For those who never purchased the Aerosoft CRJ in the first place, the term “free” must be redirected toward legitimate freeware options. Fortunately, the flight simulation community has produced several excellent free CRJ‑related add‑ons for FSX. While none match the system depth of the paid Aerosoft product, they provide enjoyable regional jet flying experiences without breaking any laws or endangering your computer.
Free ambient cabin sounds and enhanced engine noise packages are available on freeware library sites.
High-fidelity add-ons like the CRJ rely on complex licensing checks and external dynamic link libraries (DLLs). Cracked versions are notoriously unstable, frequently causing FSX to crash to desktop (CTD) or rendering the gauges completely blank.
Highmemfix=1 in your FSX.cfg is mandatory to prevent crashes.
The default package comes with a limited number of airlines. You can download thousands of real-world airline liveries for free.
The keyword is a tempting Google search. We understand the desire to fly the beautiful Bombardier regional jet without opening your wallet. However, the cost of a "free" download is often higher than the retail price.
Finally, if you are passionate about the CRJ and can afford to do so, consider purchasing a legitimate copy of the Aerosoft CRJ Series for MSFS 2020 or 2024. The current version 2 includes all four variants, a vastly improved flight model leveraging computational fluid dynamics, and ongoing support from a dedicated development team. Your purchase directly funds the future of high‑quality flight simulation add‑ons and ensures that aircraft like the CRJ continue to receive updates for years to come.
To build your free CRJ fleet safely, follow these steps to source files from reputable community databases:
While not free, the product is still available through official retailers: : Currently listed for approximately $49.16 USD .
Keep in mind that a free version of the Aerosoft CRJ for FSX might come with limitations, such as:
If you want to get your free regional jet up and running, let me know:
Excellent for automatic installers that safely integrate freeware aircraft into FSX without manual file dragging. Conclusion
While the aircraft itself is paid, you can find various free community-made add-ons to enhance it:
Released after years of meticulous development, the Aerosoft CRJ-700/900 (and later the 550/1000 expansion) filled a massive gap in the FSX market. Prior to its release, flight simulation lacked a high-fidelity regional jet that balanced complex Flight Management Computer (FMC) operations with optimized frame rates. Key features of the payware Aerosoft CRJ included:
Modern payware utilizes online validation. Pirated copies frequently suffer from broken gauges, missing landing gear, unclickable cockpits, or sudden simulator crashes because the anti-piracy code triggers during flight. Best Free Alternatives to the Aerosoft CRJ for FSX
It is also worth noting that the Aerosoft CRJ 700/900 X for FSX is a legacy product. The original version was released in 2017, and while Aerosoft continued to provide updates for some time, the focus has since shifted to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. Users who manage to obtain a legitimate copy—either through purchase or a secondhand license—may still encounter compatibility issues with modern operating systems, graphics drivers, and hardware. The product was designed for an era of single‑core processors and 32‑bit memory addressing. Running it on Windows 10 or Windows 11 with high‑end hardware may produce mixed results, including stuttering, graphical artifacts, or memory‑related crashes.
