Introduction: The Aerosoft CRJ 700/900 in Modern Flight Simulation

The Aerosoft CRJ 700/900 add-on has become a benchmark in the world of desktop flight simulation. Developed for platforms such as Microsoft Flight Simulator and Prepar3D, this package delivers a deep, systems-rich representation of Bombardier’s popular regional jet family. For virtual pilots seeking a realistic regional airline experience, the Aerosoft CRJ stands out as a robust training and entertainment tool. Its combination of high-fidelity cockpit modeling, accurate flight dynamics, and comprehensive system simulation makes it a preferred choice for both hobbyists and professionals. This analysis explores the simulation in depth, covering its features, performance, training applications, limitations, and overall value in the simulation ecosystem.

Overview of the Aerosoft CRJ 700/900 Package

The Bombardier CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) series has been a mainstay in regional aviation since the 1990s. The CRJ 700 and 900 models, with their stretched fuselages and improved aerodynamics, offer efficient short-to-medium-haul service. Aerosoft’s simulation faithfully recreates these aircraft, including the cockpit systems, external modeling, and flight characteristics. The package spans two variants—the CRJ 700 and CRJ 900—each with subtle differences in length, passenger capacity, and performance. Users can expect a detailed exterior model with accurate textures, an immersive 3D cockpit with functional displays and gauges, and a comprehensive set of systems that mirror the real aircraft’s avionics, electrical, hydraulic, and fuel management.

The simulation is available for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Prepar3D v4/v5, ensuring compatibility with the major modern platforms. Aerosoft has a long reputation for producing high-quality add-ons, and the CRJ series continues that tradition with regular updates and community support.

Key Features of the Simulation

Cockpit and Avionics Modeling

The heart of any airliner simulation is the cockpit. Aerosoft’s CRJ features a fully clickable 3D cockpit with custom-coded systems. The primary flight displays (PFDs), navigation displays (NDs), and the Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) are simulated with high accuracy. Users can interact with the flight management system (FMS), autopilot, and radio panels just as in the real aircraft. The cockpit lighting—including panel backlighting and ambient lights—adds to the immersion during night flights.

Flight Dynamics and Systems

Flight dynamics are based on real-world performance data provided by Bombardier (now part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries). The model handles accurately regarding climb rates, cruise speeds, and fuel consumption. Systems simulation covers:

  • Electrical system: Generator management, battery, APU, and external power.
  • Hydraulic system: Pressures, pumps, and actuator logic.
  • Fuel system: Cross-feed, tank sequencing, and fuel pump failures.
  • Pneumatic system: Bleed air, pressurization, and air conditioning.
  • Fire protection: Detection and extinguishing simulation.
  • Flight controls: Fly-by-wire characteristics with manual reversion modes.

Failures can be introduced through the simulation’s built-in failure management system, allowing pilots to practice emergency procedures in a safe environment.

Flight Management System (FMS)

The FMS replicates real-world programming, including flight plan entry, performance calculations, and lateral/vertical navigation (LNAV/VNAV). Users can input SIDs, STARs, approaches, and holding patterns. The FMS also supports advanced features like RTA (Required Time of Arrival) and custom waypoints, which are essential for procedural training.

Visual and Audio Realism

The external model features high-resolution textures, dynamic lighting, and custom animations (e.g., control surfaces, gear doors, and reversers). The sound set is recorded from actual CRJ aircraft, capturing engine spool-up, hydraulics, cockpit switches, and environmental sounds. This audio realism enhances the sense of presence during flight.

Performance and System Requirements

Given the complexity of the simulation, system requirements are higher than average. A mid-range to high-end computer is recommended to achieve smooth framerates, especially in dense scenery. Users should aim for:

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD equivalent
  • RAM: 16 GB or more
  • GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1070 or better (for VR or high settings)
  • Storage: SSD for faster load times

The simulation includes customizable graphics settings, allowing users to balance visual quality with performance. For VR users, the CRJ supports virtual reality on Prepar3D and MSFS, providing an even more immersive experience.

Advantages for Different User Groups

Professional Pilots and Type Rating Preparation

The Aerosoft CRJ is often used by real-world pilots for recurrent training and type rating preparation. Its procedural accuracy allows pilots to practice flows, checklists, and emergency drills without needing a full-motion simulator. The FMS programming closely mirrors the real Honeywell Primus Epic system, making it a valuable tool for systems review. Many flight schools use the Aerosoft CRJ as an adjunct to classroom instruction.

Enthusiasts and Virtual Airlines

Virtual airline pilots appreciate the CRJ’s depth for scheduled regional operations. The add-on integrates well with online networks like VATSIM and IVAO, offering full support for voice communication and radar services. The steep learning curve is offset by comprehensive documentation and community tutorials. For those who enjoy systems study, the CRJ provides weeks of exploration.

Educational Institutions

Aviation colleges and universities incorporate the Aerosoft CRJ into their curricula. Students learn about aircraft systems, performance calculations, and airline procedures. The simulation can be used to demonstrate concepts like pressurization schedules, fuel management, and flight control laws. Instructors can create custom scenarios to highlight specific learning objectives.

Training Benefits: A Deeper Look

The CRJ simulation allows practicing procedures that are difficult to replicate in a real aircraft due to cost or safety concerns. Examples include:

  • Engine failures: At critical phases of flight (V1 cuts, go-arounds)
  • Systems malfunctions: Hydraulic leaks, electrical failures, pressurization problems
  • Non-normal checklists: Using the aircraft’s Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) flows
  • Instrument approaches: Flying raw data ILS, VOR, and NDB approaches with autopilot failures

The simulation logs flight data and can be used for debriefing. Some users pair it with external flight analysis tools like Volanta or SimToolkitPro. The fidelity of the systems allows pilots to develop muscle memory for switch positioning and procedural sequence.

Procedural Flow Practice

One major advantage is the ability to repeat specific procedures until they become second nature. For instance, programming the FMS from scratch, performing an engine start using the APU bleed, and executing an RNAV approach can be practiced repeatedly. The simulation does not have the physical constraints of a real cockpit, enabling focused repetition.

Crew Resource Management (CRM) Simulations

When used with a copilot (either human in multiplayer or an AI), the CRJ can be used for CRM training. Communication flows, callouts, and task prioritization can be drilled. Online networks facilitate multi-crew operation with other virtual pilots.

Educational Applications in Academia

University aviation programs have adopted the Aerosoft CRJ as a teaching aid. In courses on aircraft systems, students can interact with each system in real-time. For example, during a lecture on hydraulics, the instructor can demonstrate pump operation, fluid pressure changes, and system redundancy. The visual feedback from the simulation reinforces theoretical knowledge.

In flight planning and performance courses, students use the CRJ’s FMS to compute fuel burn, takeoff speeds, and optimal altitudes. They can then fly the plan and compare actual performance with predictions. This hands-on approach improves understanding of performance charts and operational limitations.

Research projects may also use the simulation for human factors studies, such as assessing pilot workload during different phases of flight or testing new cockpit interface designs.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite its strengths, the Aerosoft CRJ has known limitations that users should consider before purchase.

  • Steep learning curve: New users often struggle with the complexity of systems and FMS programming. The manual is comprehensive but dense. Community forums help, but the initial time investment is significant.
  • Performance overhead: On older hardware, frame rates can suffer, especially in complex weather or high-resolution cockpits. VR performance may require powerful GPUs.
  • Missing features: Some advanced avionics features (like the full Honeywell Primus Epic synoptic pages) are approximated rather than fully modeled. Aerosoft has added many updates over time, but some users desire greater depth in areas like weather radar simulation or cabin management.
  • Platform inconsistencies: The MSFS version and Prepar3D version have slight differences in systems, leading to occasional confusion. Aerosoft maintains both but updates may not always be simultaneous.

Users should also ensure they have proper hardware (yoke, rudder pedals, multi-panel) to fully enjoy the simulation. A simple keyboard and mouse setup can be frustrating for complex procedures.

Comparison with Other Regional Jet Simulations

The Aerosoft CRJ competes with other regional jet add-ons like the FS2Crew CRJ (which adds copilot functionality) and the FlyTampa aircraft solutions. However, the Aerosoft product remains popular due to its balance of depth and accessibility. While add-ons like the Leonardo MD-80 or PMDG 737 offer similar system depth for other aircraft types, the CRJ fills a niche for regional jet operators. The Aerosoft CRJ is also the only fully featured Bombardier regional jet simulation available for MSFS (as of 2025).

For those interested in the real-world aircraft, Bombardier (now Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) provides official documentation and technical data. Aerosoft’s simulation aligns closely with the real-world CRJ 700/900 Pilot Training Manual (PTM), which can be found through official channels.

Community and Support Ecosystem

One of the strengths of the Aerosoft CRJ is its active community. Forums on Aerosoft’s own forum and other aviation sites host discussions on procedures, troubleshooting, and add-ons. Users share custom liveries, improved flight plans, and configuration tweaks. The community also produces tutorials on platforms like YouTube, which help new users overcome the learning curve.

Aerosoft provides regular updates, though the pace varies. Bugs are typically addressed in subsequent patches. Third-party extensions, such as the FS2Crew copilot package, add automation and interaction, making the simulation more accessible for solo flying.

Future Developments and Roadmap

Aerosoft continues to refine the CRJ. Future updates may include improved weather radar simulation, better integration with MSFS 2024's new features (if released), and enhanced virtual reality support. The community has requested more detailed failure scenarios and expanded documentation. Given Aerosoft’s track record with updates for their Airbus A330 and other products, users can expect ongoing support for the CRJ.

For those considering the purchase, the current version is stable and feature-rich. New users should check hardware compatibility and be prepared to invest time in learning the systems.

Conclusion

The Aerosoft CRJ 700/900 is a flagship simulation add-on that offers an authentic regional jet experience. Its depth of systems, realistic flight dynamics, and close adherence to real-world procedures make it a valuable asset for training and entertainment alike. While it requires a powerful computer and a significant time commitment, the payoff is a deeply immersive simulation that develops genuine aviation knowledge. Whether you are a virtual airline captain flying regular routes, a student pilot preparing for a type rating, or an enthusiast looking for a complex aircraft to master, the Aerosoft CRJ delivers. With strong community support and ongoing development, it remains a top choice in the flight simulation market.

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