In-Depth Review of NGX Manuals

[greggerm 312]

QUESTION ON THE MANUAL CONTENTS: Not to disturb the slight row above, but I have a question on the manual contents themselves.I didn't see this in the review itself, so I thought I'd float the question out here. Considering PMDG isn't allowed to distribute the manuals freely, and considering what has been said in the review(s), is it safe to say that the manuals being distributed are in fact the Boeing documentation? Or, are they Boeing docs which have been edited by PMDG for accuracy to their software representation? If these are unedited Boeing documents: Although the PMDG software is going to be one of the most high-fidelity systems simulations in the flightsim world, there's no possible way that they have simulated all systems and intricacies which would be documented in the Boeing manuals. That being said, do the manuals do a good job of noting which features and functions are/are not available in the software? (I would presume if they are based on the Boeing manuals, PMDG has edited out any unnecessary or unsimulated features. Yes?) Thanks,-Greg

[Ayster 73]

edit: never mind!

[cpawley 0]

Greg, The manuals have been revised slightly - removing some of the security aspects (flight deck door operation, emergency equipment locations etc). That said, they are the exact manuals that airlines would distribute - they even come from a printer that specialises in aviation documents directly to you. It includes some details on weather radar, ACARS, D-ATIS etc - which are not modelling in the initial version of NGX. Hope that answers your queries - they are exceptionally comprehensive, and brilliant quality and value. If you have any more questions - feel free to ask them. Chris.

[Efussander 0]

QUESTION ON THE MANUAL CONTENTS: Not to disturb the slight row above, but I have a question on the manual contents themselves.I didn't see this in the review itself, so I thought I'd float the question out here. Considering PMDG isn't allowed to distribute the manuals freely, and considering what has been said in the review(s), is it safe to say that the manuals being distributed are in fact the Boeing documentation? Or, are they Boeing docs which have been edited by PMDG for accuracy to their software representation? If these are unedited Boeing documents: Although the PMDG software is going to be one of the most high-fidelity systems simulations in the flightsim world, there's no possible way that they have simulated all systems and intricacies which would be documented in the Boeing manuals. That being said, do the manuals do a good job of noting which features and functions are/are not available in the software? (I would presume if they are based on the Boeing manuals, PMDG has edited out any unnecessary or unsimulated features. Yes?) Thanks,-Greg

As was stated in the post before me, these are the real Boeing documents. They have NOT been revised to match the simulation. The only difference (as previously noted) is the lack of security details. But EVERYTHING else is included. From how to open the exit doors and the locations of rescue equipment, to schematics of the lavatory drain panel, to the operation of the pressurization system. It's all there. PMDG's simulation will be extremely accurate, and thus the Boeing documents, and all figures/performance numbers contained within, will apply to the NGX. The only things that wouldn't apply are things like the weather radar and ACARS which were not simulated due to FSX limitations. The manuals also talk about stuff outside the cockpit. For example, there are several pages that mention the locations of BCF, H2O, and CO2 fire extinguishers, along with other emergency supplies. Stuff like this obviously wont make a difference in the NGX, but that is understandable. All-in-all, the manuals are an excellent buy, and 99% of the contents will match perfectly with the NGX. There will be one or more documents released with the aircraft that will be actually simulation-specific. I would imagine that they won't explain how to fly the plane, but rather stuff like click-spots, how to change cockpit options via CDU, features that are not bugs, etc.

[MarkW 1,493]

Look really nice. Unfortunately I will have to get by with PDF's on my second computer. Mark.

[greggerm 312]

That said, they are the exact manuals that airlines would distribute - they even come from a printer that specialises in aviation documents directly to you. It includes some details on weather radar, ACARS, D-ATIS etc - which are not modelling in the initial version of NGX.

Interesting... I'm a bit surprised that PMDG opted to issue the raw Boeing manuals (*security items redacted, of course) without marking up which features are clickable and simulated. Someone is bound to find a button or switch who's in-game function isn't modeled quite accurately to the manual and call foul... having such items noted ahead of time (or conversely, marking every function that IS modeled) could prevent that. It's awesome that the airplane will be so functional that the actual Boeing manuals can be put into practice!!! I'm just looking forward to the inevitable. There's just been so much build up - this addon could be shipped in a box of solid platinum with diamond accents, but someone will undoubtedly complain that the diamond is 0.02" off center. Thanks for the feedback, gentlemen...-Greg

[W1ll 0]

Maybe a stupid question, sorry I am new to PMDG and not hugely familiar to flight sims as a whole. Would you say it's better to read the PMDG manuals that come with the 737 NGX first or these first? Also, great review! Certainly convinced me to get them! Thanks! Will

[Lusche 3]

I think the PMDG manuals are just how to set up fsx to use the product and what items are clickable in the cockpit and a tutorial to fly from a to b in a half cold state ...Read the PMDG manuals and tutorial first, because they will be released earlier and I think its not too big ... maybe 100pages and then read the FCOM when the product is released.

[ijorge511 44]

Hey guys, to anyone who may have ordered the Chief Pilot's set. I just received mine earlier today and finally perused through the Jeppesen Charts. However, they seem to be out of order. They jump around from Logan, to JFK, to LGA, back to BOS, then JFK then LGA. Could this just be a production issue or have others received their Jeppesen Charts like this? Wanted to ask the Community before submitting a ticket with PMDG. Thanks!

[Stray 8]

Hey guys, to anyone who may have ordered the Chief Pilot's set. I just received mine earlier today and finally perused through the Jeppesen Charts. However, they seem to be out of order. They jump around from Logan, to JFK, to LGA, back to BOS, then JFK then LGA. Could this just be a production issue or have others received their Jeppesen Charts like this? Wanted to ask the Community before submitting a ticket with PMDG. Thanks!

Expecting mine on Monday according the Fedex website, but they are still in Singapore and have to get to my house in Perth, Western Australia by Monday! Will let you know about the charts when I get them.

[Guest Turboblower]

Hey guys, to anyone who may have ordered the Chief Pilot's set. I just received mine earlier today and finally perused through the Jeppesen Charts. However, they seem to be out of order. They jump around from Logan, to JFK, to LGA, back to BOS, then JFK then LGA. Could this just be a production issue or have others received their Jeppesen Charts like this? Wanted to ask the Community before submitting a ticket with PMDG. Thanks!

I can tell you mine are in order, Boston, JFK, certainly not jumbled as you described. I would send off a ticket Jorge.

[Stray 8]

I can tell you mine are in order, Boston, JFK, certainly not jumbled as you described. I would send off a ticket Jorge.

+1 for me as well

[Marder1986 9]

Big Thanks, is a great Rewview.Regards Daniel

[ajax6 0]

.................. ......... To start, I'd like to say that I believe 100% that they are worth the money. I new they would be good since PMDG was offering them, but I had no idea how 'good' they were going to be. The information provided is nothing short of ASTONISHING. They explain everything that you would need to know in order to safely and effectively fly this aircraft (in the sim of course ). After receiving these manuals, I feel compelled, if not obligated to do my best to persuade everyone else to BUY THEM............... Overall, a FANTASTIC package from PMDG. Absolutely worth the money. You really need to buy the Captain's Set, or better yet the Chief Pilots set! You'd be doing yourself a favor by getting these!

And thx for a great review. Enjoyed it, although I already have the package!!!

[Efussander 0]

Thank you everybody for your kind comments. I certainly appreciate them, and they make the time spent writing and taking pictures worth while.