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 Fundamentals 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)
Featured Video: X-Plane: Display Server Choice
Recent Changes
2026-02-16
- Accessibility improved: larger fonts, keyboard focus indicators, skip link, video ARIA labels
- Source sections revised: Arch Wiki links replaced with distro-independent sources
- Scenery Components audited: priority direction corrected, DDS format, OSM clarification, tone aligned
- New video: Display Server — X11 vs Wayland decision guide
- New videos: Introduction — guided tour through XoL (DE + EN)
2026-02-15
- New addon pages: SGES, KabinXP, LST, LinuxTrack, XLinSpeak, WINCTRL, TerrainRadar, NOAA Weather, MobiFlight, SayIntentions.AI
- New Sounds category: KOSP Project, Mango Studios
- New page Performance Fundamentals
- ATC section: 6 flight phase pages (Pushback & Taxi, Takeoff, Departure & Climb, En Route, Approach, Landing & Taxi In)
- ToLiss Ecosystem restructured, videos embedded
- Existing addon pages revised: cross-references, corrections, prices and redundant Linux notes removed
- Navigation: categories flattened, Sounds category added
- FlyWithLua: general script installation guide added
- Performance revised: flowing text instead of nested lists, reference and Microprofiler tables, diagnostic workflows, sources section
2026-02-14
- New page System Tuning Introduction, videos embedded (DE + EN)
- Liquorix Kernel audited: scheduler description corrected, quick install method added, page rewritten
- Nvidia Driver, System Tuning, System Tools, X-Plane Configuration audited and fact-checked
- Getting Started revised, Glossary expanded
- Navigation: System Monitoring grouped under System Tuning