PMDG 747 Add-On for FS 2004 (PC CD)

Tom B

A detailed sim aircraft that majors on systems. This is not a quick light the fires and kick the tyres job. Learn the systems to get the most out of it.

After watching ITVV 747 virgin atlantic and comparing it to PMDG 747 I therefore conclude that this simulation is accurate.

I bought this add-on when it was released in 2005. Needless to say I was well out of my depth. My inability to lift the giant off the runway let alone program the ultra-realistic flight management computer led to extreme frustration and anger. It would seem that this is not a product that should be underestimated; in buying any PMDG software, you begin a journey in which you learn step by step through relentless landing attempts and the desperation of trying to get the autopilot working properly. What's worse, there's a phenomenally large manual to swallow before even understanding the aircraft fully.It seems that in the years, and I stress the word years, that PMDG spent developing this game, they have not left out anything. Let me give a few examples: There are over a thousand moving and functioning parts on the airplane, including well over 100 failure options. These include the notorious engine fire to intricate 'nuisance' failures such as malfunctioning oil indicators, high engine vibration, malfunctioning sensors and abnormal EGT readings. What is most staggering though, is not just the linear `triggering' mechanism of preset failures, but how the aircraft responds to certain events; an engine fire will eventually lead to electrical and air conditioning issues. Will you be required to deploy the oxygen masks and make an emergency descent to your alternate destination? Or will it lead to the failure to the pitot static system? Don't be fooled by the plane's apparent inertia to its surroundings; general mismanagement of the systems such as excessive braking and overthrusting will lead to strain and drops in performance. Don't hit the tarmac too fast, or you'll end up overheating those brake disks! Leave the reverses engaged after passing 60 knots, and you may get fumes in the turbine and cause an engine surge! Lost an engine? Looks like you'll have to open those jettison valves to lose some weight!I'm not just talking about moving flaps and windscreen wipers; I'm talking MAXIMUM realism here. I've not even mentioned the FMC computers, they've got their own 100 page manual. The cockpit sounds aren't realistic, they're real. From recordings taken direct from the flight deck, you're guaranteed the height of enjoyment. With over 7 different lighting techniques, the flight deck will look just like the real thing. The game was designed three years ago, and the graphics are yet to be exceeded by even the most coveted flight sim add-ons coming out today.There are few negatives to comment upon, if any. PMDG have succeeded in making the software a low resource consumer, meaning that you should experience increased fps in virtual cockpit mode. Most of the liveries aren't included with the game; they have to be installed through precisionmanuals.com, along with crucial service updates. Once you get into full swing with this thing, chances are you'll already have waved goodbye to the days of flying in the default 737-400, and I doubt you'll miss it either!If you are eager to step up tp flight sim x, and yout computer is ready, I would recommend that you also consider 747X (the follow-up). This is more of an investment in knowledge and the enjoyment that will ensue once you have fully discovered the delight of this aircraft, than simply an `add-on' airplane. With 50 odd liveries to chose from, the pleasure of PMDG awaits for anyone patient enough to delve into the world of exceptional simulation, and I'm sure that after flying this bird you'll definitely agree that the PMDG 747-700 is truly 'Queen of the Skies'! 5 stars!

I PURCHASED THIS FOR MY GRANDSONS XMAS AND HE TOLD ME HE SPENDS A LOT OF TIME PLAYING THE GAME. HIS DAD HAS TO DRAG HIM OF THE PC SO THAT SAYS IT ALL REALLY. IN A WORD EXCELLANT.

This is a very accurate, detailed simulation of the 747. The visual models are lovely with extremely detailed 32-bit textures. It has a great soundset - both outside and inside really sounds like a 747! The cockpit is modeled well and all the panels are there and the graphics of the virtual cockpit are excellent. But is it really worth all that money? No its not. It may be if you are training to be a pilot but not for the average flight simmer. You would be better off downloading some freeware and save yourself 40 quid.