Let’s be honest: Flying the PMDG 737 NGX in Prepar3D or FSX is a masterpiece of systems depth. But hand-flying a 2-hour hop while managing flaps, radios, checklists, and engine starts? That’s a multi-crew job in real life. Enter FS2Crew.
The original FS2Crew for the NGX was legendary, but it was starting to show its age—clunky voice recognition, rigid command structures, and that old-school interface. The new FS2Crew: PMDG 737 NGX Reboot Edition changes everything.
Below is a simplified workflow when you act as the Captain (PF) using voice control:
| Phase | Your Action (Voice) | FS2Crew First Officer Responds | |-------|---------------------|--------------------------------| | Preflight | "Preflight complete" | Programs FMS, sets MCP, completes overhead panel. | | Push & Start | "Start left engine" | Calls for ground crew, clears engine start, monitors parameters. | | Taxi | "Taxi checklist" | Reads items; you respond (e.g., "Flaps 5 – set"). | | Before Takeoff | "Before takeoff checklist" | Confirms takeoff config, calls "Stabilizer trim – green band". | | Takeoff | "Takeoff power" | Calls V1, rotate, positive rate, gear up. | | After Takeoff | "After takeoff checklist" | Cleans up flaps, calls for climb power. | | Descent & Approach | "Approach checklist" | Sets flaps, gear, and calls relevant altitudes. | | Landing & Rollout | (Automatic) | Calls 100, 50, 30, 20, 10, retard, reverse, spoilers, flaps up. | | Parking | "Parking checklist" | Confirms parking brake, engines off, ground power. | -P3D FSX- FS2Crew - PMDG 737 NGX Reboot EDITION...
All flows and checklists are customizable via the FS2Crew Config Manager.
Ensure your Prepar3D (v4.5 or v5) or FSX (with SP2/Acceleration) is fully updated. The Reboot edition requires a 64-bit OS (except for FSX).
If you own the old version, forget everything you knew. This isn’t a patch; it’s a complete rebuild. Let’s be honest: Flying the PMDG 737 NGX
Originally, the PMDG 737 NGX launched in 2011 for FSX. It was revolutionary. Years later, as simmers migrated to 64-bit Prepar3D, PMDG released the NGXu (NGX updated) – often called the "Reboot." This version features:
For FSX users, the final service packs of the original NGX effectively represent the "Reboot" in terms of feature completeness, minus the PBR graphics.
Before every flight (or set as default panel state): Ensure your Prepar3D (v4
In the virtual cockpit (2D or VC), you will see a small green/blue FS2Crew panel. Drag this to your upper left corner. On this panel:
Do not touch the overhead panel after starting FS2Crew – the virtual FO will manipulate switches. If you touch them, the flow synchronization will break.
| Tip | Why | |-----|-----| | Use a good noise-canceling mic | Reduces false triggers from sim sounds or fans. | | Speak clearly, not loud | Normal conversational tone works best. | | Pause after your command | Wait 0.5–1 second for the FO to respond. | | Run the voice training twice | Improves recognition accuracy significantly. | | Start with Button Control first | Learn the sequence before adding voice stress. | | Set P3D mic priority to 0 | Prevents sim ATC from grabbing your mic. |