Getting Started with the QualityWings 787 Dreamliner in MSFS

The QualityWings 787 Dreamliner brings one of the most advanced and popular long-haul aircraft to Microsoft Flight Simulator. This detailed guide will walk you through every step of setting up the aircraft, from initial purchase and installation to configuring the cockpit, planning your flight, and handling normal procedures. Whether you are new to add-on aircraft or an experienced virtual pilot, following this structured approach will ensure you get the most out of this highly detailed simulation.

The 787 represents a leap in airliner technology, with composite airframe construction, advanced fly-by-wire systems, and a cockpit designed for efficiency and situational awareness. QualityWings has modeled these systems in depth, so taking the time to set up correctly will reward you with a realistic and immersive experience.

Prerequisites and Preparations

Before you begin the installation process, verify that your system meets the necessary requirements and that you have the essential components ready.

System and Software Requirements

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) – The latest version installed and updated. Check the in-game Content Manager for any pending updates.
  • QualityWings 787 Dreamliner Add-on – Purchased from an authorized reseller such as the official QualityWings website or the MSFS Marketplace.
  • Graphics Drivers – Update to the latest stable driver from NVIDIA or AMD to avoid compatibility issues and optimize performance.
  • Sufficient Disk Space – The add-on requires several gigabytes for textures, models, and sound files. Ensure at least 10 GB free.

Hardware and Control Setup

  • Joystick or Yoke – A device with sufficient axes (pitch, roll, yaw, throttle) is highly recommended. The 787’s fly-by-wire system responds well to precise inputs.
  • Throttle Quadrant – For independent control of both engines, especially during manual takeoff and go-around procedures.
  • Rudder Pedals – Not strictly required, but helpful for taxi and crosswind landings.
  • Head Tracking or Eye Tracking – Optional but enhances cockpit immersion, especially when scanning the extensive instrument panel.

Take a few minutes to calibrate your controllers in Windows and within MSFS. Ensure axis curves are set to your preference – many pilots prefer a slight dead zone at center for smoother handling during cruise.

Purchasing and Installing the Add-on

The QualityWings 787 is available through several channels. Choose the one that best fits your ecosystem.

Where to Buy

  • QualityWings Official Store – Direct purchase with immediate download. Often includes free updates and direct support.
  • MSFS Marketplace – Convenient in-game purchase and automatic updates. The aircraft integrates seamlessly with your Content Manager.
  • SimMarket or other third-party stores – Sometimes offer regional pricing or bundle deals.

Installation Steps

Once you have obtained the installer file (usually an executable or a ZIP containing an installer), follow these steps:

  1. Locate the downloaded file on your system. If it is a ZIP archive, extract it to a temporary folder.
  2. Run the installer as Administrator (right-click and select Run as Administrator) to ensure it can write to the Community folder.
  3. During installation, you may be prompted to select your MSFS Community folder path. The default is typically C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages\Community. Verify or browse to the correct location.
  4. Complete the installation and launch MSFS.
  5. Go to the Content Manager from the main menu. Under “My Add-ons,” find the QualityWings 787. If an update is available, install it before proceeding.
  6. Restart the simulator to ensure the add-on loads correctly.

Verifying Installation

From the main menu, select World Map, choose any airport, and then select the 787 Dreamliner from the Aircraft list (filter by manufacturer “QualityWings” if needed). If the aircraft appears with its custom panel and liveries, the installation was successful.

Initial Configuration and Settings

QualityWings provides configuration options that let you tailor the aircraft's behavior and appearance. Access these through the Aircraft Selection menu and then press Customize.

Control Sensitivities

The 787 uses fly-by-wire flight controls with automatic trim and envelope protection. However, your controller inputs still need to feel natural. Under the Control Settings tab within the customization screen:

  • Set Pitch Sensitivity to a moderate value (around 50%) to avoid overly twitchy response during takeoff and landing.
  • Adjust Roll Sensitivity to match your hardware – a yoke benefits from slightly higher sensitivity than a joystick.
  • Enable Fly-by-Wire Stabilization if you want the aircraft to automatically smooth out turbulence effects (recommended for realism).

Display and Instrument Preferences

  • Primary Flight Display (PFD) Brightness – Set to 80–90% for daytime, lower for night.
  • Navigation Display (ND) Mode – Choose “Map” with traffic and weather overlays, or “Plan” for route verification.
  • Instrument Brightness – Adjust each display individually; a dim cabin helps with night flying immersion.

Performance Settings

The QualityWings 787 is optimized, but you may need to balance quality and frame rate:

  • Set Texture Resolution to High (4096) for sharp cockpit labels.
  • Enable Virtual Cockpit Shadows for depth, but disable them if you experience stuttering.
  • Adjust Reflections and Ambient Occlusion to medium or low on mid-range systems.

Save your configuration profile with a descriptive name (e.g., “787_HighQuality”) so you can reload it after updates.

Cockpit Familiarization

Before starting engines, take time to explore the 787’s glass cockpit. The layout differs significantly from older Boeing models, so understanding key panels is essential.

Main Instrument Panels

  • PFD (Primary Flight Display) – Shows attitude, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, and heading in a single integrated screen.
  • ND (Navigation Display) – Displays your flight plan, weather radar, terrain, and traffic. Switch modes using the EFIS control panel.
  • EICAS (Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System) – Upper screen shows engine parameters (N1, EGT, fuel flow); lower screen displays system synoptics and messages.
  • MCP (Mode Control Panel) – Located on the glareshield; used to set altitude, heading, speed, and vertical mode. This is your primary autopilot interface.
  • FMS (Flight Management System) – Two CDUs (Control Display Units) on the center pedestal. Enter your flight plan, performance data, and manage routes here.

Overhead Panel

The overhead panel contains system controls for electrical, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, and environmental systems. For normal operations, most switches can be left in AUTO. Key switches to verify:

  • APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) – Start before main engines to provide electrical and pneumatic power.
  • Battery and Standby Power – Ensure ON.
  • Fuel Pumps – Set to AUTO; they activate automatically during engine start.

Refer to the included flight manual for deeper system knowledge. QualityWings provides a PDF in your installation folder; it is worth reading for emergency procedures and abnormal checklists.

Pre-Flight Planning and Setup

A proper setup begins before you step into the cockpit. Use external tools to plan your route, then transfer it to the FMS.

Route Planning

  • Use SimBrief to generate a realistic flight plan with waypoints, airways, fuel calculations, and alternates. It supports the 787 and can export in MSFS format.
  • Note the Cost Index (CI) – SimBrief will assign one based on your airline profile. A typical CI for the 787 is between 30 and 80. Lower CI saves fuel but extends flight time.
  • Check NOTAMs and weather along your route using in-game weather or Aviation Weather Center for realism.

FMS Programming

  1. On the CDU, press INIT REF and enter your departure airport, runway, and flight number.
  2. Go to RTE page and input the full route from your SimBrief plan (airway entry points, airways, SID/STAR if desired).
  3. Enter PERF INIT with your calculated ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight), fuel reserves, cruise altitude, and cost index.
  4. Check the LEGS page to verify distance, altitude constraints, and estimated time enroute.
  5. Activate the flight plan and arm LNAV (Lateral Navigation) before departure – the flight director will follow the magenta line.

Fuel and Payload

In the aircraft’s payload/fuel menu (accessible from MSFS menu or via the FMS):

  • Set fuel quantity according to your flight plan (SimBrief provides block fuel). The 787 can carry up to 126,000 kg of fuel in standard configuration.
  • Distribute payload across cabin zones. For a full flight, use realistic passenger numbers (about 290 in typical three-class layout).
  • Verify CG (Center of Gravity) is within limits. The FMS will show CG % MAC – aim for 22–26% for takeoff.

Starting the Aircraft and System Checks

With the cockpit configured and flight plan loaded, you are ready to bring the aircraft to life.

Electrical and APU Start

  1. Turn on the Battery switch (overhead panel). Observe the PFD and EICAS power up.
  2. Turn on the Standby Power if not already active.
  3. Start the APU by pressing and holding the APU START switch until the APU GEN light illuminates (about 30 seconds). Wait for APU RPM to stabilize at 100%.
  4. Close the APU bleed valve (if open) and then open it again to pressurize the pneumatic system.

Pre-Start Checks

  • Check that all Flight Control surfaces move freely (use the flight control page on EICAS).
  • Set the Parking Brake ON.
  • Enter your Takeoff V-speeds (V1, Vr, V2) into the MCP via the FMS – these are calculated automatically based on weight, flap setting, and runway length.
  • Arm the Speed Brake lever to DOWN (stowed).

Engine Start

The 787 uses electric engine start, meaning no bleed air is required – a major advantage for quick turns:

  1. On the overhead panel, set both Engine Start Selectors to NORM.
  2. Press the L ENGINE START button (or use the accelerator/EICAS prompt).
  3. Monitor N2 (core speed) – ignition occurs automatically at 25% N2. Throttle should be at IDLE.
  4. Repeat for the right engine after a 10-second delay.
  5. After both engines stabilize, turn off the APU (but leave the APU GEN online until external power or engine generators are verified).

Taxi and Takeoff

With engines running and systems green, request pushback and taxi clearance.

Taxi Procedures

  • Release parking brake and engage Nose Wheel Steering (tiller or rudder pedal steering). The 787 has a wide turning radius – give yourself extra space on tight corners.
  • Use Taxi Lights (turn on when moving) and Retractable Landing Lights (low beam for taxi).
  • Set Flaps to 5 for takeoff (FLAPS 5 on the flap lever). Verify green indication on EICAS.
  • Complete the Before Takeoff Checklist from the FMS: flight controls checked, trim set, transponder AUTO, seat belts sign ON.

Takeoff Roll

  1. Align with the runway centerline, hold brakes, and apply takeoff thrust (press TOGA button or advance throttles to the TOGA detent).
  2. Release brakes smoothly as thrust stabilizes.
  3. At Vr (typically around 145–155 knots depending on weight), rotate the aircraft to 10–15 degrees nose up. The 787 has a light feel at the controls – avoid over-rotation.
  4. After positive climb, retract gear (gear lever up) and then flaps (according to speed schedule: FLAPS UP at 200 knots or as specified in your FMS takeoff reference).

Climb, Cruise, and Automation

Once airborne, you can engage the autopilot for a hands-off climb to cruise altitude.

Engaging Autopilot

  • Set the Altitude on the MCP to your cruise level (e.g., FL360).
  • Press VNAV (Vertical Navigation) to follow the FMS climb profile.
  • Press LNAV to follow the lateral flight plan.
  • Engage CMD A (Command A) on the MCP. The aircraft will now fly the planned route.

Managing the Cruise

Monitor engine parameters on EICAS. The 787 typically cruises at Mach 0.85 (around 490 knots true airspeed at FL350–FL390). Use the ECON mode on the MCP for optimal fuel efficiency. If you encounter turbulence, reduce speed to Mach 0.82 or use the Speed Intervention button to set a manual target.

During long cruises, check fuel status every 30 minutes and verify that the autopilot is tracking the route accurately. You can also switch between NAV displays – the weather radar overlay in the ND is especially useful.

Descent and Approach

Begin your descent approximately 30 minutes before the estimated top of descent (T/D) as shown on the ND.

Descend Procedure

  1. Set the MCP altitude to your initial approach altitude (e.g., 3,000 ft).
  2. Press VNAV again to engage the descent profile, or use FLCH (Flight Level Change) for a simpler descent at idle thrust.
  3. Arm the Speed Brake if needed, but the 787’s clean design uses minimal drag – plan your descent path carefully.
  4. At around 10,000 ft, reduce speed to 250 knots and set flaps as required (FLAPS 1, then FLAPS 5).

Landing

  • For an instrument approach, arm APP (Approach) mode on the MCP to capture the localizer and glide slope.
  • At decision altitude (typically 200 ft for ILS), you must have the runway in sight. If not, execute a go-around (TOGA then positive rate, gear up, flaps).
  • Flare at about 30 ft by smoothly reducing thrust to idle and raising the nose slightly. Aim to touch down on the main gear first.
  • Apply reverse thrust (upon touchdown) and brake as needed. Do not exceed 60 knots when disengaging reverse.

Post-Flight Shutdown

After parking, complete the following:

  • Set parking brake ON.
  • Shut down engines (fuel control switches to CUTOFF).
  • Turn off all external lights.
  • Start the APU if needed for ground power, then shut down the APU after 2 minutes of idle cooling.
  • Complete the Shutdown Checklist from the FMS.

Tips for an Immersive Experience

To make your flights feel truly realistic, incorporate these practices:

  • Use FSRealistic or similar tools for camera shakes, wind effects, and seat vibration that match the 787’s characteristics.
  • Fly with live weather (METAR) and real-time time settings. The 787’s displays respond accurately to changing conditions.
  • Join a virtual airline like VATSIM or IVAO for ATC interaction. The 787 is well-suited for online flying with its advanced transponder and CPDLC capabilities (where supported).
  • Record your flights using flight logging tools to review fuel consumption, route adherence, and landing performance.
  • Practice manual flying – disconnect the autopilot periodically during cruise to maintain stick-and-rudder skills.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you may encounter issues. Here are solutions for the most frequently reported problems:

Aircraft Not Appearing in Menu

  • Ensure the add-on is installed in the correct Community folder. Check the path used during installation.
  • Restart MSFS completely after installation.
  • Disable conflicting mods temporarily to rule out interference.

Graphics Glitches or Flickering Displays

  • Update your graphics driver.
  • Enable DX12 in MSFS settings if you have a compatible GPU.
  • Lower Texture Resolution or Glass Cockpit Refresh Rate in the customization screen.

Autopilot Behavior Unpredictable

  • Verify that the FMC is fully programmed with a valid route. Missing waypoints cause LNAV disconnects.
  • Check that the IRS (Inertial Reference System) is aligned before flight. This happens automatically after 30 seconds with battery power.
  • Reset the autopilot using the Disconnect Bar (push the AP button twice) and re-engage.

Low Frame Rate During Approach

  • Reduce scenery complexity in dense urban areas.
  • Set Object Level of Detail to 150–200.
  • Disable rain/snow effects on windshield if not critical to your flight.

Final Checks

The QualityWings 787 is a complex and rewarding aircraft that demands attention to detail. By following this step-by-step setup guide, you have configured the aircraft correctly, programmed your flight plan, and learned the essential procedures for a safe and enjoyable flight. The key to mastery is repetition – each flight will teach you something new about the Dreamliner’s systems and handling.

For deeper technical details, refer to the official manual included with the add-on and consult the MSFS community forums where experienced pilots share tips and custom liveries. Safe skies and happy flying – the 787 is waiting at the gate.