I've got to that age where I can't just hop between the immense technological challenges of one modern airliner to another without a pretty rigorous re-familiarisation!   And for the past four or five months I've been trying to get my mind round the Fenix A320 and the way that Airbus do things.

However, this last week, I've decided to get back to the PMDG 737-700.  And what a pleasant surprise.  I can't be sure whether this all fits with their updates and bug fixes over the past few months but the things that have struck me particularly are:

- the internal cockpit sounds.  Having flown on 737's many times over the years, they just seem spot on to me - and better than I remember.  The tyre bumps as they go over the joins in the runway pads, the subtle note change when the spoilers are deployed, the engine speed change sounds on finals...

- The FMC.  Using the recently updated Simbrief - well, it just works.  LNAV; VNAV; speed restrictions; altitude restrictions - three flights today with three successful landings, following all the speed and altitude restrictions!  I even planned an unrealistically high cruise to see how well it got down to altitude - faultless.

- The internal cockpit detailing.  Am I imagining it, or have there been further improvements there too?  It is certainly one of the best 'big bird' VR renditions I think I can bring to mind.

 

So - is it all in my imagination?  Well, whether it is or it isn't doesn't matter - I love it! 

For me, I can't even remember when I flew the PMDG last in P3D, well over a decade ago at least. I was hesitant to get the PMDG again, and I have to admit, this 737 now is leaps and bounds better than what I remember it being. I am having a blast flying it.