Yup, probably didn't phrase my question properly in saying 'model', what I was inquiring about was was a bit of a nit picker, but since I know PMDG are 'really going for it' as far as detail goes on this one, I thought I'd ask:When the Honeywell 131-9B was introduced on 737s, it was a bit notorious for the starter not being hugely reliable and so of course Honeywell tweaked that and now it's a lot more robust. I know you are including a lot of realistic wear and tear features on the PMDG NG, but because you've been developing it for a while, I was wondering if the reliability of the APU was kind of 'frozen in time' from the point where the APU was a bit more dodgy if that was when you were doing the study of the particular NG you used as a reference, or does it reflect the improved reliability of the things these days as far as the wear and tear simulation goes? I guess what I'm asking is, is this one of the things we could set the reliability of?It'd be cool if stuff like that was in there, as I always find it a bit dodgy when one can abuse the starters on FS aerolanes with never a risk of any kind of hot starts or any malfunctions of any kind even when there's a hurricane blowing up the tailpipes LOLAl

We're not modelling old problem versions of the APU - sorry.On the subject of engine starts - it's actually extremely difficult to screw up a start on a modern jet engine. We tried a bunch of things in the real NG sim trying to screw up the starts to see if this is something we should model and you basically can't do it. Our pilot advisors have said the same - most have never seen any trouble at all with a start.People used to A2A's stuff with the big radial engines and stuff like that have to realize that was a different era and those engines had inherent issues - the comparison to a modern high-bypass turbofan with EECs isn't really valid.

Well, as long as the thing works realistically, I'll be happy, that's the main thing. :( Al

Yeah, the start process is fairly simple for modern turbofan engines. All you really have to watch is the N2 and the EGT until stabilization thanks to the EEC. There is a lot more hands, eyes and ears involved with the old round pounders.

I know it's a little nit picky, but when you set the APU switch to start, does the EGT needle bounce around a bit before indication? I have noticed this perticular behavior in several (World Air Routes) DVD's. Boy, I'm a nerd eh? :(

Luckily we're nerds too Yes this is there, it happens because the APU control unit has no power until you push the switch to start. The power going into the control unit is what causes the needle to jump.

Which reminds me, not an NG, but check this out, a 737 with an afterburner LOL:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4xO7VMAFDAAl

With respect to piston and jets. Whats interesting is the accident rate that dramatically dropped when the use of jets became more abundant back in the 60's. Seen the graph in groundschool and what a difference.JackColwill

Luckily we're nerds too Yes this is there, it happens because the APU control unit has no power until you push the switch to start. The power going into the control unit is what causes the needle to jump.

See! That there is why we are all here day after day sweating, drooling and possibly (some of us) wearing diapers to prepare for this file full of 1's and 0's. :( Thanks Ryan! Not only do we get a yes, but the explanation as to why and how it happens. This is how we all learn to master the NG! :(

This thread reminds me of the scene in Spinal Tap where Nigel shows off his guitars and equipment."This one goes to 11." :(

Luckily we're nerds too Yes this is there, it happens because the APU control unit has no power until you push the switch to start. The power going into the control unit is what causes the needle to jump.

Nerds huh? I dunno about about that!I remember you guys talking about how the internal cabin temperatures change depending on which door (and how many) are open or closed, etc etc. I'm wondering if there would be any change in temperature depending on cabin load-out. It's no lie that a cabin with 150 pax is going to be a lot warmer than an empty ferry flight, and I bet my bottom dollar it takes a bit more AC to keep those temperatures lower with a full cabin. If you guys simulated that, then maybe you can wear the title of nerd proud and high! :(

Here's a scenairo that I am curious if the NGX will model. Assuming the cockpit windows can be opened, if one was to open it inflight, will it trigger a decompression? I'm not even sure if this is possible in the real bird, but it seems to be right up there with the nerd level coding we can expect to see!

Which reminds me, not an NG, but check this out, a 737 with an afterburner LOL:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4xO7VMAFDAAl

I've seen an engine start like this before. It's not a "hotstart" as in a screw-up by the person starting the engine. Rather it's usually a brand new engine starting for the first time or one that recently had some specific work done to it (can't remember the work done) and has something to do with burning off excess oil or something like that if I remember right. Not a very technical answer, but an answer nonetheless!

Yeah, it's clearly not an accidental hot start (which is typically when the excess fuel inside the engine has not drained off and it causes the temps to go over the recommended limits, usually from after having not allowed enough time between the last engine run to allow the fuel to drain). The more obvious thing that tells us it is not an unintentional/accidental hot start, is the fact that they were clearly expecting something like that by virtue of the fact that there is a camera on a tripod actually set up waiting for it and the people filming it are not backing away or panicking.Al

Do I spot people in the cabin ? lol now that is reassuring just before T/O.... :Big Grin:Also I like the red beacon flashing as to caution for engine start.... :(

imagine you are a passenger flying the first time in your life having the window seat right next to the engine and then you see this ;) Haha

Here's a scenairo that I am curious if the NGX will model. Assuming the cockpit windows can be opened, if one was to open it inflight, will it trigger a decompression? I'm not even sure if this is possible in the real bird, but it seems to be right up there with the nerd level coding we can expect to see!

If I recall, the cockpit windows open inward slightly before sliding side-ways, making it impossible to open at Flight Level, much like the cabin doors.