For mastering the PMDG MD-11 for FSX, the most helpful "papers" are the official manuals and specialized tutorials provided by the developers and the flight simulation community. Since the MD-11 is a highly complex, automated aircraft, these documents are essential for everything from basic startup to advanced systems management. Official PMDG Documentation
PMDG included a comprehensive suite of PDF manuals with the product. These are often considered the gold standard for learning the aircraft: Introduction Guide
: Covers software-specific settings, interface options, and initial setup to get the sim running effectively. Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM)
: A massive guide (over 500 pages) detailing normal, supplemental, and abnormal procedures, as well as flight profiles. Systems Manual
: An in-depth technical resource explaining the inner workings of every aircraft system, from hydraulics to electrics. Flight Management System (FMS) Guide
: A specialized 200+ page manual focusing on the Flight Management Computer (FMC) and navigation. Quick Reference Handbook (QRH)
: Designed for quick access to checklists and emergency procedures. Essential Tutorials and Checklists
If you are looking for a more practical, step-by-step approach rather than reading technical manuals, these resources are highly recommended:
PMDG MD-11 Tutorial 1 (Heathrow to Zurich): Included with the software, this takes you through a full flight from cold-and-dark to shutdown. It is the best starting point for novices. MD-11 Advanced Tutorial (KORD to KJFK)
: A detailed community-favorite "paper" that covers advanced flight planning, nav logs, and complex performance calculations. Carsten Rau
’s MD-11 Checklist: A concise PDF Checklist that distills the complex flow of the cockpit into a manageable format for daily flights. Community Resources
Aerosoft Forums: Often contain discussions and legacy support threads for the boxed version of the PMDG MD-11.
PMDG Legacy Forums: The official place to find MD-11 setup advice and technical troubleshooting from other users. PMDG MD-11 for FSX Review - Fly Away Simulation
PMDG MD-11 for FSX is a highly detailed, study-level simulation of the McDonnell Douglas tri-jet, renowned for its deep systems modeling and advanced automation
. Though it was officially withdrawn from sale years ago, it remains a "holy grail" add-on for flight simulation enthusiasts due to its unique McDonnell Douglas logic, which differs significantly from Boeing or Airbus standards. Core Simulation Features Deep Systems Fidelity
: Features comprehensive modeling of the aircraft's electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems. It includes a fully functional Multi-Function Display (MFD) pmdg md 11 fsx
that shows real-time system status and failure consequences. Advanced Flight Automation : Simulates the Longitudinal Stability Augmentation System (LSAS)
and a dual-channel autopilot capable of complex vertical and lateral navigation. Flight Management Computer (FMC)
: A sophisticated FMC that requires accurate entry of weights, fuel, and center of gravity (CG) for realistic performance. Interactive Virtual Cockpit
: Almost every switch, knob, and lever is clickable and animated, including sunshades and adjustable seats. Fly Away Simulation Operational Tools Load Manager
: An external application used to configure passenger counts, cargo weight, and fuel before launching FSX. Comprehensive Documentation : Originally shipped with over 1,400 pages
of operational manuals and a detailed "Step-by-Step" tutorial flight (typically from London Heathrow to Zurich). Keyboard Commands Menu
: Allows users to map complex autoflight functions—like Autothrottle (ATS) disengage and Go-Around buttons—directly to hardware controllers. Community & Legacy
The PMDG MD-11 for FSX is a high-fidelity "study-level" simulation known for its advanced automation and complex systems. While it includes over 1,400 pages of official Flight Crew Operating Manuals (FCOM), this guide provides a streamlined overview for getting airborne. 1. Initial Setup & Customization
Before flying, use the PMDG general options in the FSX menu bar to tailor the experience:
Flight Controls: Adjust sensitivity based on your joystick. The "heaviest" setting requires significant back pressure for rotation, while lighter settings allow for a smoother climb—ideal for beginners.
Panel States: You can load specific states (e.g., Cold & Dark, Turnaround) through the Flight Management Computer (FMC) under PMDG SETUP > STATE LOAD.
Performance Tuning: External coding allows you to adjust performance based on your PC power to manage potential FSX interface lag. 2. Cold & Dark Startup Procedure
To bring the aircraft to life from a completely powered-down state:
Study-Level Aircraft - What Does It Really Mean? - Position and Hold
The PMDG MD-11 for Flight Simulator X (FSX) is widely considered a benchmark in high-fidelity flight simulation for its time, known for its extreme system depth and complex "tri-jet" handling characteristics. Technical Fidelity & Systems For mastering the PMDG MD-11 for FSX ,
The simulation covers nearly every aircraft system with professional-level documentation, including an FMS manual over 220 pages long and a general systems document exceeding 500 pages.
Automatic Flight System (AFS): Features deep logic for the autopilot, autothrottle, and TOGA (takeoff/go-around) functions.
System Depth: It models intricate hydraulic logic and electrical systems, though some minor features like certain TCAS reporting modes (ALT RPTG) and terrain/weather radar were historically omitted.
Handling: The flight model is praised for capturing the MD-11’s unique "soft pitch" response, which can lead to pilot-induced oscillations (PIO) due to its smaller stabilizer designed for fuel efficiency. Configuration & Usability
The addon allows for extensive customization through external coding to avoid standard FSX interface limitations.
Panel States: Users can load specific aircraft states, such as "Cold and Dark," and configure fuel or performance based on PC power.
Key Mapping: Vital commands like autopilot and autothrottle disengage are often mapped using the FSUIPC add-on to assign joystick buttons to specific key combinations programmed in the FMC. Availability & Legacy Issues
The PMDG MD-11 is currently a legacy product and is no longer officially for sale by PMDG. PMDG MD11 Flight Deck Review and Tutorial Part Two HD
PMDG MD-11 for FSX remains a highly regarded simulation of the iconic tri-jet, known for its deep systems modeling and professional-grade flight deck. Although it is a legacy product, it continues to be celebrated for its immersive features and realistic "feel" in the simulator. Key Aircraft Features Deep Systems Integration
: Almost every button, lever, and switch in the cockpit is functional and modeled. Advanced Flight Management
: The Flight Management Computer (FMC) offers high-fidelity navigation and performance calculations. Unique Flight Controls : Features the Longitudinal Stability Augmentation System (LSAS)
, which is accurately simulated to provide the MD-11's distinct handling characteristics. Interactive Multi-Function Display (MFD)
: Provides detailed status on hydraulics, electrical systems, fuel, and even tire pressure. Dynamic Load Manager
: A standalone application allows users to precisely manage fuel, cargo, and passenger weights, which sync directly with the simulator. Cockpit & View Management High-Detail Cockpit
: The virtual cockpit (VC) includes animated sun shades, adjustable yokes, and fully functional pilot seats with foldable armrests. Multi-Panel Navigation Weather radar (WX) simulation with tilt and gain
: In the 2D cockpit view, specific "click spots" allow users to quickly isolate or toggle sub-panels, such as the overhead panel, for easier management. Standard View Controls : Users can pan around the 3D cockpit using the
key or joystick hats for a realistic "moving head" perspective. Custom Views
: While legacy FSX has limited native custom view saving, standard shortcuts like allow for fine-tuned movement within the cabin. Important Operational Tips PMDG MD-11 for FSX Review - Fly Away Simulation
The PMDG MD-11 for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) is widely considered a "holy grail" of flight simulation due to its extreme level of systems depth and realism, though it is no longer officially sold by PMDG. Core Features & Systems
Systems Fidelity: The aircraft features a near-total simulation of the MD-11's complex automated systems, including the dual Flight Management Computers (FMC) and the Automatic Flight System (AFS).
Flight Control Logic: Unlike traditional Boeing aircraft, the MD-11 uses specialized LSAS (Longitudinal Stability Augmentation System) and RCWS (Roll Control Wheel Steering) that make the aircraft feel somewhat like a fly-by-wire jet while maintaining classic controls.
Documentation: The original product shipped with over 1,400 pages of technical manuals, reflecting the "study-level" nature of the simulation.
Virtual Cockpit (VC): It was one of the first high-end add-ons to feature a fully functional 3D virtual cockpit where every switch, knob, and lever was interactive. Availability & Compatibility
This is where the PMDG MD-11 truly shined. Many FSX airliners felt heavy and sluggish, often relying entirely on the autopilot. The MD-11, however, was incredibly responsive.
Pilots often describe the MD-11 as having a "sports car" feel compared to the 747. The control surfaces were effective, and the aircraft was fast. However, it demanded respect. A poorly executed landing in an MD-11 would result in a bounce, or worse, a tail strike. Mastering the visual approach into airports like St. Maarten (TNCM) or the old Kai Tak airport became a rite of passage for simmers.
PMDG has always been known for "systems depth," and the MD-11 was no exception. It was one of the first airliners to introduce a truly complex Load Manager. Because the real MD-11 was notoriously sensitive to weight and balance, PMDG included a fuel planning and payload manager that allowed users to simulate the exact "Index" numbers required to keep the aircraft stable.
The Flight Management Computer (FMC) was a highlight. It handled complex vertical navigation (VNAV) differently than Boeing aircraft. Learning to program the MD-11’s FMC was a course in itself, requiring the pilot to understand how the aircraft managed its descent and approach phases with a heavier reliance on profile management than its American counterparts.
The MD-11’s FMS is not Boeing and not Airbus. It’s pure McDonnell Douglas—quirky, logical once learned, but utterly unique. PMDG modeled the virtual CDU in extreme depth. You can program routes, SIDs/STARs, performance calculations, and even the infamous “Offset Approach” for places like Kai Tak.
Tip: Read the tutorial flight twice. Unlike a 737, the MD-11 wants you to fly it with the autothrottles always armed and vertical speed managed via FMS speed profiles.