Hey, guys! 

I just bought the PMDG777, after flying the NGX for about six months (wanted to cross the pond). I'd say I have a reasonably good "feel" for the NGX, and the T7 is growing on me. I've mainly used YouTube as a learning source, but I feel more comfortable reading. I think the documentation that came with the planes is truly intimidating, but the more I fly, the more I feel a need to read them more thoroughly. I've read parts of it, mostly normal procedures, fmc-messages, tutorials and the introductions. What I'm wondering is how I should go about reading them, primarily in what order. The FCOM1 with the normal procedures seemed like a good place to start, considering the "fundamental" nature of the normal procedures, and as a way to get on the wings quickly. But reading them, it seems they require quite some implicit knowledge. 

I'm thinking now that I probably should start with the FCTM. What I'm wondering, is if anyone has experience, good reading tips etc. for getting a good routinge for reading these volumes, where I should start, what's absolutely necessary, what can wait etc. 

I'm also wondering when the real flight crew use the different volumes, and for what, during training and flying. 

In advance, thanks!

Einar Tryti

I would say start with the AOA 777 Training videos. It is 55 dollars but well worth the price if you want to know how to operate the plane properly. If not then you could possibly start with FCOMv2 as it describes the systems in the 777 then the FCOMv1 for the flight procedures.

I think 55$ is a bit stiff, at least for now, but I'll keep it in mind  

I'm getting a general overview now over both the FCTM and the FCOMv1 NP section, and find that the compliment each other pretty nice. It definitly seems like the FCTM lays the groundwork for the FCOM. 

But another question: When I start at the preflight checklist in the NP section, what state does that assume the plane is in? At the end of the shutdown procedure? Or at the end of the secure procedure? Or some other state entirely? 

Einar Tryti 

Go for the FCOMs first so that you get the knowledge about the systems.

 

When you know the systems read the FCTM so that you learn how to operate the aircraft itself with the system knowledge in the background.

The Preliminary Preflight Procedure assumes that electrical power has been applied to the aircraft, so the procedure would start with the aircraft secured. You would want to select the LONG panel state.

Go for the FCOMs first so that you get the knowledge about the systems.

 

When you know the systems read the FCTM so that you learn how to operate the aircraft itself with the system knowledge in the background.

I'd go the other way around. Read the FCTM first to get the operational overview. It's not called a training manual for nothing. Then study procedures in FCOM vol 1, referring to vol 2 for systems detail.

Scratch all that.

 

Start with Introduction, then Tutorial.

 

Then, stop READING manuals. Start USING manuals.

Figure out what you want to look up today. Maybe you spent 15 minutes clearing the frost off your car, so you want to look up anti-ice. Maybe you want to visit an airport one some backwater island, so you want to look up non-precision approach techniques. Maybe you read about a real 777 having a certain problem so you want to look it up, and what to do if it happened to you.

Scratch all that.

 

Start with Introduction, then Tutorial.

 

Then, stop READING manuals. Start USING manuals.

Figure out what you want to look up today. Maybe you spent 15 minutes clearing the frost off your car, so you want to look up anti-ice. Maybe you want to visit an airport one some backwater island, so you want to look up non-precision approach techniques. Maybe you read about a real 777 having a certain problem so you want to look it up, and what to do if it happened to you.

Scratch all that? As if only your opinion is the right one? I don't think I recommended reading all the manuals either, but apparently what I said was worthless.