Captains-We have had a bit harder time getting the beta test completed on the Model Update and the 800/900 Service Update than originally anticipated.Out beta testers discovered that fixes we made to the electrical system uncovered a minor flaw in another system- and it has take nsome work to resolve the issue satisfactorily!We have worked out all of the kinks now, we THINK- but it will be a few more days before we are prepared to put them on the server for you. Currently I am **expecting** wenesday or Thursday for the release of both updates!In addition, we have a batch of liveries that will get added to the server once we know for ceratin that no more changes are required on account of the two updates coming out. I expect you will have those liveries on/about 01AUG, for those who are interested!Work progresses on the 744 and a solid pace- and the systems and cockpit functions are beginning to take shape nicely!

You know, I was just to post a question regarding this issue and saw this.Thanks a lot for the update!

Hi Robert,Seems to be very nice, though the update for me is more or less not required, i don't have engines failing, and those small issues... come on... who doesn't handfly a holding... haha ;-)I'm wondering Robert, how do you manage to be so involved in all this as a pilot. I heard from a few pilots, their schedules are really cramped... are you one of the luckier ones or is the US situation, in respect to the EU situation, so much different? It just seems weird to me, as I imagine that in 2 years, when i finally get 'up' there :-cool I'm going to have to work my bottom off to keep to schedules...Most of the guys I know, just got a job(as ab-initio, so they just did their Type-Ratings and on the line they went...) as f/o, are really getting tough lives as result of the demanding working requirements. They have schedules making them fly 4 flights(so that's 8 legs) a day... must be tough.You appear to have a 'magic' trick :)edited for spelling

Lenny-It's three equal parts of design, desire and by accident....For starters, I'm a work-aholic- and I really enjoy the work required to model aircraft well. So I find it to be a great way to entertain my brain while on layovers. You can only watch so much television before it starts taking over your life... I watch virtually none- and spend my time reading books/manuals or writing code. Keeps me out of trouble. ;-)Next- I have the benefit of knowing many airline pilots near the end of their careers- and I've benefited from their experience. One of the lessons there is that I've "under-bid" my seniority and intentially fly an airplane below what my seniority holds. This way, I'm relatively more senior in the airplane- and can hold schedules that are more well suited to balancing my flying and PMDG.Third- I'm fortunate to be working for an airline that is overstaffed at the moment- so I'm capitalizing on that by dropping trips to spend more time doing other things...... such as writing code for the 744, for example. When it's all said and done- PMDG generally requires 50-60 hours a week of my time.... It is like having two full time jobs- one of which requires you to travel. Not easy... but I enjoy it all the same. ;-)

Sorry to hear about the difficulties Robert. I'll be looking into buying the 747 as soon as I get some money (spent it all upgrading my PC).* wondering what will be after the Queen of the Skies *Nick B.Continental Airlines 737NG Pilothttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/800driver.jpg--AMD Athlon XP 3200+ @ 2.2 Ghz (Equal to 2.8 ghz)400W Power supply3x 80 mm Case FansSoyo VIA KT600 Dragon PlusnVidia GeForce FX 5200 128 mb2 x 512 PC400100 GB Western DigitalMicrosoft Sidewinder Precision 2

Thanks for the update Robert, very useful considering the 'news' item on the front page here ;-)I hope the 744 will be plain (plane :-) )sailing for all the team, but I'm sure it won't be, look forward to its release whenever that is.Thank you to all the team, including Beta testers, for producing quality aircraft for us to enjoy, and quality support.

In a world that seems dominated by the extremes of either the "say nothing" crowd (aka PIC 767, et al) or the "summarily blow smoke at will up their butts" (aka Ariane & Captain Sim, et al) crowd, the concept of honest, forthright assessments based on the latest state of affairs is...well...refreshing.We're anxiously anticipating the next release, and, despite kind words to the contrary, we aren't wanting to wait too long for same. Kudos to the PMDG crew for actually producing where most of the others seem content to just generate lots of idle talk.Thank you for putting your mouth(s) where your (our) money is...Best regardsBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-V L-300Washington, DC

Many thanks for your candid statement on the update. You have a great product and I appreciate you taking the time to get the update right. I'm sure it will be worth the extra few days wait.

Hey Rob,If you're looking for something to do on the weekends, we sure could use another hand here in dispatch. :( Nick

thanks for the update,good to be kept informed! I have a question re the 744,will the aircraft have aerosoft MCP functionality as the NGs do?cheers Keith

"Not easy... but I enjoy it all the same. ;-)"I think you're right in that. As long as you enjoy it... :-coolYou and your team are really doing a great job on it aswell!That lesson you described seems like very good one, I'll keep it in mind for when I might need it in say 10 years...Greetz!

You just have to love PMDG - do it right, or don't do it at all. And it pays off with the best aircraft available. I don't know how many people have told me they aren't flying 747 routes... yet. They're all waiting for the PMDG 737. Thanks for the truly magnificent aircraft guys!!!

Thank you for the update Robert. I wish other companies would keep us informed like you do. Looking forward to the update.

Robert thanks for the update.Once again thanks to you and the team for your great products and support.Nick

Thanks for the update, and take your time. Is there any possibility of posting the upcoming liveries?Luis