Introduction to Flying the Boeing 737 in Aerofly FS

Flying the Boeing 737 in Aerofly FS offers one of the most immersive and sophisticated desktop aviation experiences available. The simulation accurately replicates the 737’s flight dynamics, avionics, and systems, making it an ideal platform for both beginners learning basic flight principles and experienced virtual pilots seeking realism. This expanded guide will walk you through every critical phase of flight—from cockpit familiarization to shutdown—with detailed procedures, realistic tips, and authoritative references. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to operate the 737 confidently in Aerofly FS, respecting real-world checklists and best practices.

Getting Started with the Boeing 737 in Aerofly FS

Before you can fly, you need to properly load the 737 and understand its cockpit environment. Start by selecting the Boeing 737 variant from the aircraft menu. Aerofly FS offers multiple models (e.g., 737-700, -800, -900); choose the one you prefer. Once loaded, spend a few minutes orienting yourself with the primary panels:

  • Main Instrument Panel (MIP): Contains the six-pack flight instruments (altimeter, airspeed, attitude indicator, etc.) in the analog version, or the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Navigation Display (ND) in glass cockpit configurations.
  • Mode Control Panel (MCP): Located on the glareshield, this is used to set altitude, heading, speed, and vertical speed values, as well as to engage the autopilot.
  • FMC (Flight Management Computer): The central unit for programming your route, waypoints, and performance data. In Aerofly FS, the FMC is simplified but functional enough for realistic navigation.
  • Throttle quadrant: Houses the thrust levers, reverse thrust levers, and speed brake handle.
  • Overhead panel: Contains switches for electrical power, fuel pumps, bleed air, anti-ice, and other systems.

Take time to click on each switch and knob to see its function in the simulation. The interactive cockpit makes learning intuitive, but having a 737 cockpit poster or manual nearby can accelerate your understanding.

Pre-Flight Preparations

Proper pre-flight checks are essential for a safe virtual flight. Aerofly FS simulates many systems, but not all require manual manipulation. However, following a logical checklist builds good habits.

Step 1: Set Parking Brake and Verify Stationary

Ensure the parking brake is engaged (pull the handle on the center pedestal). The aircraft must not move before you begin the start sequence.

Step 2: Configure Electrical and Fuel Systems

On the overhead panel, turn on the Battery switch, then the Standby Power switch. Next, turn on the APU Master and start the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) if you plan to use bleed air for engine start. While the APU starts, turn on the fuel pumps: both left and right fuel pump switches should be set. Check that fuel quantity is adequate.

Step 3: Initialize Flight Instruments

Set the Kollsman window (barometric pressure) to the local altimeter setting, which can be obtained from Aerofly FS weather settings or ATIS if available. Verify the airspeed indicator, altitude, and attitude indicator are alive and correct. On the FMC, enter your departure airport, runway, and flight plan. You can also set the MCP altitude to your first cruise altitude and the heading bug to the runway heading.

Step 4: Light Check and External Inspection

While not as critical in a simulator, go through the motions: turn on the navigation lights, strobe lights, and landing lights (once cleared). Verify all switches are in their normal positions for start.

For a more thorough pre-flight, consult the official Boeing 737 documentation to understand the real-world checklist order. Aerofly FS allows you to save a flight state after your preparation, so you can start from a ready-to-taxi configuration on subsequent flights.

Engine Start Procedures

Starting the 737 engines in Aerofly FS follows a realistic sequence. The two CFM56 engines need bleed air from the APU or an external air cart.

APU Start (if not already running)

On the overhead panel, turn the APU Master to ON, then press the APU Start button. Wait for the APU to reach normal speed and for the APU GEN light to illuminate. Turn on the APU bleed air switch.

Engine Start Sequence

  1. Set the Fuel Control Switches (left and right) to CUTOFF (down position).
  2. Turn the Engine Start Selector on the center pedestal to GROUND START (or GRD).
  3. Open the Start Levers (or fuel control switches) to IDLE when the N2 (rotor speed) reaches 20–25%. This can be done by clicking the switch to the middle position.
  4. Monitor the Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) – it should rise and then stabilize below 800°C. Also watch N1 and N2 stabilize.
  5. Repeat for the second engine.
  6. Once both engines are running, close the APU bleed air switch and turn off the APU on the master switch.

In Aerofly FS, you may need to hold the start switch momentarily; check the simulation manual for exact controls. This video tutorial demonstrates the engine start in real time.

Taxi and Takeoff Procedures

Taxi

After engine start, request taxi clearance (if using ATC or multiplayer) or simply proceed following airport markings. Release the parking brake, set the thrust levers to idle, and steer using nosewheel steering (tiller or rudder pedals). Use differential braking for sharp turns. Keep taxi speed low (10–15 knots).

Before reaching the runway, perform a Flight Controls Check: move yoke full left and right, pitch up and down, and verify the control surfaces respond. Set flaps to 5° (F5) or as appropriate for takeoff depending on weight and temperature.

Takeoff

Line up on the runway centerline. Once cleared for takeoff, apply smooth but firm thrust to TOGA (Takeoff/Go-Around) power. As the aircraft accelerates, keep the nose straight using rudder inputs (not nosewheel steering above 30 knots). Monitor airspeed:

  • V1 (decision speed): around 130-140 knots for typical weights.
  • Vr (rotate speed): around 140-150 knots – gently pull back on the yoke to raise the nose to about 10-12 degrees.
  • V2 (takeoff safety speed): maintain after rotation.

As you become airborne, raise the landing gear (Gear Up) and retract flaps on schedule (usually at 400 feet AGL retract to Flaps 1, then Flaps 0 once positive rate established and at safe speed). Follow the departure route according to your flight plan or ATC vectors.

Climb and Cruise

Initial Climb

After takeoff, reduce thrust to CLB (climb power) at 1000 feet AGL. Set the MCP altitude to your assigned cruising level. Engage the autopilot (CMD) and use V/S or VNAV to ascent. A typical climb IAS schedule is 250 knots below 10,000 feet and 280-290 knots above. Use the Flight Level Change (FLCH) mode to maintain speed while pitching for altitude.

Cruise

Upon reaching cruise altitude (e.g., FL350), set cruise thrust (typically around 90% N1). The aircraft will be in M.82-.84 mach range. Monitor the fuel flow and engine parameters on the EICAS. Use the FMC to track progress along waypoints. Periodically check weather via the ND – the real aircraft would update winds aloft, but in Aerofly FS you can view wind and temperature via the simulation menu.

For longer flights, you may engage Altitude Hold and LNAV (Lateral Navigation) for a hands-off cruise. Always keep an eye on the instruments; the 737 is stable but requires occasional trim adjustments.

Descent and Landing

Descent Planning

Begin your descent approximately 100-150 NM from the destination airport, using the Top of Descent (TOD) if programmed in the FMC. Reduce power to idle and apply speed brakes as needed to maintain descent rate. Keep the airspeed at 280 knots or less. At 10,000 feet, slow to 250 knots and set the altimeter to local QNH (pressure). Extend flaps incrementally as speed decreases.

Approach Configuration

For an ILS approach, tune the ILS frequency and course in the MCP. Descend on the localizer and glideslope using autopilot (CMD) or manually. Configure your aircraft:

  • Flaps 5 at 250 knots, then Flaps 10 at 210 knots, Flaps 15 at 200 knots, and Flaps 25 at 180 knots.
  • Lower the landing gear around the glideslope interception point (approximately 3-4 NM).
  • Set flaps 30 for landing (or 40 for a shorter field).
  • Arm the speed brake – the lever should be in the ARM position so it deploys automatically on touchdown.
  • Set the MCP altitude to the missed approach altitude.

Landing

Fly the approach at Vref (usually Vref30 = 140-150 knots depending on weight). Maintain a stable descent rate of 600-800 ft/min. At approximately 50 feet AGL, begin the flare by pulling back smoothly. Aim to touch down on the main wheels first, with the nosewheel off the ground initially. After touchdown, deploy reverse thrust (using the reverse handles on the throttle quadrant) and apply wheel brakes. Retract speed brakes, and at 60 knots vice versa, stow reverse thrust. Taxi clear of the runway before stopping.

Post-Landing Procedures

  • After landing checklist: Retract flaps and slats accordingly. Turn off the autopilot and autothrottle. Disconnect the yaw damper and turn off the flight directors.
  • Taxi to the gate using ground charts. Set the parking brake once parked.
  • Shutdown: Set the fuel control switches to CUTOFF. Turn off the battery and avionics master switches. If APU is needed for ground power, start it before shutting down engines.
  • Post-flight check: Secure the cockpit, close flight plan in the FMC, and save the flight log if desired.

Advanced Tips for Realistic Simulation

Use the FMC for Full Route Management

While Aerofly FS’s FMC is not as deep as the real one, you can still input departure, arrival, and en route waypoints. Learn to use LNAV and VNAV modes for a more hands-off experience. Practice managing fuel by entering reserves into the FMC.

Configure Weather and Failures for Challenge

Go to the weather menu and set realistic winds, turbulence, and visibility. You can also enable system failures (engine flameout, hydraulic failure, etc.) from the Settings menu to practice emergency procedures. This greatly enhances learning.

Join the Virtual Aviation Community

Engage with other Aerofly FS pilots on forums or Discord. Many share their own checklists and tutorials. For a deeper understanding of the 737, consult SKYbrary’s Boeing 737 page for operational details.

Conclusion

Mastering the Boeing 737 in Aerofly FS requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn real-world procedures. This guide provides a structured path from cold-and-dark start to secure parking. Use it as a foundation, then customize your flows and checklists as you gain experience. The more you fly, the more intuitive the 737 becomes. Enjoy your virtual flights and safe landings!