PMDG 737 in MSFS 2024 | Full Flight preview with a Real 737 Pilot

Tech/Product Overview (PMDG 737 in MSFS 2024)

• Pre-release preview of PMDG’s soon-to-be-released 737-800 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, provided by PMDG.
• Claims the aircraft is the 737-800 “high density” variant with 189 seats (example sector: London Stansted → Geneva).
• Mentions the update includes MSFS 2024 compatibility plus upgrades such as:
  • cockpit systems
  • cabin/interior detail
  • sounds
  • flight model refinements
  • UI/interaction changes
• Expected availability: early December 2025 (pricing/release date not finalized).

Performance / PC Observations

• On a “4-year-old PC” with an RTX 3080, the creator reports roughly 30–35 FPS even with complex third-party scenery.
• Described as improved performance in MSFS 2024.

Major Feature Highlights

New Sounds

• A full sound update is included.
• Sounds are described as improved.
• Notes some behavior related to a noise-reduction headset in certain situations.

Cabin / Interior Rebuilt

• Cabin is described as built from scratch for the variant.
• Features clickable/flickable cabin items.
• Includes cabin lighting control, including an automated cabin lighting mode.
• Cabin configuration supports the 189-seat high-density layout.

Tablet / EFB Integration Improvements

• The tablet can be physically moved in the sim (UI/interaction changes specific to MSFS 2024).
• Tablet is used for SimBrief compatibility.
• Designed to reduce dependence on external chart overlays.

Flight Model / Handling Refinements

• Creator states the flight model was updated to refine handling characteristics.
• Reports taxi behavior improvements versus the earlier PMDG 737 in MSFS 2020, including:
  • less jerky motion
  • realistic inertia
  • sharper turning

System / Immersion Additions

• Mentions subtle system effects (example: possible toilet flush pressure disturbance changes) as an immersion detail.
• More storage interaction and expanded flight deck systems (e.g., clock/system/transponder refinements).

Cockpit Realism & Procedure/Testing Emphasis (Pilot-Training Style)

The video is structured as a full-flight preview using real 737 operating procedures, focusing on whether systems and aircraft behavior match airline expectations.

Cold Start / Preflight Workflow

• Fault and fire test checks:
  • squibs
  • fire warning lights/bell
  • overheat detector behavior
  • fault detector logic
• Electric/hydraulic setup:
  • hydraulic pumps
  • landing gear position checks
• IRS alignment and DC/DC verification steps
• Voice recorder / store warning test (with a wait for AC power)
• Cabin-specific lights and configuration testing, including:
  • emergency exit lights
  • attendee-related actions (dependent on simulated cabin config)

Flight Planning & FMC Workflow

• FMC starts on the ID page, with checks for the latest AIRAC
• Mentions full SimBrief compatibility
• Route loading example includes:
  • departure runway selection and specific SID routing
  • arrival selection and transitions (named procedures referenced)
• Gross error check using ground distance/route progress values
• Performance / fuel and reserves:
  • uses tablet/EFB to pre-populate weights and reserves (including alternate fuel shown)
  • sets cost index
  • sets cruise level (FL350)
  • computes average wind
• Performance tool usage:
  • takeoff calculation using an assumed temperature
  • M1 and trim/V-speed values
  • takeoff flap and CG inputs handled

Takeoff / Climb Behavior Checks

• Rotation/back-pressure behavior described as matching expectations in MSFS 2024.
• Automation checks include:
  • LNAV use
  • handling constraints/speed restrictions during departure
  • discussion of V/S selection behavior (noting differences from operator practice)
• General handling/physics response demonstrated:
  • reducing thrust to idle with autopilot disconnected
  • thrust changes producing rapid climb/pitch coupling (engine placement effects)
  • rolling without pitch input and observing descent/climb behavior
  • rudder secondary effects (roll and nose-drop behavior)
• Overall conclusion: control secondary effects are improved in 2024 vs the earlier sim.

Approach & Descent Logic (VNAV / ILS Focus)

• Descent planning:
  • uses a descent wind request (from SimBrief-like inputs) and loads winds
  • sets QNH
  • configures distance-to-descent for awareness
• VNAV behavior testing:
  • “common VNAV logic” described: if high on profile, VNAV initially commands speed/Mach behavior, then captures the path
  • with correct planning, aircraft can descend efficiently with idle thrust near approach
• Arrival shortcut/direct routing:
  • direct-to waypoints / deletes restrictions mid-arrival when ATC permits (example: direct after a named waypoint)
• ILS setup:
  • runway 22 ILS frequency/course/minimums set
  • missed approach climb gradient and minimums configured
  • approach flown with flight director guidance

Landing Rollout & GSX / After-landing Simulation

• Landing sequence includes:
  • stabilizing before touchdown
  • flare technique using pitch/thrust reduction
  • rollout checks:
    • speed brake stow
    • reverser deployment
    • manual braking/autobrake behavior
• Minor observation: rudder twitchiness in the sim
• GSX integration:
  • pushback and ground equipment interaction described as working well
  • arrival stand selection/pre-selection referenced
• Post-landing flows:
  • flight director mode off
  • recall
  • APU start timing
  • taxi to stand and checklist items

Overall Takeaways (Review-Style Conclusions)

• The creator argues the PMDG 737 in MSFS 2024 feels like a major refinement over the MSFS 2020 version, citing:
  • improved taxi
  • improved flight control secondary effects
  • updated cabin/interior
  • sound updates
  • richer UI interaction and EFB/tablet capability
  • systems/automation behavior closely matching real-world 737 procedures

Main Speakers / Sources

• Primary speaker: a 737 training captain/examiner/instructor (same person throughout the video)
• Product/source: PMDG — 737-800 for MSFS 2024 (pre-release build provided by PMDG)