PMDG Boeing 737-800 NGX Flight Manual: A Comprehensive Guide for Pilots

====================================================================

Introduction

----------

Welcome to the PMDG Boeing 737-800 NGX flight manual, a comprehensive guide designed specifically for pilots flying this advanced aircraft in Microsoft FSX or Prepar3D. This manual covers all aspects of operating the 737NGX, from basic systems and controls to advanced features like FMC programming.

Before You Begin

--------------

1. Familiarize yourself with your simulator's cockpit layout.

2. Understand the basics of flight planning and navigation using an aircraft Flight Management Computer (FMC).

3. Read through this manual carefully before attempting a real-world flight.

737NGX Systems Overview

----------------------------

### Primary Flight Controls

* Yoke or joystick: controls pitch, roll, and yaw movements

* Thrust levers: control engine thrust

* Rudder pedals: control nosewheel steering (if equipped)

### Secondary Flight Control Surfaces

* Ailerons: control roll movement

* Flaps: increase drag during landing rollout or descent

* spoilers: reduce lift on the wings for climb and cruise speed management

FMC Programming Fundamentals

--------------------------------

1. Understand the basic structure of a flight plan:

+ Departure (SID)

+ Enroute segment(s)

+ Approach (STAR) + Runway Entry

2. Familiarize yourself with FMS pages and functions:

* Mode Control Panel (MCP): select desired modes of operation

* Normal/Go Around: standard cruise mode

* Lateral Guidance Localiser / Glideslope: follow lateral or vertical RNAV routes

'Direct-to': direct to a waypoint using GPS data

3. Configure FMC settings:

* Time and Date: set correct local time zone

'ADF' (Aircraft Directional Heading): select ON for ground navigation assistance only when necessary due to potential interference with other systems.

Route Setup & Programming

----------------------------------

### Step 1 - Position Initialisation

* Set heading bug onHeading indicator according to desired departure heading.

* Align aircraft longitudinal axis with runway centerline using taxiing procedures outlined in Aircraft Operating Manual (AOM).

### Step 2 - Airport Entry

* Select 'APC' (Approach) mode and press F10 to engage Autobrake if equipped.

### Step 3 - Departure Entry (SID)

1. Arm departure procedure:

+ Press F9 twice, then select desired SID from list.

2. Set altitude and speed as per chart data for initial climb phase.

### Step 4- Enroute & SID Entry

* Engage autopilot or manage flight manually using navigation aids like GPS/ADF if available.

### Step 5 - STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) & Approach Entry

1. Capture localizer or glideslope intercept procedure as per chart data.

2. Descend to published minimums and establish on Runway Centerline with spoilers in 'UP' position for landing rollout control.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

------------------------------

* FMC freezes: restart flight by pressing Shift+Ctrl+F12 (PC) / Command+Option+Return (Mac).

* Autopilot disconnects during descent:

+ Check altitude and speed parameters are set correctly.

+ Ensure spoilers are armed in 'UP' position before reaching minimums.

-------

Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide to flying the PMDG Boeing 737-800 NGX! Remember that practice makes perfect - spend hours mastering these advanced systems and techniques in a safe, simulated environment before attempting real-world flights.

Pmdg 737 manual