Introduction to Flying the PMDG 737 NGXu in Microsoft Flight Simulator

The PMDG 737 NGXu stands as one of the most meticulously crafted aircraft add-ons available for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Its systems depth and visual fidelity make it the ideal platform for simulating realistic short and medium-haul operations, whether you fly routes between regional hubs or cross-country destinations. This guide walks you through every phase of flight, from cold-and-dark cockpit preparation to shutting down at the gate, with a focus on achieving an authentic airline pilot experience.

Short and medium-haul flights typically range from 30 minutes to about four hours, flying at altitudes between FL250 and FL410. The 737 NGXu excels in this environment, combining efficient climb profiles, high cruise speeds, and straightforward approach procedures. By mastering its Flight Management Computer (FMC), autopilot systems, and procedural checklists, you will transform your virtual flying from basic A-to-B trips into immersive line operations.

Installation, Updates, and Initial Setup

Before you can enjoy realistic flights, ensure your PMDG 737 NGXu is correctly installed and updated. After downloading the installer from your PMDG account, run it and follow the prompts. The package includes multiple variants (700, 800, 900, and the BBJs), each with unique performance characteristics for different route structures.

After installation, launch Microsoft Flight Simulator, create a flight, and select your preferred 737 variant. PMDG provides frequent updates through their Operations Center application; always check that you are running the latest version to benefit from bug fixes and new features. You can also install liveries from the PMDG website or third-party repainters to match real-world airlines.

Flight Planning for Realistic Operations

Realistic flying begins long before you enter the cockpit. Use professional flight planning tools such as SimBrief, Navigraph Charts, or PFPX to generate a comprehensive flight plan that includes waypoints, airways, altitude constraints, fuel calculations, and weather data. For short and medium-haul flights, typical routes follow established SIDs (Standard Instrument Departures), airways, and STARs (Standard Terminal Arrival Routes).

Export the flight plan as a PMDG-compatible file or manually enter the route into the FMC. Many simmers use SimBrief to generate a detailed briefing package that includes takeoff and landing performance data, alternate airports, and NOTAMs. This preparation mirrors real-world dispatch procedures and adds immense depth to your flight.

Fuel Planning

Fuel planning is critical for safety and realism. The PMDG 737 NGXu allows you to configure fuel in the FMC or through the PMDG Setup page. Calculate fuel based on trip distance, expected winds aloft, reserves (typically 45 minutes of holding fuel), and alternate fuel if required. Use the fuel planning section in SimBrief or the aircraft’s built-in fuel calculator to determine block fuel. Always include taxi fuel (about 200–400 lbs depending on airport congestion) and contingency fuel for unforeseen delays.

Cold and Dark Start – Cockpit Preparation

For the most realistic experience, start your flight from a cold-and-dark state. The PMDG 737 NGXu models this accurately: all panels are dark, batteries are off, and the aircraft is connected to ground power. Begin by turning on the battery and standby power, then switch on the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to supply pneumatic and electrical power. While the APU starts, you can set up the overhead panel, configure the du displays, and load your flight plan.

Follow the PMDG 737 NGXu Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) or a standard airline checklist. Key steps include:

  • Battery and Standby Power: Turn the battery switch to ON, verify the standby battery is charging, and set the DC metering selector to measure standby voltage.
  • APU Start: Switch on the APU and wait for the AVAIL light (approximately 60 seconds). Then turn on APU bleed air and both APU generators.
  • IRS Alignment: Set the IRS mode selectors to NAV and enter the current airport coordinates or use the IRS alignment page on the FMC. Alignment takes about 10 minutes – a realistic wait you can skip if desired by using the Ctrl+Shift+E shortcut.
  • FMC Initialization: Go to the FMC IDENT page, enter your flight number, company, and aircraft registration. Then move to POS INIT and verify the GPS position is correct. Load your flight plan from the RTE page.
  • Lighting and Panels: Test the annunciator lights, set the dome light to your preference, and configure the EFIS control panel (baro, range, modes).

Setting Up the Flight Management Computer (FMC)

Once the aircraft has power, the FMC is your central tool. Enter the departure airport (ICAO code), destination, flight number, and aircraft registration. Navigate to the RTE page and input your route as per your flight plan. You can manually enter waypoints and airways, or load a CO ROUTE from a flight plan file. SimBrief users can generate a PMDG-formatted file (.rte or .flp) and import it directly into the FMC via the PMDG Load menu.

After loading the route, verify the waypoints and distances on the LEGS page. Set your initial altitude (often the SID top altitude), cruise speed (usually Mach 0.78 for economic flight), and expected VNAV profile. Pay attention to altitude constraints – the PMDG FMC follows them precisely when VNAV is engaged.

Pre-Flight and Performance Calculations

With the FMC configured, switch to the PMDG Setup page (accessible through the toolbar or Ctrl+Shift+E). Here you enter:

  • Fuel and Payload: Adjust total fuel and individual tank quantities. Set passenger and cargo weights based on your flight plan. The aircraft automatically calculates zero fuel weight and center of gravity.
  • Takeoff Performance: Enter the outside air temperature (OAT), wind direction/speed, QNH, runway heading, and runway condition (dry/wet/contaminated). Choose flaps setting (usually 5 for short-haul, 1 or 2 for longer runways). The FMS will compute V-speeds: V1 (decision speed), VR (rotation speed), V2 (takeoff safety speed). Note these for the takeoff brief.
  • Pressurization: Set the landing altitude and pressurization mode to AUTO. Verify the flight altitude is correctly set on the pressurization controller.

Before leaving the ramp, complete a thorough cockpit flow check and then run the “Before Start” checklist from the PMDG checklist panel (accessible via the EFB or pop-up menu). Verify that all systems are operational and that the APU is supplying bleed air (for air conditioning and engine start). Check for any FMC error messages or discrepancies and clear them.

Pushback, Taxi, and Takeoff

Request pushback from ATC (if you use AI ATC or a network like VATSIM) or use the pushback tool in MSFS. For realism, set the parking brake ON, release the parking brake only when ready to push back. After pushback, start the engines one at a time. With APU bleed air on, move the engine start switch to GND (ground) and then to OFF as the N2 reaches 25%. Monitor EGT limits and confirm engine start.

On taxi, set the ground power switch to OFF after engine start and turn off the APU (use APU bleed ONLY if needed for air conditioning in hot weather). Taxi with minimal thrust, using tiller for sharp turns. The PMDG 737 NGXu models realistic nose wheel steering sensitivity – be gentle until you master it. Perform the taxi checklist: flight controls free and correct, flaps set, stabilizer trim set, transponder ON, and takeoff config test if desired.

Takeoff Procedure

Line up on the runway centerline, engage the autothrottle (if you plan to use it), and advance the thrust levers to 40% N1, wait until stable, then press the TO/GA button. Alternatively, manually advance to the calculated N1 for takeoff. V-speeds will appear on the PFD. At V1, keep your hand on the throttle but do not pull back. At VR, gently rotate to 10–15 degrees nose up, maintaining a target pitch of about 15 degrees. Positive rate of climb – gear up, then flaps up on schedule (e.g., flaps 1 at 400 ft AGL, flaps up at 1000 ft AGL). Engage the autopilot at 400 ft AGL or after reaching a safe altitude and heading. Use the heading mode or LNAV/VNAV as per your flight plan.

Climb and Cruise Management

During climb, the PMDG FMC with VNAV will manage pitch, thrust, and speed to meet altitude constraints. Monitor the climb page on the FMC for progress. If flying in busy airspace, maintain ATC instructions and adjust speed as requested. For short and medium-haul flights, the climb typically consists of a standard rate of 2000–3000 ft/min, reducing above FL300. Use the climb table in the QRH for optimum altitude steps.

Once at cruise altitude (usually FL350–FL410 depending on weight and direction), engage ALT HOLD or VNAV ALT. Set cruise Mach number (M.78) in the FMC or via the autothrottle. The 737 NGXu cruises efficiently between Mach 0.74 and 0.80. Check fuel flow, EGT margins, and system synoptics. For long legs (over 2 hours) consider step climbs as fuel burns off. Use the progress page on the FMC to monitor remaining distance, ETAs, and fuel remaining. Update your ETA and fuel status periodically for situational awareness.

Enroute Weather and Systems Monitoring

Use the weather radar (WXR) to detect convective weather. The PMDG 737 NGXu has a realistic WXR panel with tilt and gain controls. If you encounter turbulence, adjust speed to the recommended turbulence penetration speed (often 280 KIAS or Mach 0.76). Keep an eye on hydraulic quantities, AC electrical loads, and pressurization. The systems schematics on the overhead panel (accessible via the pop-up) can help diagnose any failures. For more realistic weather, use real-time weather through MSFS live weather or inject third-party weather via Active Sky.

Descent and Approach Planning

Begin descent planning at least 15 minutes before top of descent (TOD). The FMC calculates TOD based on speed and altitude constraints. You can manually set a lower speed if you want to start descent earlier. Check the DESC page for path preview. If ATC assigns a different altitude, modify the desired altitude on the MCP and let VNAV adjust. During descent, reduce speed to 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft as per regulations. Arm the approach mode (APP) when cleared for the approach, which will capture the localizer and glideslope (or ILS) automatically.

Set the missed approach altitude, tune the ILS frequency (auto-tuned via the FMC if using a database), and verify the course. For short and medium-haul flights, typical approaches include ILS, Visual, or RNAV (GPS) approaches. The PMDG FMC supports both LNAV/VNAV approaches for non-precision procedures. Arm approach mode before the final approach fix, and monitor the flight director cues. At 1000 ft AGL, check that you are stabilized (on speed, on path, configured for landing).

Landing Configuration

As you intercept the glideslope, configure the aircraft in stages:

  • Flaps 1 – extend before the glideslope intercept (typically 2–3 nm from FAF)
  • Flaps 5 – when established on glideslope, around 180 KIAS
  • Flaps 10, 15, 25, 30 – step wise as speed reduces. Use flap 30 for typical landings; flap 40 for short fields. Monitor the green band on the airspeed indicator for flap limit speeds.
  • Gear down – after selecting flaps 5 or 10, check gear down and locked indication. Extend speed brakes to ARM for touchdown automatic deployment.
  • Autobrake – select autobrake setting (1 or 2 for normal landings, 3 for short or wet runways).
  • Vref – reference speed is shown on the FMC and PFD. Typically add 5 knots for gusts.

Landing and Rollout

At 50 ft RA, begin a smooth flare – aim to reduce the rate of descent to about 100–200 ft/min. The PMDG landing model is sensitive; avoid flaring too high or too early. The main gear should touch down gently. After touchdown, deactivate autothrottle (if armed) and apply reverse thrust. The PMDG 737 NGXu has auto spoiler deployment when speed brakes are armed and wheels are spinning. Manually select reverse idle, then increase to reverse thrust as needed. At 60 knots, begin reducing reverse thrust and stow reversers. Apply wheel brakes (manual or autobrake) as required. Disconnect autopilot and autothrottle prior to landing or right after touchdown – many pilots disconnect after touchdown to maintain control.

Taxi speed on the runway should be kept low – exit at the nearest suitable taxiway. After vacating, retract flaps and spoilers, and change transponder to STBY. Continue taxi to gate using the same taxi techniques as before. Set parking brake ON at the gate, turn off all flight directors, autopilot, and engine start switches to OFF. Run the shutdown checklist: APU on for ground power (if needed), then shut down engines (fuel cutoff switches to CUTOFF after one minute of idle). Turn off battery and ground services when finished.

Post-Flight Procedures and Logging

After the flight, review your performance using the PMDG logbook or third-party flight tracking tools like Volanta. Note your fuel consumption, flight time, and any deviations from the plan. The PMDG 737 NGXu also saves a comprehensive flight report accessible from the FMC. Use this data to refine your future flights. Additionally, you can export the GPS track for replay or analysis. Many virtual airlines require pilots to record such data for realism and promotion purposes.

Enhancing Realism: Tips and Advanced Features

To take your experience to the next level, consider the following:

  • Use real-world weather and charts: Subscribe to Navigraph or Aivlasoft EFB for moving maps and real-time chart data that integrate with the PMDG FMC.
  • Join a virtual airline or network: VATSIM or PilotEdge provide ATC and traffic, forcing you to adhere to real procedures. Many VAs have dedicated 737 fleets with SOPs.
  • Learn the QRH: The PMDG Quick Reference Handbook (included with the aircraft) is a goldmine for normal and non-normal procedures. Practice engine failures or system failures during flight for an extra challenge.
  • Configure custom camera views: Set up panel presets for overhead, pedestal, and MCP quick access.
  • Utilize external tools: SimBrief for flight planning, fs2ff for transferring MSFS weather to the 737, or Active Sky for dynamic weather injection. Check resources like PMDG's official site for latest updates and tutorials.
  • Study real operations: Watch cockpit videos or read airline-specific SOPs (e.g., Ryanair, Southwest, United) to mimic their flows and checklists.

Also consider using hardware like a Logitech Saitek yoke or a dedicated throttle quadrant to physically fly the aircraft. The PMDG 737 NGXu is fully compatible with most peripherals, and you can map the MCP buttons, EFIS panel, and gear lever for tactile feedback.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

New users often stumble on a few key aspects:

  • Improper FMC setup: Forgetting to enter performance data or not verifying LEGS page can cause VNAV errors. Double‑check takeoff thrust limitations and V-speeds.
  • Over‑ or under‑flaring: The 737 requires a gentle, gradual flare. Practice at different weights and flap settings to improve.
  • Ignoring speeds: Exceeding flap limit speeds can cause structural damage. Watch the color codes on the airspeed indicator.
  • Neglecting checklists: Skipping steps leads to forgotten items like gear retraction or flaps not set. Use the built-in checklist panel or an external checklist app (e.g., ChecklistFS).
  • Misusing autopilot modes: Engaging CWS or V/S without understanding can cause altitude busts. Master the six basic modes: HDG SEL, LNAV, VNAV, ALT HLD, VS, and FLCH.

Final Thoughts on the PMDG 737 NGXu

The PMDG 737 NGXu remains a benchmark in flight simulation due to its depth, accuracy, and constant refinement. Short and medium-haul flights offer a perfect training ground for mastering its systems without the fatigue of 12-hour long‑haul sectors. By approaching each flight with a real‑world mindset – meticulous planning, procedural discipline, and careful monitoring – you will unlock a level of immersion that rivals real pilot training.

Remember that realism is not just about the aircraft; it is about the complete journey from briefing to post‑flight debrief. Use every tool at your disposal: flight planning software, real‑world weather, ATC networks, and the extensive PMDG documentation. As you gain confidence, explore advanced scenarios like engine failures, rejected takeoffs, or Cat III autoland approaches in low visibility.

For a deeper dive, refer to the official PMDG documentation Knowledge Base and community forums such as PMDG Forum or FSElite for reviews and tutorials. With practice, you will find that the PMDG 737 NGXu transforms every short hop into a rewarding, realistic experience.