OK - I know this is going to sound sorta not too bright but I have just purchased the 8i and have not done any 'serious' simming since the PMDG 737 I had back on FS04 or 09 I thinkMy questions are pretty simple.1. How the heck to I even get into the cockpit? It starts with a section of the nose on screen that I presume you zoom into to get 'in the seat' but darned if I can find any instructions on this. I am using a 3 monitor setup so will eventually have to track down the default sizes for some gauges as well and adjust them (Matrox system).2. In the initial setup and snooping around I was sure I saw a folder somewhere for this with Lessons in it but now cannot find those anywhere. Help please! Do they anything called an Instruction Manual and not just the Aircraft Manual?Thanks a lotGeoff Lawrence

Hi Geoff,Welcome back. During install of the 8i a configuration interface was placed on your desktop or in the Start\Programs\PMDG folder.You must enable the type of 747 that you would like to use otherwise you will end up "sitting" in the incorrect location.I think you will also find the other files you mentioned in the same location I mentioned above.Alternatively you may also download the tutorials for the 747-400 known as Type Ratings Lesson's 1 thru 4 here:http://www.precision...loads/docs.htmlHave fun, if you have any questions let us know.

Hi and thanks for this. I thought we were on to something here but on the Config panel there are two choices on the left side - 400 or 8i and then on the right panel there are also two choices - and you have to make oneNo matter what combo I try I still end up with the nose of the plane sitting way out there in front of me while I look into the model. Any exact suggestions as to how to select and which exact model to choose that you know for you?I did find the other tutorial at the PMDG site. Thank you for that. Now I have to figure out how to save a few trees when I print it all out :-) Maybe I should have an iPad on the side !!Thank you again. Geoff

Hi Geoff,Welcome back. During install of the 8i a configuration interface was placed on your desktop or in the Start\Programs\PMDG folder.You must enable the type of 747 that you would like to use otherwise you will end up "sitting" in the incorrect location.I think you will also find the other files you mentioned in the same location I mentioned above.Alternatively you may also download the tutorials for the 747-400 known as Type Ratings Lesson's 1 thru 4 here:http://www.precision...loads/docs.htmlHave fun, if you have any questions let us know.

Ok, so you have the PMDG 747-400X -8 Config Tool (Product Extension manager) opened...You will see on the left there is a selection for the PAX version (747-400 /-8i) and on the right the selection is for the freighter (747-400F / -8F)If I want to fly the 400 I will select the 747-400 Mode in both PAX and Freighter variants, probably not important but I always choose the same model. I then press "Save Configuration" and "Exit" and it is all set.

Per BAW435 - - During install of the 8i a configuration interface was placed on your desktop or in the Start\Programs\PMDG folder.When you click on the Config Mgr, be sure to right click and select run as administrator.Michael Cubine

Just a quick update on this. I did get things working correctly for the 400 model but the 8i model does not load.There is a doc with the extension called Differences of the like that does explain this and also mention that there can be some issues with the aircraft.cfg file for Windows 7. Have not tried working through that one yetAnd thanks again for the tutorial lead. Now all I have to do is read a few hundred pages and go very slowly :-)Although I did manage to get 'er off by the seat of my pants from CYVR without too many bells and warning horns. View was grand heading to CYYC. Now its time to just go back and do it rightThanks again to you both.Much appreciatedGeoff

A quick update. Ryan from PMDG had the answer. The trick is to open the Config Mgr by right clicking and running as Admin. Ditto with the FSX itselfWorked perfectly first timeWow - what an experience :-)Geoff

A quick update. Ryan from PMDG had the answer. The trick is to open the Config Mgr by right clicking and running as Admin. Ditto with the FSX itselfWorked perfectly first timeWow - what an experience :-)Geoff

Glad you got it sorted out Geoff. I had the same problem initially, if you don't give programs the ability to edit files in your FSX install then the changes don't "stick" (same for pax/cargo loads and other settings).Another thing you can do to ensure proper performance of addons is giving admin rights to your FSX folder. Here are instructions on how to do that provided by Eric Vander on another thread:"Go to the file where your FSX is located. By default this is C:/Program Files/Microsoft Games. Right click on the file marked FSX. Choose properties. Then go to the security tab. Grant the SYSTEM, ADMINISTRATORS, and yourself full control on the file by pressing edit with the selection highlited. Then hit apply and you should be good to go. Everything you edit should save now."

At this late date,I am still having problems with the configuration.The 8F seems ok but I still get the wheel problems,on the 8I. I have tried all the suggestions,but still have problems.My op system is windows Vista 64 bit.Any suggestions welcome.Ron

Hi Ron,Can you be a bit more specific as to what your problem is with the wheel?Would love to help out, just not sure what you mean.

Hi Ron,Can you be a bit more specific as to what your problem is with the wheel?Would love to help out, just not sure what you mean.

OK,when I select the PMDG 747-800i from the thumbnail menu,the aircraft comes up with the nose wheel down on the display,and I know from experience,I will get the wrong views.Its like the configurator did not work.I have uninstalled and reinstalled many times. For some reason,the configuration is not working properly.It appears there is some bug that is preventing the camera views,or whatever the configurator does frommaking the proper changes between the two models. It is now affecting the -400 with the same thing.Very frustrating.Ron

Are you sure you're running the config tool as an administrator? The gear issues are caused by incorrect entries in the aircraft config, and the config tool must be able to write to the config properly.

I am running the config tool as administrator and also FSX as administrator.Is there an example of what the aircraft.cfg looks like under both conditions?Ron

There's a sticky in the LCF part of the forum with a new version of the load manager should people have gear issues. I think it may be specific to the LCF, but you should submit a help ticket in any case to be sure. This is solvable (I had the same issue when I installed the LCF), and the new config manager fixed the issue.

There's a sticky in the LCF part of the forum with a new version of the load manager should people have gear issues. I think it may be specific to the LCF, but you should submit a help ticket in any case to be sure. This is solvable (I had the same issue when I installed the LCF), and the new config manager fixed the issue.

The LCF tailfix zip patch fixed my 747-8 nose gear and view problem,although it would appear at first blush to have nothingto do with the 747-8.THERFORE THIS FIX SHOULD BE ON A STICKY!!!Since I wasted a lot of time on this unnessarily.I'm pretty ticked of by this.We pay good money for PMDG products!!!Ron