Can anybody offer advice on a suitable "step up" from the default FSX B737? I have purchased PMDG's 737NGX but the learning curve is huge and my system could also do with an upgrade to ensure smooth running. I have completely mastered the default FSX aircraft and am ready to move on . I can assure you that laziness is not an issue here, but I could benefit from a gentle introduction to the NGX.

Have you tried the tutorial that comes with the NGX, the first tutorial that is not the second more complex tutorial?

 

It may seem like a lot to learn depending on how your trying to learn, meaning reading or watching video tutorials, but its not really as bad as it may seem to learn the NGX. That being said, I think someone uploaded an update to the default 737 in the library that offers more simplicity but is still rather easy to operate.

 

If I were you I would watch some of the youtube tutorials on flying the NGX.

 

BTW, what part or phase of flying the NGX is causing you problems or making it hard to learn? If its programming the FMC, the tutorial number one offers a good crash course in programming.

 

Dont forget there is also the training package made by the outfit that did the LDS 767 training video, sorry but the name of the company escapes me at the moment, but they are really good at making it easy to learn.

 

Also, they dont have a 737 but CLS has a couple "lite" packages that might suite your fancy.

Completing the 1st tutorial is a great idea, and helps a ton, but if you want to learn where everything is and such, I advise you just set your viewpoint to "lower overhead panel" and look around. Also, the training package that Jim is referring to is made by Angle of Attack: http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ really, once you know how to program the FMC, and properly set up the aircraft using a checklist, its a piece of cake.

The Quality Wings 757 might be a good option in your case. It doesn't model every system, but it isn't light on what is simulated. It supposedly flies very nicely, you get a good amount of variants, and the sound is suppose to be very good.

If you want to go with an FS add on aeroplane which simplifies matters and gives you a very easy transistion, I would suggest some thing such as the CLS 747. Yes I know this is not a 737, but it has a 'lite' FMC, which would get you into tjhe concept of allowing a computer to control the flight and setting that stuff up prior to departure.

 

If you want a good step up with a complex aeroplane, then I would suggest the Wilco/PIC Classic 737, and the reason I would recommend that, is because the tutorial which comes with it, is written by Mike Ray, who also wrote Flying the Boeing 700 Series Simulators (http://www.amazon.co...9&creative=9325) in fact the Wilco's manual is an abridged version of that book (which is worth having incidentally). The book is a very gentle intro to FMCs which is aimed at flight simmers, and I recommend it very highly.

 

Alternatively, if you have the time, the PMDG's tutorials for the NGX are in fact very good, and will get you up and running. All you need is a methodical approach and some patience.

 

Al

The Quality Wings 757 might be a good option in your case. It doesn't model every system, but it isn't light on what is simulated. It supposedly flies very nicely, you get a good amount of variants, and the sound is suppose to be very good.

 

I was going to mention exactly this as well. The QW is a great intro to complex addons but it's not so complex that you'll get frustrated.

 

For what it's worth, my first complex addon when I got into FS many moons ago was the Dreamfleet 737-400 and then I went on to 767 PIC (now the Level D 767).

Greetings Anthony,

 

Let's see if we can work with your wonderful purchase and system specs.

 

AVSIM has available and part of a fantastic community for all aspects of aviation. Their VoIP TeamSpeak offering. Thriving there is a group of pilots like yourself that can help with optimizing your system performance, learning aviation skills, and getting trained up on your purchases.

 

The community has several classes, one on one training sessions, or mini sessions almost daily. Even I have trained dozens of folks from the A2A P40 to the NGX. You will not find a more patience group of folks that will work at the speed you desire.

 

Once you learn the NGX, you can even sign up for the several Virtual Airlines that exist in the community.

 

Just connect your TeamSpeak 3 to ts3.digitalthemepark.com and we will have you under way in no time. I know there is also a forum thread in here that walks you through downloading TeamSpeak and connecting, but I am on my iPad and don't have access to it right now. Maybe an aviator will post it (Thanks in advanced). If you feel more comfortable PM'ing me, we can walk through the TeamSpeak procedure over the phone to get you online as well.

 

So, I encourage you to take part in all that AVSIM has to offer as it is truely a unique experience that you will not find anywhere else.

The Quality Wings 757 might be a good option in your case

 

+1 it is perfect for what you are looking for and since it's a Boeing the systems are similiar to the 737

Found the link:http://forum.avsim.net/index.php?showtopic=367786

http://www.flyaoamedia.com/ really, once you know how to program the FMC, and properly set up the aircraft using a checklist, its a piece of cake.

 

F**in Good boy mate :drinks:

 

The 1 stop shop!

Thank you all for your advice.

 

I'm going to have a close look at the Quality Wings 757

 

@Zoolander Downloading the Teamspeak client at the moment

@Wendall I am also considering the Groundwork AoA package to get me started on the PMDG

@Chock Mike Ray's book also looks like a good place to start

Yup, QW 757 would certainly be a good choice. Not mega-super-complicated, but certainly not dumbed down either.

 

Al

Yup, QW 757 would certainly be a good choice. Not mega-super-complicated, but certainly not dumbed down either.

Even though I messed up and bought the QW after the likes and complexity levels of PMDG and Captain Sim, I can agree with the statement. Any livery you can imagine is available, and a couple different cockpit layouts are present. It does still start with a cntl+e, but that doesn't mean you can't go through a full checklist.

For a smooth transition to PMDG and Captain Sim complexity airliners I would reccomend using the CLS DC-10 or 747, then going to the FeelThere ERJ- series, because the FeelThere ERJ-135 and -145 feature cold and dark procedures and an FMC, but they aren't terribly complicated to learn.