Flight Panels has officially expanded its ecosystem to X-Plane, announcing the release of its first Stream Deck profiles for the platform following their unveiling at FSWeekend 2026. This marks the first time the developer’s products are available outside Microsoft Flight Simulator, opening the door to a wider audience of X-Plane users seeking enhanced cockpit interaction.
The initial release includes dedicated aircraft and autopilot profiles for the Zibo Boeing 737-800X and the Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000), two of the most widely used aircraft in the simulator. With this expansion, Flight Panels aims to bring a more immersive and tactile flying experience to X-Plane pilots through the use of Elgato Stream Deck devices.
Flight Panels transforms Stream Deck hardware into fully functional cockpit panels, allowing users to operate switches, systems, and instruments using physical buttons, rotary encoders, and touch interfaces. This approach reduces reliance on keyboard and mouse inputs, offering a more natural and realistic interaction with aircraft systems. Each profile features custom-designed buttons that visually replicate real cockpit controls, ensuring both usability and immersion from the outset.
The Zibo 737-800X profile is designed to match the depth of the aircraft itself, offering 706 pre-configured controls across 31 pages. These cover a wide range of functions, including overhead systems, communications, navigation, and lighting. The profile is available in both 15-key and 32-key layouts, supporting multiple Stream Deck devices such as the XL, MK.2, mobile versions, and the Corsair Xeneon Edge.
For general aviation users, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk (G1000) profile includes 240 controls across 11 pages, tailored to the aircraft’s modern glass cockpit environment. Similar to the 737 profile, it supports both 15-key and 32-key configurations and is designed to provide immediate usability without additional setup.
In addition, dedicated autopilot profiles are available for both aircraft, specifically optimized for the Stream Deck +. These profiles take advantage of the device’s rotary dials and touchscreen capabilities, offering precise control over autopilot functions in a more intuitive format.
According to Flight Panels founder Richard Kennedy, the move into X-Plane represents a significant step forward for the company, with further expansions already planned. The developer has confirmed that support for the ToLiss Airbus A320neo is expected in April, indicating a continued commitment to expanding compatibility within the X-Plane ecosystem.
Flight Panels, based in Northern Ireland, has built a strong reputation through its extensive catalogue of Stream Deck profiles for Microsoft Flight Simulator. With this latest release, the company reinforces its focus on delivering high-quality, pre-configured cockpit interaction solutions designed to enhance realism and usability for flight simulation enthusiasts. For more flight simulation news and updates, be sure to check out other articles on FSNews.
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