There is a good update from the PMDG on the 737 for the MSFS. 

There are two good enhancements: one related to flare behavior (very nice job, if I remember correctly how the airplane flies) and the other related to LNAV improvement.

 

I still notice issues with VNAV (calculations) during climb-out, especially on KJFK 31L on KENNEDY5. After T.O. at 420 FT, the airplane should initiate a left turn to CRI. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, it will track on RWY heading and initiate the turn somewhere above 1,300.

 

 

The FD is still experiencing the same problem of bouncing left and right before the turn. Also, there is now a pronounced delay or lag in FD indications before every turn materializes, with a big deflection left/right of the center square marking on the PFD. In the aircraft, there is a very small deviation during the initiation of the turn, but not to such a degree.  

 

 

Unfortunately, the LNAV still needs more consistency. For example, it was perfect at KEWR on the RF leg, while it was not pretty at KLGA for RWY 31.

 

 

I'm wondering what they actually "learned since it released nearly 3 years ago."

Captains,

Okay- grab a mug of your favorite- we have a bunch of little things for you today. (I'm having Bailey's-on-ice here, which is also known as The Non-Rev Special, so I won't judge whatever you put in your own mug.)

MSFS 2024 SU1 Public Beta Has Released:
This happened later in the afternoon Thursday and we have not had an opportunity to evaluate it fully as of this writing. We will be spending time with it on Friday. There are a handful of full-stop-blockers that we have reported to Asobo since the release of MSFS 2024 and they have reported back to us through that reporting process that each of these has been cured, HOWEVER (and this is important) they have not told us that all of those fixes are included in SU1. We are watching the change list and do not see any of the items listed, but given that this is a public beta we anticipate both the build and the list are still quite dynamic and the only way to really validate what we want to know is to dive into the sim.

We'll share more news as we have it- but I want everyone to remain cautious about irrational exuberance. Until we have 777 fully running in 2024 without any issues, we won't be popping corks here at PMDG HQ.

PMDG 737NG Updated to v3.00.0112:
As previewed in last week's update, we just pushed a new update for the 737NG out to users via the PMDG Operations Center. This update is primarily focused on the tablet, with some changes that we hope will reduce or eliminate instances of the tablet getting locked with a spinning logo on the main screen. We brought these fixes over from the 777, where they have been largely successful and we hope this closes the loop on the 737.

Beyond these changes, there really isn't much else in this package. The change list contained below contains a few items that were actually swept into earlier updates (Record keeping failure, oops.) but the top handful of line items are included here. Changes are primarily refinements that came from a followup visit to the the sim center for comparisons on certain corner LNAV cases, as well as autothrottle system behavior to improve thrust response when operating under single engine conditions.

You can install this version via the PMDG Operations Center if you purchased from PMDG directly. MSFS Marketplace customers will get this build "soonish" after it wends through the intake process. It was pushed up to them this evening.

PMDG 737 for MSFS - Build 3.00.0112: Released 2025-01-23
15060: [General - Engines] B110 - Hardware Throttle Connection with AT in ARM and SIM selection NEVER (emvaos)
14951: [AFDS - Pitch Modes] A/T operation with single engine (emvaos)
14937: [FMS/AFDS - VNAV] VNAV Disconnect when defining or changing VREF during descent (emvaos)
14938: [FMS/AFDS - LNAV] Eliminated stutter when initiating a go around with missed approach available (emvaos)
14906: [FMS/AFDS - LNAV] Enhanced LNAV and RF leg handling for RNP AR approaches (emvaos)
14929: [General - Unsure] PMDG style mouse does not work after update and when used it locks the tablet (hvanrensburg)
14909: [Virtual Cockpit - Geometry/Textures] Compass in 739 frozen - needs to let it go (vscimone)
14904: [Systems - IRUs/Navigation Controls] PFD/ND/CDU Symbols and indications technical update for various IRS states (emvaos)
12830: [FMS - Route/Legs Pages] Distance from Aircraft before Takeoff to Distant End Runway Incorrect (emvaos)
14784: [General - Flight Model] Landing flare behavior heavier feel (emvaos)
14876: [AFDS - Roll Modes] Auto LNAV arm for Go Around Company Option (emvaos)
12046: [Virtual Cockpit - Geometry/Textures] Upper Glareshield geometry distortions (vscimone)
12797: [Virtual Cockpit - Geometry/Textures] ALT HORN CUTOUT Switch 'pushed in' (vscimone)
13045: [Virtual Cockpit - Geometry/Textures] Minor Texture issues cleanup around the flight deck (vscimone)
13626: [Virtual Cockpit - Geometry/Textures] Flight Deck Access System switch is incorrectly oriented (vscimone)
14248: [Main Panel - ND] Displays - Terrain Display Rendering Abnormalities when changing terrain brightness (inner knob) (abashkatov)
14696: [Main Panel - ND] VOR 2 pointer incorrectly drawn (abashkatov)

PMDG 737NG What is Next?:
The main goal of this update was to continue stabilizing problems we encountered with the tablet. The team's primary development efforts are on other products at the moment. We will be circling back to this product for a large update cycle that will coincide with the effort to move it fully into MSFS 2024 and those efforts will take place once the 777s are fully upgraded within 2024. This update will include many new model upgrades, new sounds, a new sound engine and many other refinements to bring the 737 up-to-date with all that we have learned since it released nearly 3 years ago. (yes- it has been that long!)

PMDG 737MAX:
Included here because it is frequently asked: This topic is addressed here about half-way down the post, and no information has changed since this was posted.

PMDG 777-200ER:
We have seen a number of misinterpretations of last week's update on the 200ER, so I am re-stating here for clarity: 200ER is being readied for beta testing. That testing has not yet started. 200ER will release in MSFS 2020 initially and then in 2024 as a free update when it is possible to do so.

PMDG 777-200LR:
This is the next in the 777 series to be released in this cycle, and will follow the 200ER. It is expected that 200LR will release on both MSFS 2020 and 2024 as per the 200ER's release plan, but we have not set dates or schedules at this time as we are unable to predict the effect of MSFS 2024 SU1 release on this schedule.

PMDG 7777 What is Next?:
We are evaluating another bug fixing update for 777, but I don't have a schedule for that yet. It won't release next week is the only thing I know for certain right now.

PMDG 747: The Race is On:
The initial 747 release is going to be either a -100 or a -400, and at the moment we aren't really certain which one will be the first to reach the finish line. Both products are advancing as part of a core development project and as we have been able to move members of the team away from 777 work, the 747 project has really begun to move nicely.

We are now working with the 747-100 flight deck inside the sim, and it is really looking spectacular. I have attached a few images below of our in-progress Flight Engineer station with hopes that the array of switches knobs and lights will excite the sim-detail freak buried within you. This flight deck is the base model and initial texture effort, but does not yet have any of the aging, wear, labeling or use marks that the finished product will have much later.

If you are familiar with the 747-400, or even the 777, we can give you a quick orientation of this panel that will demystify its layout and operation because it is effectively a manual logic interpretation of the automated systems you are already used to using. While many simmers are comfortable with a highly automated airplane that doesn't require much operational knowledge to fly reasonably, seeing all of these dials might seem daunting, so we have begun to map out a behavior process for your virtual crew members. The virtual copilot and virtual flight engineer will help manage this magnificent machine in such a way that you, as captain, can focus on the stick, rudder and throttles while the professionals around you will ensure that the airplane runs and flies in such a way that you can focus on the fun stuff, or dive deep into the sim detail- depending upon your own interest level.

While you can always dive right into the 777 or 744 for a fully automated experience, we are going to be doing some learning exercises for those who want to have both a serious and a light simming experience in the 747 classic... This gonna be fun!

Still a bit too soon for 744 flight deck previews, but the systems simulation for that airplane is well advanced. We don't know which one of these two iconic airplanes will land first- but once we know- we'll let you know too.

There is a ton of detail in these images that will give you an idea how this product is shaping up. If you look closely at the surface textures of the fairings above the panel, and within the lighting channel along the top, you can see that no detail is being spared to give you the "this is what is like to sit here" experience with the 747 classic. As we flesh out the textures and labeling, the airplane will have that well-worn feel that you are flying with a veteran- and we look forward to seeing how you like it!

It is worth mentioning: We have traditionally withheld any previews of our products until the product is ready for beta testing- meaning that it is essentially finished. What you are seeing here is us pulling the curtain back significantly earlier in the process so that you can see early images of what the product looks like, well ahead of the testing phase- and we can start having dialogue about what it takes to build these great simulations that you come to us to experience. We have tended to be quite private in our development work- so this is a new "thing" we are trying out- so as always please understand that nothing in these images is finished, and a ton of changes are happening to the model each day as we fit the whole airplane together.

I suppose I should say something about "the journey being the most important part of the journey" or something like that.

Nah. That sounds too much like that word-art that people hang in their kitchens that says "eat." 😁

Okay everyone- have a nice weekend- and for those of you here in the states, stay warm... For those over in the UK- should be some epic crosswind flying to be had if you are up for a sporting adventure! Don't forget: ailerons into the wind and get that rudder kicked in. We don't want to see any of you in the grass!

(I've got BigJetTV on in the office. Should be a fun show today!)

Robert S. Randazzo 

Edited January 25, 20251 yr by flyingscampi

I find it curious that after this update, one of the few-and-far-between from PMDG since it released aircraft for MSFS2020, not many seem to be even paying attention to what PMDG is doing - at least if interest in this post is any indication. I check for possible PMDG updates every day in the hope that MAYBE they have finally figured out how to fix their problems with 2020 aircraft. Alas it appears they have made no progress with the atrocious LNAV behavior, and I'm not even going to get started about taxi behavior.

Oh well, guess I'll keep flying the iFly and maybe buy the Fenix and learn how to fly a computer-bus. AVSIM Fenix posts seem to indicate it knows how to LNAV.

20 minutes ago, somiller said:

I find it curious that after this update, one of the few-and-far-between from PMDG since it released aircraft for MSFS2020, not many seem to be even paying attention to what PMDG is doing - at least if interest in this post is any indication. I check for possible PMDG updates every day in the hope that MAYBE they have finally figured out how to fix their problems with 2020 aircraft. Alas it appears they have made no progress with the atrocious LNAV behavior, and I'm not even going to get started about taxi behavior.

Oh well, guess I'll keep flying the iFly and maybe buy the Fenix and learn how to fly a computer-bus. AVSIM Fenix posts seem to indicate it knows how to LNAV.

I'm curious. I used to have the iFly way back when when they were one of the last to still actively developed for FS2004, and I really liked their 737 for that platform. I then didn't really pay much attention to them as PMDG was always the top. However, I've heard a fair bit about iFly's 737 MAX and I'd be interested in giving it a go. How does it compare, of course aside from being MAX rather than the NG?

As for the Fenix, it has become my favorite aircraft in the sim, to be honest. I do think it's a much smoother plane in every sense of the word: how it flies, how it handles, system simulation, but also in terms of the 'gimmicks', with a tablet that I think is much better than PMDG's, some sort of cabin crew simulation and integrated GSX. Overall it just provides a much more seamless experience. And combined with all of WinWing's hardware, it's a true pleasure to fly (of course, I'm not pilot, so take my word with a grain of salt).

27 minutes ago, somiller said:

not many seem to be even paying attention to what PMDG is doing - at least if interest in this post is any indication.

What's the point of reading these long posts? At some point they will be done and will release the plane. Then I'll be interested. 

They have rightfully gained a reputation of saying nothing at all beyond "We're working on it, it's someone else's fault we aren't done yet, we will be done at some point". It's literally the same thing every time. 

The planes they make are great and I enjoy them, but these updates are basically useless and so people have lost interest. I know I have. 

6 minutes ago, Benjamin J said:

However, I've heard a fair bit about iFly's 737 MAX and I'd be interested in giving it a go. How does it compare, of course aside from being MAX rather than the NG?

It is a great plane and well worth the money. Not in 2024 yet, but in 2020 it is amazing. I would recommend it.

15 minutes ago, JonathanC said:

It is a great plane and well worth the money. Not in 2024 yet, but in 2020 it is amazing. I would recommend it.

Ditto. I've been flying the PMDG 737 since FS2004 and it's always been the top-of-the-line aircraft for me. Does it have its quirks, yes. But I wish more developers (Aerosoft) would raise their standards to PMDG. IFly Max has its problems also, but I still enjoy flying it. Can't wait to get both over to 2024.

Edited January 25, 20251 yr by Bigmack

Benjamin,

I don't have MSFS 2024 but for MSFS2020 I concur with JonathanC. The iFly is quite good, but certainly not perfect. It exhibits some odd LNAV turn behavior, but I think the PMDG is worse. Ground handling is quite good and not as twitchy as PMDG, especially on takeoff run. iFly pitch and roll response is heavier (more realistic - I don't know). Setting up the iFly is more of a manual process in the tablet configuring load-out and takeoff/landing performance - one can't automatically import Simbrief perf data as can be done on the FMC in the PMDG (unless I'm missing something). Importing a Simbrief flight plan into the FMC works almost identically in both.

If you have been a devoted PMDG user I think you'll find the iFly to be a worthy alternative, but one that requires a bit of a different approach to flight prep. Operationally in the air they are remarkably similar.

One last thing - you will certainly notice the difference regarding engine thrust effect on pitch when manually flying - the B38M pitches up more forcefully on thrust increase, and pitches down more forcefully on thrust reduction - keeps you on your toes during climb at thrust reduction alt when the throttles roll back, and on approach in gusty conditions.

Overall I like the iFly and have been flying it exclusively for 738 ops. I only fly PMDG for 700 and 900 ops.

2 hours ago, somiller said:

.....I check for possible PMDG updates every day in the hope that MAYBE they have finally figured out how to fix their problems with 2020 aircraft. Alas it appears they have made no progress with the atrocious LNAV behavior, and I'm not even going to get started about taxi behavior.

The ground handling is light years beyond the state it was in when the plane was first released.

Edited January 25, 20251 yr by Christopher Low

11 hours ago, Christopher Low said:

The ground handling is light years beyond the state it was in when the plane was first released.

I agree, but that's a VERY low bar.

And they'll charge us a mint for MSFS2024.