Configure reverse thrust for PMDG aircraft with correct axis, detent and engine bindings, plus fixes for stuck or ineffective reversers.
For PMDG aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator, FSX or Prepar3D, assign each throttle axis normally, then bind the quadrant’s reverse gate or button to an engine-specific reverse or throttle-decrease command. Calibrate idle first, remove duplicate bindings, and test that each virtual lever moves cleanly from idle into reverse.
Which reverse-thrust binding should I use for PMDG?
The correct binding depends on what the hardware sends when its lever passes below idle. PMDG aircraft do not all expose identical controls, and command names differ between simulator generations.
| Hardware control | Preferred binding | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Switch held below idle | Engine-specific Throttle Decrease, or Hold Reverse Thrust | Best for quadrants whose reverse detent holds a button down. |
| Momentary button | Toggle Reverse Thrust | Use when one press enters reverse mode and another leaves it. Check that the switch does not generate two presses. |
| True analogue reverse range | Full-range throttle or reverse axis | Use only when both the simulator and that PMDG model recognise an analogue reverse range. |
| No reverse gate | Keyboard throttle-decrease command | Useful for diagnosing whether the aircraft itself can enter reverse. |
Engine-specific throttle-decrease commands are usually the least ambiguous choice for switched detents. Our explanation of hold, toggle and throttle-decrease binding methods covers how each type behaves.
How do I set up a PMDG throttle quadrant?
- Create an aircraft-specific controller profile. PMDG jets often need different bindings and sensitivity settings from default aircraft.
- Assign the forward throttle axes. On a twin-engine aircraft, map the physical levers to throttle axes 1 and 2. Use axes 1–4 for a four-engine aircraft if the hardware permits. Do not assign both a combined throttle axis and individual engine axes.
- Calibrate the idle position. The simulator must receive a stable idle signal before reverse is requested. Add a small idle dead zone if a noisy potentiometer continues sending forward thrust.
- Bind the reverse controls. For separate detent switches, assign the left switch to engine 1 throttle decrease and the right switch to engine 2. A quadrant with one reverse switch can use a combined reverse command.
- Remove duplicate assignments. Check every connected quadrant, joystick and gamepad. A second throttle axis or reverse command can immediately override the intended PMDG input.
- Test on the ground. With the engines running and forward levers at idle, move through the reverse gate. Confirm that the cockpit reverse levers lift, the reverser indication changes appropriately and engine power responds. Return the hardware to idle and verify that both reversers stow.
Test at reverse idle before commanding higher power. PMDG aircraft model the deployment sequence, so reverse thrust may not rise until the reverser has moved towards its deployed position.
Why do PMDG reversers deploy but produce no thrust?
Reversers that animate without producing useful reverse thrust usually indicate an idle-calibration problem or a reverse command that fires only once.
- The forward axis is not at idle: even a small positive throttle signal can block or cancel reverse. Recalibrate the endpoint and increase the idle dead zone slightly.
- The detent sends one brief pulse: a single throttle-decrease event may reach reverse idle without increasing reverse power. Use a held command, repeated decrease input or a supported analogue reverse range.
- Two input systems are active: simulator assignments, controller software and FSUIPC must not all drive the same axis.
- The switch mode is wrong: a maintained detent bound to a toggle can enter and then immediately leave reverse, or remain stuck after the lever returns to idle.
- The aircraft is not in a valid ground state: PMDG systems can inhibit reverse while airborne or while the forward thrust levers remain above idle.
Why does only one PMDG engine enter reverse?
One-engine reverse normally means that both hardware detents are assigned to the same engine index, or only one engine-specific command has been configured.
Check each switch separately in the controller’s input display, then map it to the matching engine. Do not combine a generic all-engine reverse binding with engine-specific bindings on the same buttons. For independent lever operation, follow our separate reverse-thrust assignment procedure.
Do I configure reverse thrust in the PMDG FMC or tablet?
Most PMDG installations use the simulator’s controller settings rather than an FMC or tablet assignment. A particular aircraft may provide throttle-calibration or hardware options, but those settings complement the simulator bindings rather than replacing them.
Legacy FSX and Prepar3D installations may instead route the throttle entirely through FSUIPC. If so, define forward, idle and reverse zones for every engine and remove the equivalent simulator axis assignments; our FSUIPC throttle calibration instructions explain that single-input-path setup.