737 Flight Model : is EVERYONE using PMDG ?

[David Rogers]

Hi all,

Now don't get me wrong here, I love the PMDG 737, as an overal add-on for FS, it's a true classic.

However, I've never found the hand flying 'feel' that great. On take-off it can feel a bit heavy at the nose on true trim settings (and hece I tend to over trim a little above the 'card figures).

I was just wondering two things :-

• Is anyone aware of an alternative FDE out there for the PMDG 737s. I couldn't find anything on AVSIM. I was just wondering if one of the freeware super-skilled FDE redesigners had had a go at developing the stick PMDG FDE ?
• Is everyone around here using PMDG 737 for their 737 flight model? With investments like PM for the systems and EFIS the actual flight model seems something of a poor relation.

Again, I am not bashing PMDG - my own cockpit build is based on a non-PM set up that primarily uses the PMDG, Engravity panels and CP hardware (MCP, EFIS, Radios) !

Some months ago I bought the Ariane 737-800, overall I was not too impressed with the add-on but the elements that were good were the sound and the flight dynamics (hand flying).

Is anyone using Ariane 737 as the base for their flight model ?

[Westozy]

Hi David, that's the same set up that I have. I don't mind the PMDG airfile it's not that bad but I think that the Kittyhawk 737 is better, can that be used with PMDG?

Gwyn

[Geremy Britton]

Yes, thats the way i will be heading too. Forget expensive pm software out of my budget anyway. I will be buying pm systems in the next few weeks when i see one cheap. and like you i will be using usb add on hardware for radios, mcp etc. this is the easiest mathod for me and i'm not bobbed down in too much wiring etc.

.Geremy.

[David Rogers]

Thanks for the replies gents.

Yes would be interesting to know whether an airfile merge between the kittyhawk and PMDG would work - I may try it out tonight!

In my experience, some merges work easily and flawlessly (like PSS / iFDG) while others will "have none of it" !

[Westozy]

I will be most interested to hear of your test results. I have a Captain from Virgin Blue who flies my sim and he is also a desktop user of PMDG, he says the flight model of PMDG is great with the exception of excessive sink in turns, (too much pitch up required). I really enjoyed the Kittyhawk 737 and still have a play with it now and again.

Gwyn

[David Rogers]

Havent's had a chance to try the Kittyhawk .air file with PMDG yet (real life getting in the way!) but will soon.

Although I'm not a real world NG pilot, I absolutely agree with your friends comment about the excessive sink on turns. You notice a lot when flying your departure.

My main comparison in terms of the perfect flight model is of course Level D 767 but one thing that I guess must be taken into account is that the 767 may just be a nicer handling plane in real life, not just in the sim! If that is the case, maybe I'm being a little harsh on the PMDG flight model!

[Tomlin]

I agree also on the PMDG airfile's sinking (or nose high) in turns. Good to know it wasnt just me.

I have the LJ45 file tweaked pretty good but it is nose high on approach with full flaps and anything below about 15 knots above Vref.

[Michael Carter]

I will be most interested to hear of your test results. I have a Captain from Virgin Blue who flies my sim and he is also a desktop user of PMDG, he says the flight model of PMDG is great with the exception of excessive sink in turns, (too much pitch up required). I really enjoyed the Kittyhawk 737 and still have a play with it now and again.

Gwyn

Can that anomally be corrected in the .air file?

[Westozy]

Can that anomally be corrected in the .air file?

Good question, I'll ask fellow CP writer Peter Stark, he's a config file whizz. I'll get onto it.

Gwyn

[Michael Carter]

I'm not certain, but I don't think that can be corrected in the .config file. I think the aerodynamics are in the .air file.

Tricky stuff.