I bought the -NGX last week and have not been able to fly anything else. I was so impressed with that add-on that I took the plunge and got the MD-11 and FS2Crew (both currently downloading).

 

What can I expect with the MD-11 vs the -NGX?

 

Does it come with a set of tutorials like the -NGX's?

 

I've read the MD-11 can be a tricky beast to fly by hand, will it be that much more of a challenge moving from the NGX?

 

Does the FMS have the capability to take control from take-off to landing like the -NGX?

 

Is it fair to compare both products like this?

 

When is the 777 coming out? B)

 

Thanks PMDG, I'm now an addict to tubeliners :lol:

What can I expect with the MD-11 vs the -NGX?

 

A much larger, ridiculously powerful aircraft.. Handles surprisingly well. A totally different (more airbus-like) logic to systems. And I can't forget "B*tching Betty".

 

Does it come with a set of tutorials like the -NGX's?

 

Manuals are very good....with good tutorials to get you started.

 

I've read the MD-11 can be a tricky beast to fly by hand, will it be that much more of a challenge moving from the NGX?

 

I haven't had any trouble hand flying it. I actually find it easier to fly.

 

Does the FMS have the capability to take control from take-off to landing like the -NGX?

 

It does have autoland capability. It doesn't have LNAV/VNAV, it uses "Auto Flight". Which basically flies what is programmed into the FMS. So if its properly programmed, you can go full auto flight as soon as you get positive rate.

 

Is it fair to compare both products like this?

 

I think its fair. They're both PMDG products. Although the NGX was a huge step forward in flightsim tech...the MD11 shows its' age in places.

 

When is the 777 coming out? B)

 

Har har har...

I bought the -NGX last week and have not been able to fly anything else. I was so impressed with that add-on that I took the plunge and got the MD-11 and FS2Crew (both currently downloading).

 

What can I expect with the MD-11 vs the -NGX?

 

Does it come with a set of tutorials like the -NGX's?

 

I've read the MD-11 can be a tricky beast to fly by hand, will it be that much more of a challenge moving from the NGX?

 

Does the FMS have the capability to take control from take-off to landing like the -NGX?

 

Is it fair to compare both products like this?

 

When is the 777 coming out? B)

 

Thanks PMDG, I'm now an addict to tubeliners :lol:

 

Welcome to the club!!! I bought the NGX more following the hype and curiosity than anything else....love the way the simulation was made, I really dont like the aircraft...the 737 has never "done it" for me....so then I bought the MD-11....and the NGX is now gathering dust.

 

Absolutely love the "Animal"....a lot of power, hand flying it on take off is a wonderful experience, you get the feeling of handling a heavy, but it is really responsive. The automation is amazing for an aircraft its age...and it was released in early 1990s!

 

Once you get used to the FMC on it, you will really enjoy it...very complete and very intuitive.

 

The MD-11 can be tricky to fly on approach....the wing and tail are too small for an aircraft its size, and it does have certain automated protections to make up for this...you need to manage your speeds....normal ops for most airlines is to leave autothrottle on until below 100ft...I now make full manual approaches and am comfortable with it, but it took a long time!! (yes, I am a slow learner...LOL)

 

There are some really good tutorials on You Tube....look them up! Also smartcockpit is a good source of material.

 

If you need help, let us know!

I too started with the NGX, then bought the MD-11 and then the JS41.

 

They are all great but the MD-11 is a gentle giant. She is such a joy to fly and it has an insane amount of power. Like stated above you have to seriously respect Her on your approach or you might as well go around.

 

I have not yet mastered the manual approach but I am coming along. I would say that even though it is more animated than the NGX and start ups are a breeze, it is the most challenging aircraft I own. The JS41 was for me the hardest until I started to take away the automation and start handling the systems manually. It is a real treat to make a good 2000+ mile flight and nail the approach and landing.

 

 

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What can I expect with the MD-11 vs the -NGX?

 

And I can't forget "B*tching Betty".

 

 

You can never forget "B*tching Betty" :lol:

 

All-in-all, the MD-11 is a BEAUTY but as everyone else stated, you better respect her on approach!

I did my usual "manuals be damned" approach and took my first flight without manually. It's indeed a giant as it took quite awhile to turn back for the approach but, as everyone said, I could not get it slowed enough to nail the landing. I stopped inches from the runway which is pretty much how my first flight with the NGX went.

 

I'm off to a great start then B)

I did my usual "manuals be damned" approach and took my first flight without manually. It's indeed a giant as it took quite awhile to turn back for the approach but, as everyone said, I could not get it slowed enough to nail the landing. I stopped inches from the runway which is pretty much how my first flight with the NGX went.

 

I'm off to a great start then B)

 

LOL...

 

Yep, that is how we all start...a few of my "mental guidelines"....

 

Be set on Flaps 15, speed check, spoilers armed on base leg...no later.

 

As soon as you get established on final, flaps 28 gear down....landing checklist.

 

When landing is assured, select landing flaps...usually 35....use pitch more than power to maintain speed. On a personal note, I use a VAPP of VREF + 10 instead of VREF + 5

 

At the 50ft callout, move throttles to idle and start the flare...between the 30 and 10 call you should be "set" on your flare....leave it there and let it sink to the runway....lest you wish to experience the "MD-11 Bounce"...

Been playing around with the MD-11 for a few days now and if I were to compare it to the -NGX, its like driving a semi truck vs driving a bus. First impression is its sheer size and apparent weight. It takes awhile to do anything and there is a lot more going on in the setup than the NGX. The cockpit is very functional but the textures, etc. are definitely not as good as the NGX but still very nicely done for a product released so long ago.It is also quite easy on the frame rates in comparison to the -NGX.

 

The tutorial isn't as well written as the NGX but it was usable. I finally managed to get it flying on a route I know very well (MKJP-KFLL) and it performed well. Unfortunately, there are no liveries for Air Jamaica or Caribbean Airlines available (they didn't use the MD-11). I haven't dived into cold and dark yet as I'm still getting comfortable with the FMS.

 

Overall, I am just as impressed with this as I am with the -NGX. I'l install FS2Crew in a couple of days to see how that enhances (or detracts) from the experience. It is a different animal though and I think the pilots who fly it in real life earn their money.

 

 

ps. B*tching Betty is hot B)

It does have autoland capability. It doesn't have LNAV/VNAV, it uses "Auto Flight". Which basically flies what is programmed into the FMS. So if its properly programmed, you can go full auto flight as soon as you get positive rate.

It does have LNAV and VNAV, but in the MD-11 these modes are called NAV and PROF (profile).

 

It's a great sim and a good sign of the quality and complexity we can expect from the forthcoming 777. You don't have to be a fan of the MD-11 to get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

I've had a few days now to play around with this add-on and I think I prefer the MD-11 to the NGX as it needs more input from the pilot to get things done, especially as it relates to take-off or at least it does in my inexperienced hands. Keeps me on my toes. B)

 

Next thing on my list of things to do is to get FS2Crew installed and see if that enhances or detracts from the experience.

For the MD11 i bought MCE as it is the only voice control available for it. It works really well, i havent got the fs2crew version but have 2 friends who had it installed, and button control is not for me but you might like it.

 

Personal choice.

Quick question for you MD-11 professionals B)

 

Is it possible to fly the plane with the auto-pilot without the FMS?

Here is a similar thread:

 

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/383568-md-11-vs-737ngx-experience/

Quick question for you MD-11 professionals B)

 

Is it possible to fly the plane with the auto-pilot without the FMS?

 

Yeah of course it is possible. Else, what would you do if ATC gives you vectors and altitudes?

However the question is, why would someone buy the PMDG MD-11 if he doesn't want to use the FMC, which is probably one of the most usefull parts of the aircraft.

There are some MD-11 Freewares which come without a FMC but with a autopilot.

ATC gives you vectors and altitudes?

 

That is the reason I asked the question. So another question is, how? I've been searching the manuals but am not clear on what I need to do if I am to fly it with the MCP knobs and then put it back on the FMS.