
KFAM – Farmington Regional Airport, Missouri
➡️ Farmington Regional Airport (KFAM) in St. Francois County, Missouri, is another regional field recreated by danielsjam. The scenery offers a faithful depiction of the small municipal airport located just south of Farmington, with hand-modeled assets and accurate ground markings. Like KSMS, the airfield includes an open hangar with animated bi-fold doors that respond to local time or manual control via the yoke toggle. The attention to ambient detail makes KFAM an inviting stopover point for VFR cross-country flights across the Midwest.
KNBG – Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans, Louisiana
One of the more unique releases in recent weeks, the ➡️ Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans (KNBG) focuses on rotary-wing operations and mission-style immersion. Built for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, this scenery recreates the air station’s main hangar complete with static Jayhawk helicopters, functional lighting, and detailed interiors. A designated parking spot allows pilots to spawn inside the hangar for pre-flight walkarounds and startup preparation before towing their aircraft outside for departure. MulberryWing also included environmental details such as a lighted basketball court, trailer storage area, and nearby helipad markings. While the scenery functions independently, the static and flyable Jayhawks require the Miltech/Blackbird MH-60R/S add-on and community-provided liveries. The result is an atmospheric coastal base ideal for helicopter pilots seeking authentic operations along the Gulf Coast.
KFAR – Hector International Airport, North Dakota
The ➡️ Fargo-based Hector International Airport (KFAR) has received a significant update for MSFS 2024. Version 3.0 introduces improved terminal modeling, newly added hangars, upgraded apron lighting, and corrected taxiway signage. The developer connomar has leveraged MSFS 2024’s new lighting and rendering systems to enhance realism, particularly around the Fargo Air Museum’s iconic Minuteman Missile display. With active construction continuing at the real-world airport, the scenery remains a living project, representing one of the more complete and up-to-date midwestern hubs currently available for MSFS 2024.
4D2 – Hoodoo Meadows Airstrip, Idaho
For backcountry pilots, ➡️ Hoodoo Meadows (4D2) offers a challenging and scenic destination high in Idaho’s rugged terrain. Sitting at 8,262 feet above sea level, it is the state’s highest official backcountry strip, featuring a 1,900-foot sloped gravel runway surrounded by dense forest and uneven terrain. The developer GreySkies has modeled runway logs, stumps, and obstacles consistent with the area’s rough-field environment, making careful handling essential during landing and takeoff. Additional details include helicopter pads, a water spawn point on nearby Yellowjacket Lake, and ambient wildlife, making it an ideal destination for bush flying enthusiasts looking for a remote and authentic challenge.
These five freeware releases not only enhance their respective region but also add variety and realism to the sim’s growing network of U.S. airports. All of them are available now on Flightsim.to, and as always, consider donating to the creators to support their continued work in developing quality freeware content for the community.