How to Control Microsoft Flight Simulator with StreamDock and AAO

How to Control Microsoft Flight Simulator with StreamDock and AAO

Build a Custom Flight Simulator Control Deck for MSFS

As Microsoft Flight Simulator becomes more advanced and realistic, many sim pilots are looking for better ways to control aircraft systems efficiently.

Using a StreamDock, stream deck alternative, or macro keyboard together with AAO (AxisAndOhs) allows you to build a highly customizable flight simulator control setup for MSFS.

This guide explains:

  • What StreamDock + AAO can do
  • Required hardware and software
  • How to install AAO
  • How to connect everything
  • Real-world cockpit workflow examples
  • Common troubleshooting tips

Based on the original tutorial document


What Can StreamDock + AAO Do?

With StreamDock and AAO, you can control aircraft systems directly from your LCD control deck or creator workflow setup.

Examples include:

  • Landing gear
  • Aircraft lights
  • Autopilot controls
  • Flaps
  • NAV systems
  • Heading adjustments
  • Altitude controls
  • Engine systems

You can also use encoder knobs for precise adjustments such as:

  • Heading
  • Altitude
  • Trim
  • Throttle
  • Radio frequencies

This creates a much more immersive flight simulator workflow compared to using only a mouse and keyboard.


System Architecture

The typical setup flow looks like this:

StreamDock Device
→ Install VSD Craft
→ Install AAO
→ Install AAO Plugin
→ Connect to Microsoft Flight Simulator


Requirements

Hardware

You will need:

  • StreamDock device
  • Windows PC

Software

Required software includes:

  • VSD Craft
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator
  • AAO (AxisAndOhs)
  • AxisAndOhs StreamDock Plugin

AAO is currently one of the most reliable and mature control bridge tools available for MSFS.

It supports:

  • Advanced aircraft systems
  • Third-party aircraft
  • SimVars
  • LVars
  • HVars

Perfect for serious flight simulator setups.


How to Install AAO

Step 1 — Install AxisAndOhs

Download AAO from the official website:

AxisAndOhs Downloads

After installation:

  • Make sure AAO matches your MSFS version
  • Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator at least once

Step 2 — Install the StreamDock Plugin

Download the AAO plugin from:

Important:

Use:

Plugin for the Mirabox StreamDock

Do NOT use the original Elgato Stream Deck AAO plugin.


How to Configure StreamDock with AAO

Step 1 — Create an Action

Inside StreamDock:

  1. Create a button or encoder
  2. Select:
AAO / External Interface
  1. Bind the desired AAO action or script

Step 2 — Configure Input Types

You can configure:

  • Single press
  • Long press
  • Encoder rotation
  • Clockwise rotation
  • Counter-clockwise rotation

This makes StreamDock perfect for:

  • Flight simulator workflow automation
  • Creator tools
  • Gaming setup customization
  • Advanced cockpit control systems

Typical Flight Simulator Pages

Ground Operations Page

Recommended controls:

  • Engine start
  • Taxi lights
  • Takeoff lights
  • Flaps

Cruise Page

Recommended controls:

  • Autopilot
  • Heading
  • Altitude
  • NAV modes
  • APPR modes

Perfect for:

  • Workflow automation
  • Encoder knob usage
  • Professional cockpit layouts

Landing Page

Recommended controls:

  • Landing gear
  • Spoilers
  • Autobrake
  • Final approach controls

Recommended Advice for Beginners

For new users, manually configuring AAO scenes and scripts can feel overwhelming.

A better starting point is downloading community-made layouts from Flightsim.to.

These prebuilt scenes help you:

  • Learn workflow structure
  • Understand AAO bindings
  • Build profiles faster
  • Improve your cockpit setup

Recommended Creator

One highly recommended creator is:

Guenseli on Flightsim.to

Please respect the original creators.

Avoid modifying or redistributing their work commercially without permission.


Troubleshooting Tips

StreamDock Actions Don’t Respond

Check:

  • MSFS is already in-flight
  • AAO connection status
  • Plugin version compatibility
  • Firewall settings
  • SimConnect connection

Encoder Knobs Don’t Rotate Properly

Make sure:

  • Encoder assignments are configured in AAO
  • Clockwise / counter-clockwise actions are set correctly in VSD Craft

Should Different Aircraft Use Different Profiles?

Yes.

This is strongly recommended for aircraft like:

  • A32NX
  • PMDG
  • Fenix

Different aircraft often use different variable systems and workflows.


Why This Setup Is So Powerful

Using StreamDock with AAO allows you to create a professional flight simulator control deck with:

  • Workflow automation
  • LCD control interfaces
  • Encoder controls
  • Custom cockpit pages
  • Stream deck alternative flexibility
  • Advanced simulator integration

This setup greatly improves:

  • Flight immersion
  • Workflow speed
  • Cockpit organization
  • Simulator interaction efficiency

Final Thoughts

The combination of:

  • StreamDock
  • AAO
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator

creates a highly scalable and professional flight simulator workflow system.

Whether you are using:

  • A stream deck alternative
  • A macro keyboard
  • A wireless control deck
  • A creator control setup

this workflow can dramatically improve your MSFS experience.

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