GTA 5's Next Online Update Brings Flight School and Gameplay Changes

Rockstar today announced the latest free update for Grand Theft Auto V's multiplayer component, Grand Theft Auto Online, and it focuses primarily on flying.

Launching tomorrow, August 19, the San Andreas Flight School update will introduce new jets and helicopters (for use in new "aerial solo challenges"), as well as new land vehicles. There will also be new parachute designs based on various countries' flags--including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom--and it looks as if new, Air Force-style attire will be available, too. The trailer above gives a brief overview of what to expect, and Rockstar promises there will be "much more" than what it's detailed today.

Also included in the update are a variety of changes to GTA Online. The two provided examples of this are bigger rewards for completing more difficult missions and bonus in-game money for playing missions with other players. Further details will be announced when the update goes live tomorrow.

This is the latest in a series of free updates for GTA Online. It is not, however, the one that's been most highly anticipated since launch: online heists. Those were expected to be out this spring, but were delayed in June because they are "taking more time to create" than anticipated. A new release date for online heists have yet to be announced; likewise, we don't yet know when the first expansion to the game's single-player mode is expected.

The San Andreas Flight School update will be available tomorrow on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC versions of GTA V will be released this fall with enhanced visuals, increased draw distances, and new wildlife.