Verticalsim has recently released their latest scenery masterpiece, Tampa International Airport (KTPA), for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS). With high levels of detail, including terminals and surrounding buildings, animated passengers, and custom lighting, this scenery offers a truly immersive experience for flight enthusiasts.
Tampa International Airport, located on Florida’s West Coast, is the largest airport in the region and boasts 93 non-stop destinations in 11 countries. With around 72 domestic flights from Tampa to cities across the US, the airport is a popular destination year-round, especially for those seeking some winter sun.
The airport has a rich history, as it is known as the birthplace of commercial airline service, with the first scheduled commercial flight in the world taking off from St. Petersburg to Tampa Airboat Line in early 1914. The airport dates back to 1928, then called Drew Field, and was heavily used during WW2 for training. It underwent modernization and expansion post-war, and a new terminal reached completion in 1952.
Tampa International Airport has won several quality awards, including Best Overall U.S. Airport in 2007 and 2008 by Zagat Survey, Second Best Airport in the World by Condé Nas in 2008, and 6th place on CNN’s Ten of the World’s Most Loved Airports, and it’s considered by Airports Council International as the best airport in America for its size (2020).
The updated taxiway layout, custom taxi signs, and airline codes, as well as a blend of custom and photorealistic ground imagery, make the scenery an accurate representation of the airport as it stands today. In addition, the scenery includes surrounding area landmarks, including the Raymond James Stadium, International Plaza Mall, and Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
Key Features
- Animated passengers with “half-interior” airsides/terminals
- 2023 taxiway layout
- Proper AI routing, vehicle pathing, airline codes
- Custom taxisigns per real-life taxisign plots
- Custom airport lighting (i.e. centerline lights, hold-short, Wig-Wags, etc.)
- Blend of custom & photorealistic texturing for the best of both worlds
- Animated HVAC fans, flags, and trams
- Handcrafted mesh with taxiway bridges
- High-resolution 0.5ft/Color Graded Imagery
- Surrounding area landmarks (Raymond James, International Plaza, Grand Hyatt, etc.)
The immersive experience is further enhanced with the addition of animated passengers with “half-interior” airside and terminals, realistic AI traffic routing, and custom jetways. The handcrafted mesh with taxiway bridges and high-resolution 0.5ft/color graded imagery give the scenery a realistic feel.
To purchase Verticalsim Tampa International Airport (KTPA) for Microsoft Flight Simulator, head to Verticalsim’s website, where it is available for $21.99. Whether you are a seasoned pilot or a newcomer to the world of flight simulation, this scenery is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Take to the virtual skies and explore Tampa International Airport in MSFS!
