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X-Plane Flight Training Course Release Notes

These release notes are a log of the recent notable changes made to the X-Plane Flight Training Course (XFTC) project including records of changes such as bug fixes, new features, etc.

Click each plus sign below to expand the notes for each version.

XFTC 1.3.14APRIL 7, 2026

Overview

Version 1.3.14 is the first public release of the Sport Pilot library. It is a focused refinement release following the internal Sport Pilot release in 1.3.13. It addresses several bugs discovered during testing, along with a few quality-of-life improvements for lesson selection.

Enhancements

Launcher

  • Default aircraft changed to G1000: New installations now default to the Cessna 172SP (G1000) as the selected aircraft on the Lesson Selection page, rather than the Cessna 172SP (Analog). This better reflects the most common configuration used for lessons.
  • Lesson 20 warning: A warning notice is now shown when launching Lesson 20 in Training Mode with the Cessna 172SP (Analog) selected. This lesson cannot be fully completed with the Analog aircraft due to a known NAV2 flight-controls mapping limitation in X-Plane 12. (See Known Issues in v1.3.5 release notes.) Users may still proceed if they choose, but it’s recommended to switch to the G1000 plane.

Profiler

  • Practice Mode – Reset All: The Reset All menu option (Plugins > Gleim Profiler > Windows > Reset All) no longer incorrectly shows the Infractions window in Practice Mode. Only the Tasklist window is now shown, consistent with Practice Mode behavior.

Bug Fixes

Launcher

  • Auto-update crash: Fixed a regression crash introduced in 1.3.13 that occurred when the Launcher attempted to launch the update installer during shutdown. The Launcher now correctly closes and hands off to the installer, which then auto-restarts the Launcher after the update completes, consistent with longstanding behavior.

Profiler

  • Windows breaking during mouse drag: Fixed a rare visual bug where dragging Profiler windows (such as the Gleim Lesson Info window) too quickly could cause the window to glitch or be placed offscreen.
  • Fly by Mouse blocked: Fixed an issue where the Profiler was inadvertently blocking X-Plane’s built-in Fly by Mouse (mouse-yoke) feature. This feature is only available when X-Plane doesn’t detect another input device like a joystick or yoke.

XFTC 1.3.13MARCH 11, 2026

Overview

Version 1.3.13 is a major feature release that introduces the Sport Pilot library, alongside a large number of stability improvements and user experience refinements to the Universal Launcher.

What’s New

Sport Pilot

XFTC now includes a Sport Pilot library, available alongside the existing Private Pilot library. Thanks to the FAA’s MOSAIC rule changes, which now allow Sport Pilots to fly the Cessna 172, the Sport Pilot course uses the same aircraft and lesson format as the Private Pilot course. Sport Pilot includes 23 lessons that follow the Gleim Sport Pilot Syllabus book.

Sport Pilot and Private Pilot licenses can be activated independently, and both libraries are accessible from the same Launcher session. Demo access (the first two lessons) is available for each library without activation.

Enhancements

Launcher

  • Demo library label: Libraries in demo mode now display a (Demo) suffix on the Lesson Selection Page (e.g., “Sport Pilot (Demo)”), making it easier to distinguish activated libraries from demo libraries at a glance.
  • Network Setup dialog (Multi): The separate FTCNetworkSetup.exe application has been replaced with an integrated Network Setup dialog built directly into the Launcher. The standalone executable is no longer installed. Multi edition administrators can access the new dialog via a newly added Setup button on the Admin page.
  • Edition-switch confirmation: When activating a key for the opposite edition, the Launcher now asks for confirmation before restarting, rather than restarting immediately.
  • Activation form improvements: The activation form now correctly responds to the Enter key, and the text wording was improved slightly.

Bug Fixes

Launcher

  • Startup crash on upgrade: Fixed a critical crash introduced in 1.3.12 when updating from a pre-Universal version. (Did not impact customers because 1.3.12 was internal only.)
  • Multi edition auto-detect: Fixed an issue where the Launcher would always default to Home edition when global.xml was deleted, even if Multi had been most recently activated.
  • Admin Setup crash (Multi): Fixed a crash in the Multi edition Admin Setup restart sequence that prevented the Launcher from auto-restarting into Network Setup mode.
  • Startup and shutdown errors: Fixed intermittent “Assertion Failed” messages on Launcher startup and “Access Violation” errors on X-Plane shutdown. These were harmless but disruptive.
  • About page expiration date (Multi): Fixed an issue where the license expiration date on the About page was not immediately refreshed after activating a library. It now updates in real-time without needing to navigate away.
  • WMI startup failures: Fixed a subset of startup crashes related to unexpected or malformed command-line arguments passed to the Launcher.
  • Admin Setup prompt (Multi): The Admin Setup confirmation prompt now correctly shows only Yes/No options, removing the redundant Cancel button.
  • Single-login enforcement (Multi): Fixed the Multi edition single-login feature, which had been inadvertently broken in a previous release. The Launcher now correctly forces a logout within one minute when the same account signs in on a second instance.
  • Edition-switch race condition: Fixed a race condition that prevented the Launcher from correctly switching back to Home edition when activating a Home key from Multi edition.

Profiler

  • Shutdown network error: Fixed a rare WinSock race condition (error 10038) that could appear in the X-Plane log when X-Plane was closed immediately after the Launcher.

Installer

  • Universal license text: The Universal installer now displays a combined Home and Multi edition license agreement, replacing the previous installer which only showed the Home edition license.

XFTC 1.3.12FEBRUARY 5, 2026

Overview

Version 1.3.12 is a significant maintenance release that unifies the Home and Multi editions into a single Universal edition, simplifying installation and activation for all users. This release also includes a minor bug fix for Practice Mode and several under-the-hood improvements to the installer and build system.

What’s New

Universal Edition

XFTC now ships as a single Universal Launcher and Installer, replacing the previously separate Home and Multi editions. The Universal Launcher automatically enables edition-specific features (e.g. multi-user support) based on your activation key. There is no change to your existing license; your current Home or Multi activation key will continue to work as before.

Bug Fixes

Profiler

  • Fixed an issue where the Infractions and Requisites window options were incorrectly available in the plugin menu while in Practice Mode. These options are only applicable in Training Mode and are now properly disabled when Practice Mode is active.

XFTC 1.3.11FEBRUARY 3, 2026

Lessons

  • Fixed a bug introduced in 1.3.10 that caused X-Plane to crash during some warps (e.g. lesson 5, checkpoint 5-6).

XFTC 1.3.10DECEMBER 16, 2025

X-Plane 12 is required for this release. X-Plane 11 is no longer supported.

Launcher

  • Added a command-line toggle for enhanced logging.

Profiler

  • Font changes now require a restart to take effect.

XFTC 1.3.9NOVEMBER 20, 2025

Launcher

  • Fixed an error reporting issue on some systems.
  • Updated the Licensed Software page.
  • Enhanced logging is now configurable.

XFTC 1.3.8NOVEMBER 4, 2025

Profiler

  • Improved lesson logging for better troubleshooting.
  • Minor UI improvements.

XFTC 1.3.7SEPTEMBER 17, 2025

Launcher

  • Minor UI improvements.

Profiler

  • Minor UI improvements.
  • Updated Practice Mode checkbox appearance.
  • Improved font size/family menu items.

Infrastructure

  • Updated core UI frameworks.

XFTC 1.3.6MAY 20, 2025

Launcher

  • Fixed an issue where minimizing and restoring the window would break the active layout.
  • Launching a lesson now correctly uses an existing X-Plane instance instead of always starting a new one. (This was only an issue in X-Plane 12.2 and beyond.)

Infrastructure

  • Updated core dependencies for improved stability and security.

XFTC 1.3.5APRIL 11, 2025

Lessons

  • L20: Changed the Rifle VOR frequency back to 110.60 for X-Plane 11 (default nav data is outdated and unmaintained). X-Plane 12 will continue to use 113.35.

Known Issues in X-Plane 12

This serves as a notification of issues you may encounter that will be fixed in a future release.

  1. L20 can only be completed using the Cessna 172SP (G1000). The VOR 2 settings are not detected properly in the analog version of the plane.
  2. X-Plane 12 changed how barometric pressure is calculated. In lessons with non-standard barometric pressure (20, 20A, 20B), you may receive altitude infractions despite setting your altimeter as instructed in the lesson. The lessons should still be completable if you ignore the infractions.

XFTC 1.3.4APRIL 7, 2025

Lessons

  • L20: Changed the Rifle VOR frequency from 110.60 to 113.35.

XFTC 1.3.3FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Initial public release of XFTC 1.3 with X-Plane 12 support. This is a paid update from 1.2.

Installer

  • Removed the UAC prompt when running updates from the Launcher.
  • Reduced the frequency of the “XFTC is running” popup from the updater and installer.

XFTC 1.3.2NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Installer

  • Modernize the Start Menu shortcuts.
  • Autorun Network Setup for Multi edition.
  • Remove the legacy DVD installer.

XFTC 1.3.1NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Installer

  • Added support for Full installers.
  • Improved startup performance.
  • Increased the X-Plane 12 minimum version requirement to v12.1.2.0.

XFTC 1.3.0SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Installer

  • Added support for X-Plane 12.
  • Added an X-Plane 11 to X-Plane 12 migration.

Launcher

  • Added support for X-Plane 12.
  • Added support for X-Plane 12’s renamed Cessna 172 SP.
  • Improved the Reactivation Message.

Profiler

  • Added support for X-Plane 12.
  • X-Plane 12 significantly changed its internal variables. This required broad changes to our profiler and most of our lessons. In addition, we have introduced a new compatibility layer that allows our updated X-Plane 12 lessons to continue working in X-Plane 11.
  • X-Plane 12 significantly changed its internal weather system. This required moderate changes to weather management and minimal modifications to lessons 20 and 20A.
  • Disabled the X-Plane Crash Dialog when loading lessons in X-Plane 12, preventing conflicts with our custom crash dialog.

Lessons

  • Numerous airport locations were minimally updated to reflect X-Plane 12 scenery changes.

XFTC 1.2.101AUGUST 15, 2024

This is the final update for XFTC 1.2.

Installer

  • Added a Gleim Livery for the Cessna 172 SP.

Profiler

  • Auto-select the Gleim Livery when loading a lesson.

XFTC 1.2.100AUGUST 2, 2024

Launcher

  • Fixed slow downloads due to power usage.
  • Fixed slow downloads due to ui-updates.
  • Fixed downloads not cancelling.
  • Added ETA and Speed to the download window.

XFTC 1.2.99JULY 26, 2024

Installer

  • Improved codesigning process and added codesigning to the uninstaller.

Launcher

  • Preload lesson airports when starting X-Plane for faster load times.

Lessons

  • In Lesson 18, added a popup notice for the anti-collision lights to help avoid lesson infractions.

XFTC 1.2.98JUNE 18, 2024

Installer

  • Increased the X-Plane 11 minimum version to v11.0.55.1.
  • Renamed the DVD Installer to XFTC_SETUP.exe.

Launcher

  • Fixed timeout error when downloading updates with a slow internet connection.
  • Fixed the Launcher’s “Very High” power usage.
  • The About > Release Notes button now links to version-specific notes on gleim.com.

Profiler

  • Improved warping and camera transitions during warps.

Lessons

  • Lessons 16 and 19 now use the OTB VOR navaid at Tupelo Regional Airport (KTUP). The FAA has decommissioned the Hamilton VOR (HAB) at Marion Co Rankin Fite (KHAB). This change also corrects L19’s cross-country flight status.
  • Lesson 25 still uses KHAB, but was switched from VOR to GPS navigation to avoid the decommissioned VOR.
  • Minor repositioning for “yellow markers” in Lesson 25 and others.
  • Enhanced all IMC Tasks by reducing visibility. This results in more consistent and guaranteed IMC conditions.

XFTC 1.2.97JUNE 24, 2022

  • Fixed a conflict with the third-party plugin SPAD.neXt.

XFTC 1.2.96JUNE 13, 2022

  • Fixed a bug where the Launcher sometimes didn’t minimize when starting a lesson.

XFTC 1.2.95JANUARY 25, 2022

  • Fixed a bug that caused the “Speak Checkpoints” menu option not to match the actual underlying setting.
  • Optimized some calculations in the installer so updating is a lot faster.
  • Various lesson fixes/improvements.

XFTC 1.2.94JULY 13, 2021

  • Fixed a rare issue where the Profiler couldn’t detect the correct working directory on startup.

XFTC 1.2.93MAY 13, 2021

  • Better error handling for corrupted settings files; default settings are now used so the lesson can still load.
  • If Panel Builder is running at the end of a lesson (i.e. in the Gleim Virtual Cockpit BATD), viewing the lesson report will close Panel Builder, CheckRide, and X-Plane so the report is no longer hidden behind other windows. Otherwise, X-Plane will minimize only, as it always has.
  • Expanded tolerances for heading and ground track requisites to make them easier to trigger.
  • Update window now properly stays on top while downloading an update.
  • Update window shows the file name of the installer being downloaded.
  • Launcher does a better job finding X-Plane when launching a lesson; no more false positives for Plane Maker.

XFTC 1.2.92FEBRUARY 11, 2021

X-Plane 11 is required for this release. X-Plane 10 users will receive no future updates.

  • Vulkan in X-Plane 11.50+ is now supported. Fixed the issue with the yellow ground reference objects not appearing with Vulkan enabled.
  • Added support for 0S7 3D scenery released in X-Plane 11.50.
  • Better multi-monitor support. XFTC windows now appear on the first available monitor and stay there unless it’s disabled; then they move automatically to the next one. A new menu option has been added to override the automatic selection and choose any other available monitor. The active monitor is saved on exit so it doesn’t have to be set every time X-Plane loads. For Multi Edition, the active monitor setting is saved independently for each user.
  • Improved the Cessna 172 drag profile so the power settings more accurately match the real plane.
  • Updated airspeeds in the lesson instructions to match the new drag profile.
  • Fixed the brake check requisites so it’s possible again to trigger them with the parking brake, not just the rudder pedals.
  • Audio is now muted during warps, which gets rid of the ear-piercing alarm during the long warp in L14.
  • X-Plane 10 tutorial videos are no longer contained in the Launcher. The old button now links to the Flight Sim Tutorials page, which contains embedded tutorial videos for X-Plane 11.
  • Added a release notes button to the Launcher, which goes to the page you are currently reading.
  • Improved lesson load time by approximately 5 seconds when a lesson is launched and X-Plane isn’t already running.
  • Minor fix to the “Reset All” menu option to prevent lesson windows from appearing when outside of a lesson.
  • Removed unused “Speak Notices” menu option.

XFTC 1.2.91APRIL 13, 2020

This release contains a single bug fix for the hard warping to runway in X-Plane 11 that has been reported by customers. Symptoms of this bug include bouncing, leaning back onto the tail, or the engine failing completely after a warp. None of this should occur after the update. The plane should always be placed smoothly onto the runway.

XFTC 1.2.90JANUARY 15, 2020

  • Transponder is now set to ALT instead of STBY at lesson start.
  • Added a toggle in the Launcher to choose between the analog or G1000 version of the Cessna 172 (X-Plane 11 only).
  • Improved lesson load time when X-Plane isn’t already running by preloading the airplane via command line option.
  • Added support for Panel Builder and Checkride (used in the Gleim Virtual Cockpit BATD).
  • Fixed KRIL field elevation in L20.
  • Updated some L20 requisites to make them easier to trigger.
  • Clarified some instructions in L16 and improved the tolerances to better enforce them.
  • Removed flap infractions from short-field landings saying that flaps should be fully extended. Flaps should be retracted immediately after landing.

XFTC 1.2.89JULY 9, 2019

  • Multi Edition bug fixes.
  • Initial public release of XFTC Multi Edition.

XFTC 1.2.88JUNE 12, 2019

  • Multi Edition bug fixes.
  • Fixed an incorrect radial instruction in Lesson 20.

XFTC 1.2.87MAY 28, 2019

  • Multi Edition bug fixes.
  • Graphical overhaul of the Launcher to be more modern and visually appealing.

XFTC 1.2.86MAY 22, 2019

  • Multi Edition bug fixes.

XFTC 1.2.85MAY 1, 2019

  • Multi Edition bug fixes.
  • This version was only released publicly for Home Edition, for the sole purpose of the KHAB changes in the previous release.

XFTC 1.2.84APRIL 26, 2019

  • Multi Edition bug fixes.
  • Added support for KHAB’s 3D scenery released in X-Plane 11.33.
  • Fixed a bug in L19 preventing the lesson from sequencing properly.

XFTC 1.2.83APRIL 26, 2019

  • Initial beta release of XFTC Multi Edition.
  • Customer Key and Activation Code are now permanently shown on the activation screen for easy reference after activation.
  • Fixed some issues with flap tolerances/requisites caused by certain peripherals not setting the flap ratio to 100% for full flaps.

XFTC 1.2.82OCTOBER 17, 2018

  • XFTC no longer overrides X-Plane sound/volume settings.
  • Improved visibility in X-Plane 11.
  • Lessons can now start the plane from a cold and dark state.
  • Launching a lesson when the default plane is not active now switches planes and loads the lesson properly. Previously, the correct plane would load, but there was a bug that prevented the lesson checklist from appearing, and the lesson history was not saved.

XFTC 1.2.81SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

  • Various lesson fixes/improvements.

XFTC 1.2.80SEPTEMBER 11, 2018

  • Added support for different airport layouts depending on X-Plane version. This allows XP11 users to use the new 3D scenery with more accurate runways/taxiways. Lesson warp points are now calculated based on the active layout so the plane always starts on pavement in the correct location. Prior to this, users running X-Plane 11.25 were being warped to the grass at KJFX due to the updated scenery.

XFTC 1.2.79MARCH 2, 2018

  • Bug fixes for XP11 migration.
  • First public release with support for X-Plane 11.

XFTC 1.2.78MARCH 2, 2018

  • Bug fixes for XP11 migration.
  • Fixed a bug that prevented the updater from running in Windows 10 because of UAC.

XFTC 1.2.77FEBRUARY 28, 2018

  • Bug fixes for XP11 migration.

XFTC 1.2.76FEBRUARY 22, 2018

  • Bug fixes for XP11 migration.

XFTC 1.2.75NOVEMBER 29, 2017

  • Added initial support for X-Plane 11. For existing XFTC users, the installer detects if X-Plane 11 is installed and offers to migrate XFTC from XP10 to XP11 automatically.

XFTC 1.2.74APRIL 11, 2017

  • Various lesson fixes/improvements.
  • Smoother Profile Map panning when clicking/dragging with the mouse.
  • Fixed Launcher bug that caused a crash if the splash screen was clicked during startup.
  • The first lesson video is now selected by default so users can click “Play Video” right away.

XFTC 1.2.73MARCH 31, 2016

  • Updated video content.

XFTC 1.2.72MARCH 1, 2016

  • Various lesson fixes/improvements.
  • Added Help button to Launcher.

XFTC 1.2.71JULY 28, 2015

  • Fixed a bug that prevented continuing the lesson after crashing.
  • Added crash dialog/reset functionality to Practice Mode (previously only available in Training Mode).

XFTC 1.2.70JULY 13, 2015

  • Initial public release of XFTC Home Edition.