Hi , I have Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System for FSX and fly PMDG 777 and PMDG MD-11 for most of the time. I also have Logitech joystick with twist handle which I use for moving planes on ground. I know having rudder pedals will enhance my flying experience but is that a must to have rudder pedals when you use yoke system especially during manual landing of these giant birds?

Yes, it is a must. Pedals are an integral part of the flight controls, as they move the rudder. Rudder is needed for flying just as aileron and elevator are. You need it to coordinate your turns and it is most helpful in crosswind landings... How do you move the rudder now? One hand on the yoke, the other on the joystick? If so, how do you move the throttles? Seems impractical to me.

 

Then again, if the simulated "auto rudder" works in your plane, you can get by without pedals. It just isn't in any way realistic.

It depends on the level of realism you want to experience. If you want to get as real as you can, then the pedals are a requirement. Otherwise, if you're not too worried about coordinating turns so that the tail isn't flung around or if crashing in crosswind landings is kind of a fun thing to do, or try to beat, then you could be happy without them.

You don't use the rudder to co-ordinate turns in a 777 or MD-11, not unless you want to crash the thing. But if you want to land in a crosswind it is essential to de-crab the a/c just before touchdown. The twisty joystick will do the job but not with the control a properly calibrated set of pedals will. You will find taxi-ing a breeze too.

Pedals for car racing games may be less expensive than rudder pedals. They don't offer toe brakes, but they still add a lot of realism and precision to turns and crosswind landings.