Hold M for ignition. Shift adds throttle; Ctrl reduces it. S raises the nose and W lowers it. Use A/D to bank and Q/E for the rudder.

The essential PC hotkeys

Use this keyboard cheat sheet while learning the cockpit. These are the same controls as the full tables below, grouped for a quick glance.

MHold for ignition
ShiftIncrease power
CtrlReduce power
SPitch upward
WPitch downward
PParking brake switch

A hotkey or keyboard shortcut means the key assigned to an action. Hold M for ignition; tap pitch inputs gently. On iPad, use the touch-control notes instead of treating these PC keys as a touch layout.

Flight controls at a glance

These keys apply while piloting. Keep the throttle controls separate from the pitch controls: power and nose angle do different jobs.

PC flight keys reported by Pro Game Guides
KeyActionWhen to use it
MHold for ignitionStart from the pilot seat. A quick tap may be too short.
ShiftIncrease powerWatch the throttle indicator as you press it.
CtrlReduce powerUse this when preparing to slow down.
SPitch upwardLift the nose; start with brief inputs.
WPitch downwardLower the nose. This is not a forward-throttle key.
A / DRoll left / rightBank the wings to either side.
Q / EYaw left / rightMove the rudder while piloting.
BApply brakingGround braking, separate from throttle.
PParking brake switchCheck its state before attempting to roll.
LAircraft lightingToggle the lights.
VExternal cameraChange to the outside view.
SRaise the nose
WLower the nose

Control reminder · diagram, not a game screenshot

Building and entering the plane

Stand close enough for the relevant prompt and aim at the part or seat. A short F press and a held F press do different jobs.

Object and seat controls on PC
KeyActionContext
FPick up or placeAim at the object or its attachment position.
Hold FDetach a fitted partUse deliberately; avoid dismantling by accident.
RMBRotate a held objectAdjust orientation before placing it.
EEnter a seatAim at the seat while on foot.

Why the same key can do two things

E is the clearest example: aim at a seat on foot to enter it, but in the cockpit it operates the right rudder. The game context matters as much as the key.

If a key seems unresponsive, close chat or other text fields, confirm you are piloting, and compare the on-screen prompt. This page covers flight and assembly; it does not claim a complete combat, mobile or controller mapping.

Ready to put the keys together? Follow the first takeoff and landing sequence. If the engine still does not respond, use the starting checks.

Know where the advice comes from.

Reviewed 27 October 2026. This independent guide combines the official game description, published community controls and our beginner recommendations. It does not claim hands-on game testing. In-game prompts take priority as early access changes.

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