The PMDG 737 NGX is an innovative add-on to Flight Simulator X. PMDG has been producing high-quality software for flight simulators for some time. The level of realism is unprecedented and brings a new level of immersion to one of my favorite hobbies. There are four thousand pages of information supplied with the aircraft. But here are some things that are really cool for you to take a look at.
To answer the question of what can be done in this particular flight simulator. It would be much easier to answer the question what can’t you do? There really isn’t much!
What impressed me the most is the level of detail in the cabin. Flight simulation has been advancing towards this level of detail and realism since it began in the 1990s. I have had the opportunity to sit through a couple of commercial full-motion flight simulations of the 737 over the years, and through As the comparisons, PMDG, in my opinion, I have this place.
There is so much on this plane that sets it apart from the rest that it would take a month to check it all out. So I would like to list some of the inclusions that I think have a big impact on the PMDG 737 NGX.
The FMC / CDU menu button. Probably the best improvement for the pilot’s interaction with the simulator. This button allows the user to configure operations like fuel, faults, load and a lot of other things directly from the cockpit, without having to access the FSX menu. This is a real time saver and can alter aircraft settings almost instantly.
Another nifty feature of the Menu button is the option to change the types of Control Panel mode. The Boeing 737 has gone through many revisions in its time, and the MCP is one of those things that has changed in recent models. The Menu button also has a reverse function and a grounding function, which allows power to be provided from the ground and air conditioning without the use of the APU.
Aircraft systems. Amazing! The aircraft can be set in a cold and dark state, allowing the pilot to literally start from scratch. There is a realistic battery switch and battery check indicator located on the front top panel, and the ability to set the IRS to last known position or GPS / Stand position.
There is also the possibility of conducting a litmus test. Something that is overlooked in many older versions of the 737. The PMDG model allows APU and cargo fire control. There is also a test check of fully working lights and all faults will be illuminated on the mater caution panel. There is also a TCAS test that can be used in conjunction with the TCAS system itself in operation.
The GPWS test. There are several types that can be started! The short and long test! Yes, PMDG has even included this. The short test can be accomplished by pressing the GPWS test button momentarily. And the long test requires the button to be pressed for more than two seconds. The test results are audible and will replicate the test that the actual 737-NG will perform.
The addition of a Head Up Display. This is a team that not all airlines have adopted. And as in real world situations, the HUD will need to be programmed through the radio panel to provide accurate information about the runway. This feature is ideal for low visibility landings and allows the pilot to keep their eyes out while having essential speed / altitude and directional information displayed in front of them.
The oxygen test button. Just a minor but fun addition. Located down and off the pilots knee. The button is a small circle with a cross. When you press the button, you will hear a distinctive sound of compressed air being released.
