Hey Guys

 

I know, I know, the 777 is not just an NGX on steroids, but please hear me out.

 

I'm about to buy the 777 and have been looking forward to getting it for some time so am very excited!

 

However for the next few months I'm not going to have the time to study manuals and learn everything there is to know about her.

 

I'm lucky if I find just a few hours a week to actually fly.

 

I'm a pretty basic simmer. When I fly the NGX I normally start the aircraft in a warm cockpit, and I know how to program the FMC and choose a SID and have the FMC essentially fly my flight plan, then I will wait to come into ATIS range then select the approach and STAR based on that. I then disengage at around 1,000 AGL and hand fly down to the runway.

 

What I want to know is will I be able to do these things reasonably instinctively having been flying the NGX for quite a long time? I'm assuming the basic operation of the FMC and autopilot are fairly convertible skills from the NGX to the 777?

 

Over time of course I want to learn everything including full start up procedure, failures, the more complex aspects of auto flight etc, but for now I just want to be able to get from point A to point B via the FMC the same way I do in the NGX.

 

Many thanks guys

From a "piloting" point of view, there are differences, but if you can fly the NGX, you can fly the 777 too.

 

Boeing planes are not as homogeneous as Airbus, but still, you will figure most things out as you go.

 

From an engineering and systems point of view, it's a completely different story, but that won't matter too much on the simulator and you can learn the differences while cruising  

 

You can watch my tutorial videos on the 777, they are aimed at someone familiar with flying jets but who wants to learn more "advanced" techniques: https://www.youtube.com/user/jibeneyto

Thanks Alpha Floor that's great!

I agree, the T7 is a pretty sweet ride. I've also noticed that it is easier on my system and framerates. What I really enjoy about the T7 though, is planning long haul flights which are WAY beyond your average NGX capability.

 

You can plan your trips on your own but I found that Professional Flight Planning X, Active Sky Next and Aivlasoft EFB make the tasks more realistic, especially in ETOPS planning, weather prediction and flight following. The EFB works in conjunction with ASNext and recommends STARS and IAPs well ahead of FSX's usual 30 miles.

 

PFPX actually places SIDS, STARS and approach procedures in the flight plan at the time of release but ASNext's use of real time METAR and TAF data at the destination airport allows for flight termination planning as much as one hour before top of descent.

 

Together these programs add around $200US to your sim but to me, the realism.they add make them worth the price. The learning curve and setup time necessary to get them all talking to each other is a little steep but if you're interested in really flying the T7 as it is meant to be flown, they are well worth consideration. There is lots of help here on the forums if you get stuck or need a hand with using any of these programs.

 

Good luck with the T7, it's one of the best aircraft I've "flown" in 40 years of flight simming.

 

Rick

Yes you will be able to fly the T7 based on your NGX experience. There are some differences that you have to get used to.

For example the T7 VNAV won't slow down automatically when you start setting your flaps on approach.

I find I don't need FSCrew2 like I do with the NGX, you really need it with the NGX but the automation in the T7 makes the work load on you imo ofc perfect. I've stopped flying NGX as the T7 just feels so good. Love everything about it apart from the higher VAS.

Hope the SP1 comes out in the next few years ^^, it's "only" been 6 months since they said on facebook

"Gear up on this Boeing 777-3B5/ER!!"

I think it's been over 2 years now since PMDG said the DC6 will be in your hands very shortly!

Anyway all in all love the T7

The T7 is by far my favorite aircraft - makes me want trade in the old Cessna 150 for a real one. Anyone know where I can find a used one with few miles, nice upgrades, sweet paint job?