FS2Crew PMDG 737 NGX “Button Control ... - City - City View · PDF fileFS2Crew PMDG 737 NGX Button Control Tutorial V1.0 ... Now its time to configure the MAIN and SECONDARY

FS2Crew PMDG 737 NGX Button Control Tutorial V1.0 www.fs2crew.com

FS2Crew PMDG 737 NGX “Button Control” Tutorial

Flight

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The following is a very basic guide designed to help new FS2Crew NGX users make a simple flight from A

to B using Button Control.

The tutorial does not cover every possible procedural nuance or variation modeled in the simulation;

rather, it is designed just to get new users up and running as quickly as possible.

Don’t forget: You still need to read the Main Ops manual carefully to fill in the blanks this tutorial does

not cover!

PRINT OUT THE ‘FLOWS’ SECTION FROM THE MAIN OPS MANUAL!

The tutorial assumes you already know how to operate the PMDG 737 NGX and make a successful flight

using the FMC and autopilot.

If you’re still learning how to fly the NGX itself, please consult one of the many NGX aircraft tutorials and

manuals available on the internet.

For support, please visit the FS2Crew Support forum at Avsim.com.

http://www.fs2crew.com/


LET’S BEGIN!

Hint: The key to understanding the Button Control version is that it’s very linear. Basically, all you do is

click the Main Button to advance down a preset linear script. It’s like marching in a straight line, and

every time you press the Main Button, you march one step forward. From time to time, you can use the

Secondary button to perform some minor actions, but most of the time you will be using the Main Button

to advance through the simulation. Once you understand how “linear” everything is, the simulation will

appear very simple to operate. It’s especially easy given you can see “What Comes Next” in the sequence

on the Main Panel!

1. Re-install SP1c (or later). Note that SP1b is NOT sufficient. You must have SP1c for FS2Crew

will not work properly!

Links for SP1c:

Download the PMDG 737NGX 8900 SP1c Update

Download the PMDG 737NGX 6700 Expansion SP1c Update

IMPORTANT: SP1c may not be the latest Service Pack available when you’re

reading this manual. Always check the PMDG forum for the latest version!

2. If you’re running Skype or anything that might use a Microphone running in the background,

and you’re experiencing volume changes in FS2Crew, be sure to make this setting via the

Windows Control panel. Select “DO NOTHING” and click ‘apply’.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/PMDG_Downloads/file_library/servupd/PMDG_737_8900_NGX_3219_SP1c.ZIP

https://s3.amazonaws.com/PMDG_Downloads/file_library/servupd/PMDG_737_6700_NGX_3219_SP1c.ZIP


3. Open the FS2Crew Config Manager. A link to it should be on your desktop. Also look in:

Start – All Programs – FS2Crew2012.

4. Make sure you run the FS2Crew Config Manager as an Admin (‘right click’ on the desktop

icon and select ‘Run as Admin’). Also disable User Account Control (UAC) if it’s running to

avoid problems. Google “Disable UAC” if you don’t know how. Not running as an Admin

with UAC on can result in the Config Manager being unable to update the PMDG 737 NGX’s

Panel.Cfg file.

5. Select the Button Control Version.

6. Click “Enable Button Control”.


7. Load FSX.

8. Make sure your PMDG 737 aircraft is not the default aircraft that gets loaded. PMDG

recommends against that as it can cause problems. If the NGX is the default aircraft that

gets loaded, change your FSX default flight settings so only the ‘Trike’` is the initial aircraft

displayed in the Free Flight menu.


9. In your FSX Settings menu, ensure your FSX aircraft load by default into the 2D cockpit only

by making the selection shown below:

10. Now it’s time to configure the MAIN and SECONDARY buttons. You use the buttons to

interface with FS2Crew. Create a “New” keyboard/joystick assignment for each.


MAIN BUTTON:


SECONDARY BUTTON:

11. Now it’s time to load the NGX.

12. Create a flight. You can use any airport you like. Start at a Gate Location.

13. To keep things simple, don’t use any ATC programs or complex weather.

14. After the NGX starts to load, you will be asked if you want to “Trust” the new FS2Crew

gauge that was added to the NGX’s Panel.Cfg file. If you were not asked to trust the gauge,

then there is a problem. It means either you didn’t enable FS2Crew on the FS2Crew Config

Manager, or the NGX was the default aircraft loaded by FSX. The other possibility is that not

running the FS2Crew Config Manager as an Admin with UAC off blocked FS2Crew from being

able to update your NGX’s Panel.Cfg files.


15. Hopefully, the NGX has now loaded and you’re sitting in the 2D cockpit of the NGX.

16. If you like, you can now switch to the VC cockpit. However, it’s important that the NGX load

into the 2D cockpit when you first load the NGX.

17. Note: when you move into the VC cockpit with the FS2Crew Main Panel already open, you

may notice that the FS2Crew sound volume drops a bit. You can counter that volume drop

by re-opening the FS2Crew Main Panel from within the VC itself.

18. Wait for the timer countdown to reach 0.

19. Open the PMDG’s FMC and disable the V1, VR and V2 callouts. Also be sure to sync the

Captain and FO’s altimeters.



20. Next, load the PMDG “NGX CLD DRK” (Cold and Dark) Panel State via the PMDG’s FMC

“PMDG SETUP” menu.


21. Note: We recommend always using the PMDG default panel state files (like CLDDRK,

LONG, SHORT or DEFAULT), not your own.

22. You should now be sitting in a Cold and Dark cockpit and you should be in the 2D cockpit.

23. Open the FS2Crew Main Panel by ‘left clicking’ this area:

That click spot location may also look like this depending on your NGX’s Equipment settings:


24. The FS2Crew Main Panel should now open. If it doesn’t, it means FS2Crew was not

successfully added to your NGX’s Panel.Cfg file or your default saved flight used the NGX

and not the Trike.

25. The Main Panel is very simple to understand; for a full description of the various buttons

please consult the FS2Crew Main Ops manual.

26. The most important thing to know is that the left window that says “PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST”

is associated with the MAIN button, and the window to the right of it is associated with the

SECONDARY button.

27. Press the PWR (Power) button on the FS2Crew Main Panel to power the unit.

28. Now, we need to open the Config Panel.

29. Press the CFG button on the Main Panel shown above. This panel should now open:

30. Press “RUN PF”. It stands for “Run Pre-Flight Events”. You don’t need to do it for every

flight, but for this tutorial you should so you can see how it works.


31. The FO will then start powering up the aircraft. If you’re parked at a gate, the FSX default

jetway should connect assuming it’s available. Note the text in the left window in the Main

Panel:

The Orange Text and >-- --< indicates that the FO is performing a flow action.

32. Note the T+30 number on the Main Panel. That shows the time remaining until pushback.

You can click on it to fast forward the time down.

33. For a full list of required crew actions that are to be performed by you and the FO, please

see the “FLOWS” section in the FS2Crew Main Ops manual.

34. In short, as the Captain, all you need to do is set the IRS selectors to NAV and setup the

FMC. The FO will do the rest.

35. At T + 18 minutes before pushback, a ground crew staff member will enter the cockpit and

ask you if you’re ready to start boarding. Note how the display in the SECONDARY DISPLAY

WINDOW on the Main Panel will change.

36. Now, click the SECONDARY button to respond to the ground staff member (in other words,

to say “Yes” that you’re ready to start boarding.)

37. A short time later, the FO will start his main pre-flight setup routine. He’ll perform all his

functions listed in the FLOWS section in the manual. It’ll take him a bit of time to go through

everything, so be patient.

38. When he’s done, he’ll say he’s ready for the checklist and you’ll note there will be a little

asterisks (*) symbol placed at the end of the PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST text in the Main

Window, signifying that the FO is ready for the checklist.

39. Now, click the MAIN button to call for the Pre-Flight Checklist. Click the Main Button again

and again as required to respond to each of the FO’s challenges.

40. When done, you can brief the FO for departure. Press the BR button to open the Brief Panel

and then press the button that says PLAY BRIEF.



41. At +8 minutes, the ground staff will hand you a loadsheet. FS2Crew does not model a

physical loadsheet. If you want to use one, we suggest using a program like TOPCAT.

42. Click the SECONDARY button to respond to the ground staff.

43. At +1 minutes to pushback, the FA will enter the cockpit and tell you that they’re ready in

the back. Press the SECONDARY button to respond.

44. In the left window in the Main Panel, you should see the text: “BEFORE START PROCEDURE”.

V

45. Click the MAIN Button to ask the FO to perform the Before Start procedure.

46. Again, check the FLOWS section in the FS2Crew manual for a full list of required crew

member actions, but all you basically need to do is set the STAB TRIM for Takeoff and arm

the autothrottle and setup the MCP. The FO will take care of the rest.

47. When done, press the MAIN BUTTON again to call for and run through the BEFORE START

CHECKLIST.

48. When done, note what is displayed in the Secondary Window. It should say: CTC GROUND

P/B. This means it’s time to tell the ground crew we’re ready for pushback.

49. Press the SECONDARY BUTTON to contact the start crew.

50. Press the SECONDARY BUTTON again as required to respond to the start crew.

51. After you’ve started pushing back, you can start the engines.

52. Press the MAIN BUTTON to ask the FO to start engine two.

53. Don’t forget that it’s your job to set the fuel lever to idle at around 25 percent N1, not the

FO’s!

54. After the engine has stabilized, press the MAIN BUTTON again to ask the FO to start the

remaining engine.


55. Note: If the FO says we’re not configured for engine start, something is wrong. Usually the

problem is not having SP1c installed or not having FSX load by default into the 2D cockpit.

You can also try re-installing FS2Crew.

56. After both engines have stabilized, the FO will automatically perform the first part of his

Before Taxi flow, the details of which are described in the Flows section in the FS2Crew

manual.

57. Next, wait for the pushback section to end.

58. Press the SECONDARY BUTTON to clear the pushback team to disconnect.

59. Press the MAIN BUTTON to command the FO to set the Takeoff flaps.

60. After the FO completes the 2nd part of his Before Taxi flow, press the MAIN BUTTON again to

call for and run the BEFORE TAXI checklist.

61. You’re now ready to taxi!

62. Start taxiing toward the runway. You can turn on the taxi light if desired.

63. A short while later, the FA will phone the cockpit to tell you that the cabin is ready for

takeoff. (The FO answers this call).

64. After that has happened, press the MAIN BUTTON to call for and run through the BEFORE

TAKEOFF CHECKLIST.

65. You should now be coming up on the hold short line.

66. Press the MAIN BUTTON again to call for the RUNWAY ENTRY PROCEDURE.

67. The FO will then perform his runway entry flow as described in the manual.

68. Press the MAIN BUTTON to call Takeoff.


69. Advance the throttles to 40% N1, then press TOGA.

70. The FO will call V1 and ROTATE.

71. When the FO calls “POSITIVE RATE”, click the MAIN BUTTON to call GEAR UP.

72. FS2Crew models the various Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADPs) available. For

more info on the NADPs, please consult the FS2Crew Manual. Basically use the MAIN or

SECONDARY BUTTON as desired to follow the NADPs and clean the aircraft up.

73. Note that if you ask the FO to turn on VNAV or the autopilot and he doesn’t do it, it means

the aircraft is not configured to accept an autopilot or VNAV engagement command. (If the

autopilot won’t turn on, it’s usually the result of applying pressuring on the control column.)

74. After the flaps are up, press the MAIN BUTTON to call for the AFTER TAKEOFF CHECKLIST.

75. Note: Make sure the flaps are fully up before you call for the AFTER TAKEOFF CHECKLIST.

76. Passing the Transition Altitude (TA), press STD on the EFIS Panel to change your altimeter to

Standard pressure.

77. At this point, there generally isn’t much to do until you are near the Top of Descent. The

plane flies itself on autopilot. You just need to monitor the systems.

78. Around 50 to 100nm back from the Top of Descent, open the BRIEF Panel, and select the

Decision Height/ Altitude for your approach. Next, run the Approach Brief by pressing PLAY

BRIEF.


79. A few seconds after the Brief is done, the FO will run his pre-descent flow.


80. When the FO has finished his pre-descent flow, call for and run the DESCENT CHECKLIST.

81. Important: Make sure you set the Transition Level (TL) in the FMC’s DESCENT FORCAST

PAGE. FS2Crew uses that info to make the Transition Level call. Also setup your radios (like

the ILS frequency) for the approach.

82. Passing the TOD start the descent.

83. Passing the Transition Level, the FO will call “TRANSITION LEVEL”. Press STD and set local

pressure in your altimeter.

84. Passing 10,000 feet or the TL, whichever is lower, press the MAIN BUTTON to call for and

run the APPROACH CHECKLIST.

85. Navigate your own way down to the ILS approach course.

86. When ready to call for FLAPS 1, press the MAIN BUTTON. Don’t forget to adjust your speed

bug to match the new flaps maneuvering speed!

87. Press the MAIN BUTTON again and again as required to bring the flaps down on schedule as

well as run the Landing Checklist.

88. Since FS2Crew is linear, it’s just a matter of pressing the MAIN BUTTON and looking at the

Main Display window to see what action comes next in sequence.

89. When you call for gear down, arm the speedbrake.

90. When cleared to land, press the MAIN BUTTON to call cleared.


91. At the Decision Height/Altitude, press the MAIN BUTTON again to call “LANDING”.

92. Land the aircraft.

93. After you exit the runway, press the MAIN BUTTON to call “OKAY TO CLEAN UP”. The FO

will then clean up the aircraft (retract the flaps, etc.). He will also turn on the APU.

94. Taxi to the gate.

95. The FO will tell you when the APU is on-line. Wait for that call.

96. When parked at the gate, set the Parking Brake. That is the FO’s trigger to start his pre-

shutdown flow.

97. The FO will tell you when he’s ready for shutdown.

98. After the FO says that he’s ready for shutdown, manually set both fuel levers on the throttle

pedestal to cutoff. (That’s your job, not the FOs!)

99. Selecting both fuel levers to cutoff is the trigger for the FO to run his main shutdown flow.

100. A few moments later, you will hear a chime and the FA will phone the cockpit to tell you

that the slides have been disarmed. Press the FA button on the FS2Crew Main Panel to

respond (a lot of people miss this step).

101. Next, open the PA Panel, and press the “O-DOORS” button to tell the FA’s they can now

open the doors.


102. The ground crew will also contact you to let you know that the chocks are in, so you can

release the parking brake. Press the SECONDARY button to reply.

103. When the FO’s flow is complete, run the SHUTDOWN CHECKLIST.

104. Finally, we’ll assume this is the last flight of the day and we’re not handing the aircraft

over to the engineers, run the SECURE CHECKLIST. That is the FO’s trigger to run his

securing aircraft flow. Note that you will need to manually shut off the APU and turn off

the position lights.

105. If you want to make another flight, there is no need to reload the aircraft. Simply press

RUN PF events again and start from the beginning!

TUTORIAL END

Documents

FS2Crew PMDG 737 NGX “Button Control ... - City - City View · PDF fileFS2Crew PMDG 737 NGX Button Control Tutorial V1.0 ... Now its time to configure the MAIN and SECONDARY