A THOUGHT - A QUESTION

[Wilbert 0]

I did a search however could not find an answer to a thought I have. Before I get jumped on let me say first that I know the PMDG 747 Aircraft/panel are the best IMO, in both performance and visuals. I have installed every version/update since they were made available and have only flown it once in all these years. The realism and accuracy are outstanding however, I am getting old and if I just had to, learn all the operations for flying this A/C but since actually flying one will never happen, I don't want to risk frying the few active brain cells I have remaining.The thought: would PMDG ever consider producing the 747 model/panel that would be simular in operation of the default 747 but with the appearance/panel quality of the present product. A model that would work with default flight planner.I may be the only one that would appreciate such a product but perhaps there are others that admire the quality and appearance of the present product but desire it lee complicated to use and enjoy. It would no way interfear with the present product which so many are enjoying now but it would allow the less technical minded individuals to also enjoy the product. I would be happy to purchase it all over again or any additional fees for such a product.Is this worth PMDG consideration?Please understand that I have no intentions of offending any of a different opinion.WilbertAbit AW9D-Max, Thermaltake W0106 700W PSU, Intel QX6700 Quadcore - OC 3.2GHz, Vista Ultimate 64 (SP1), 2Gx2|CORSAIRS TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX, 2x150GB SATA WD Raptor - Non Raid, 2x320GB SATA WD SE16 - Non Raid, 2x IDE Light-On DVDRW 165H65, BFG 8800GTX OC2 768MB 626MHz- Core Clock | 175.16 Drivers, X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series, 3x SILENX 120X25MM FANS + 2x 10in XCLIO Wind Tunnel Case Fans, Danger Den Water Cooling, Enermax temp/fan controller

[Tabs 2,790]

Wilbert,We have actually talked before about making some simple airliners as part of our PMDG Express line. There's no concrete plans to do anything right now, but we will definitely keep the idea in mind.

[Chris from Angle of Attack 7]

Wilbert,I understand your thought/question and would like to make a couple points that may assist you in moving forward with your flight simulation 'career'. Flight Planner-In my opinion, there are much better flight planners out there, 3rd party, that tightly integrate with the PMDG 747 and offer a greater level of realism than the default flight planner ever could. A few that come to mind are Vroute and FSBuild. Personally, I use FSBuild, as it automatically generates my routes based on weather and other factors, and also creates an FMC file that I can simply load from the FMC in FS, just as flight crews would do in the real world. It's like having your own dispatch. This way you're also flying the most current navigation database that is current in the world NOW, as terminal procedures and waypoints are changing on a constant bases. Training-It sounds like you're a bit frustrated with the mere fact that the aircraft is so complex that you can't enjoy operating it. It takes quite a bit of knowledge to run the machine. There are several sources to get information where you can start learning about the aircraft. The first is PMDG. If you go to your programs in the start menu of windows, you'll find a TON of documents in PMDG's folder. This will certainly get you started. In addition, there have been several type rating courses released to PMDG customers free of charge. These are textual tutorials immersing you in realistic flight situations, and will certainly get you to the point where you're comfortable. They are quite long, and progressively go into more detail. They've gotten rave reviews. The other source is my company, Angle of Attack. We've been working closely with PMDG to bring video training to pilots of the PMDG 747, as I believe this is the easiest way to learn. Visual, and hands on. The product is soon to be released and may offer what you're looking for if you're not able to find it from other sources. My ultimate goals for customers who buy my products is to have them confident in the platform, and be able to fly approaches and do a flight with relative ease and enjoyment. From what I've heard, this becomes the case for my viewers. On top of that, I'd suggest messing around with some smaller aircraft as well, and 'build' yourself up. Jumping right into the PMDG 747 is like drinking from a firehose. It was even difficult for me, even having already had a real world pilots license and many hours.

[markadeane 272]

Wilbert I would echo Chris's points here.What you have in your posession is a VERY challenging but equally very rewarding piece of work. Many before you have hesitated in the face of the complexity, but like anything it is a challenge to be met. I'm not trying to change your stance on this, nor do I want to sound condescending, but believe me when I say that mastering this aircraft has been one of the most gratifying experiences in my time with FS and indeed is one of the reasons I've stuck with the hobby despite getting back into RW flying in the past 2 years. It truly is an immersive and total sense of satisfaction to 'sit' on the flight deck having completed the shutdown checks after a flight in the 744. Every nuance of this airliner has been captured!I will guarantee you this, if you persist with the aircraft, we here WILL help you and you WON'T regret it!Chris's AoA vids are also fantastic and worth the money. Of course, it's not everyone's cup of tea, but there are many converts out there... Your call! :-)

[Wilbert 0]

Thanks AOA001,Really I do appreciate your suggestions. It is not a question of frustration or anything simular to that. I have been with flightism when it was nothing but a cross that stayed cetered in the middle of an amber/black monitor and simple "block" graphics slowly moved down/left/right of the screen. This was on a radio shack color computer w/1MHz 6809E CPU and "boy!" was that something.I have FSBUILD and all the documentation and manuals concerning this great software. It is not a question of confusion or frustration, it is simply a matter of whether I feel like dealing with it to that degree. I've just retired last year as a Air Traffic Systems Specialist with the FAA. I worked at the Miami Center for the last seven years. I maintained and certified the many systems and equipment that Air Traffic Controllers uses. I talked and interacted with them on a daily/nightly basis. I have spent so much of my life in technical schools until recently and I am tired. At the beginning of last year I started building my present computer system, the problems with FSX, SP1, Acceleration, MB and memory factors, Vista Ultimate 64, DX10 thingy which didn't work - now all that was kinda frustrating.You may not ever get too old to learn but you sure can get too tired to even bother. Sometimes when I desire to fly, I would like to have the option to get intensly immerged in a flight or not. Sometimes I want it as simple as possible and mainly enjoy FSX terrific scenery and airport activities.WilbertAbit AW9D-Max, Thermaltake W0106 700W PSU, Intel QX6700 Quadcore - OC'd 3.2MHz, Vista Ultimate 64 (SP1), 2Gx2|CORSAIRS TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX, 2x150GB SATA WD Raptor - Non Raid, 2x320GB SATA WD SE16 - Non Raid, 2x IDE Light-On DVDRW 165H65, BFG 8800GTX OC2 768MB 626MHz- Core Clock | 175.16 Drivers, X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series, 3x SILENX 120X25MM FANS + 2x 10in XCLIO Wind Tunnel Case Fans,Danger Den Water Cooling, Enermax temp/fan controller

[Chris from Angle of Attack 7]

Well that makes a lot more sense!The thing about aviation, as I'm sure you know, is there is ALWAYS something to learn. My Dad and I just went through a new aircraft purchase, and I went into training on the aircraft thinking I was pretty hot stuff. Needless to say, I came out of training not only having learned a lot, but I felt extremely humbled. At times it's difficult not to get down about stuff like this. I really can't offer you any advice for a lack of drive to want to fly it realistically. There are many other addons out there that act much like the default planes do as far as operations go, but are much simpler on the systems. A few companies and immediately come to mind are Wilco and CLS.PMDG's 'deal' is they go all out on everything. I never thought it would be to a fault, but apparently it can be. With that said, I totally understand your situation and just wanting to have 'fun'. The thing that really drives me to learn this stuff is not cause I want to read books or that I have some sick complex where I need to know everything. Rather, I get quite a bit of satisfaction out of flying half way across the world as the real guys do, and nailing centerline. That's when it call comes together for me, and it's worth it. I wish you the best! Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

[Wilbert 0]

Chris and the rest,Let me say "thanks" for your concern and responses - I am impressed. And before all of you think that I have spending time at the local mortuary selecting a headstone, I have not. I am sure that I would not have much difficulty learning the aspect of this fine software even though I have installed all the updates without even experiencing what might have needed adjusting. Even if/when I do decide to undertake the learning of this product the way it presently is, I would still desire the option of just jumping in, loadup a flightplan and go about my business.And BTW, I have used the default 747 and also Overland's A/C and several others that are available and again, IMO, nothing comes close to the quality, textures, graphics and operation of PMDG 747. I am in noway asking for a change in the present product. I would just like to have the option of selecting something a little less complex with all other attributes remaining.Now when I do get involved with the learning process, I will remember you guys name when I run into a snag I may have trouble with.Wilbert

[Chris from Angle of Attack 7]

It's the least I can do! Best of luck!

[Guest Mower]

Frankly I have been with flight sims for 20 years. There is NEVER a shortage of pretty looking simplistic software. There is however a shameful shortage of high fidelity sim add-ons like the fantasticly complex PMDG 744 or the LDS 763.I am in strong opposition to PMDG "wasting" development resorces on lite weight fair (okay junk IMHO).Thanx for the great work boys!

[Wilbert 0]

Up to this point I have been positively impressed with the responses and offers of any assistance I may need. One of the reasons I rarely post is the insensitivity of some forum members.1. Upon careful read of my post, one can see that this was for consideration of the developers/staff of PMDG. 2. If someone is in the knowledge of where I may acquire simplistic looking software that rivals the PMDG A/C, I would be more than happy for that info.3. Why would MS waste their resources on making a "deluxe & standard" version of FSX. If I had all the vanilla ice cream I could eat, why would I consider strawberry ice cream of no value to anyone else. The consumption of Earth's air & water by some, might be considered a "wasting" of development resources.Wilbert

[Chris from Angle of Attack 7]

To each man his own, is what I say. There are so many simmers out there with different tastes. Following the ice cream theme, why would Baskin Robbins be successful if people didn't want to try something different? As for me, I like many flavors. Wilbert just happens to like a flavor I don't. I don't feel that makes him a freak, in any stretch of the imagination. I also agree that PMDG should stick to what they're good at, cause their development quality is so rare. As was said, there are many other companies that make a varying range of aircraft, but none quite as complex as the PMDG stuff.From what I get, Wilbert appreciates this very quality about PMDG, but just doesn't want to really deal with it. No harm, no foul! It takes years to get use to this airliner stuff to a level even close to realistic. Hope I'm not stepping on any toes by saying any of that. Good day, gents!

[Tabs 2,790]

>Frankly I have been with flight sims for 20 years. There is>NEVER a shortage of pretty looking simplistic software. There>is however a shameful shortage of high fidelity sim add-ons>like the fantasticly complex PMDG 744 or the LDS 763.>>I am in strong opposition to PMDG "wasting" development>resorces on lite weight fair (okay junk IMHO).>>Thanx for the great work boys!I wouldn't call it a "waste" man - there's a very good sized segment of the FS market that isn't necessarily interested in aircraft that take the equivalent of real pilot training to learn. That's why we created the Express line - the Beech 1900's we made have sold very well and they take nowhere near the amount of crazy development time the big complex airliner sims do. I fly stuff like our 1900C, the Aeroworx B200 etc all the time when I don't want to have to deal with a big glass jet.

[Guest Mower]

Okay well anyhow, looking forward to the AOA dvd...a must purchase!