MSFS2020 Spawning In The Air When Selecting Landing Troubleshooting Guide
Are you experiencing the frustrating issue of spawning in the air when selecting a landing spot in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020)? This is a common problem that many virtual pilots have encountered, and it can disrupt your immersive flight experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the various causes of this issue and provide you with effective troubleshooting steps and solutions to get you back on the ground safely.
Understanding the Issue: Spawning Mid-Air
Spawning in the air when you're trying to land in MSFS2020 is more than just a minor inconvenience; it's a bug that prevents you from properly executing your landing approach. Imagine meticulously planning your flight, navigating through complex weather patterns, and then, as you select your landing destination, you find yourself thousands of feet above the runway. This issue can stem from a variety of factors within the simulator, and understanding these factors is the first step towards resolving the problem. It is very frustrating for every pilot who has encountered this spawning in the air issue. It disrupts the immersion and realism that MSFS2020 strives to deliver. There are several underlying causes, ranging from incorrect simulator settings and corrupted files to conflicts with third-party addons and even glitches within the game's core programming. Identifying the specific cause in your case can be a process of elimination, but by systematically investigating each potential factor, you can effectively troubleshoot and find a solution.
Furthermore, the issue of spawning mid-air not only impacts the immediate landing experience but can also affect the overall enjoyment of the game. Pilots invest time and effort into planning their flights, learning procedures, and perfecting their skills. When the simulator fails to place them correctly at the crucial moment of landing, it undermines this investment. The frustration can be especially pronounced for those who are new to flight simulation, as it can create a barrier to learning and mastering the art of flying. Therefore, addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the simulation and ensuring a positive experience for all users. Whether you are a seasoned virtual aviator or a newcomer to the world of flight simulation, understanding the nuances of this spawning issue and how to fix it will enhance your overall experience with MSFS2020.
Potential Causes for Mid-Air Spawning
Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand the potential culprits behind this issue. Several factors can contribute to MSFS2020 placing your aircraft in the air instead of on the ground when you select a landing location. These include:
1. Incorrect Airport Selection or Glitches:
Sometimes, the issue arises due to a glitch in the game's system for recognizing airport elevations or runway starting positions. This can occur when the airport you've selected has inaccurate data or the simulator is misinterpreting the altitude information. It's not uncommon for the base game or even updated versions to have discrepancies in airport data, particularly for smaller or less frequently used airfields. These inaccuracies can cause the simulator to place the aircraft at the wrong altitude, resulting in the mid-air spawn. Airport glitches can also stem from how the game loads and processes the scenery. If there's a conflict in the loading order or an interruption during the scenery generation, it can lead to errors in the placement of the aircraft. This is why sometimes restarting the game or clearing the cache can temporarily resolve the issue, as it forces the simulator to reload the airport data and scenery afresh.
Moreover, some airport glitches may be specific to certain airports or regions. This can be due to errors in the original airport design or how it integrates with the surrounding terrain. For example, if the elevation data for the airport doesn't match the surrounding terrain mesh, the simulator may struggle to correctly position the aircraft. In such cases, the problem may persist until the airport data is updated or corrected, either by the game developers or through community-created modifications. Therefore, it's essential to consider the possibility of airport-specific glitches when troubleshooting the mid-air spawning issue. Pilots can try selecting different airports to see if the problem is isolated to a particular location or if it's a more widespread issue within the simulator.
2. Third-Party Addon Conflicts:
MSFS2020's open nature allows for the use of numerous third-party addons, such as scenery enhancements, aircraft modifications, and other utilities. While these addons can significantly enhance the simulator's realism and functionality, they can also be a source of conflicts. Addons that modify airport data, alter terrain meshes, or introduce custom scenery can sometimes clash with the game's core files or with other addons, leading to unpredictable behavior, including spawning in the air. These addon conflicts can be particularly challenging to diagnose, as they may not always be immediately apparent. The simulator may load the addon without any visible errors, but the underlying conflict can still manifest in unexpected ways during gameplay. This is why it's crucial to systematically disable addons to identify the culprit when troubleshooting issues in MSFS2020.
To resolve third-party addon conflicts, it's best to start by disabling all recently installed addons. Then, gradually re-enable them one by one, testing the simulator after each activation. This process helps pinpoint the specific addon that's causing the conflict. It's also essential to ensure that your addons are compatible with the current version of MSFS2020, as updates to the simulator can sometimes break compatibility. Keeping your addons up-to-date and consulting the addon developer's documentation can help prevent conflicts. Additionally, using a mod management tool can make it easier to organize and manage your addons, making the troubleshooting process more efficient.
3. Corrupted Game Files:
Like any complex software, MSFS2020 relies on a multitude of files to function correctly. Over time, these files can become corrupted due to various reasons, such as improper shutdowns, software glitches, or even issues with your storage device. Corrupted files can manifest in a wide range of problems, including the dreaded mid-air spawning issue. When the files responsible for handling airport data, aircraft placement, or scenery loading become damaged, the simulator may fail to correctly position your aircraft at the start of a flight or during the landing selection process. It is necessary to fix the corrupted game files in order to fix the spawning issue in MSFS2020.
Corrupted game files can be challenging to identify, as they may not always trigger error messages or crashes. Sometimes, the simulator will continue to run, but with subtle issues that gradually worsen over time. This is why it's essential to regularly check the integrity of your game files, especially if you're experiencing persistent problems. Most game platforms, such as Steam and the Microsoft Store, offer built-in tools for verifying and repairing game files. These tools scan the installation directory for missing or damaged files and automatically download replacements, ensuring that your simulator is running with a clean and healthy set of data. Regularly performing this check can help prevent and resolve issues related to corrupted files, improving the overall stability and performance of MSFS2020.
4. Simulator Settings and Configuration:
Certain settings within MSFS2020 can influence how the simulator handles aircraft placement and landing procedures. If these settings are not configured correctly, they can contribute to the mid-air spawning issue. For example, the 'Runway' selection in the flight planning menu might not be functioning as expected, or the 'Approach' settings might be interfering with the landing sequence. These settings are designed to help pilots customize their flight experience and control various aspects of the simulation, but if they're misconfigured or if there's a glitch in their implementation, they can lead to unexpected behavior.
One common scenario involves the 'Runway' selection, which allows pilots to choose the specific runway they want to start or land on. If this setting is not properly synchronized with the airport's data or if there's an inconsistency in the simulator's internal logic, it can result in the aircraft being placed at the wrong altitude or position. Similarly, the 'Approach' settings, which control the type of approach (e.g., ILS, VOR) and the altitude at which the approach begins, can cause issues if they conflict with the chosen runway or the aircraft's current flight plan. To troubleshoot these settings, it's essential to review your flight plan and ensure that the selected runway and approach are appropriate for the airport and the current weather conditions. Experimenting with different settings and observing their impact on aircraft placement can help you identify the source of the problem.
Troubleshooting Steps and Solutions
Now that we've identified the potential causes, let's explore practical troubleshooting steps and solutions to address the mid-air spawning issue in MSFS2020.
1. Verify Airport Data and Selection:
First and foremost, ensure that you've selected the correct airport and runway in your flight plan. Double-check the ICAO code and runway designation to avoid any errors. Sometimes, a simple typo or selecting the wrong airport can lead to unexpected spawning locations. This might sound obvious, but it's a common mistake that can easily be overlooked. Always verify the airport data and selection before starting your flight, especially if you're using a flight planning tool or importing flight plans from external sources.
To ensure accuracy, compare the selected airport's information with reliable sources such as aviation charts or online databases. These resources provide detailed information about airports, including their ICAO codes, runway layouts, elevations, and navigational aids. Cross-referencing this information with what you've entered in the simulator can help you catch any discrepancies. Additionally, it's a good practice to check the airport's elevation in the simulator's world map before starting your flight. This can give you a quick visual confirmation that the airport's altitude is being correctly recognized by the game.
2. Disable or Remove Conflicting Addons:
If you suspect that third-party addons are causing the issue, the next step is to systematically disable or remove them. Start by disabling all recently installed addons, as they are the most likely culprits. You can typically do this through MSFS2020's content manager or by moving the addon files out of the community folder. After disabling the addons, restart the simulator and try spawning at the problematic airport again. If the issue is resolved, it confirms that one of the disabled addons was the cause. In order to fix the mid-air spawning issue in MSFS2020, you need to disable or remove conflicting add-ons.
To pinpoint the specific addon causing the conflict, re-enable them one by one, testing the simulator after each activation. This process of elimination can be time-consuming, but it's the most reliable way to identify the culprit. Once you've found the conflicting addon, you can either remove it permanently or try to update it to the latest version, as updates often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements. It's also a good practice to consult the addon developer's documentation or support channels for known issues and solutions. Sometimes, conflicts can be resolved by adjusting the addon's settings or by changing its load order within the simulator. Remember to always keep your addons updated and to regularly check for compatibility issues after simulator updates.
3. Verify the Integrity of Game Files:
As mentioned earlier, corrupted game files can lead to various issues, including mid-air spawning. To address this, use the built-in file verification tools provided by your game platform. For Steam users, this can be done by right-clicking on MSFS2020 in your library, selecting 'Properties', navigating to the 'Local Files' tab, and clicking 'Verify Integrity of Game Files...'. This process will scan your game files and automatically download any missing or corrupted ones. This is an important step to fix the issue. The process to verify the integrity of the game files ensures that all the core components of the simulator are intact and functioning correctly.
Similarly, for users who purchased MSFS2020 through the Microsoft Store, there's a built-in repair tool that can be used to check and fix game files. To access this tool, go to 'Settings' -> 'Apps' -> 'Microsoft Flight Simulator' -> 'Advanced options', and then click on the 'Repair' button. This will initiate a similar process of scanning and replacing damaged files. In some cases, you may also need to use the 'Reset' option, which will reset the game to its default settings, but this should be done as a last resort, as it will remove any custom configurations and preferences. Regularly verifying and repairing your game files can prevent and resolve a wide range of issues, including those related to spawning and loading problems.
4. Adjust Simulator Settings:
Review your simulator settings, particularly those related to flight planning and approach procedures. Ensure that your 'Runway' and 'Approach' selections are appropriate for the airport and the flight plan. Experiment with different settings to see if any specific configuration is causing the issue. Pay close attention to settings that affect aircraft placement and altitude, as these are the most likely culprits. One specific setting to check is the 'Assisted Landing' option, which can sometimes interfere with the simulator's ability to correctly position the aircraft on the runway. If you're experiencing the mid-air spawning issue, try disabling this option to see if it resolves the problem.
Another setting to consider is the 'AI Traffic' density. High AI traffic settings can sometimes strain the simulator's resources and lead to unexpected behavior, including spawning issues. If you're running the simulator on a lower-end system, try reducing the AI traffic density to see if it improves performance and resolves the problem. Additionally, check your graphics settings and ensure that they're optimized for your system. Running the simulator with overly high graphics settings can sometimes cause instability and lead to various issues. Experiment with different graphics presets and resolutions to find a balance between visual quality and performance. By carefully adjusting your simulator settings, you can often resolve issues related to spawning, performance, and stability.
5. Clear the Rolling Cache:
MSFS2020 uses a rolling cache to store scenery data, which can speed up loading times and improve performance. However, this cache can sometimes become corrupted or outdated, leading to issues like mid-air spawning. Clearing the rolling cache can often resolve these problems. The rolling cache stores temporary data about the scenery you've flown over, such as textures, terrain, and building models. This cached data allows the simulator to load these areas more quickly when you revisit them, reducing loading times and improving the overall smoothness of the simulation. However, if the cached data becomes corrupted or if there's a mismatch between the cached data and the current version of the scenery, it can lead to various issues.
To clear the rolling cache, go to the 'General Options' menu in MSFS2020, select 'Data', and then click on the 'Delete Rolling Cache' button. You may also want to consider increasing the size of your rolling cache, as a larger cache can help improve performance in some cases. After clearing the cache, restart the simulator and try spawning at the problematic airport again. This will force the simulator to reload the scenery data from scratch, which can often resolve issues related to corrupted or outdated cache files. Regularly clearing the rolling cache is a good practice for maintaining the stability and performance of MSFS2020, especially after updates or when experiencing graphical glitches.
6. Update MSFS2020 and Drivers:
Ensure that you're running the latest version of MSFS2020, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Additionally, make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues and lead to various problems within the simulator. Keeping your simulator and drivers updated is essential for ensuring a smooth and stable flight simulation experience. Developers often release updates to address bugs, improve performance, and add new features. These updates can include fixes for issues like the mid-air spawning problem, so it's always a good idea to install them as soon as they become available.
To update MSFS2020, check the Microsoft Store or Steam, depending on where you purchased the simulator. The update process is usually automatic, but you may need to manually initiate it in some cases. For graphics drivers, you can download the latest versions from the websites of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). These updates often include optimizations for new games and bug fixes that can improve performance and stability. Installing the latest drivers can also resolve compatibility issues with MSFS2020 and other software on your system. Regularly checking for and installing updates for both the simulator and your drivers can help prevent a wide range of problems and ensure that you're getting the best possible experience.
Conclusion
Encountering the mid-air spawning issue in MSFS2020 can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting and applying the solutions outlined in this guide, you can overcome this problem and enjoy a more seamless flight simulation experience. Remember to verify airport data, disable conflicting addons, verify game file integrity, adjust simulator settings, clear the rolling cache, and keep your simulator and drivers updated. With patience and persistence, you'll be back to landing smoothly in no time. Always approach troubleshooting with a methodical mindset, trying one solution at a time and documenting your findings. This will not only help you resolve the immediate issue but also build your understanding of MSFS2020's inner workings, making you a more skilled virtual pilot and troubleshooter in the long run. Happy flying!
