Going Beyond AUTO Mode on TFDI MD-11: Prep for the DC-10

Hi All,

With the Definitive Edition update dropping today (happy launch day!), I’ve been spending a lot of time digging into the systems again – especially switching things to manual to really understand what’s going on under the hood.

The MD-11 is one of the most smartest aircrafts I've ever simmed on - The Electrics, Fuel, Pneumatics, and Hydraulics all can safely remain on AUTO for the flight.

But what about on the DC-10? That requires fluency in the systems.

So I've been doing many sim flights in the MD-11 and using the Q Switches to observe what the system does at various stages of the flight and I noted my findings. I'm also studying the 1976 DC-10 FCOM which gave valuable insights, especially into the fuel section.

In case anyones interested like me in digging further, I presented my findings in my MD-11 video and here is a brief summary:
 

1. Electrics: One of the easier aspects in my opinion with 9 manipulable switches - Gen Disconnect Switches, BTB's and AC and DC But ties. The smoke switch though is tricky.

2. Hydraulics: Engine Driven Pumps (2 per engine), 2 AC options and PTU's linking No. 3 to No.2 and No. 1. Like in the airbus, the right hand side system is pressurised for engine start and the PTU kicks in and then disconnects when the other engines are running. The hydraulic pressure test also follows a similar pattern.

3. Air - The APU Air connects to No. 1 hence requiring the ISOLS to be open for engine start. Tip: APU draws fuel from tank #2.

4. Fuel - Definitely the most tricky. What surprised me here is that there are many back ups built into the system, including options for tank to tank transfer (trans pump & fill tanks when pumping from the centre AUX) and any tank to any engine feed (via the cross feeds). Plenty of redundancy here.

Oh, and I had my smoothest ever MD-11 Landing yesterday. I too was not expecting that 🙂

Any other MD-11 pro tips and experiences are welcome 🙂