Hi there I am new to this forum and am eagerly awaiting the 737NG, it looks like from all the comments and pictures posted that it could be a ground-breaking add-on. one question i do have is with regard to the functinality of all the systems (hydraulics, pneumatics,etc) will they actually operate as in real life? by this I mean when u want a hydraulics failure will turning off the hydraulics switches actuall prevent u from operating the control surfaces,etc. I find that on most of the payware add-ons the switches for the most part are only eye candy and while they click on and off they will not cause a failureif u switch them off- the only that truly replicates systems failurs is the PIC 767. I would really hope your aircraft will be a true systems simulator as well as all the other features u mention- keep up the great work and look forard to flying the 737NG!!

>would really hope your aircraft will be a true systems >simulator as well as all the other features u mention- keep >up the great work and look forard to flying the 737NG!! It is my personal opinion and other may disagree but I believe you can have a very satisfying "systems" simulator without simulating actual equipment failures. Note the word "equipment". In other words if the sim models system-interdependencies well, if gauges move exactly like they should based on how pilot is flipping switches, then this in itself is a big deal. Modeling on the other "human" failures - for example if a pilot forgets to flip a switch and he won't be able to lower gear or something else won't work - I agree it would have a big value.Michael J.[link:jdtllc.com]http://jdtllc.com/images/RCsupporter.jpg

Gotta "disappoint" you on that one (don't worry, I'm not from PMDG)The 737 doesn't NEED hydraulics to operate the flight controls. Its like the power steering in your car, the force required by the pilot to operate the controls is much lower using the hydraulics, but it is possible to move the control surfaces without hydraulics, you probably just need Hulk Hogan or superman up front :-)As for the "other stuff", such as landing gear, flaps and slats, and spoilers, they do need hydraulics (for the primary operation)It would be nice to see them work not at all (spoilers) or slower (flaps) should hydraulics fail...Looking forward to the release!Regards,Mark

Gents-As the 737NG moves through development we are beginning to get a clearer picture of what the product will be capable of doing. (You'd be surprised how much of a learning process it is moving to MSFS!)In order to model Mechanical Irregularities, you need to have an accurate Aircraft Systems Model. The Systems Model will need to be accurate enough that it can simulate the complex interdependencies between aircraft systems. For example, if the pilot has failed to properly configure the electrical or pneumatic systems, he may not be able to start the engines, or conduct other routine functions.... Or, if a specific Transformer/Rectifier has failed- it will cause heavier loading on on the other TRs, or a loss of certain capabilities, depending on which TR fails....This level of interdependency is something we have always taken great pride in at PMDG- and it will be reflected in the 737NG...Now- as for system failures- we need to add another layer of complexity to the airplane model. We are already well on our way with the actual systems definitions for the airplane- but now we need to program a system of "failure flags" that will programatically tell the airplane model what parts are assumed not to be working.... The systems model will take care of the rest knocking out all of the "downline" systems that depend on whatever item has just "failed."But the process is FAR more complicated that this alone!You see- it is not simply enough to program all of the system interdependencies and the failure models.... You have to have some type of logic which will then interface between MSFS and the airplane model so that when you, the user, asks for certain types of failures- the MSFS menu interface will trigger the appropriate response in the airplane.... Also- for "random" or "unexpected" failures- then we have to program our own interface to feed these to the simulator- or directly to the airplane....So..... See? Easy!The question as to whether or not we will have random failures modeled in the release version has yet to be determined. We intend to ensure that the failure model is capable of supporting MSFS at the time of release.... I am pushing for a fully randomized failure module to be bundled in the release package.... so for now you can anticipate it! ;-)Robert S. RandazzoPrecision Manuals Development Group http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/coolcap.gifwww.precisionmanuals.com

While reading through the threads in this post, a thought just popped into my head. It's most likely impossible to implement in FS, but my thought was about programming some sort of IRS type system. OK, OK these may be possible buit read on :-)You know when you fly through turbulence and wind shears within FS, your airspeed indicator always rapidly changes, causing the auto-thrust to alter settings to maintain speed, would it not be possible to, say use the cordinates within FS and the rate that they chnage to indicate airspeed, so that (in glass cockpits) the speed tape doesn't jump around? Obvisously you wouldn't be able to compute thing like altitude, but it would indicate, i guess, a true wind velocity/vector.Is this possible, or would that be inaccurate?Would also just like to say that I'd love to see an accurately sized FMC so that its nice and clear (just like those screenies of teh PFD)

Alaister-the FMC will be resizable. Size it to taste... ;-)Cheers,

Alaister-I'm not sure why you would want your airspeed indicator to be providing you with IRS corrected data.... ;-)We have to ways to measure the velocity of the aiprlane: Airpseed and Ground Speed.Both of these are important for various functions- and on most airplanes the Ground Speed is calculated by the IRS/INS/AHRS (depending on what type of airplane you fly...)Airspeed, however- is very dynamic! I want to see the speed tape moving even if it is only slightly... When flying an ILS, slight changes in airspeed of more than 2-3 knots get my attention- as it can be the first indication of a number of problems, sheer, wake turbulence, etc... Five knot changes- Ten knot changes- fifteen knot changes.... we see them- especially if the conditions are gusty. But even that input helps us- and we use it...Robert S. RandazzoPrecision Manuals Development Group http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/coolcap.gifwww.precisionmanuals.com

Cheers for the responses chaps :-)Bettter not keep you round here long, you've got a plane to work on :-lol

Hello, This sounds like one h*ll of a package. I would just like to put my 2 cents (Two Pence) into the mix. Anyone can prgram an FMC, flip a switch etc on a plane (well maybe not everyone), but I believe any "true" pilot is worth his salt during an emergency, it adds a certain boost to realism and adds stress and all that, but the enjoyment and reward you getting from sucessfully interperating a failure, deciding on a course of action, and following that course of action to and safe landing is truelly soemthing every simmer should be able to enjoy, learn from, and feel good about, and if anyone can provide that sort of "complexity" surely PMDG can! I have every faith in PMDG that they will do a fantastic job on the entire plane; maybe even enough to put my A320 int he hanger "for a while"Regards, Matthew A. Murray

http://www.jet-precision.com/mattwork/ifdg.jpg

Matthew-On behalf of the team, thanks for the vote of confidence!One of the hardest "translations" between the sim-world and the real world of airliner operations involves mechanical irregularities. Sure- it is challenging to simulate engine failures at V1 or during complicated approaches- but the reality of real world operations indicates that most failurs are rather minor- and impact the flight only to the extent that they affect the operational performance and decision making of the crew...For example, an anti-skid fail warning prior to shooting an approach to a particular runway in inclement conditions might cause a crew to choose a different runway- or seek a suitable alternate airport if braking performance penalties are assumed.....In the real world- we deal with this kind of failure every day- but it is surprisingly hard to translate into the sim-world. In my day-to-day line flying I am constantly on the lookout for scenarios that we can use to teach sound aviation decision making via the desktop simulator. I have collected a few pages of notes on various minor situations that if handled correctly, result in uneventful landings....but if ignored or mis-interpreted result in significantly more challenging situations. It is my "fantasy" to build a total 737NG package over time that includes such things.That being said- I should very carefully assert that many of our long term ambitions for our MSFS products will be multi-stage development. i.e. the 737NG may ship with a limited failures model similar to those currently available- and development of a more progressive (And realistic!) failure management system follows on- with additional training scenarios, etc...That is the kind of package *I* would want to see as a sim-enthusiast- so I'm assuming most of our customers would as well!That is the fun part about PMDG- we get to make the products that WE want to buy!Robert S. RandazzoPrecision Manuals Development Group http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/coolcap.gifwww.precisionmanuals.com

Robert, No Problem! I like that, I understand what you are saying. It would be ultra-realistic if you could model "include" what you have descriped. This package sounds just great already, and anything you add further will only be of benefit to the product, and a credit to the portfolio of the entire team!!

http://www.jet-precision.com/mattwork/ifdg.jpg

have you fellows seen this ??http://www.simsoftworkshop.com/this sounds like yet another group of developers who chose for now to remain anonymous (hmmm... ?!) but it is interesting to see what they think of filures simulation. They provide even a list. I am in no way advocating that PMDG copies their approach but it is good to stay informed .... nice screenshots and video too.Michael J.http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/images/wxrebeta.jpg

It must've been by pure accident that you overlooked giving us the URL to where we can find your decision making notes -- obviously the thought must have crossed your mind that there are many people here who are eager on reading them. ;-)Also: Congratulations on planning ahead for a v2.0 / Professional version to ship after the v1.0 / Primary package.Finally: CRM is a key process in dealing with A/C failures. An engine failure at v1 becomes managable because you have a trained professional sitting next to you to help secure the engine while you keep flying the airplane. A simulated FO/Captain whose AI exceeds that of just knowing when to dial new numbers into the MCP would be much appreciated.Bottom line: PS1 is dead, long live 737NG!-Florian