Rhett:The last Douglas I loved was a Dakota.........treat it like a mini type-rating course- Introduction, FCOM, SYSTEMS, FMC and finally Abnormals and QRH and you will get the hang of her in a few weeks.I fully concur with Mike Ray- for the first 100 hours you push buttons procedurally. For the next 100, because you anticipate the need, and only after the next hundred, because you understand WHY you are pushing the buttons.I am enjoying the education and the experience!Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 with FS-GS System Unification | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Asus P5E-Deluxe (X48) | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Sony 40" Bravia XBR | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 500GB Seagate Barracuda 32MB SATA2 x2 (Acronis) | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |

<>I was blown away with the automation. Preflight (besides programming the FMC) is basically making sure everything is in the automatic mode. The systems are very complex, and modelled in detail, but I think she is easier to fly than the Cessna 414 where I spend real world flight time.I wish we had the DC10/KC10 Extender variant.. a fuel boom would be awsome:)

Great thread and pictures Carl. :)

I wanted to discuss ground operations-The thrust modeling and taxi is much improved from the 747- she breaks-away properly and then with a gentle hand on the throttles, it is fairly easy to maintain speed. She turns very tightly and I remember reading that 5kts was recommended for 90 degree turns in slippery conditions, even slower than my fat girl!The VC is a superb place to look around. The whine of the Pratts as they spool up, and then once she rolls forward, wind down, is a joyous experience in itself!Looking at the wing as she loads and unloads (I still use Instant Replay to drool over all the camera angles) is incredible. I sat there watching the water over the bay, with the setting sun reflecting gloriously in the calm Carribbean, there was a flash of beach, a firm, tanned (CENSORED by AvSim ;) ), the fence and then there were the piano-keys! It looked exactly as it does on a real flight- another FSX experience I did not enjoy until now.She is a wide-body, but after hundreds of hours taxying my fat girl around the various aprons BA serves, the MD-11 whips in and out of stand easily.The MCDU MENU key brings out FS-SHORTCUTS, and there you will find a simple entry screen for PUSHBACK (this is where the DOORS are operated and real time REFUELLING occurs)! Just punch in the DISTANCE, LEFT or RIGHT TURN and Number of Degrees- and depress the key to commence pushback- NEAT! No more mousing around for push!Rudder Pedal Fine Steering works well, and its a simple matter to track centerline. There are unique FLAP procedures when taxying in after a slushy landing and its best to leave them extended (25) to prevent track damage (until de-iced).I have a TNCM arrival planned for this evening and I will fly and post piccies referencing all this later today- stay tuned!Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 with FS-GS System Unification | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Asus P5E-Deluxe (X48) | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Sony 40" Bravia XBR | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 500GB Seagate Barracuda 32MB SATA2 x2 (Acronis) | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |

...........You TOO Mike, super piccies! She's a grand girl- I can't wait for everyone to finally get their hands on her- it will be a treat!Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 with FS-GS System Unification | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Asus P5E-Deluxe (X48) | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Sony 40" Bravia XBR | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 500GB Seagate Barracuda 32MB SATA2 x2 (Acronis) | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |

Waiting exciting for your screenshots!! Love it!

PLEASE NOTE FRAME COUNTER IN ALL SHOTS!Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 with FS-GS System Unification | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Asus P5E-Deluxe (X48) | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Sony 40" Bravia XBR | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 500GB Seagate Barracuda 32MB SATA2 x2 (Acronis) | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192594.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192595.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192596.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192597.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192598.jpg

PLEASE NOTE FRAME COUNTER IN ALL SHOTS!Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 with FS-GS System Unification | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Asus P5E-Deluxe (X48) | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Sony 40" Bravia XBR | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 500GB Seagate Barracuda 32MB SATA2 x2 (Acronis) | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192599.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192600.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192601.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192602.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192603.jpg

PLEASE NOTE FRAME COUNTER IN ALL SHOTS!Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 with FS-GS System Unification | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Asus P5E-Deluxe (X48) | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Sony 40" Bravia XBR | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 500GB Seagate Barracuda 32MB SATA2 x2 (Acronis) | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192604.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192605.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192606.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/192607.jpg

Nice pics, Carl! And I have really enjoyed following this thread.One question: I notice in pic #1 of this post your speed is set at 250. I am accustomed to V2+10 (747X). Is there a procedural difference here? Maybe terrain clearance?Regards,

Alex:For FMC speed, the FCP is set to 250 as standard procedure. Should you deviate from Auto-Flight, a press on the FCP spd selects immediate spd, and a pull works as SPD INTV- so dialing in whatever you need is quick despite the 250.Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 with FS-GS System Unification | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Asus P5E-Deluxe (X48) | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Sony 40" Bravia XBR | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 500GB Seagate Barracuda 32MB SATA2 x2 (Acronis) | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |

They are lovely, but two questions here.*you can change the colors i.e. the PFD, right?*The images are not very sharp/crisp, that's because of the resize or webhost? Could you please upload some more quality shots if possible?Furthermore, I love following this topic. And keep them coming!!

Joey (?):I can't figure out how to get the images below 150k without degredation.....ideas?BTW- please start signing all posts with your real name- forum rules.Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 with FS-GS System Unification | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Asus P5E-Deluxe (X48) | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Sony 40" Bravia XBR | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 500GB Seagate Barracuda 32MB SATA2 x2 (Acronis) | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |

Hey, where dy get the beta sigs?? (Ugggh. Life just won't get out of the way, I'm so far behind!) Thanks,

Guys, I wish I could convey as eloquently as Carl just how great this bird is. The beta has been chellenging but very rewarding, the PMDG team are true pros in every aspect of their work and having an 'inside' view on this operation has been a real privilege from my perspective.I'm sure all the beta testers would agree that this aircraft will set the bar higher than all who have preceeded her. I really honestly CAN'T WAIT for you guys to get your mitts on the MD11: The immersion, the sounds, the sheer depth of system complexity and the butt-kicking surge of a Pratt and Whitney 62K rated takeoff... Awesome!Finally, for my kiwi brothers and sisters, you might be interested to know that I put in a request for a fictional Air NZ 1970's livery. The first cut of it looked REALLY sharp!Edit: 900 posts, woohoo!