After reading the PMDG 777 forum and the many praises of the MD-11, I decided to purchase it.  I have PMDG B744/737NG and have enjoyed the level of system complexity.  In reading the MD-11 docs, it seems this also has the same PMDG complexity quality but I do not use a hardware controller, only a mouse.  The documentation seems to imply that I need a joystick to use the program.  I have no interest in that since the RW MD-11 uses a yoke not a joystick.

 

 I am a real world retired pilot with over 40 years experience so I already know how to fly an airplane...no thrill in simulating that, but I still enjoy learning and practicing the complex systems that PMDG has been able to simulate.  I have only needed a mouse for the other PMDG products, why must I have a joystick for this one?  If indeed this one will work with a mouse also then I am off to the site right now to make a purchase.  If not I will just wait for the 777 which I am sure will allow the use of just a mouse as does the 737NG.

I am at the momment to cruise altitude for a short flight, so I only gave it a short test.

The MD-11 seems to understand those mouse inputs normally, as any other planes do. If I move the mouse, the yoke moves as expected, so I think it will work for you.

 

NOTE: I use FSX. The results may be diffrent in FS9.

 

If it shouldn't work, you still can use a little external software to simulate a joystick with your mouse. There are some arround for free.

 

So give it a go, you won't regret it

 

BTW: If I am allowed to ask, what did you fly in your career?

If the PMDG MD-11 works using the default FSX hardware controller options, which it does, I see no reason why using the "mouse as yoke" function wouldn't work. I think I accidentally used it the other day in fact by accident.

Thank you both.  That is all I needed to hear.