With the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator fast approaching, Asobo Studio is opening its hangar doors a bit this week with the start of a closed beta. However, the build itself is now open to alpha testers, and a list of new additions is available.

The first alpha testing began shortly after the announcement at E3 2019, followed by frequent updates and further testing phases. The initial reveal whetted our appetite, and since then Asobo has continued to provide us with the details we crave over the past year. Through the roadmap and blog updates, development has been fairly open and even those who haven't had a chance to play yet can get a pretty clear idea of what to expect. [The closed beta build of the flight sim brings nine new aircraft into the world, and thanks to four new flight tutorials, new players will be able to fly a Cessna 152 while learning about traffic patterns and navigation. If you're already familiar with it, you can also embark on three new bush trips to far-flung destinations. The most daring pilots should check out the 22 new landing challenges.

If you have a TrackIR headset, you can now use it while hanging out above the clouds. You'll be able to take advantage of the head-tracking wizard to control the cockpit and chase camera in the hangar and in flight. Asbo also hopes to eventually support VR. As soon as the trailer was released, aspiring pilots began clamoring for VR, and it has since become a "very high" priority for the team.

Additions to the beta include:

aircraft

bush trips

flight training tutorials

landing challenges

TrackIR

Invites to the closed beta will be officially sent until July 30, when it will officially begin, followed by a full launch on August 18.