This article shows you how to use FSUIPC with Python. It covers the most popular Python wrapper, shows you how to read and write simulator data, explains common use cases, and helps you avoid the typical pitfalls along the way.
: It is built on top of and includes pyuipc by István Váradi.
Libraries such as pyFSUIPC or fsuipc-python (built on top of the FSUIPC SDK) handle the complex memory management and pointer logic under the hood, allowing the user to focus on their application logic.
This is the most accessible choice for most users. The fsuipc package can be installed directly from PyPI using pip install fsuipc . It works with 32‑bit and 64‑bit versions of Python, and it has been tested with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS 2020). The library is built on top of pyuipc (by István Váradi) and provides a simple, context‑manager‑based interface that is easy to learn.
You will need a standard installation of Python 3.x. Open your terminal or command prompt and install the most popular Python wrapper for FSUIPC, known as pyfsuipc2 or fsuipc : pip install fsuipc Use code with caution. fsuipc python
Using Python with (Flight Simulator Universal Inter-Process Communication) is a popular choice for flight sim enthusiasts looking to build custom ACARS, cockpit interfaces, or telemetry tools. It bridges high-level scripting with the complex internal "offsets" of simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) and Prepar3D. Key Tools & Libraries
import fsuipc import struct import keyboard # pip install keyboard
You will need the document (usually found in your FSUIPC installation folder as "FSUIPC4 Offsets Status.pdf" or "FSUIPC7 Offsets Status.pdf").
time.sleep( # Update every second KeyboardInterrupt: Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Key Capabilities Data Extraction</p> This article shows you how to use FSUIPC with Python
: With the rise of AI, Python-based FSUIPC scripts can act as "virtual co-pilots," monitoring checklists or even managing radio frequencies automatically based on the aircraft’s position. Technical Implementation
Python’s entry into this space is primarily facilitated by client wrappers like the fsuipc Python package and pyuipc . These libraries allow developers to interact with the simulator using Pythonic syntax rather than low-level memory offsets. This synergy is particularly powerful for several use cases:
You can read altitude, speed, autopilot settings, engine parameters, navigation data, and more.
Mastering Flight Simulation: A Complete Guide to FSUIPC and Python Libraries such as pyFSUIPC or fsuipc-python (built on
FSUIPC is a legendary bridge utility created by Pete Dowson and currently maintained by John Dowson. It acts as a standardized interface, allowing external applications to communicate directly with the internal memory of Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS 2020), Prepar3D (P3D), and older iterations like FSX. The Concept of Offsets
Do not read offsets every millisecond. Simulator communication takes time. time.sleep(0.05) (20Hz) is usually sufficient for flight controls.
Using Python with FSUIPC transforms your simulator from a closed game into an open-ended development platform. Whether you're building a simple logger or a complex external avionics suite, the combination is accessible, well-documented, and incredibly versatile.