Step-by-Step Tutorial for Flying the Boeing 737 Max in Flight Simulator

The Boeing 737 MAX represents a significant evolution in narrow-body commercial aviation, combining advanced aerodynamics with sophisticated fly-by-wire technology. Flying it in a flight simulator—whether you are using Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, or Prepar3D—offers a rich learning experience that mirrors real-world airline procedures. This expanded tutorial walks you through every major phase of flight, from cold-and-dark cockpit preparation to engine shutdown, with practical tips for realism and safety.

Understanding the 737 MAX Differences from the NG

Before stepping into the cockpit, it helps to know what sets the MAX apart from its predecessor, the 737 NG. The MAX features larger CFM International LEAP-1B engines mounted farther forward, a redesigned tail cone, and a digital flight control system that includes the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). In simulator training, you should pay special attention to how the MAX’s engine response differs at low speeds and how the fly-by-wire envelope protections behave. Many add-on aircraft for simulators replicate these systems with high fidelity.

Preparing for the Flight

Launch your simulator and load the Boeing 737 MAX at a default gate. Set time and weather to a visual day with light wind for your initial flight. If your simulator supports state saving, start in the “cold and dark” configuration—all systems off—to practice the full start sequence.

Aircraft State and Configuration

  • Verify aircraft weight and balance: Enter the actual payload and fuel load using the simulator’s fuel and payload menu. Typical values: 150 passengers, 8,000 kg of cargo, and 12,000 kg of fuel for a 2-hour flight.
  • Check fuel distribution: The 737 MAX has center and wing tanks. For most flights, fuel is loaded symmetrically.
  • Review weather conditions: Use the simulator’s weather engine to check METAR for departure and arrival airports. Note wind direction, speed, and visibility.
  • Confirm parking brake is SET.

Cockpit Familiarization

Study the primary flight display (PFD), navigation display (ND), and the engine indications and crew alerting system (EICAS) page. On the overhead panel, locate the battery switch, APU controls, fuel pump switches, and bleed air valves. Knowing the layout reduces workload during critical phases. For a detailed reference, Boeing’s official 737 MAX page provides cockpit diagrams and system descriptions.

Starting the Aircraft

With the parking brake set and all switches verified OFF, proceed to power up the airplane.

Powering Electrical Systems and APU

  1. Battery switch to ON (both) – This powers the standby instruments and provides DC power to the main bus.
  2. APU start: Flip the APU switch to START. Wait for the APU RPM to stabilize around 100%. Then switch APU to ON (not OFF). The blue APU GEN OFF BUS light will extinguish once the generator comes online.
  3. Turn on exterior lights as needed – Beacon light first for safety.

Starting the Engines

The LEAP-1B engines are started using the engine start levers located on the center pedestal. Ensure fuel pumps are ON and bleed air is available from the APU.

  1. Fuel pumps: Set both left and right fuel pump switches to ON. Monitor fuel pressure indications.
  2. Bleed air: The APU bleed air switch should be ON to supply pneumatic pressure for engine start.
  3. Engine 2 start: Lift the engine 2 start lever to IDLE. Watch for N2 rotation and EGT rise. N2 stabilizes at about 25% and the engine lights off (EGT rises). Allow it to stabilize at idle.
  4. Engine 1 start: Repeat the process. After both engines are at idle, you may turn off the APU bleed air and shut down the APU.

Taxi and Takeoff

With engines running and all systems normal, request taxi clearance from ATC (or enable AI ATC if available).

Taxi Procedures

  • Release parking brake by pressing the button on the yoke or the overhead panel switch.
  • Advance thrust levers slightly to 25% N1 to start taxiing. The 737 MAX uses tiller for nosewheel steering on the ground, but many simulator setups map it to tiller or rudder pedals.
  • Use the rudder pedals for small directional corrections at low speed. For sharp turns, use the tiller.
  • Follow the taxiway guide lines and hold short of the runway. Perform the Takeoff Briefing while taxiing: V-speeds, flap setting (usually 5), rejected takeoff procedure, and emergency actions.

Takeoff Execution

  1. Align aircraft on the runway centerline using gentle rudder inputs.
  2. Set flaps to 5 (or 1 for reduced noise, but 5 is standard for most sim scenarios). Verify on the flap indicator.
  3. Set trim according to the trim setting for the current CG. The FMC calculates this.
  4. Advance thrust levers to 40% N1, wait for engine stabilization, then smoothly advance to takeoff power (typically N1 95-98%).
  5. As the aircraft accelerates, use right rudder to counter left-turning tendency (p-factor and torque).
  6. At V1 (decision speed), you are committed to takeoff.
  7. At Vr (rotation speed), apply gentle back pressure on the yoke (or sidestick if using fly-by-wire) to rotate to about 10 degrees pitch up. Do not jerk the controls.
  8. After positive climb rate, retract landing gear. Then, at 400 feet AGL, reduce flaps to 1, and at 800 feet AGL, retract flaps fully.

If using an advanced add-on, you can program the flight management computer (FMC) for automatic flight director guidance during takeoff.

Climb and Cruise

After departure, fly a standard instrument departure (SID) unless you are flying a visual departure. The 737 MAX climbs efficiently at 280 knots indicated until Mach 0.78.

Climb Phase

  • Set autopilot after reducing workload, typically above 1,000 feet AGL. Engage CMD (command) and set heading or LNAV.
  • Select vertical speed (V/S) or flight level change (FLCH) to reach initial altitude. Many simmers prefer VNAV to follow the FMC flight plan.
  • Monitor engine parameters: EGT should not exceed limits (typically 950°C during takeoff, lower in climb).
  • At transition altitude (e.g., 18,000 feet in MSFS), set altimeter to 29.92 inHg or standard pressure.

Cruise Level

Level off at cruise altitude (e.g., FL350-380). Set autothrottle to hold Mach (MACH). The MAX can cruise at Mach 0.79–0.80 for best fuel efficiency. Check fuel flow and compare to planned values. In the simulator, you can use built-in data to track performance.

During cruise, you may use the VNAV mode to manage altitude changes automatically. For deeper insight into the 737 MAX’s fuel management, refer to FAA’s certification information or third-party documentation from your aircraft developer.

Descent and Approach

Begin descent planning about 100-150 nautical miles from destination. The FMC calculates top-of-descent (TOD).

Descent Management

  1. Reduce thrust to idle and set vertical speed at -1800 to -2000 feet per minute initially.
  2. Use VNAV or flight level change to descend. Monitor speed: do not exceed VMO/MMO.
  3. At about 10,000 feet, reduce speed to 250 knots, set altimeter to local QNH/QFE.
  4. Brief the approach: check approach plates, set the instrument landing system (ILS) frequency, and configure the aircraft.

Approach Setup

  • Extend flaps gradually: flap 1 at 210 knots, flap 5 at 190 knots, flap 10 at 180 knots (depending on weight).
  • Arm the autopilot for ILS approach: press APR (approach) mode. The flight director will guide lateral and vertical paths.
  • Extend landing gear when established on the glideslope, typically at about 3,000 feet AGL.
  • Set flaps to 15, then 30 (or 40 for short runways).

Landing Sequence

  1. Maintain target speed: Vref (approach speed) + wind additive. Vref for flap 30 at typical landing weight is around 135-145 knots.
  2. Keep the glide path indicator centered. Use small corrections.
  3. At about 50 feet AGL, look at the end of the runway and begin flare by gently pulling back on the yoke, reducing thrust to idle by 20 feet.
  4. Touch down smoothly with the main gear first, then lower the nose gear gently.
  5. Apply reverse thrust (after touchdown, pull thrust levers up to reverse idle, then to reverse full). Use wheel brakes as needed.
  6. At 60 knots, stow reverse, retract spoilers, and taxi clear of the runway.

Post-Flight Procedures

After clearing the runway, park the aircraft at a gate or parking spot. Set parking brake. Complete the shutdown sequence:

  • Turn off all exterior lights except beacon (leave on for safety).
  • Shut down engines by moving start levers to CUTOFF (also turns off fuel).
  • Turn off battery switches after verifying cockpit is secured.
  • Review the flight via the simulator’s replay or log to identify areas for improvement. AVSIM forums and official MSFS forums offer excellent tutorials and feedback from experienced virtual pilots.

Advanced Tips for Realism

If you want to elevate your 737 MAX flying beyond the basics, consider these techniques:

  • Program the FMC thoroughly: Enter route, performance data, and fuel predictions. Many add-on aircraft allow you to simulate failures for emergency training.
  • Practice MCAS scenarios: Simulate a stuck trim or erroneous angle-of-attack sensor. Practice manual trim and the runaway stabilizer procedure.
  • Learn the checklists: Use real 737 MAX cockpit flows for normal and non-normal checklists. This improves muscle memory and decision-making.
  • Use VATSIM or PilotEdge: Flying online with air traffic control adds communication pressure and realism that static AI cannot provide.

By following this step-by-step guide, you will build a solid foundation in 737 MAX operations within any flight simulator. Each flight is an opportunity to refine your technique, understand the aircraft’s automation, and enjoy the complexity of modern aviation. Fly safely and happy landings.