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:

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:
- Create a button or encoder
- Select:
AAO / External Interface
- 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:
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.