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FS2Crew NGX Button Control Tutorial
FS2Crew NGX Button Control Tutorial
Flight
www.fs2crew.com
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.
1. Re-install SP1c (or later). Note that SP1b is NOT sufficient. You must have SP1c for FS2Crew
will not work properly!
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’.
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.
That click spot location may also look like this depending on your NGX’s Equipment settings:
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.
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.
44. In the left window in the Main Panel, you should see the text: “BEFORE START PROCEDURE”.
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.
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.
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.
67. The FO will then perform his runway entry flow as described in the manual.
68. Press the MAIN BUTTON to call Takeoff.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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