Hi folks. I'm a little confused on the variants of the planes. I had a PMDG developer respond to me a while back. But, I can't seem to find the Email. So, I'll just get straight to the point.:-)What I need, is the 737-700 AND the cockpit variant that shows the "Southwest " style cockpit. Mainly, that on the ND; the map takes up approx. 3/4 of the display, and then the Altimeter and Vert. Speed indicator is displayed on the remaining area. In other words, no PFD's ofr ND's. I seem to recall a screenshot a while back that showed that variant of panel. We don't have the PFD's and ND's at Southwest...we have the other variant; so that is what I would like to use with the 700. If I have to purchase all the variants, that's fine..I just want the 700 and that panel. Also, is it possible to fly with that particular panel configuration; utilizing just LNAV mode and manual throttle? We don't use autothrottle or VNAV at Southwest either..but you get used to it. :-)Look forward to hearing from you nice folks. If you have any questions, regarding the 700; I'll certainly try and answer them.Thank You Dave Baucum

Dave,As far as the Southwest style that was added with the 800/900, I would highly recomend getting that package as you also recieve TCAS and a giant list of other improvements. As far as your other questions I havn't personally tried flying the Southwest style but the systems are modeled perfectly so I would assume that you would be able to. I have flown with just the LNAV engaged, but the aouto throttle was engaged while using level change. Hope this helps and welcome to the PMDG family.

"Also, is it possible to fly with that particular panel configuration; utilizing just LNAV mode and manual throttle? We don't use autothrottle or VNAV at Southwest either..but you get used to it."Yes, you can fly the 737 without autothrottle or VNAV. I have flown 2 flights, WN1002 (LAX-IND) and WN2180 I think (IND-MDW) without the use of either and it performed just swell. My manual throttle input was limited to about 97% N1 during the climb at times, and I couldn't figure out why I was not able to take it higher. Anyhow, hitting F4 to set full thrust did the trick and the computer stopped the throttle from firewalling. The computer won't let you take the throttle past the index mark, I'm not sure if that is how it is on the real a/c, but it was good enough for me, making sure I wasn't too eager with those throttles. :D After 10000 feet I just used vertical speed to control my speed while climbing instead of the regular VNAV or LVL CHG. Cruise took a while to get stabilized at a constant speed, but I was finally able to do so. So, yes, it's quite possible, and quite a bit more fun than just letting the computer do everything for ya. ;)

I just switched over to southwest style and it doesn't really take a lot to get used to. If you have flown the default 737-400 in FS before, you will get a hang of it fast because the EFIS/MAP style is just like the older 737 with gauges but with LCD'sNick B.Continental Airlines 737NG Pilothttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/800driver.jpg--AMD Athlon XP 3200+ @ 2.2 Ghz400W Power supply3x 80 mm Case FansSoyo VIA KT600 Dragon PlusnVidia GeForce FX 5200 128 mb2 x 512 PC400100 GB Western DigitalMicrosoft Sidewinder Precision 2

Hey Jefferey and ALL. Thank You for the info. So, as I see things; in order to get the WN style panel, I need the 800/900 pkg. Can you use the panel with other 700's..ie the FFX/SGA/KittyHawk or whatever they be named now..can't keep track.:-)Or, do I still need the PMDG 700pkg as well to use the panel in the 700 plane. Just didn't know if you could alias the panel with other -700; or if like the RFP2 it was designed with that particular model in mind for it's complete funtionality. Any info. appreciated. Thanks again for your time and assistance.Best,Dave Baucum

I have aliased the NG panel to other NG aircraft by copying the NG aircraft.cfg (with appropriate changes to the name/ui lines), and the NG *.air files to the different aircraft. You may have to also edit in the new aircraft Lights field into aircraft.cfg. FS is a very open architectural application- even the RFP panel can be aliased if you follow the appropriate directions (subject for another forum).Bruce.

Hey Bruce. Much Thanks.best,Dave

Hi dave I want to become a pilot when I grow up and I love southwest (i'm going on it in 4 days.....YES!) I'm only 14 so don't think i'm dumb for asking some of these questions...1 How long is southwest going to keep their 737-200s until they retire them? 2. Is the yoke on the 737 heavy to pull and push (hard work?) 3 When you are talking to ATC getting ready for the approach before ATC clears you for the approach are you close enough to start extending the flaps? 4 I know its based on speed but about how far out are you from the runway when you start extending the flaps? 5 is it true that most pilots during landing skip from 1 degree of flaps to to 5 degrees skipping 2 degrees? 6 I have seen the landing lights on a 737-300/500 pulsing (the left one is on for about 2 sec. and then the right) is there a switch for that or is it automatic? 7 last one...lol... is it possible to have the landing lights on with out extending them or when you turn them on do they automatically extend? Tyler

>Hi dave I want to become a pilot when I grow up and I love>southwest (i'm going on it in 4 days.....YES!) I'm only 14 so>don't think i'm dumb for asking some of these questions...1>How long is southwest going to keep their 737-200s until they>retire them? 2. Is the yoke on the 737 heavy to pull and push>(hard work?) 3 When you are talking to ATC getting ready for>the approach before ATC clears you for the approach are you>close enough to start extending the flaps? 4 I know its based>on speed but about how far out are you from the runway when>you start extending the flaps? 5 is it true that most pilots>during landing skip from 1 degree of flaps to to 5 degrees>skipping 2 degrees? 6 I have seen the landing lights on a>737-300/500 pulsing (the left one is on for about 2 sec. and>then the right) is there a switch for that or is it automatic?>7 last one...lol... is it possible to have the landing lights>on with out extending them or when you turn them on do they>automatically extend?>> TylerWow,lotta questions.:-)OK answer number:1.Right now, the tenative schedule for retiring the -200's; is Jan 2005. But, subject to change.2.The yoke has hydraulic assist, just like power steering in the car. So, it's not difficult at all. Unless, you loose your A&B Hyd. Systems. This, will put you into what is called manual reversion. At this point, your more or less flying the plane by brute force, and controls are quite sluggish. I have only done it twice. Once in the sim...and on a test flight. Very interesting BOTH times. :-)3.It,depends. Sometimes, approach will slow us down way out on final. Other times it's keep your speed up mentality. No 2 flights seem to be the same. Usually, when your initially switched to appraoch control, your still a good 60-80 miles from the field.4.Our FOM(Flight Operaations Manual) gives us guidance on where to begin configuration. But, typically, we are approx 12-15 mile final; when we begin to slow...to follow profile.5.Depending on what aircraft we are flying, predicates our flap positions. We use flaps 1 down to 190 knots on the 3-500's and follow the MASI(Mach Airspeed Indicator) on the -700's. So, almost always; if were at flaps 1 we'll select 5 next. If flaps are up, and were slowing..we'll go directly to flaps 5 bypassing 2. 6. Yes, some of our aircraft are equiped with the pulse lights. It is all controlled by varying the external light switch settings in the cockpit.7.Of course, the inboards don't extend at all. So they can be On or OFF anytime. As to the outboards; the first position on the switch will extend the lights; and the next position will turn them ON. So, on the outboards, anytime the switches are selected ON...they will extend also.Hope this helps some Tyler. :-)Best,Dave

Dave, That helped a lot I really appriciate it. basically the only time i get to talk to pilots is on a plane. Do you think it would be possible that i can get your e-mail adress so i can ask questions and talk planes etc ...don't feel like you have to ;-) but the 737-700 is my most favorite plane and you fly one (lucky). thanks a lot for the fast reply. p.s. if you don't want to put ure e mail here mine is [email protected] Tyler