Greetings PMDG,I have been considering acquiring the 737NG for quite some time now and was wondering if a joystick or other flight control (pedals, etc.) was required to use/fly the 737NG since I do not own such devices. In other words, is it possible to fly the 737NG with only a keyboard and a mouse (yes, I know, it's unrealistic)? It is possible that this question has already been answered; I did search PMDG's website and forums, but with members listing their system requirements (often including joysticks) as a signature, the search would result in pratically every thread that was written here.Thank you in advance,Nicolas in CYOW

>Greetings PMDG,>>I have been considering acquiring the 737NG for quite some>time now and was wondering if a joystick or other flight>control (pedals, etc.) was required to use/fly the 737NG since>I do not own such devices. In other words, is it possible to>fly the 737NG with only a keyboard and a mouse (yes, I know,>it's unrealistic)? >>It is possible that this question has already been answered; I>did search PMDG's website and forums, but with members listing>their system requirements (often including joysticks) as a>signature, the search would result in pratically every thread>that was written here.>>Thank you in advance,>>Nicolas in CYOWNever used the keyboard personslly. I have used both the MS regular joystick and the force feedback.I can tell you without resevations that the C&H Yoke & Pedals are the way to go, way, way more realistic. Pehaps a bit more expensive but well worth the added cost.Regards

I would say that regardless, if you are going to get the 600/700 I would go out and get at least a $20 joystick so that you have at least a better flight. Check your local swap meets and garage sales you should be able to find something to get you started.

I'll second Buck on this one. The CH PEdals and Yoke was the best buy I've ever made for flight-simming! It's a bit on the expensive side but WELL worth the price.Cheers,

Thanks guys for the replies,Yeah, I know, I really should be flying with something more realistic than a keyboard and a mouse. I was just wondering whether a joystick was (or was not) a minimum requirement to fly the 737NG as it is for some other products(it appears I can't find this information in the otherwise comprehensive PMDG documentation.Thanks again,Nicolas in CYOW

Yes you can fly the 737 here without a controller (believe me I have many times) it can be done and perhaps one can become quite an expert ;-). But when time comes and you do purchase a controller you might even appreciate it more so!Best Wishes,[h4]Randy J. Smith[/h4][h3]P M D G's 747-400[/h3][h4]coming to a runway near you[/h4][/font color]Caution! Not a real pilot, but do play one on TV ;-)AMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | Maxtor 6Y080M0 SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 | Windows Xp Pro | Windows Xp Pro 64 |

Long time ago when I was using Sublogics Flight Simulator, the pre Microsoft version of FS9 I used the keyboard with an ATARI800. It can be done. You can also land a real light airplane just using the throttle and rudder pedals, but it is a lot of work and not as much fun:)Go out and get the joystick at the very least. A CH yoke and rudder pedals are pricy but add a whole lot. You won't regret it a moment.Bob K.

Thanks again,So it seems "it can be done"... but I assume I shouldn't be expecting much, right?Nicolas in CYOW

Sure but remember a few key things,One, have rudder set to AUTO in the FS menuTwo, trying to manually land with any wind might be impossible but "can" be done. I would rely more on Automatics for most of the flight and this is realistic anyway. You can TakeOff fine without a joystick, just keep a quick finger on trim ;-).. Best Wishes,[h4]Randy J. Smith[/h4][h3]P M D G's 747-400[/h3][h4]coming to a runway near you[/h4][/font color]Caution! Not a real pilot, but do play one on TV ;-)AMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | Maxtor 6Y080M0 SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 | Windows Xp Pro | Windows Xp Pro 64 |

Thanks again Randy,That's what I thought... I would not expect stellar manual landing performance with a keyboard, but I want PMDG's 737NG exactly because I want to do a full ILS approach and autoland in FS at least once! So, as you said, I will remember these "key" things... get it, "key" things... as in "keyboard"... nevermind (I'll slap myself now).Nicolas in CYOW

Oh, by the way, would it be possible for PMDG staff to confirm all this (i.e. that a joystick is not a minimum requirement)? It's not that I don't trust non-staff members, but I just want to be on the safe side.Thanks,Nicolas in CYOW

Well if it matters to you Nicolas, I have helped with this aircraft from day one ;-), and to your question, I can tell you only on a personal level that it is possible because I did much testing with and without a joystick, don't know if any other team members flew without. Technically you can but anyone would tell you that it is a better idea to fly with a controller and if you chose to fly without you learn to live with the limitations as suggested in this thread.Best Wishes,[h4]Randy J. Smith[/h4][h3]P M D G's 747-400[/h3][h4]coming to a runway near you[/h4][/font color]Caution! Not a real pilot, but do play one on TV ;-)AMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | Maxtor 6Y080M0 SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 | Windows Xp Pro | Windows Xp Pro 64 |