Learn what the PMDG HGS displays, how to deploy and configure it, follow its guidance, and fix blank or misaligned HUD symbology.
The PMDG HGS (Head-Up Guidance System) is a simulated, retractable head-up display fitted to supported PMDG Boeing variants. Lower its combiner, set the correct eye position and brightness, select the appropriate display mode, then fly the guidance cues while keeping the runway and outside view visible through the glass.
What is the HGS in a PMDG aircraft?
The HGS projects flight, navigation and approach information into the pilot’s forward view instead of making the pilot look down at the main instruments. It is most commonly encountered as a captain-side system in PMDG 737 configurations.
The display is conformal: its horizon line, flight-path symbol and runway references are intended to remain aligned with the outside scene. That alignment works only from the correct viewing position, known as the eye box. Our practical guide to simulator HUD alignment and symbology explains the underlying display principles.
PMDG products for Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prepar3D and FSX do not all model identical HGS equipment. Available modes, controls and optional-equipment settings can therefore differ by aircraft generation and installed configuration.
How do I use the PMDG HGS?
- Confirm that the aircraft has HGS equipment. Look for the combiner assembly in front of the captain and the associated control panel. If the PMDG model treats it as optional equipment, check the aircraft configuration or equipment pages; saved airframes can have different fittings.
- Power and align the aircraft normally. The HGS depends on valid electrical, inertial and air-data sources. Align the IRS and clear relevant instrument flags before diagnosing the HGS itself.
- Set up the flight and approach. Enter the route, performance data and intended approach through the aircraft’s normal systems. Tune the ILS and set its course when required. Selecting an HGS mode does not configure the FMC, radios or MCP for you.
- Lower the combiner. From the captain’s virtual-cockpit view, use the handle or clickspot on the HGS assembly to move the transparent glass into position.
- Centre the eye point. Start from the normal captain’s view and move the camera until the complete display is visible through the combiner. If symbols are clipped or vanish when you move slightly, correct the camera position before changing any aircraft settings.
- Set brightness and mode. Adjust the HGS brightness so the green symbology is readable without hiding the runway. Use the primary mode for general flying, then select an approach-specific mode only when the required navigation and runway data are valid.
- Fly and cross-check. Use small pitch and bank corrections to follow the guidance, but continue checking the PFD, flight-mode annunciator, airspeed and approach path. The HGS supplements those instruments rather than replacing them.
Which PMDG HGS mode should I choose?
Use the primary mode unless the flight specifically calls for an instrument, visual or specialised low-visibility HGS presentation. Common PMDG 737 installations use the following labels, although the fitted HGS standard may offer a different selection.
| Mode | Use it for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| PRI | Take-off, general flight and ordinary manual handling | Not every approach-specific or flare cue is displayed |
| IMC | An instrument approach with valid radio or FMS guidance | It does not tune the ILS or arm the autopilot approach mode |
| VMC | A visual approach using runway-referenced guidance where supported | Correct runway information and position data are essential |
| AIII | Specialised low-visibility HGS approach guidance where modelled | It is not a generic autoland switch or automatic approval for lower minima |
How do I read the PMDG HGS guidance?
The flight-path symbol shows where the aircraft is actually travelling, while the guidance cue shows the path commanded by the active guidance system. Move the flight-path symbol smoothly towards the cue rather than chasing it with abrupt control inputs.
- Aircraft reference and horizon: show pitch attitude and bank relative to the horizon.
- Flight-path symbol: shows the aircraft’s projected path, including the effect of wind; it will not necessarily sit directly ahead of the nose in a crosswind.
- Guidance cue: provides steering information from the selected flight or approach mode.
- Speed, altitude and heading indications: keep basic flight information in the forward view.
- Runway and approach cues: appear only when the selected mode has the required position, radio and runway data.
The HGS mode and the aircraft’s active guidance mode are separate things. Verify what is armed and active on the PFD flight-mode annunciator; our explanation of Boeing 737 PFD and navigation-display indications covers those references. For manual flying technique, see how to interpret and follow flight-director commands.
Why is my PMDG HGS blank or misaligned?
A blank, clipped or displaced PMDG HGS is usually caused by the viewpoint, brightness, aircraft power or equipment configuration rather than a failed display.
- Symbols are clipped or disappear: return to the captain’s cockpit view and adjust the eye point until it is centred behind the combiner. Head tracking and VR movement can take the viewpoint outside the eye box.
- The glass is visible but the display is dark: increase HGS brightness and confirm the aircraft has electrical power and valid instrument data.
- The horizon or runway symbol looks displaced: restore the normal camera position and check that the correct runway and approach information has been selected.
- The HGS assembly is absent: verify that the specific aircraft configuration supports it and that optional HGS equipment is enabled where applicable.
- It works only in one camera: use the captain’s virtual-cockpit view. External, passenger and offset custom views are not positioned inside the HGS eye box.
Why are approach or flare cues missing?
Approach and flare cues appear only when the PMDG model, selected HGS mode and navigation setup support them. Check the ILS frequency and course, active approach, flight-guidance modes, runway selection and any runway data requested by the HGS control panel.
If the FMC runway or procedure does not match the simulator’s airport data, outdated navigation data may be the cause. In that case, refresh the PMDG AIRAC navigation data correctly before rebuilding the approach.
Does the PMDG HGS land the aircraft automatically?
The HGS does not land the aircraft by itself. With the autopilot engaged it displays relevant guidance and aircraft information; with the autopilot disconnected it helps the pilot fly manually. Autoland depends on the aircraft’s autopilot, radio-navigation setup, approach capability and active flight modes—not on lowering the HGS combiner.