Greetings All, I just finished installing PMDG's 747-400 for FS9.I should mention I've been FS'ing since MS first version. Never in all that time have I loaded up a jet and now I have the ultimate 747.I've always been content with SEL aircraft but I guess I was looking for a new challenge and man have I got one.I won't be taking to the sky anytime soon, seems there are some 14 manuals that will need a lot of study, new terminology that needs a lot of study also.If anyone is interested the installation went flawlessly. I also installed something call FScrew but have not configured it yet and probably won't for some time to come.Question(s)Is there a tutorial flt avail?Do you folks use the FScrew software?Will I live long enough to get thru these manuals???Any suggestions or random thoughts appreciated.Later,Ray

Get familiar with the PMDG OPS section, it is a wiki-format area that includes three type rating courses for the 747: http://ops.precisionmanuals.com/wiki/Special:AllpagesI recommend you do not use other add-ins on top of the 747 until you are comfortable with her. As you noticed, she is overwhelming at first. Lots of procedural stuff, but in some ways she is easier to fly than a GA complex aircraft (as long as everything works) due to the level of automation.Scan the manuals, note things that interest you, and learn what's in them. Fly the type rating courses and keep going to the manual as you learn more about the aircraft. If you're stumped about something this forum is an excellent resource.Welcome aboard, Ray.

Greetings Dan, Thanks for info.Is there any downloads for courses other than lesson1.I could find only the one.Thanks,Ray

Welcome to the PMDG experience, flight simming will never be the same. When I purchased the PMDG 737 years back I found I was hooked. It also gave me a taste for only high quality products. I recommend that you get comfortable with the Queen and then plunge into FS2Crew. I fly with FS2Crew and it has really added to the enjoyment of the PMDG product. Getting to know all that there is to know about this aircraft is a big job. I am not the most technical person but I am still learning new things all the time. Enjoy

Ray:First- welcome to the madness! It is addictive and consuming- fair warning!Start with this:http://www.meriweather.com/747/deck-747.htmlThen actually read the manual- quite comprehensive and entertaining (yes, I am in therapy).Then:http://www.precisionmanuals.com/priv/pages/down/docs.htmlfor all 4 type rating courses.Then spend the next month at:http://www.speedbirdonline.co.uk/747.html(Ok, I'm a tad biased- but pay particular attention to Holger and Craig's tutorials here)Then for the next month go to:http://ops.precisionmanuals.com/wiki/Special:Allpagesandhttp://744.hoppie.nl/pub/taxonomy/term/14?PHPSESSID=591826Then buy:http://www.utem.com/manuals.htmlAnd:http://fmcguide.com/Detail.bok?no=12Then get:http://topcat.ofplan.net/You should be getting the hang of things by then.......seriously- there's a lifetime of learning ahead- but a lifetime of rewards as well. As I said at the start- welcome to the madness :)!Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png

Gents, Thanks for all the info and links.I think I have all my "ducks in a row" for now. Looks like it's time agn to crack the books, and I'm looking forward to it.Thanks Agn,Ray