April 2, 2024 / admin / 0 Comments
We have another reader question which I feel is fitting to turn into a blog post. Let’s go!
Hi Jerry, I read your recent blog post “Where Are Thou PMDG 777” and had the same opinion that we would surely see the release of the PMDG 777 before CTP on April 20. With the announced delay of the MSFS SU15 package, do you think this will cause the release of the 777 to be pushed back? Looking forward to your opinions on the matter. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop. Jon
Hello Jon, and Hello to all my wonderful readers. Jon brings up a very valid question and a concern we all need to be aware of. When I wrote that blog piece almost a month ago, the release of the SU15 update did play a major part in my overall prediction that we could see the PMDG 777 release before the annual VATSIM Cross The Pond event which takes place on 20 April. However, I have read in the past few days where PMDG has stated that the release of the Boeing 777 will not be reliant on the SU15 update.
Again, when I wrote that above mentioned article PMDG had not stated which 777 variant would be the first out of the hangar. We now know that the first PMDG 777 variant we’ll have access to purchase is the Boeing 777-300ER or 77W. While I actually prefer the 777-200 as it’s the only version of the 777 that I’ve flown on in real life, the 77W will be a day one purchase for me and I’ll happily fly it until and even after I purchase the 772.
Finally, also way back in early March….we also didn’t know what PMDG’s release strategy was regarding the also highly anticipated Boeing 737MAX. PMDG have stated that the 737MAX will release in between the other 777 variants. So it’s highly probable that not only will we have a brand new 777-300ER for MSFS in the very near future, sometime soon after that we’ll also see the first 737MAX. But let’s not jump too far ahead of things. After all, the question at hand is whether or not we’ll have the PMDG Boeing 777-300ER before CTP on 20 April.
PMDG did provide an update yesterday on 1 April which you can read here. This update from Robert says “The end of the wait is nearly upon us- I promise.” So yes, I still believe it’s possible we’ll see the PMDG 777-300ER before 20 April.
In a perfect world, PMDG would release the 77W a few days or even more before the CTP event. This would give everyone time to get familiar with the 777 in MSFS before this major event. This is especially important considering the large number of new VATSIM members since the release of MSFS 2020 and many of these would not have flown this aircraft in P3D or FSX.
In closing, again….I believe we’ll have the PMDG 777-300ER very soon and certainly before the VATSIM CTP event.
Thanks for reading!
Until next time…
Happy Flying!!!
Jerry
January 9, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments
We all woke up to some wonderful and exciting news this morning from PMDG and the soon to be released Boeing 777 for P3Dv5. You can read the press release from FSElite here.
Since making the move to P3Dv5, the Boeing 777 has been missed from my virtual hangar. While I don’t have a lot of time for long-haul flights, there are plenty of US domestic routes being handled via the T7 such as DFW – ORD, DFW – MIA, DFW – LAX, MIA – LAX (as examples) for American Airlines to certainly keep me busy.
The Boeing 777 is truly a wonderful aircraft to fly and I’m looking forward to the release which hopefully will be sometime towards the end of January or early February.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend.
Jerry
April 20, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
We’re somewhat turning a corner with our 7th installment and headed back towards Europe and the United Kingdom. We’re departing out of Abu Dhabi International (OMAA) and headed to London Heathrow (EGLL). While much of the cargo headed into the London area of England flows through London Stanstead (EGSS), some does still flow through Heathrow. Our flight today will be simulating an Emirates SkyCargo flight operating the Boeing 777 freighter.
Route:
Let’s Go to London
Our chariot awaits.
If you’re unfamiliar with GSX and GSX level 2 expansion by FSDreamTeam, it’ll sure help add an extra bit of immersion to your flights. As an example, I’ve showed these cargo loading images several times throughout this series. The cargo containers actually move from the carts onto the loading platform.
The the loading platform raises and the cargo container moves along.
And finally into the aircraft.
We can only look at the aircraft on the ground for so long. After all, we have a 7 hour flight ahead of us.
Leaving the sand behind us. We’ll be back.
Scooting along and making good time.
Over Cairo
The Swiss Alps
The English Channel ahead.
A cloudy day over southeast England.
Old London Town
Touchdown!
Reverse Thrust….
Time to unload…
and go to the hotel
Another absolutely fun flight in the books.
Credits
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 777 Freighter
Airline: Emirates SkyCargo (UAE)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: OMAA Abu Dhabi International (Simbreeze), EGLL London Heathrow (UK2000)
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
Immersion Effects – Parallel 42 777 Immersion
Weather Generation: ActiveSky (ASP4)
Flight Planning: SimBrief, Navigraph, FlightAware, FlightRadar24
Note: If you are interested in any of the above mentioned add-ons. Visit my P3D Add-ons directory for links.
April 16, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments
Hello and welcome back to installment 6 of my COVID-19 Relief Flight Series. I’m happy to report that both my wife and I are still healthy and alive. Best of all, being cooped up with each other now for three weeks hasn’t caused any frustrations between us. We both go about our work days and then spend time together in the evenings. It’s all good!
Our flight today is from Moscow (UUWW) down to Abu Dhabi (OMAA). I picked up the Abu Dhabi International airport scenery and this is the first time I’m flying into this airport. In the real world, much of the cargo operations within the UAE is handled via the newer Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW) also known as Dubai World Center. But there are a few cargo flights going into and out of Abu Dhabi and that is what we’re simulating for this flight today.
Our flight today will be in an Etihad Cargo Boeing 777. This is a fictional flight as this flight does not operate between Moscow and Abu Dhabi. But that’s OK (as I’ve explained in the past).
Route:
Ready?
Before we can go, we must load cargo.
The ground crews here in Moscow are top notch.
Almost done!
We’re all buttoned up. Pushing back.
Still a bit of snow on the ground from the storm yesterday. Love the attention to detail the developer of this scenery thought to include some tire tracks through the snow. Just make the immersion even better.
Ready to go on runway 01.
While we’re heavy with cargo, our fuel load is relatively light for the 5 hour flight.
A snow covered Moscow as we climb out and make our turn to join the departure.
Our engines are gently purring along.
The big girl is doing well.
In no time we’re in our cruise. Should have smooth skies for the rest of the trip.
High above the Caspian Sea.
Down to the last 150nm as we are leaving Iranian airspace and about to cross the Persian Gulf.
Abu Dhabi International just off the starboard side.
Sand everywhere…
Runway insight
What that saying about when the big Triple Seven sees its shadow? Many more happy landings!
Touchdown!
Slow her down…
Another successful cargo flight is in the books.
Yep, another successful cargo operation is in the books. Where do we go from here? Well….you’ll just have to tune in next time to find out.
Until next time….please take care of yourself and your family. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe.
Jerry
Credits
Flight Simulator: Prepar3D v4.5 (hotfix 1)
Aircraft: PMDG 777 Freighter
Airline: Etihad Cargo (ETD)
ATC: VATSIM
Airport Scenery: UUWW (Moscow) JustSim , OMAA (Abu Dhabi) Simbreeze
Terrain Scenery: Orbx Global Base, Orbx Vector
Sky/Cloud Textures: REX 5 SkyForce and REX 5 Environment Force
Immersion Effects – Parallel 42 737 Immersion
Weather Generation: ActiveSky (ASP4)
Flight Planning: SimBrief, Navigraph, FlightAware, FlightRadar24
Note: If you are interested in any of the above mentioned add-ons. Visit my P3D Add-ons directory for links.
June 16, 2018 / admin / 0 Comments
The WorldFlight 2018 tour is progressing along nicely and from all accounts our wealthy travelers are having the time of their lives. Not sure what they enjoy most, the variation in cultural differences or the cuisine. Perhaps both. I suppose if I were able to participate in something like this I would certainly make an effort to try the food (pending I actually knew exactly what it was). YOLO right?
An updated version of our tour map showing Jakarta as visited.
History of City
Early Changi was mostly a malaria mosquito infested swampland and jungle that had several villages spread across the area. The area was first redeveloped by the British as a summer house and getaway location from the city center of Singapore in the 1890’s. During World War II, the area saw mass mobilization of allied troops in anticipation of a Japanese invasion. Today, Changi is an aviation hub and is the current location of both the Changi airport and Changi Air Base. Also, located within Changi is Singapore’s largest prison, Changi Prison. It became infamous as a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during the occupation of Singapore during WWII. Changi Prison continues to be Singapore’s oldest operating internment facility.
History of Country
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign city-state and island country in Southeast Asia. Singapore lies just 85 miles north of the equator. Singapore’s territory consists of one main island and some 62 other small islands.
Singapore was founded by Stamford Raffles as a trading post for the British East India Company in 1819. During WWII Singapore was occupied by Japan. It gained independence from the UK in 1963. Today, Singapore is a global commerce, finance and transportation hub and is known as the “World’s smartest City” and “Safest Country in the World”.
History of Airport
Singapore Changi Airport (WSSS) is the major civilian airport for Singapore and one of the largest transportation hubs in Southeast Asia. Skytrax (a UK based airline/airport review/ranking site) ranked Changi as the World’s Best Airport for the sixth consecutive year since 2013. Changi is one of the world’s busiest airports by international passenger and cargo traffic. Changi Airport serves as the home base of Singapore Airlines, Singapore Airlines Cargo, SilkAir, Scoot, Jetstar Asia Airways and BOC Aviation. Changi Airport serves more than 100 airlines flying to 400 cities in approx. 100 countries and territories. Each week, about 7,200 flights land and depart from Changi or about one every 80 seconds.
History of Airline
Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore and is based at Changi Airport. Singapore Airlines was founded in 1947 as Malayan Airways, and commenced operations as Singapore Airlines in 1972. Singapore Airlines was the launch customer for both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-10. It serves 62 destinations in 32 different countries on 5 continents from its primary hub in Singapore. Singapore Airlines once held the distinction of operating two of the longest flights in the world, both direct flights from Singapore to Los Angeles and Newark with the Airbus A350-500. Singapore Airlines has a fleet size of 115 wide-body aircraft from five aircraft families including the Boeing 787, Boeing 777, Airbus A380, Airbus A350 and Airbus A330.
Flight Briefing
SIA1066
WIII – WSSS
Planned Fuel – 32,000 lbs
Planned Altitude – 38,000
Distance – 475nm
Flight Time – 1hrs, 45min
Route: DOLT1B DOLTA A585 PLB G579 REPOV REPO1A
Flight Journal
The stay in Jakarta was brief, but very entertaining for our travelers. Our travelers are eager to reach Singapore as something very historic could take place in the coming days. Finally, this leg will feature an aircraft which is NOT the Boeing 737 variety. For this leg we’re assisting Singapore Airline by moving one of their Boeing 777-300 from Jakarta to Singapore. Our travelers are super excited to have the change of aircraft, it’s a bit unfortunate the distance between Jakarta and Singapore isn’t longer. The Boeing 773 is certainly used to much, much longer flights than the measly 475 we’re flying today. In the real world, the Boeing 777-300 is connecting cities together which are routinely more than 7,000nm apart like Doha to Sao Paulo, Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles, Hong Kong to Dallas/Ft. Worth. But we’ll enjoy each and every mile of our 475 nm journey in this beautiful aircraft.
While our passenger numbers barely occupy half of what this B773 can carry, we’re making up for it in cargo.
The Boeing 773 is one of the largest aircraft we’ll fly during this tour. Of course, for those who truly love the Queen of the Sky, (Boeing 747-400)…you can expect to see her at least once before we complete our long tour.
We’ve been given an expedited departure and are ready to go on 07R.
I just love the engine condensation effects produced by the FSFX Packages 777 immersion add-on. Certainly lots of condensation here in hot, humid Jakarta.
The same add-on adds the condensation effects over the wing as well. And wow…that’s a big wing.
Above the clouds, the humidity and smog…..the GE90-115B engines thrust us to our cruising altitude. For those who may not be as familiar with aircraft statistics. The diameter of one 777 engine is almost the same diameter as the fuselage of the Boeing 737. Pretty impressive if you ask me. And by the way, the replacement cost of just one 777 engine will set you back a cool $24 million dollars.
Simple, yet elegant livery for the Singapore Airlines Boeing 773. PMDG has modeled the wing-flex of this beautiful aircraft very well. The total length of the B773 is 242 feet, the wingspan is 200’.
A little cloud cover as we approach our destination.
More of that condensation immersion. Singapore is just as hot, humid and sticky as Jakarta.
Flaps full.
On Final approach into WSSS. We’re a few hours ahead of the other VIP’s who are flying in for the historic event I mentioned earlier.
Parked safely at the gate before the rain and afternoon storms begin.
Simulator Specifics
Prepar3d v4.2
ActiveSky Weather Engine
ActiveSky Cloud Art
Envtex & Envshade
PMDG 777-300 Expansion (Singapore Airlines livery)
Orbx Global Texture
VATSIM
Route Planning Tools
AivlaSoft PFPX
Navigraph Charts Desktop
FlightAware
FlightRadar24
SkyVector
Google Maps
Computer Hardware Specs
It was a joy for me to fly the PMDG Boeing 777-300. While I’ve owned the –300 expansion for the 777 for a while now, I believe this is only my second time to fly with this variant. The –300 is 33 feet longer than the –200. But we didn’t encounter a tail strike on take-off or landing. So all is good. When we resume our tour for our 5th leg, we’ll depart Singapore for Sultan Iskandarmuda, Indonesia in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Until next time….
Happy Flying!
Jerry
