Advertisements claimed "If flying your IBM PC got any more realistic, you'd need a license", and promised "a full-color, out-the-window flight display".

[4][5][6][7][8][9][10] In Microsoft Flight Simulator, the player flies a Cessna 182 in one of four US regions: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, or Seattle.

"[12] Hartley G. Lesser for Electronic Fun with Computers & Games said "Microsoft's Flight Simulator actually turns your IBM PC into a Cessna.

"[13] Stan Miastkowski for Byte said "The Microsoft Flight Simulator is a tour de force of the programmer's art.

[15] In 2021, The Strong National Museum of Play inducted Microsoft Flight Simulator to its World Video Game Hall of Fame.