Hello again,Okay...There really is no problem with simulating CWS but from what I've heard, most airliners don't use it and some even ban it!!Lets not try to get too worked up on this subject yaknow. I would rather see the develepors spend time working with the real Autoflight system on the NG's instead of CWS.-maybe CWS could be released in a future update etc.. What I'm looking for is accurate flight dynamics...maybe even to the point where you can fly the bird w/o the autopilot!-which is very rare with most addons. Heck if we want a true FBW plane-go get an Airbus! :-)Keep up the good work guys.-Nick

Hi Nick!I agree that the CWS should not be done overkill, as it really has no extreme importance. Unfortunately, while on other Boeings CWS is simply a customer option, and if fitted, can be only activated by pressing a CWS switch, on the 737 CWS is a very basic option (as described above). Therefore it is more important to be modelled on the 737 than on other Boeings.Regards,Mark

AlaisterCWS is basically Power Steering. With the CWS mode engaged, the control wheel will stay where the pilot puts it (within the limits of the autopilot of course) Basically if you turn the wheel left it will stay where you stop it. If you pul back on the column, it will hold the pitch input. Was used on older a/c 727, 737-200 to correct for oversensitive A/P's that had a tendency to Porpoise a bit or in turbulence. Boeing has done away with the option and the system has actually been deactivated on all of our fleets.RegardsPaul:-cool

Mark, I can't say for certain but I will find out and post the referenceRegardsPaul:-cool

Yes the NG still has CWS, even with the new MCP.Here's my limited knowledge of what it does.Pushing the CWS engage switch puts the A/P in CWS mode with annunciations (CWS P and CWS R).The airplane flys essentially with the A/P servos ,with you giving it input through the control wheel manually, when pressure is released the A/P holds the existing attitude.If aileron pressure is released with 6 degree's or less bank the A/P rolls wings level and holds existing heading.The pitch axis engages in CWS while the roll mode axis is in CMD when: a command pitch mode has not been selected or was deselected, or A/P pitch mode has been manually overidden with column force. CWS P will be annunciated.The roll axis engages in CWS while the pitch axis is in CMD when: a command roll mode has not been selected or was deselected, or A/P roll mode has been manually overidden with control wheel force. CWS R will then be annunciated.There is one flightsim aircraft that I know of that can do something like CWS, it was the Oleksiy Frolov dash 8, it has an A/P mode called TCS(touch control steering) it works somewhat like CWS and it could be engaged by holding the brake button or key command.As far as how much its used in real life I dont know, but I will ask our pilots, and see how much they really use it. I cannot ever remember seeing it used on all the flights I have been on though, maybe it was and I just didn't notice.

Gents-While this conversation has been going on, I've talked to nearly a dozen NG drivers. Not one of them ever recalls using or seeing the CWS used.Regardless- one of the things that becomes my least favorite activity during product development/release- is having to explain why some things just don't translate well into a flight simulator....The lack of tactile feel in the current generation of simulators/controls is a driving reason why we wouldn't be able to implement something like CWS, even if we felt there was a compelling reason to do so...We shouldn't dispair, however- even the level C and D simulators that I have flown/been trained in during my career lack 100% accurate control force feedback. This lack of control forces feedback is why so many airline pilots (myself included!) gripe about how "the sim doesn't fly like the airplane."You want to see pilot induced oscillations? Watch my try to configure the J41 simulator from clean flight to flaps 9... I can hand fly that in the real airplane without so much as a flicker on the IVSI... In the sim I generally dive 150+ feet, (because I pushed forward expecting the real world yoke forces to be exerted) then climb 250 feet trying to correct my dive...then dive 100 feet as I try to correct my overcorrection....The cycle goes on and on until I am so frustrated that I want to find Mr. Link and slap him for inventing this insidious form of pilot-torture....So in short- No CWS.... Not now- most likely not anytime in the future either. ;-) Robert S. RandazzoPrecision Manuals Development Group http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/coolcap.gifwww.precisionmanuals.com

Robert dont worry about it , I can live without it. Like I said, I can't remember ever seeing it used. I will ask our pilots what and if they ever use it.

Dear Robert,I agree with you 100%. My best friend is a captain on the NG's in Jet Airways here in India. I was asking him about CWS and if it is available/implemented on their fleet. He said yes but they almost NEVER use it. Atleast he never has used it, EVER !!!He said that if it was to be used, probabaly only in bad turbulence. And besides, another important aspect of CWS............ It disengages the auto pilot if you exert over a certain amount of pressure on the control coloumn. Now how can you achieve that?? It would contradict all claims of "realism" now would it not?? Therefore, it really serves no purpose and I agree with PMDG in finding no useful purpose in modelling CWS.On another note, Robert, if you do need any info or tips, rules of thumb, etc... on the NG's I will most gladly help. My friend and I speak everyday and would gladly be of assistance with any sort of data. The fleet he flies on is the EFIS Map mode and not PFD / ND.Best wishes,Dinshaw Parakh.