Microsoft Flight Simulator has launched its latest Local Legend aircraft, the CAP-4 Paulistinha, a classic Brazilian trainer from the Golden Age of Aviation. This release coincides with World Update 19, which enhances the South American regions of Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Notably, the CAP-4 Paulistinha is available free of charge to all users as part of Microsoft’s promise to reward users’ patience following the launch of MSFS 2024.
A Historic Brazilian Trainer
The story of the CAP-4 Paulistinha dates back to 1931, when three Brazilian aviation pioneers founded the Empresa Aeronáutica Ypiranga (EAY). Their goal was to build airplanes for the growing number of aviation enthusiasts. After developing the EAY-101, a German Zögling-inspired glider, they moved on to their first powered aircraft, the EAY-201. This was a high-wing, tandem-seat aircraft based on the American Taylor Cub, featuring a French-built Salmson 9AD radial engine producing 40 horsepower. Designed for training and general aviation, it was easy to take off, forgiving in the air, and simple to land.
After just five units of the EAY-201 were built, the Companhia Aeronáutica Paulista (CAP) acquired EAY and improved upon the design, introducing the CAP-4 Paulistinha. This new model retained the same overall structure but was powered by a more robust Franklin 4AC engine, offering 65 horsepower and improved performance.
The CAP-4 ended up being widely used in civilian and military training, particularly in Brazil, but also found its way to Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Portugal.
The CAP-4 Paulistinha in Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator partnered with iniBuilds to faithfully recreate the CAP-4 Paulistinha for simmers. The aircraft maintains its lightweight and simple flight characteristics, making it a great choice for both experienced simmers and newcomers alike.
The CAP-4 Paulistinha comes with six authentic liveries.
It’s free!
The CAP-4 Paulistinha is available for free to all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 as one of four aircraft that the developers promised as a gesture of goodwill following the launch of MSFS 2024. The first was the Cessna 185F, which was released just last week alongside Sim Update 1.
To fly the CAP-4 Paulistinha, simply visit the in-sim Marketplace (also released today!) and download the aircraft at no cost.
