Over on the PMDG forums, CEO Robert Randazzo left a new post revealing some exciting news for the flight simulation community. Whilst the post was mostly dedicated to providing a brief overview of a new DC-6 update, some new information about the 737 in Microsoft Flight Simulator came to light, along with details on an upcoming PMDG sale.
DC-6 Update
Starting with the DC-6 update, Robert said that they have just pushed a new build via the PMDG Operations Center. The new build addresses a few cleanup items, whilst also continuing to ensure compatibility with Microsoft Flight Simulator. The update saw fixes primarily in the external model department, but some functionality and system behaviour also saw some attention. The full list of changes in version 2.00.0036 of the DC-6 for MSFS is down below.
- 0010128: [External Model – Geometry] Pink door frames on DC6A after MSFS SU (brown)
- 0010127: [External Model – Lighting] Landing Light and Wing lights still have light texture when OFF. (brown)
- 0010120: [External Model – Geometry] NAV and beacon lights INOP after MSFS SU (brown)
- 0010133: [Systems Behavior/Functionality] Remove sequential prop de-icing verbiage from POH (hvanrensburg)
- 0010118: [External Model – Geometry] Outside view issues when using VR (brown)
- 0010129: [Virtual Cockpit – Geometry/Textures/Appearance] Floating knobs for Captain/FO Lights (vscimone)
- 0010125: [Systems Behavior/Functionality] GPS NAV1 Volume knob still spinning after MSFS SU (hvanrensburg)
Robert also spoke about how there have been some challenges with the recent Sim Update V. With so many moving parts, he said that things are a little harder for them to determine if the issue is with their products or with the core platform. Regardless, PMDG continue to track and log these items and will continue to fix issues with pace.
PMDG 737 for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Whilst development news on the 737 has been almost non-existent (outside of assurances of previews coming soon), Robert gave a little more insight in today’s post. He said that “right now about 75% of the development team’s workflow is dedicated to getting the 737 into testing.” Whatsmore, it was said that the original aim was to get the PMDG 737 for Microsoft Flight Simulator into beta testing as of August 1st 2021. However, the new Sim Update V for MSFS, “threw things into chaos” and resulted in the aircraft not yet entering the beta phase. That said, the 737 progress is back on a forward trajectory and the team is itching to preview the iconic jet.
It’s worth remembering that the 737 is due to release later this year.
PMDG 747 Queen of the Skies II Update
For the past few years, PMDG has often spoke about an update to build new LNAC and flight director models into their aircraft. This new technology will be the first major overhaul of this in over 12 years and the team is currently prepping a beta package for their testers to try it out. At first, the LNAV improvements will come to the PMDG 747 Queen of the Skies II and then into the 777 and 737. After the new tech has been added to each aircraft, an update will be released to update the navdata process for all three product lines. These LNAV and flight director updates will be free of charge for customers.
PMDG Birthday Sale
To make PMDG’s 24th birthday, Robert confirmed there will be a week-long sale on all PMDG products for Prepar3D. Starting on August 7th at 00:01z, all Prepar3D products by PMDG will be discounted by 24%.
Finally, the post concludes with a thank you to the community. “It is astounding to me that PMDG continues to grow and thrive after all of these years- and on behalf of all of us on the PMDG team- thank you. We couldn’t have gotten here without you and we very much appreciate your business!
