Latest artificial plane..

[NM5K]

Been running the PMDG 737 NG a lot the last few months. Usually as Southwest when I'm running
airline routes. Still run mostly the 737-700, but Southwest started getting some of the first 800's
that they ordered.
I saw 800 #6 at Hobby a while back. This is N8306H, the sixth 737-800 they have received,
which I think they took delivery in late April or sumtin like that.. It was fixing to roll onto
12R and blast off for Las Vegas.




Anyway... I also did a version for my sim. I also have #1 "Warrior One", but I wanted a
plain jane version as an everyday 800. So now I have N8306H to fly for myself.
This is a quick spin around the block... Hobby to Hobby..
I have the cockpit config the same as the real deal. IE: PFD/ND layout, but analog backups..
So it's autoland is fail passive, instead of fail operational.. But it doesn't matter, as Southwest
does not do autolands at all. They hand fly all landings using the HGS system. "heads up display"
You can click 720p res, and go full screen for the best view.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-IDyjFctqI[/video]

[mrollings53]

I make parts for that plane.

[NM5K]

I make parts for that plane.

Kewl.. Which ones?
I've been having a blast running that PMDG simulation. It's like having a
level D sim on the puter.. I don't know if you are familiar with it or not..
It's licensed by Boeing, and uses all their plans, data, etc.. Almost every
single switch and button and system works as real.
The only thing that is missing is weather radar, but that's a limitation of FSX..
It does show the EGPWS terrain on the ND though.
The CDU/FMC, etc, etc, all work as real.
I've got the 600,700,800 and 900.. Don't have the 900 ER though..
They will come out with it later I think.
As far as Southwest, I still use the 700 the most. It's cockpit is basically
the same.. The 700 going into Little Rock AR..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNxTY62e7Sw[/video]

I like the little 600. Boeing doesn't actually make a 600 BBJ, but I rigged up
one on the sim as my private BBJ.
I've got two paint colors, but I've been tending to liking this one the best..
Has kind of a Ford GT look..
I did an autoland on this video just fer kicks.. Danged plane lands itself pretty
good eh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbeeRnhH7Bo[/video]

They are fixing to release a 777-200 probably by the end of the year.
It should be as good or better than the PMDG 737 NGX.
I'm going to buy it just to have something different to run every once
in a while. Likely will run one in United paint most of the time..

[ezernut9mm]

i was surprised to see how little entry level pilots make at some of those small airlines. is it safe to say that the golden age of flying is over? i still think that for the amount of knowledge and responsibility needed, pilots should make tons more than they do. kudos for getting me and my loved ones home safely. i will be flying on an emb 145 and e75 this weekend.

[adrianspeeder]

Dang, that is a nicer HUD than I got.





Adrianspeeder

[NM5K]

Dang, that is a nicer HUD than I got.
Adrianspeeder

They are a tad different, that's fer sure. The ones in most commercial Boeings are supposed to
mimic what you see on the PFD. And the one on that transport does pretty much the same thing.
But I guess Boeing adds a few more things, like the vector trend indicators, and the modes, throttle
retard/idle, etc.. You can control the HGS display using controls over on the radio stack.
IE: you can specify both instrument and visual approaches and displays.
I see that transport has one for both pilots. The 737's only have one for the captains side.
I do think the new 787 does have two though.
I'm really spoiled on the thing and use it pretty much on every flight. Part of that is probably due to me
simming Southwest planes a lot, and Southwest has used the HGS for quite a long time.
It makes landings really easy, even in poor vis.
It's also handy on takeoffs to avoid tailstrikes.

I flew this approach using it with basically zero vis.. Even when I get to the runway, you can
hardly see it, or the lights. I was hand flying the approach. No autopilot. That was my 600 BBJ..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLLSVZEImI0[/video]

The only other artificial plane I have that uses one is the FA/18 I run around in every once in a while.
It's a good bit different than the one on the 737.
A quick joyride around the SFO area.. The HUD is sharper in 720p naturally..
Fly off a carrier out in the bay, terrorize SFO for a while, do a quick high alpha pass over the airport,
and back to the carrier..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3I97JrOVjE[/video]

[NM5K]

i was surprised to see how little entry level pilots make at some of those small airlines. is it safe to say that the golden age of flying is over? i still think that for the amount of knowledge and responsibility needed, pilots should make tons more than they do. kudos for getting me and my loved ones home safely. i will be flying on an emb 145 and e75 this weekend.

Yea, it can be tough for the young F/O's, but also some old ones too..
In the airline industry there is little senority among different companies..
So you could be a 50 year old pilot flying as a captain in a 747, get laid off,
and end up flying as a F/O with another company basically for peanuts compared
to what you made before.
Most all the airlines will almost consider you as a new trainee in such a case, as they
all have their own proprietary ways of doing things..
They will tell him, well, you flew for so and so for 28 years, and you think you know
how to fly. But you really don't, so we will have to re-train you..
So it's back to right seat, low pay, and not a danged thing you can do about it, except
maybe take up selling vacuum cleaners or sumtin..

[adrianspeeder]

Dang, that is a nicer HUD than I got.
Adrianspeeder

It makes landings really easy, even in poor vis.
It's also handy on takeoffs to avoid tailstrikes.

Oh I know, you should hear the pilots cry when a HUD goes out. Done so many now I've got it down to a 15minute job.

A C-17 won't tailstrike though.

Adrianspeeder