And I've got a couple of queries... firstly, I followed the instructions in the manual and set up the suggested key combination for the stairs... but nothing happens... am I missing anything? At the gate, door open, engines off, apu running with power on..? Also, I'm toying with the idea of converting the fuel preparation/planning bits in the manual into a spreadsheet to do my fuel planning - but I'm missing a vital bit of info - what would be a reasonably accurate basic operating weight to start with? Alternatively, can anyone suggets a rady-made fuel planner for this aircraft? I've not had it long but have to say it's looking good.Ian

Hi Ian,The stairs need to be included in the aircraft that you download and install in order to see the animation. Not every aircraft available from PMDG had the stairs.Here's a fuel planner written by Ross Carlson, an instructor at ZBW/VATSIM:http://www.metacraft.com/737NGFP/Jim Karnhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/pmdg_pf.jpg

Just a warning,PMDG warns against using third party fuel planners for their a/c. It may become unstable. I don't use it, but just wanted you to know.Tom

>Just a warning,>>PMDG warns against using third party fuel planners for their>a/c. It may become unstable. I don't use it, but just wanted>you to know.>>TomAs far as i know the warning is for the 747 not the 737... Luca

Jim,Yes, you're right - I had the wrong aircraft model - no stairs! The fuel planner I wanted was something like the Excel sheets I used to use for my Dreamfleet 737 and PSS 747. Anyway, I'll check out the one you suggested, thanks.Ian

>And I've got a couple of queries... firstly, I followed the>instructions in the manual and set up the suggested key>combination for the stairs... but nothing happens... am I>missing anything? At the gate, door open, engines off, apu>running with power on..? Also, I'm toying with the idea of>converting the fuel preparation/planning bits in the manual>into a spreadsheet to do my fuel planning - but I'm missing a>vital bit of info - what would be a reasonably accurate basic>operating weight to start with? Alternatively, can anyone>suggets a rady-made fuel planner for this aircraft? I've not>had it long but have to say it's looking good.>>IanHere's a good fuel planner. I use it and it's accurate:http://www.volny.cz/fs2002/B737FPL/B737FPL.htm

Guys,There's nothing wrong with 3rd party fuel PLANNERS - it's 3rd party fuel LOADERS that are the problem when it comes to the 747. The 737 should be fine as it uses the default MS fuel system and not a custom one like what was programmed for the 747.

The 737 Does warn you also.