They ain't hard to learn watch a few youtube videos read a few documents. We're not getting type rated here or anything. If you have base sim aeronautical knowledge you'll be fine. 

Edited June 4, 20224 yr by VBHB

Most has already been mentioned and for me the decision between Airbus or Boeing is just a matter of personal taste. I preferred Boeing 737 for a long time, but for some reason I now like Airbus more. I think Airbus is more consistent in all it's automation. Still love the 747, though.

Whatever you choose, just don't forget that a plane is essentially a tool to solve the problem to get from A to B. To use that tool, you don't just need to know how to operate the tool itself, but have an idea of the problem to be solved and its contexts and circumstances. So before jumping in an airliner cockpit, first learn the basics of IFR flight planning, navigation, procedures and how to fly them, how a turbofan engine works (to understand what N1, N2 etc mean) and so on. Also learn to fly basic maneuvers by hand, before flying the first actual route. This imo will bring much more enjoyment, even in a flying computer like the Airbus.

Edited June 4, 20224 yr by MarioDonick

Best you learn both as a simpilot..

I would not only want to fly one of the two planes, but ultimately your decision 😊

cheers 😉

8 hours ago, sd_flyer said:

When I feel like flying tubeliner I use  Leonardo MD-82! If I want to relax a bit I use PMDG 737! If I feel totally lazy but still want to fly I use Fenix A320! LOL

Good one. But I would put one step more in. When I feel flying tubeliner I use the BAe 146! If I want to relax a bit I use the MD-82! Relax more 737. Lazy mode 320.

Otherwise I would support the more than one plane approach. We are (mostly) sim pilots an don't need a type certificate. And all are def no rocket science. The basic principles are always the same. The way to input or use slightly differ. In the end you can transfer basic stuff like fmc or ap behavior easily staying with one manufacturer. A nice example of a mix of systems would be a 717 btw. But thats even not on the horizon yet for msfs afaik. 

Cheers T.

7 hours ago, Chock said:

Whichever you pick, if you want a really good (and not at all scary) actual paper manual which you can also read and actually enjoy reading when away from your computer (the real bonus of such things), then I'd recommend having a look here.

Heard a lot about those books... Is the one on the Airbus still intetesting to read when you already know how to operate the Airbus and know what all the buttons and switches stand for? 

10 hours ago, Flic1 said:

That's a great guide.  It is especially of help when you go between different aircraft and forget your flows.  BTW - Do you have one of these for the 737?  I thought you did at one time..

 

To the OP...I fly both regularly and it is a tough call.  They are both different but I'm not sure one is harder than the other. They are both wonderful to fly so if you can, learn both!!

Yes I do, I will update my Fenix for everyone today.

PM/DM me your email  if you want my PMDG 737 one.

Edited June 4, 20224 yr by Nyxx

Do you like modern concepts? State of the art technology? Ease of use? -> Airbus

Do you like oldschool controls / being fully in charge? Slightly more complexity and extra steps? (Youtuber V1 called it: start the engine like 1930) -> Boeing

Edited June 4, 20224 yr by tweekz

14 hours ago, RobJC said:

Unfortunately I do not have a lot of time to learn a lot of complicated airplanes, so I need to think about how I want to invest my time. And that got me thinking. If I bought the PMDG 737 how well would that knowledge transfer to say the 777, or the 747? What other ac would I have a good jump on if I learned the ins and outs of the 737? Same exact question about the Fenix A320. I guess I am trying to figure out if learning one vs the other has additional benefits if I buy other ac, so I can decide which one makes the most sense. 

If I learn how to operate the 737, what other Boeing and non Boeing ac would I be able to apply some or all of that knowledge to? Again, same question with the A320.  

I fly everything I can get my hands on including the F18, F16 and AH64 Apache in DCS. In regard to MSFS I learned everything from the superb YouTube channels belonging to the likes of Blackbox 711, 320 Sim Pilot, V1 Simulations and 737NG Driver, all are real world pilots current in either the A320 or 737. I have listed their channels below. Believe me you will not be disapointed:-

https://www.youtube.com/c/Blackbox711

https://www.youtube.com/c/320SimPilot

https://www.youtube.com/user/acdelta57

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJku5jC23Y0MkmPqU7CZhog

Edited June 4, 20224 yr by SierraHotel

4 hours ago, tup61 said:

Heard a lot about those books... Is the one on the Airbus still intetesting to read when you already know how to operate the Airbus and know what all the buttons and switches stand for? 

If you know how it all works, then there's less reason to read his stuff pertaining to that subject in particular, but he is an engaging writer with lots of knowledge and experience, so I'd recommend having a good browse through all his titles. It is likely there'll be something worth having.

Watch a couple of youtube videos, take a few notes, and you can fly both in no time.  It's "gamey" - I mean, how much time did you really need to understand how to operate the BFG in Doom?

33 minutes ago, Chock said:

If you know how it all works, then there's less reason to read his stuff pertaining to that subject in particular, but he is an engaging writer with lots of knowledge and experience, so I'd recommend having a good browse through all his titles. It is likely there'll be something worth having.

I met Mike Ray out in San Diego at a Avsim convention years ago. Really nice person, and i still have a copy of his 737 Check Ride manual that he autographed. 

It is often said that Airbus is for Engineers, and Boeing for Pilots 😉

Edited June 4, 20224 yr by Simicro

The 737 feels like a solid chunk of iron. It looks sturdy, it sounds sturdy, and it flies that way.

The Airbus is more finesse than heft. It feels dainty, elegant, and refined and it flies that way.

If they were furniture, the Airbus would be Ikea and the 737 would be Amish / Shaker style. 😁

Edited June 9, 20223 yr by MDFlier

Fenix and Leonardo are the way forward