August 13, 2024 / admin / 0 Comments
Over the past few days there have been some updated information flowing out of Microsoft/Asobo regarding the upcoming release of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. I think from the very first time we began hearing about MSFS 2024, we knew it was going to be BIG both in sheer size but also in functionality. While many in the flight sim community grumbled at the news and didn’t/couldn’t understand why a new sim was needed, Microsoft/Asobo explained the reasons and chief among them was simply that MSFS 2020 had pretty much reached its full potential as a flight simulation platform. With some of this recent new information which has surfaced I have a few thoughts I want to share with you. Let’s Go!
Client Install Size
One of the the areas of concern for me with regards to the launch of MSFS 2024 was going to be whether or not I would have enough real estate on my current system to run both MSFS 2020 and 2024 at the same time. While I’m certainly not planning to keep both versions installed on my system in perpetually, I know there may be some limitations with regards to 3rd party add-ons for the first few weeks/months after the initial release of MSFS 2024. Meaning, I’m not expecting 100% of all my currently purchased/installed 3rd party add-ons to work on day one. And like many of you, I plan to purchase MSFS 2024 on day one and I want to at the very least be able to fly around in a default GA aircraft and look around.
What we’ve learned in recent weeks is that MSFS 2024 will be installed as a “thin client” whereby only the core essentials will be installed on your PC and vast majority will be streamed down via your web connection as and when that content is needed. This concept is both exciting and concerning for me as a user. In a perfect world it’s a great concept. This means a much smaller install instance on our PC’s and I would assume most major updates will occur in the cloud versus the need to download gigs upon gigs of updates as time goes by. But…..
Data Streaming Performance
Over the past four years of owning/using MSFS 2020 there have been many times where their servers have struggled and during these events the use of MSFS 2020 has been a struggle to run. The impact to the users has either been poor performance with the updates for photogrammetry scenery or even worse not being able to launch the sim at all. This is a huge concern with MSFS 2024, but I’m confident Microsoft/Asobo will do what is needed to ensure the best reliability available.
Sim versus Game
Back when I first started in virtual aviation on the Commodore 64 in the early 80’s and certainly due to the lack of immersion, I considered it more of a game versus the true simulation we have today. But with all the bells and whistles which has been mentioned which MSFS 2024 will bring, is it taking a step back to being a game versus a sim? The short answer to that question I believe is NO! However, it will boil down to the individual user to make the decision on just how to use MSFS 2024. It appears MSFS 2024 will allow us to actually walk around in the virtual world. Microsoft have even stated that should one have the desire, they will be able to hike along their favorite trails. Now while I don’t need this level of maneuverability (OK sure, I’ll try it once) what would be really cool is to be able to spawn into a parking lot, walk through a gate of a small GA airfield or even better, spawn into a terminal and walk down a jet bridge to an awaiting airliner. But in my opinion, these are all things that truly add to the immersion and as a result makes it more of a simulator than just a game.
In Summary
I’m really excited for the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and it will be a day one purchase for me. While the areas of concern I’ve mentioned in this blog post are concerning, I truly believe Microsoft and Asobo will do what’s needed to ensure an optimum experience for all of us. I’d like to know your thoughts on MSFS 2024. Are you planning to purchase? Or will you take a wait and see position first?
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
August 6, 2024 / admin / 1 Comment
Hello and thank you for returning to yet another flight simulator blog post. A few weeks ago I discussed the topic around whether the Flight Sim Virtual Airline concept was still relevant in today’s virtual aviation world. The short answer to that question is absolutely YES! If you haven’t already, please read that article. In that article, (have you read it yet?) I did mention some competition or should I say some an alternative to the VA world that might interest some readers. Today I will discuss a few options for you to explore. Most are payware add-ons, but one that I’m enjoying is freeware with additional payware options you can add if you choose. Let’s break these down.
A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2
A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 from SimBitWorld simulates the career of a commercial airline pilot. Don’t let the reference of “Chapter 2” lead you to wondering about chapter 1. Essentially chapter 2 is just the second version of this wonderful career mode simulator. A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 is available for approx. $32.00 USD. What I like about this career simulator is it starts you off as a Jr. First Officer and provides you enough starting cash ($2,000) to get you started. Once you install the application you will need to apply for a job at one of many available airlines. The starting cash will allow you to purchase the required aircraft equipment license which will be needed to fly that particular aircraft type. For example, I initially purchased a license for the Boeing 737 family of aircraft, then sought out airlines that mostly operated that equipment type. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to be hired by one of the BIG airlines like American, United, British Airways etc. as your first starting job. You’ll need to find one of the lower ranking airlines to fly for and then earn your XP points to better qualify for the bigger airlines. After a period of time and as you build up your XP and rank up, you can apply for larger airlines. A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 has an extensive manual which will help explain all the details you’ll need to know. You can preview it here. A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 is compatible with MSFS, P3D, XPlane and FSX. A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 is not available for the XBox platform.
The Skypark
The Skypark by //42 is another payware career simulator option which I often use. The Skypark is available for $30.00 and while it’s still classified as an early access product, it’s robust in the features it offers and is being constantly developed. The Skypark differs from the previously mentioned A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2 in the sense that you are a freelance, contract pilot and pickup various jobs to fly. The Skypark gives you the freedom to fly what you want, to almost anywhere you might want to fly. The Skypark combines characters, contract jobs, tours and adventures for pilots to use their custom aircraft and scenery collections to reignite their passion for flight. The Skypark is exclusively available for Microsoft Flight Simulator including both PC and XBox platforms.
Air Hauler 2
Air Hauler 2 is unique as it is geared more towards operating your own freight and/or passenger airline company. Air Hauler 2 is more expensive than the previously mentioned add-ons at $50.00 USD and in my opinion doesn’t offer as many bells and whistles as other career simulation add-ons. The user interface is more of a spreadsheet on steroids than a fancy, highly polished UI that others may have. But I’ve used Air Hauler 2 and enjoyed my time while doing so. With Air Hauler 2, I really only use it in the role of an airline manager and don’t fly any of the routes myself. Over time I’ve built up a fairly substantial freight operation and at the present have over 50 pilots operating about 25 aircraft flying routes around the world. I started out leasing aircraft, but have generated enough revenue to purchase the majority outright. While Air Hauler 2 is available for all flight sim platforms, each platform will require it’s own version to be purchased separately.
NeoFly
NeoFly is the new kid on the block in terms to the previously mentioned add-ons. NeoFly is also 100% freeware, but does have payware options that can be added to enhance your experience. It functions similar to Air Hauler 2, in the sense that you can play it as a single pilot or you can build an airline company as you build XP. The user interface is very polished and detailed as you would expect from a modern application. Unlike The Skypark, NeoFly does force you to start off small and work your way up building XP and rank. In the career mode option you are limited to flying only the specific aircraft you purchase or lease. I’m running a small company of just one additional pilot and myself. My hired pilot flies the Cessna 152 and I’m flying the Carenado Mooney. My company is based out of the Centennial Airport KAPA very near my real world house.
Well that’s about all I know about the subject of Career Mode Add-ons for MSFS. Depending on your style of flying, I’m sure one or more will meet all your needs.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
July 30, 2024 / admin / 1 Comment
Hello to all my wonderful readers. As we say goodbye to Spring and a reluctant hello to Summer, I’ve made the conscience decision to cease purchasing add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Of course, this excludes the PMDG Boeing 777, PMDG Boeing 737 Max and probably also excludes any other 3rd party aircraft that might take my fancy. Pending of course we believe that those aircraft add-ons will be made available for MSFS 2024. In addition, I’m also excluding any 3rd party airport scenery as there are some good ones which should be released very soon such as Flightbeam’s San Francisco (SFO). So having said all this, what am I choosing to stop spending money on?
That’s a good question! As I study and ponder more on all the “What If’s” about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, I’m wanting to take a wait and see approach before investing in some add-ons that I had planned to purchase in MSFS 2020. For one example, I’ve made the decision against purchasing ActiveSky’s weather add-on. While I’ve followed some of the progress made in recent weeks, I still don’t see a major, noticeable difference from default weather. There’s every chance that MSFS 2024 will have a better weather engine on release and for that reason I don’t see the need to waste money on that product.
Another example is the new immersion packages being released by //42. I truly love the work these guys do and I’ve owned these types of add-ons for aircraft in P3D. I had been looking closely at their SimFX product but some of this functionality appears to be default in MSFS 2024. Of course one of features I’m speaking about is the Aurora Borealis. Of course I realize this is just one of the many features included in the SimFX add-on. I tend to look at it as I’ve been flying without these features for a long time and I can just wait and see what MSFS 2024 brings later this year.
Of course, I’m still purchasing add-on airport sceneries and aircraft. Just in the past week or so I’ve added about a half-dozen new European airports to my sim and of course purchased the PMDG 777. Likewise, should any other aircraft release from Fenix, PMDG etc. that I enjoy flying I will most likely still purchase as we there should be no reason for the developer to charge full price to move them to MSFS 2024.
Have you taken a similar approach to add-ons in MSFS 2020? Let me know.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
July 23, 2024 / admin / 0 Comments
I recently received an interesting and somewhat concerning email from one of our new readers to my blog site. Here’s the email….
Hello Jerry! I’ve been reading your blog postings for a few months now and they have really helped me. I’m relatively new to flight sim. Have been flying MSFS and the PMDG 737 and Fenix A320 for about two years now. I love the immersion of flying on VATSIM and have already accumulated a few hundred hours on the network. I still consider myself somewhat of a novice and tend to avoid any large VATSIM events. However, a few evenings ago I was flying into XYZ airport. I received some late vectors from the approach controller and needless to say I didn’t feel comfortable with the stability of my aircraft and ended up having to go around. When I informed ATC of my go-around intentions they seemed a little upset and suggested I learn how to fly my aircraft before getting on the network. I really don’t believe I’m at fault, I thought it was OK to conduct a go-around procedure if the situation warranted it. Please share your thoughts on this. I’d really like to be a better virtual pilot. Thank you for all you do for the flight sim community and I look forward to your feedback. Tim
Well Tim, and anyone else who have found them in a similar situation. You did nothing wrong! Let me repeat that, YOU DID NOTHING WRONG! For the sake of transparency, I did edit Tim’s message and removed the airport identifier. But needless to say, the airport is a major US airport on the west coast. I’ve been flying on VATSIM before it was VATSIM and have thousands of hours. Even I have had some challenges with some controllers at this particular airport. But I digress….
There is absolutely nothing wrong, nor does it make you, or should cause anyone else to think of you, as a bad pilot if you feel you need to execute a go-around procedure. In the real world, pilots execute go-around procedures for any number of reasons and some of those reasons are exactly what Tim described.
I’m really not sure why Tim would have received a negative experience from the VATSIM controller. It’s possible the controller was tired or had a bad day. It’s also possible the controller had a few knuckleheads which had been causing him issues just before and felt Tim was just another problematic pilot which he just didn’t have the patience to deal with and thus made a snide remark.
I personally have executed dozens of go-around procedures while on VATSIM and under ATC control and have never been met with any negative comments towards my piloting abilities. Bottom line and as I previously stated, Tim did nothing wrong and shouldn’t have been subjected to any abuse.
In the future, if this happens again to Tim or anyone else, I recommend leaving feedback on the particular controller in question with their ATC Division website. In the US, the VATUSA website is the place where one can leave feedback regarding their overall ATC experience. I often utilize this feature. Just visit VATUSA and under the drop down menu titled Facilities, select the particular ARTCC region and that will direct you to that site and from there look for the feedback link where you can provide your feedback. While it is perfectly acceptable to leave feedback of a negative experience, always provide a constructive form of feedback when doing so. Unloading your own snide comments won’t help you. Also, I encourage everyone to also leave feedback when you’ve had a positive experience on the network. Remember, those who volunteer to provide ATC services on VATSIM are doing it in their own spare time and without ATC coverage, our experience as pilots wouldn’t be the same.
Until next time….
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
July 15, 2024 / admin / 0 Comments
You might remember I first mentioned my interest in the new Winwing Airbus FCU back in May when I posted about my brand new purchase of the Thrustmaster Airbus Captains Pack. Well I had placed my order for the Winwing FCU way back on 23 April and had all but lost hope that I would ever receive it. Roll forward 2.5 months and I finally have it in my hands.
The Winwing Airbus FCU arrived nicely packaged to my address via Fedex. The package shipped directly from China and spent nearly a week in Japan, before finally making it to Memphis and then on to Denver. The box you see below had an outer layer of white plastic protecting the box and where the labels were attached.
Upon opening the box, everything inside was protected in styrofoam.
Removing the top layer revealed the included USB cable and hardware to mount the included plastic stands.
and finally the well packaged and protected FCU
Installation and Setup
Unfortunately, the package contains no documentation. I was already expecting this as I had watched several YouTube videos showcasing the unboxing and setup of the WinWing FCU prior to receiving my unit. I realize we’re all trying our best to reduce the amount of paper waste, but WinWing hasn’t even bothered to put together an online user guide that I could locate on their website. But like I said, there are a few YouTube videos which will help walk you through the steps of what needs to be done. The best video to watch is by Easyjetsimpilot and the link to that video is is here.
While I followed step-by-step-by every excruciating step of the above mentioned video, I ran into issues which I struggled to get around. My hardware setup is fairly massive, but certainly not unique. I have over a dozen USB peripherals which I use just for flight sim. These include of course my newish Thrustmaster Captain’s Edition stick, throttles and other side devices, my rudder pedals, my yoke and multiple GoFlight hardware modules I use when flying the PMDG aircraft. I also have a Razr keypad I use for controlling my views along with many other devices. Some are directly connected to the PC and others are plugged into powered USB hubs.
While it is true some of these devices aren’t all used on every flight. Example, I don’t use my yoke when I fly an Airbus and I don’t use the majority of the GoFlight hardware in the same scenario, the thought of having to disconnect and reconnect these devices just to keep the Winwing FCU happy was frustrating. After stepping away from my system for a few hours, I finally figured out that somehow there is a conflict between the Winwing FCU and my Logitech Racing Wheel. OK, I can live with not having the racing wheel connected when running flight sim. So to keep the Winwing happy and allow me to enjoy some Fenix Airbus A320 flying, it’s disconnected.
Overall Opinions on the product
Other than the frustrations I mentioned above, I am mostly pleased with the Winwing FCU. Having it, along with the Thrustmaster Captain’s Pack has greatly reduced the amount of use needed from the mouse and keyboard and I’m very excited about that. Flying the Fenix A320 is just as enjoyable and immersive as flying the PMDG 737-800. For that reason, I’m very happy with the product. The FCU appears to be well made. I have it installed just under my monitor and while this is working for now, I want to do something a little different, but haven’t quite figured out what that will be just yet. Most likely this will be pushed out as I plan to have a much different setup once we move and can live with the way it is for now.
I must admit that I was shocked to learn that upon initial connection with the FCU and their SimAppPro software that a firmware update was required. I could certainly understand if my FCU had been sitting on a shelf in some obscure warehouse for months prior to be ordering it, but I assume with the 2.5 month wait I experienced that my FCU was “hot off the presses” and should have arrived to me ready to go.
But I also think what is seriously lacking with my Winwing FCU experience is their SimApp Pro software. In my opinion it seems to be very clunky in use. But it is what it is and I will live with it.
Final Thoughts
After learning about their future plans during FSExpo to release more hardware devices for the sim, I was excited. But this excitement (at least for now) has been taken back a few notches. But we’ll see what happens over time. If a new product were to be announced (example their EFIS panel) I most likely would wait before ordering it. Especially if the wait for that product is going to be 2-3 months as we’re most likely moving to Texas later this year (read more about this here) and wouldn’t want to place an order while I’m still in Colorado.
So far I’ve flown about 3 flights with the Winwing FCU and as previously stated, I’m really loving the added immersion of not needing to use my mouse to control the functions contained within the FCU hardware. As I have no experience with the other available FCU hardware options, I honestly can say that I’m 100% happy with the Winwing FCU.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
July 8, 2024 / admin / 0 Comments
While I was traveling last week, I was trying to stay in touch with all the related Flight Sim news breaking both from the FSExpo and elsewhere. In my American VA, one of our members posted some information about a newish application that has been released called Lossless Scaling. In all honesty, I really didn’t pay much attention to it. I was fortunate enough that when I built my current gaming machine last summer, I added the Nvidia 4090Ti GPU. The details from what I could find regarding this Lossless Scaling application mentioned how it helped non 4000 series GPU’s gain a few more FPS. But I figured for a mere $7 I would try it and see what it could do with my 4090. While I didn’t gain much in the FPS category, I did gain enough to say it was worth the small investment.
If you’re interested in trying out the Lossless Scaling App, it’s only available on the Steam Store. So you’ll need a Steam account both to purchase and also to run it. Launching the Lossless Scaling App will launch the Steam client each time, but like I said many have found the benefit from using it both in MSFS as well as other games. So it’s worth the effort.
As for the settings, well I’m still tinkering but have left most settings at default for now. But I’ll show you what I have set and you can use that as your own benchmark to start.
So if you have a few dollars burning a hole in your pocket and you want to see if you can squeak out a few extra FPS, then give the Lossless Scaling App a try.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
July 3, 2024 / admin / 0 Comments
Hello ladies, gentlemen and boys and girls….the past few days I’ve really been giving the new PMDG 777-300ER a good workout traversing across the North Atlantic a few times. While I spent the first few days of ownership of this awesome aircraft flying some of the shorter domestic routes which American Airlines still operates such as DFW – ORD I felt the need to see how she handles on a much longer route. After all, this is exactly what this aircraft was designed for.
My first long-haul flight in the brand new PMDG 77W was DFW to LHR, simulating American Airlines Flight 50. AAL50 holds a very special place in my heart as it was the first time flying on an American Airlines 777. Back in early 2001 this flight was operated in the Boeing 777-200, but today it uses the 777-300ER. This business trip was also responsible for allowing me to meet my wife and was also the first of many transatlantic flights I’ve made in the real world to London.
Anyway, I loaded up the B77W in DFW. It was a full load of passengers and plenty of freight to make the flight profitable. A mere 8 1/2 hours later I touched down on runway 27L. The following day I debated picking up a British Airways flight towards the Middle East and just continue eastward around the globe, but instead decided to fly back to the US in time for the US Independence Day holiday and what better place to be than in Philadelphia.
AAL50 PMDG Boeing 777-300ER Catching the sunrise over the North Atlantic.
Descending along the eastern coast of the US headed for Philadelphia (PHL).
PMDG 77W on approach to KPHL RWY 09L and passing the Commodore Barry Bridge along the Delaware River.
I honestly couldn’t be any happier with this new aircraft from PMDG. Yes, I truly can’t wait for the 777-200, but for now I’m going to be doing all my long-haul flying in this beast.
Until next time….
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
June 27, 2024 / admin / 0 Comments
But of course, we knew it would be right? The wait is over…PMDG finally released their very highly anticipated Boeing 777-300ER on schedule just a few days ago. Due to my traveling schedule, I was actually down in Texas at the DFW Airport when it released so I didn’t get to take part in all the fuss in trying to get my download codes like so many did. I’ve heard dozens of reports from fellow simmers who tried to purchase the new PMDG 777 on release day and heard horror stories of the long wait. Hopefully PMDG will invest in a better e-commerce platform as it’s very clear what they are using now is not capable of holding up to the demand. But I digress…
As I type this, it is Thursday, 27 June and I’ve had time to get a few flights in the new Triple 7 and she flies wonderfully. While I’ll admit that I favor the shorter Boeing 777-200 over the -300, she’s still an amazing aircraft and after getting a few more shorter flights under my belt, I will be embarking on some serious long-hauls which this aircraft is designed to handle.
Missing GoFlight Functionality
Of course, as the PMDG 777-300ER has only been recently released, it’s currently not yet working with my GoFlight hardware. But I know in time the folks over at PollyPot will update the GoFlight Interface Tool and I will be able to control much of the MCP, EFIS and Radios via my external hardware just as I can with the PMDG 737.
Some Screenshots
If you already own the new PMDG 777, then you already know what she looks like. If not, here are a few screenshots I’ve captured in the past few flights.
Not sure what’s going on with those ULD’s appearing at the top of the fuselage. I’m sure this will be resolved when GSX Pro gets updated for the new PMDG 777 functionality. Speaking of GSX Pro, if you experience an issue with a tail strike on pushback, then make sure you disable the “lift aircraft” option, at least until a GSX update appears that may or may not correct this issue.
Final Thoughts
As I said above, I really much prefer the shorter 777-200 model….but until that is released it’s just a really great thing that we finally have a solid, long-haul aircraft in our virtual hangars. We now have much better options in the longer range category and I’m looking forward to the release of the 777-200. Of course, we also believe at some point during the release stages of the 777 that we may get the 737 Max from PMDG. I also suspect the wait before Fenix releases their A319 and A321 shouldn’t be too awfully long from now. I believe the expectation is that we’ll have those before MSFS 2024 releases later this year. Fingers crossed anyway….
Well…until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
June 24, 2024 / admin / 1 Comment
I became first acquainted with a virtual airline or VA for short in the 1999 or early 2000 timeframe. During these past 24-25 years, with exception for a year to two when life was so busy that I didn’t spend much time at all with flight sim, I’ve belonged to one or more VA’s. Today I fly exclusively for a popular VA that mirrors the day-to-day operations of American Airlines. More about this in a minute.
The Competition
But the question at hand is are VA’s still relevant today? Without any hesitation I say, absolutely YES! But in recent years the virtual airline concept has been met with some strong competition from various 3rd party add-on products which simulate your own airline career. One of the more popular of these add-ons is called “A Pilot’s Life” by SimBitWorld. I actually wrote a review back in 2019 which you can read here. Since that time, Simbitworld has released an even more popular “A Pilot’s Life – Chapter 2” which I’ve also used from time to time. There are a few others that have come onto the scene since MSFS2020 was released. I’ve used a few and in time I’ll probably write up a review of these standalone applications for your consideration.
It’s Fun until the loneliness sets in
A Pilot’s Life and other standalone products are great until the loneliness sets in and what I mean by this is a good virtual airline will also have a vibrant community of virtual pilots to interact with within their forums or Discord channels. They may also regularly schedule VA group flights, but generally there’s almost always someone willing to fly with you if that is what you like.
Like I stated previously, over the past 24+ years I’ve been involved with virtual airlines in the capacity of just a pilot all the way to operating my own fictional virtual airline for a number of years. For the past three years I’ve belonged to American Virtual Airline. At this VA I’ve served as pilot, Hub Manager, VP of Operations and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Today, I serve as the Chief Training Development Officer. I oversee our new hire training academy where new applicants will spend their first 15 days or so. Our training academy is brand new and allows new hire candidates to receive training on not only our VA systems/tools including our website, ACARs system and an all important overview of our policies and procedures followed by an overview of the Boeing 737. Additionally, all new pilot candidates will submit a Boeing 737 check-ride flight before graduating into the mainline airline operations.
In Summary
Yes, I still believe all these years later that joining a good virtual airline is a great way to enhance your virtual aviation experience. Keep in mind that most VA’s will require a minimum level of participation. This is generally 1-2 flights per month to remain active. At American Virtual Airlines we require just one flight every 30 days to remain in active status. Many of our pilots fly daily as we’re a very airline. If you’re interested in joining American Virtual Airlines, just go here and submit an application. Upon submitting your application, it will be reviewed and approved in a timely manner.
If you have never experienced a virtual airline, I encourage you to join one. Regardless if it’s American Virtual (which I mentioned above) or any which represent your prefer airline…try it. I think you’ll like it.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
June 17, 2024 / admin / 0 Comments
Well….blow me down and shiver me timbers. Yes, PMDG broke radio silence on Sunday to announce a tentative release date for their Boeing 777-300ER. This anticipated release date is Tuesday, 25 June. PMDG also mentioned in that same announcement that should a delay be needed (for whatever reason) then provisional backup days extending out to 30 June might be necessary. So with any luck, we’ll finally have what I’m sure will be an awesome version of the Boeing 777W before the end of the month. Unfortunately, there was no pricing info provided in this announcement.
An Absolute First
As they say, there is a first time for everything and this is no exception. PMDG broke a life-long policy which has been in place for years where they never provided a product release date. Today, that policy has been changed and as I said above, we should have the PMDG 777-300ER this month.
In Streamers Hands Soon
The PMDG announcement also mentioned that within a few days we should start seeing the PMDG 777-300ER in the hands of those carefully selected and just downright lucky streamers and content creators. Of course the only problem with this is many of the big names in the flight simulation content creation space will be attending FSExpo which takes place this coming weekend. But hopefully there will be plenty not attending and will stay home and tease us with some great video and streaming content.
I Can’t Wait
Like you, I just can’t wait to have my hands on the PMDG 777-300ER. I haven’t decided just what will be my first flight. As I do much of my airliner flying for an American Airlines based VA, I may just do one of the shorter flights such as MIA – LAX or I may just bite the bullet and head across the Atlantic towards London Heathrow. What are your plans for the PMDG 777-300ER? I’d love to hear them.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
