Introduction

The PMDG MD-11 is one of the most detailed and realistic add-on aircraft ever created for Prepar3D. With its iconic three-engine design, advanced systems simulation, and heavy workload management, flying the MD-11 offers a uniquely rewarding experience. This tutorial covers everything from installing the aircraft to completing your first full flight. Whether you are new to the PMDG lineup or returning to the tri-jet after a break, these step-by-step instructions will help you get airborne safely and confidently.

Prerequisites

Before beginning the installation, ensure your system meets these requirements and that you have all necessary items ready:

  • Prepar3D v4 or v5 installed and functioning correctly. The PMDG MD-11 supports both versions, but verify you have the latest Prepar3D update applied.
  • PMDG MD-11 installer file – purchased and downloaded from your PMDG account page.
  • Active PMDG account – required for product activation and accessing the Operations Center.
  • Administrator privileges on your Windows user account to run the installer.
  • Basic familiarity with flight simulation controls (keyboard, yoke, throttle quadrant) and general aviation knowledge (checklists, radio navigation, autopilot modes).
  • At least 2GB free disk space for the aircraft files and liveries.

Installing the PMDG MD-11

Step 1: Locate and Run the Installer

Navigate to the folder where your PMDG MD-11 installer was downloaded. Right-click the PMDG_MD11_Setup.exe file and select Run as administrator. This ensures the installer can write files to protected directories like the Prepar3D root folder.

Step 2: Accept the License Agreement

Read the End User License Agreement (EULA). Once you accept the terms, you can proceed to the next screen.

Step 3: Choose Installation Path

The installer will detect your Prepar3D installation automatically. If you have multiple Prepar3D versions, select the correct one from the dropdown. It is strongly recommended to use the default path to avoid file conflicts.

Step 4: Component Selection

You will see options for the base aircraft plus additional liveries and documentation. Select all components for a full installation. You can always add or remove liveries later using the PMDG Operations Center.

Step 5: Complete Installation

Click Install and wait for the progress bar to finish. The installer may copy configuration files, sound banks, and aircraft models. Once complete, a confirmation screen will appear. Do not launch Prepar3D immediately – proceed to activation first.

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

If the MD-11 does not appear in the aircraft selection menu after installation, check these common causes:

  • Ensure the installer was run as administrator.
  • Verify the Prepar3D version selected matches your simulator build number.
  • Check that your antivirus software did not quarantine files from the installer. Temporarily disable it and reinstall if necessary.
  • Consult the PMDG support forum for version-specific fixes.

Activating the Aircraft

Activation ties your MD-11 purchase to your unique hardware ID. Follow these steps:

  • Open the PMDG Operations Center from your Windows Start menu or desktop shortcut.
  • Log in with your PMDG account email and password.
  • Click on the Product Activation tab.
  • Select the MD-11 from the list of owned products.
  • If prompted, enter the activation key you received by email after purchase.
  • Click Activate and wait for confirmation. The Operations Center will verify the key online and unlock the aircraft.

You can activate the aircraft on up to two computers simultaneously. If you change hardware (e.g., replace a motherboard), you may need to deactivate first via the same interface.

Preparing for Your First Flight

Choosing a Route and Setting Up Prepar3D

For a short familiarisation flight, plan a departure and arrival within 200–300 nautical miles. For example, depart from KLAX (Los Angeles) and arrive at KPHX (Phoenix). Ensure your Prepar3D weather and time settings are reasonable – start with clear skies and daytime.

Cockpit Orientation

When you first load into the cockpit, take a few minutes to explore the main panels:

  • Overhead Panel: Contains electrical system switches, fuel panel, bleed air controls, and engine start selectors.
  • Forward Instrument Panel: Primary Flight Display (PFD), Navigation Display (ND), and Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS).
  • Pedestal: Houses the Flight Management Computer (FMC), radio tuning panels, and autopilot controls.
  • Glareshield: Autopilot mode control panel (MCP), speed/heading/altitude selectors.

Open the 2D pop-up for the FMC by clicking on the screen or using a shortcut (default: SHIFT+3) – you will use it extensively.

Powering Up the Aircraft

Before programming the FMC, bring electrical power to the aircraft:

  • Ensure ground power is connected (visible on the overhead panel – GPU AVAIL light).
  • Set the BATTERY switch to ON.
  • Turn on the STANDBY INSTRUMENTS.
  • Set the APU START switch to ON – wait for the APU to stabilise, then turn on the APU GEN switches.
  • Once APU power is established, switch off the external GPU (if desired).

Now the FMC and displays will come alive.

Programming the Flight Management Computer (FMC)

The FMC is the heart of the MD-11 navigation system. Follow these basic steps to enter your route:

  1. Press the INIT REF key on the FMC.
  2. Enter your departure and arrival airports (e.g., KLAX/KPHX).
  3. Input the flight number (optional) and fuel weight. Use realistic values – for a short flight, start with 120,000 lbs.
  4. Press RTE to access the route page. Enter waypoints one by one from your flight plan, or load a saved flight plan from the PMDG folder (e.g., Documents\PMDG\PMDG MD-11\Flight Plans).
  5. Verify the route on the ND by pressing the FIX or NAV button. Adjust airway intersections as needed.
  6. Go to PERF (performance) and enter cruise altitude (FL250–FL320 for a short hop), estimated fuel burn, and cost index. A cost index of 40–60 works well.
  7. Return to INIT REF and select ACTIVATE to arm the route.

For detailed FMC programming, refer to the aircraft documentation available in Start Menu → PMDG → MD-11 → Manuals.

Starting the Engines and Taxiing

Engine Start Sequence

There are two ways to start the engines: using the APU bleed or a ground air supply. For practice, use the APU:

  • On the overhead panel, set the ENG START selector to IGNITION.
  • Turn the FUEL flow switch for each engine to ON (you will see the N2 rotation begin).
  • When N2 reaches 25%, move the FUEL MASTER switch for that engine to ON. The engine should light off.
  • Monitor EGT and oil pressure on the EICAS. Repeat for the other two engines (Engine 2 is mounted on the tail).
  • Once all engines are stable at idle, turn off the APU and APU GEN switches.

Taxi Procedures

With engines running, configure the aircraft for taxi:

  • Release the parking brake (button on the pedestal or press CTRL+.).
  • Set the TAXI LIGHT on.
  • Use differential thrust or tiller (nosewheel steering) to steer. The MD-11 has a tiller on the left side of the pilot seat. Assign a suitable axis in Prepar3D controls if you do not have hardware.
  • Keep taxi speed below 15 knots on straight sections, slower on tight turns.
  • Perform the BEFORE TAKEOFF checklist: flaps set to 15°, flight controls checked, trim set.

Taking Off

Line up on the runway centerline and hold the brakes. Advance throttles to 40% N1, then smoothly push to TOGA (Takeoff/Go-Around) power. Release brakes when you reach 80% N1. The MD-11 accelerates briskly – maintain directional control with rudder. At Vr (rotation speed – typically around 145–160 knots depending on weight), pull back on the yoke to raise the nose to about 10° pitch. After a positive rate of climb, retract the landing gear. At 400 feet AGL, reduce pitch to maintain 250 knots and engage the autopilot (CMD A or B) on the glareshield.

For your first flight, set the autopilot to HEADING SEL and ALT HOLD while you follow the SID (Standard Instrument Departure). The FMC can guide you automatically with LNAV and VNAV, but it is wise to cross-check the FMC route with the ND.

Climb and Cruise

As you climb, manage engine power using the N1 reference shown on the EICAS. The MD-11 has an auto-throttle system that holds target N1 when you press the THR HOLD button. At the top of climb (TOC), reduce to cruise thrust and set the auto-throttle to SPD mode. Monitor fuel flow, engine temperatures, and pressurisation (cabin climb rate should remain within limits).

Adjust your cruise altitude to achieve the FMC-computed optimum speed. The MD-11 typically cruises around Mach 0.83–0.86. Use the ECON mode on the MCP to let the FMC manage speed for best fuel efficiency.

During cruise, take time to explore additional systems:

  • Check fuel management – the MD-11 transfers fuel automatically, but you can monitor tank quantities on the FUEL synoptic page.
  • Review the EICAS advisory messages – any warnings or cautions should be addressed promptly.
  • Practice changing headings and altitudes using the MCP while the autopilot is engaged.

Descent and Approach

Begin your descent about 100–120 nautical miles from the destination. Use the FMC DES page to set a target altitude and speed restrictions. The VNAV system will calculate a path – you can also use OPEN DES on the MCP for manual descent with automatic speed hold.

Approximately 40 nm out, slow the aircraft to 250 knots below 10,000 feet. Configure the FMC for the approach: enter the STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) and transition waypoints. Activate the APPROACH mode in the FMC – this prepares the aircraft for ILS or RNAV guidance.

At the initial approach fix (IAF), reduce speed to 180 knots and lower the landing gear. Extend flaps in steps: 15°, 28°, 50°. The MD-11 can use automatic flap scheduling, but manual selection gives you full control. The final approach speed should be Vref + 5 knots (typically 135–150 knots).

Landing

On short final, disengage the autopilot at about 500 feet AGL (or earlier as you gain confidence). Fly a stable 3° glideslope – use pitch for speed and throttles for descent rate. At around 30 feet, begin the flare by gently raising the nose to about 2°–3° above the horizon. Reduce throttles to idle when the main gear touches down. Lower the nosewheel gently, apply reverse thrust (press F2 or your reverse thrust axis), and engage wheel brakes. At 60 knots, stow reverse thrust and continue decelerating using brakes.

If you miss the approach or are unstable, go around immediately: push throttles to TOGA, rotate to 12° pitch, retract flaps to 15°, and follow the missed approach procedure.

Post-Flight Procedures

After clearing the runway, taxi to the gate following ground marshalling signals or your own positioning. Once parked:

  • Set the parking brake.
  • Shut down engines by moving the FUEL MASTER switches to OFF.
  • Turn off the APU (if started) and set electrical switches to OFF.
  • Perform the shutdown checklist from the PMDG manual.
  • Save your flight if desired, and close Prepar3D.

Final Tips for Flying the PMDG MD-11

  • Use checklists – the PMDG MD-11 includes detailed PDF checklists in the documentation folder. Print them out or have them open on a second monitor.
  • Practice systems failures – use the PMDG Operations Center to trigger failures (engine flameout, hydraulics leak) to improve your emergency procedures.
  • Join the community – share your flights and get help at the PMDG Forum or on flight simulation groups like FlightSim.com.
  • Watch tutorial videos – many experienced simmers have uploaded full tutorials on YouTube. Search for “PMDG MD-11 P3D tutorial” for visual walkthroughs.
  • Update regularly – PMDG occasionally releases patches. Check the Operations Center under “Product Updates” to keep your MD-11 current.

With practice, the PMDG MD-11 will become one of your most rewarding aircraft to fly. Its depth and complexity simulate real-world operations faithfully, and mastering it is a genuine achievement. Happy flying.