Configure PMDG aircraft realism settings in the CDU or tablet, match simulator assists, choose system timings, and fix options that will not save.
Configure PMDG realism in two places: the simulator’s assistance and flight-model menus, then the aircraft’s PMDG options in its CDU/FMC or tablet. Use the add-on’s required flight model, disable piloting assists, select realistic system timings, and save the configuration for the correct airframe or livery.
This is a general PMDG procedure covering Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prepar3D and FSX. Menu names and persistence rules vary between aircraft generations, so use the relevant product’s supplied documentation when its layout differs.
Where are the PMDG realism settings?
Most PMDG realism options are reached through the aircraft’s CDU or tablet rather than the simulator’s main settings screen. A common CDU route is MENU, followed by PMDG SETUP and an options, simulation or aircraft page. Tablet-equipped releases may place the equivalent controls under aircraft settings.
A mistake we see constantly is treating every PMDG option as a realism control. Airline equipment, display layouts and weight units configure the aeroplane, while alignment times, failures, panel states and certain assistance options determine how realistically it operates.
How do I set up PMDG realism correctly?
- Create a dedicated simulator profile. Where Microsoft Flight Simulator offers a flight-model choice, use the modern or native model required by the PMDG product. In FSX and Prepar3D, maximum flight-model realism is the usual baseline unless that aircraft’s documentation specifies otherwise. Our guide to balancing simulator realism and assistance settings explains which non-flying aids can safely remain enabled.
- Disable control-altering assists. Turn off AI piloting, auto-rudder, assisted take-off and landing, auto-trim, unlimited fuel and other options that move controls or manage the aircraft for you. Checklist, camera and ATC assistance can remain on because they do not normally alter PMDG system logic.
- Load and power the PMDG aircraft. The CDU or tablet must be powered before all configuration pages become available. Use ground power, the battery or a suitable saved panel state rather than assuming a blank display means the menu is missing.
- Open the PMDG configuration pages. Select the simulation options, aircraft options or equivalent tablet page. Keep equipment configuration separate from operational realism so that changing an airline-specific display does not get mistaken for changing the flight model.
- Choose realistic timings and states. Select normal or realistic IRS alignment, use a panel state appropriate to the operation, and keep simulation rate at normal speed while checking system behaviour. Faster alignment is useful for short practice sessions but is a convenience setting.
- Configure failures separately. Leave random failures off while learning the aircraft. Once the normal flows are reliable, introduce a specific PMDG failure before using service-based or random failures. Avoid stacking generic simulator failures over PMDG failures unless the product explicitly supports that combination.
- Save and reload the same aircraft. Complete any save or set-as-default action offered by that release, exit normally, then reload the identical livery or airframe to confirm that the options persisted.
Which PMDG settings give the most realistic result?
| Setting area | Realistic baseline | When to choose something else |
|---|---|---|
| Flight model | The native or modern model required by the add-on | Use a legacy model only when the specific PMDG release was designed for it |
| Piloting assists | Off | Keep checklist, camera or ATC aids if they do not manipulate the aircraft |
| IRS alignment | Normal or realistic timing | Use fast or instant alignment for circuit practice or a short session |
| Starting state | Cold and dark, turnaround or ready state matching the planned operation | Use a ready state when practising a particular phase of flight |
| Failures | PMDG-managed and deliberately selected | Keep them off while learning normal procedures |
| Simulation rate | Normal speed | Accelerate only if that aircraft supports it without disrupting autoflight or systems |
| Weight units | Match the operator or flight plan | Changing units affects presentation, not underlying realism |
Kilograms versus pounds is an operational preference, but mixing units can produce serious fuel and payload errors. Use our instructions for changing and verifying PMDG weight units if the CDU, tablet and flight plan disagree.
Does cold and dark make a PMDG aircraft more realistic?
Cold and dark changes the starting condition, not the fidelity of the aircraft model. It is appropriate for learning complete power-up flows, while a turnaround state can be more authentic for an aircraft between airline sectors.
Do not confuse a saved panel state with a persistent aircraft configuration. A panel state records switch positions and system condition; equipment, simulation options and preferences may be stored separately.
Why do my PMDG realism settings keep resetting?
PMDG settings often have different scopes: some are global, while others belong to a particular airframe, registration or livery. Loading a different repaint can therefore appear to reset equipment or simulation options even though the original airframe retained them.
- Reload the exact aircraft variant and livery used when saving.
- Check whether a default panel state is overwriting the desired starting condition.
- Close the simulator normally after changing options so configuration data can be written.
- Make sure the PMDG configuration location is writable and not being blocked by security or synchronisation software.
- Confirm that the aircraft and its management software are up to date using the appropriate channel; our PMDG aircraft and Operations Center update procedure covers the usual checks.
Why does the aircraft still feel unrealistic?
If the options are correct, the cause is usually outside the PMDG realism page. Duplicate axis assignments, an assistance profile that has switched back on, excessive dead zones, incorrect payload or centre of gravity, and uncalibrated throttle detents can all make a correctly configured aircraft behave badly.
Check every connected controller for duplicated pitch, roll, yaw, throttle and brake bindings. If the aircraft snakes during take-off or needs excessive pedal input, use our PMDG rudder sensitivity and dead-zone setup rather than masking the problem with auto-rudder.
What PMDG realism settings should beginners use?
We recommend realistic systems with fast IRS alignment and failures disabled at first. Keep piloting assists off, begin from a turnaround or ready state while learning the FMC and autoflight system, then move to cold and dark, normal alignment timing and controlled failures once the standard procedures are dependable.