I was just curious what the consensus was about purchasing the PMDG 777 as a starter airliner for a GA VFR guy?  I've toyed around with flying the big jets a little bit, but that's about the extent of it.  I also have zero experience with IFR.  I'm always up for a challenge, but don't want to get slammed.

 

Thanks In Advance, TD

Well, if you complete the tutorial, you should be in good shape. I went from basic CLS-type stuff (FMC with only default fsx planner) straight into PMDG. Plus PMDG has some of the best realism, so if you want to learn right, learn PMDG. I have to say the 777 is easier than the NGX simple due to its newer technologies and automated processes.

 

ADDITION: THE KEY IS READING THE MANUALS!!!

It definitely is a steep learning curve, but it's perfectly doable.  The workload on the 777 is not that high, whereas on something like the Q400, you have your hands full.  Plus, the 777 is so big it flies on rails.

Any of PMDGs aircraft are awesome aircraft to buy and you won't be disappointed in any purchase whether it be their older 747 (which a v2 is in the works at the moment) or you get the 777. I own all of their FSX aircraft and love flying all of them.

 

The first realistic aircraft addon I purchased for FSX was the NGX and it was a little difficult to learn at first but I hadn't been simming that for that long either so aviation in general was new to me. There are plenty of tutorials for the NGX and the 777 on Youtube which will provide plenty of assistance and they all come with excellent documentation.

 

On the other hand have you considered the Majestic Q400? It is a turboprop airliner that is a great commercial aircraft that might not be as big a jump as a 777 but still offers IFR experience and most of the modern technology that is found in many jet airliners. PMDG also offers the JS41 which is another great IFR turboprop you could look at.

I did make an attempt at least to explain basic IFR concepts in the tutorial. Honestly though I'd probably say get the NGX first - it has two tutorials and the plane is a little more conventional in the sense that there's less automation, less stuff to worry about like ECL and EICAS etc. One you learn one Boeing you'll have no trouble learning the others.

I was just curious what the consensus was about purchasing the PMDG 777 as a starter airliner for a GA VFR guy?  I've toyed around with flying the big jets a little bit, but that's about the extent of it.  I also have zero experience with IFR.  I'm always up for a challenge, but don't want to get slammed.

 

Thanks In Advance, TD

 

If you do pick up either the NGX or the 777 rest assured there is a community here who will help you out when you need it.

 

I agree with Ryan that the NGX is a good place to start. You'll learn about managing the systems on what is a very stable, flyable IFR platform. Plus the HGS will greatly assist you in learning handling techniques.

 

Whatever you choose, good luck and welcome to heavy-iron flying!

Thanks for all the responses.  I do already have the Majestic Q400 and the PMDG J41, both great aircraft.  I think you've all convinced me.  Now it's a decision on the 777 or the NGX.  I'm leaning towards the 777 though.  I fly in both FSX and P3Dv2.2, so obviously I'll be using the PMDG products in FSX.  Some day I hope to fly them in P3Dv2.2.

 

Thanks to everyone, TD

I guess then it depends on what type of flying you want to do - if you want the long haul capability and the really advanced automation and systems stuff, get the 777 then.

I would honestly suggest the MD-11 over the 777 for a VFR GA guy (and almost to anyone for that matter). If you like hand flying the approaches and want to feel like you're flying a monster machine, the MD-11 offers that. The 777 is great but it so automated and is just too easy to fly. It just doesn't quite "feel" like a heavy/airliner when you fly it. The downside for many is the cockpit is a bit different from a Boeing. But once you learn it, it's very simple and easy.

 

Just my 2cents

Both the MD11 and the B777 are great for the highly automated side of things.

 

The NGX is "more manual" - that's why I actually think it's a bit more complex than the other ones to start with.

 

And, I can confirm, the B777 is perfectly capable of performing short-hop "repositioning flights" - boy, you can even take her out for a couple of "circuits and bumps" ... there really is no minimum flight duration requirement!

The 777 is great at hand-flying - the only time I autolanded was in 300ft visibility (yay ASN).

Which ever you buy you won't be disappointed. I'd start with the NG. Hours of fun ahead!

It depends on your learning style.  If you like learning several complex systems that interact all at once then either the 777 or the NGX should be fine.  On the other hand, you might do better practicing IFR landings with the default 747.  The default will give you practice on ILS approaches and on staying ahead of a heavy aircraft that doesn't slow down very quickly and needs more anticipation in other respects as well. 

 

I love the PMDG 777, but I'm not so sure I wouldn't have been overwhelmed with VNAV, SIDs, STARs, descent and approach planning,  and many other things, if I hadn't flown the default 777 in FS9 first. 

 

Mike

Since you already have the J41 and the Q400 those are extremely good platforms to fly IFR on. Why not play around with it and simulate a pilots career progression? I guarantee that flying the shorter hops on the J41 and Q400 will prepare you and give you a solid foundation for your future flying in the NGX and 777. One more thing, I'd recommend investing in FS2Crew for each and every one of the airplanes, it'll not only make flying those beasts easier but realistically too.

Actually to the OP I'd say the same as to those who ask whether Python is good as a first programming language to learn:

 

It's so easy, that once you are confronted with another aircraft, you'll suffer then!

 

Hahah, just exaggerating, but I agree with Ryan in that you should try the 737 first.