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Flight sim convention comes to Minnesota in June

Flight simulation enthusiasts, student pilots, and aviation professionals will gather in St. Paul, Minnesota, in June for FlightSimExpo 2026, a three-day convention showcasing how flight simulation can support pilot training, proficiency, and aviation education.

Photo courtesy of FlightSimExpo.

The event—which is in its seventh year and runs June 12 to 14 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre—is expected to draw more than 3,000 attendees and 70 exhibitors.

Each ticket includes access to hands-on exhibits featuring more than 60 simulators, seminars, workshops, and tours. Attendees can try the latest flight sim software—including Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane 12—along with hardware, motion platforms, virtual reality systems, and other components.

New this year, the exhibit hall will feature two competition areas. National STOL will host a competition that lets attendees go head-to-head against other sim competitors and real-world pilots experienced in short takeoff and landing competition. The second, a Combat Arena, will offer air combat competitions, team operations, and airshow-style performances.

More information can be found and tickets can be purchased online.

AOPA communications director Jay Wiles at Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, Maryland, June 10, 2025. Photo by David Tulis.
Jay Wiles
Director of Public and Media Relations
Director of Public and Media Relations Jay Wiles joined AOPA in 2025. He is a student pilot and lifelong aviation enthusiast who previously worked at ForeFlight, and as a journalist in Austin, Texas.
Topics: Events

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