FlightControlTools first teased version 6 of FlightControlReplay back at FSWeekend in March, but at the time there was no indication of a release date for the update. At FlightSimExpo 2026 in Saint Paul, developer Fabio Merlo announced that FlightControlReplay V6 is now targeting a release toward the end of July 2026, for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
The reveal came during a dedicated stage appearance, where Merlo ran through a roughly 10-minute presentation alongside a first proper trailer.
It is worth remembering the context FlightControlReplay sits in. Since MSFS 2024 launched, a free embedded version of the tool has shipped inside the sim itself, which means the paid product has to keep offering enough on top of the basics to justify the upgrade. Merlo’s proposition for V6 is that this is the most substantial step the series has taken, built around four areas: cinematic camera technology, smarter replay systems, AI traffic tracking, and a fully rebuilt interface. The pitch, in other words, is squarely aimed at the content creators and virtual pilots who want more than a basic rewind.
A rebuilt interface, and a cinematic mode
The most visible change is the interface, which FlightControlTools says has been rebuilt from scratch. The developer describes faster workflows, a clearer structure, and more direct access to the camera tools and sliders that get the most use during a replay session.
The most promising new feature though is probable the new Cinematic Mode. According to the developer, this allows unrestricted camera movement for movie-style capture directly inside the sim, with smoother transitions and sweeping tracking shots for trailers, approach sequences and airport scenes. It builds on the cinematic replay features already present in FCR5.
The fly-by camera moves into live flight
The Fly-By Camera, previously used mostly to recorded replay sessions, is moving into live flight in V6. The developer says users will be able to track their aircraft in real time during takeoff, approach, cruise, landing and taxi, with adjustable distance, zoom and viewing angle.
V6 is also planned to include AI traffic tracking, which the developer says will let users follow surrounding aircraft in real time to capture busier, more active airport scenes.
There is also a new Automatic Highlights system, which the developer describes as a way to automatically detect and preselect the important moments of a flight, takeoffs, landings, sharper manoeuvres, so users spend less time scrubbing through long cruise segments. Custom replay support for complex add-on aircraft is being improved as well, which has historically been one of the things FlightControlReplay does that the embedded version does not, with accurate animation of flaps, gear and control surfaces during playback.
Rounding out the picture is a set of Flight Analysis tools. V6 is planned to introduce logs and charts covering speed, vertical speed, pitch angle and bank angle, giving pilots a way to review the technical side of a flight after the fact.
Pricing and upgrade cost
FlightControlTools has confirmed that registered FCR5 owners will get a reduced upgrade price when V6 arrives, consistent with how the developer has handled previous version transitions. Exact figures have not been shared yet, with more pricing detail expected closer to launch.
