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XoL: Running X-Plane on Linux

This documentation covers setup and optimization of X-Plane 12 (Laminar Research) under Linux. It is aimed at experienced Linux users — a working installation is assumed. The examples are based on Debian but transfer to other distributions with minor adjustments.

Where to Start

  • Why Linux? Introduction explains what makes X-Plane on Linux different.
  • New to X-Plane on Linux? Getting Started covers system requirements, installation, and first launch.
  • X-Plane already running? Performance explains the three load dimensions (CPU, I/O, network) before diving into System Tuning.

About This Documentation

The core focus is on Linux system tuning — kernel parameters, CPU governor, GPU drivers, display server selection, and filesystem optimization — complemented by performance analysis using both X-Plane's built-in tools and Linux monitoring utilities. Additional sections cover scenery management with orthophoto streaming, flight operations including ATC procedures, and a reference catalog of Linux-compatible addons and plugins. The guides are modular — individual topics can be implemented independently or combined as needed.

Contributing

This documentation is an open project. Improvements or additions can be contributed via GitHub:

  • Create issues for bugs or suggestions
  • Submit pull requests for changes
  • Share experiences in the discussions in the footer of this website (e.g., via the Discord link)

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Recent Changes

2026-02-20

  • New section Autogen with XPNetwork Europa — OSM-based European road, rail, and maritime networks with localized traffic objects
  • New page XP Walkaround — First-person walkaround with flashlight, campsite system, and mouse look, SimpleWalkaround as free alternative
  • System Tuning, Performance, and Filesystem extended: Fact-check against primary sources — refined RAID capacity details, mount options, schedutil/Liquorix interaction, and other specifics
  • Performance: Added MangoHUD warning for Wayland + NVIDIA (missing GPU metrics due to Debian package without NVML)

2026-02-19

  • New page Xchecklist — Interactive checklists with Linux TTS via speech-dispatcher
  • New page OpenTrack — Head tracking with NeuralNet webcam tracker and HeadTrack plugin setup
  • XLinSpeak extended: Piper TTS Manager section with neural voice synthesis and TTS comparison table
  • Arch Linux references removed from all plugin pages — documentation now focuses exclusively on Debian-based distributions
  • My FS Flights revised: Documented IP configuration in plugin settings, confirmed KVM-to-Linux connection as tested

2026-02-18

  • AutoOrtho corrected: Fixed wrong USGS provider reference, removed unverified RAM and bandwidth figures
  • XEarthLayer corrected: Updated internet recommendation from 800 to 500 Mbps, removed version-specific install command, added sources
  • AutoOrtho revised: Improved page structure with section separators, removed redundant Conclusion section, unified bold formatting
  • XEarthLayer corrected: Fixed misleading Rust build environment requirement in comparison section
  • XEarthLayer revised: Toned down stability warning to reflect current maturity, added CLI live status output to comparison table