PMDG Boeing 737-800 [NG Series] Help

[Jackal]

Hi guys!

I love the PMDG NG series but can't use it cos i suck at loading the arrival procedures into the FMC. Can anybody help me with this?!?

I can fly this right up until TOD and then things start to go awry... ATC and FMC... and autopilot function all starts to unravel on me and i
end up pretty much having to fly the approach VFR and without ATC not always very desirable If you need more information, please
ask... i have kept this brief cos im not entirely sure what's important or not in MSFSs arrival procedures...

[Chipwich]

Jackal,

I use FSNavigator to do the flight planning, then export it to FS9 and the PMDG. Next load the fp in FS9 and the FMC as a company route. Load the
FS9 flt pln and then fly the FMC from take off. Usually ATC will give you similar vectors, but if not, you can pretty much ignore them. Or you can
fly the ATC vectors then do a direct to in the FMC to the exit fix when they match up.

The descent is a little trickier. I usually request a lower flt lvl a few miles before BOD (don't wait for them to wakeup), then use the Flt Lvl Chng
function on the MCP to descend as directed by ATC (they wake up at this point). I keep the MCP in LNAV mode until they vector me for the approach,
usually around 35-40 mls. out, then switch to Hdng mode. Dial in the ILS for NAV1 and NAV2, turn on both FCCs, and couple the approach, or hand fly
it in (more challenging in FSP).

This procedure works pretty much with the LevelD 767 as well. There are probably better ways. This works for me.

Hope this helps.

Dan Blake
FO, Eastern Virtual

[Jackal]

thanks I'll give it a go when i get home

[SWAFO]

What's the exact problem you're having with the FMC? You can enter SIDs and STARs via the DEP/ARR page of the FMC. If you are more
specific in your question, I'd be happy to help

[Jackal]

to be honest, i can't quite remember my issue with it ( i haven't used it in a while) i'll have a look-see when i get home tonight. I think it
may have just been a lack of familiarity with SIDs & STARs, and trying to also follow ATC (which as i gather from other threads) isn't
necessary. Not so much the FMC itself....

[SWAFO]

Buying maps helps A LOT with familiarity for SIDS/STARS/Various Procedures. I have an old set of NOAA maps that I use myself, and I
know that a few sites have some for download to print out for free (I'd prefer buying the maps personally). You can get them from the
NOAA website for $4 or so a piece. That is if you fly in the US...