I have been looking at the PMDG Jetstream product and noticed it doesn’t have a failures module which some people listed as an issue.

 

My question is – what is so special about the PMDG failures module (for example the MD11 or 737) that makes it an issue, why isn’t it like any other plane that you can execute failures externally?

 

For example I own ideal flight 10, and that can put a chance of failure over individual components. I believe programs like FSPassengers can also do this, and even FSX itself..

 

So is the failures module that important and what does it do?

 

Is it something I should look for when buying any payware or just PMDG?

 

Besides the failures module, why was the JS called Sim Lite compared to MD11? Is there anything else missing?

I have been looking at the PMDG Jetstream product and noticed it doesn’t have a failures module which some people listed as an issue.

 

My question is – what is so special about the PMDG failures module (for example the MD11 or 737) that makes it an issue, why isn’t it like any other plane that you can execute failures externally?

 

For example I own ideal flight 10, and that can put a chance of failure over individual components. I believe programs like FSPassengers can also do this, and even FSX itself..

 

So is the failures module that important and what does it do?

 

Is it something I should look for when buying any payware or just PMDG?

 

Besides the failures module, why was the JS called Sim Lite compared to MD11? Is there anything else missing?

 

I've not tried the add-ons in question; however, I doubt that the accuracy of the simulation would be the same given PMDG's extensive systems programming. So if you're looking for the most accurate failure simulation possible in an FSX product, you should look for an included failure simulation ala the NGX.

 

If you only care about normal operations or don't desire a more complex failures simulation, the Jetstream and other add-ons will be fine.

Thats what I would have thought obvious :) however I did see someone write before the MD11 failures was just a simple "chance" of failure eg reliable, unreliable, very unreliable etc.

 

Anyone have the MD11 or 737 can comment on why the failures module is important vs other standard failures?

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant I didn't have any of those standard failure modules you mention, not that I don't have any PMDG products.

 

The range of failures you can use with a product like the NGX is far more comprehensive than the default failure system, and you can still cause failures when you would like.

 

Is there a particular aspect that is important to you?

Jon names it, the default selection of systems and therefore error sources is rather limited in FSX. At least when compared to the possible sources on the addon planes which support an extra module for that. Some of the default FSX bindings may also fail to show any effect due to the ways the addon plane e.g. uses the engine model. So if you have that custom code running, the variables FSX accesses may not be able to cause anything.

 

Now one should be aware of how important a failure simulation really is, in the very personal viewpoint. I actually like it a lot and I'd also say that the PMDG implementation is a fine one. But if one would be looking for a plane which just works and still offers a great detail on the actual handling, the importance of that one module may not be that high.

 

The J41 doesn't feature a panel state save option, which could be a problem when you want to save your flight at some stage. But apart from those two things mentioned, she still is very detailed plane to fly and operate. Those engine overstress features surely hit the most of us on the first attempts. I did here.

 

If you would be a 2D flyer, the J41 may not be for you. That's a thing which separates it from previous and later releases in my eyes. Not a problem for me, but if you would like to have 2D panels, you would have to trick in the aircraft.cfg (defining views) or via EZCA.

 

I'd say it's one fine and not too pricey piece of FSX work. Add some FS2Crew to it and do the short routes. I would wish for some final SP2, helping on the problems with the icing display on some systems and/or configs, but I'd say she's final as she is right now.

Thanks for the advice.

 

I'm hoping to use the J41 as a stepping stone to the 737 although I'm not sure if I'll even like a plane so big for regular flights yet but I love the regional flights between ORBX airports.

 

3D panel is all I use except for XGauge and the occasional popup so that's fine.