Learn how to use GSX with PMDG aircraft in MSFS, including profiles, doors, refuelling, boarding, pushback and common fault fixes.
To use GSX Pro with a PMDG aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator, update both products, load a profile for the exact PMDG variant, prepare the aircraft at a stand, and call boarding, refuelling and pushback from GSX. Use PMDG’s own doors, fuel and payload controls when GSX prompts you.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator, GSX means GSX Pro. It runs on PC and cannot be used on Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5. The workflow applies to compatible PMDG aircraft in both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, although the relevant controls may be in an FMC or EFB depending on the model.
How do I set up GSX for a PMDG aircraft?
GSX works reliably with PMDG aircraft only when the GSX build, PMDG build and aircraft profile match the simulator and exact airframe variant.
- Update GSX Pro. Run its supplied installer, check that the package is linked to the correct simulator and allow the Couatl engine to update. Follow our GSX Pro installation and update procedure if the toolbar menu or Couatl engine is missing.
- Update the PMDG aircraft. Use PMDG Operations Center rather than assuming the Marketplace or simulator has supplied the same build. Our guide to updating aircraft through PMDG Operations Center explains the process.
- Select the exact aircraft profile. A 737-800 passenger profile is not suitable for every 737 variant, and a passenger profile will place equipment incorrectly on a freighter. Use built-in GSX support where it works; otherwise follow our instructions for installing and matching GSX aircraft profiles.
- Load at a parking stand. Let the PMDG aircraft finish initialising, then confirm that it is correctly positioned at the gate. Use GSX’s reposition function if the aircraft has loaded too far forward, behind the stop point or off the stand centreline.
- Prepare a safe ground state. Stop the engines, set the parking brake, switch off the beacon and establish electrical power through the PMDG aircraft. Chocks may remain fitted during servicing but must be removed before pushback.
- Avoid duplicate services. Do not call the simulator’s built-in tug or another pushback tool while GSX is active. Remove PMDG stairs, belt loaders and other visible ground equipment when GSX is supplying equivalents.
An aircraft profile and an airport profile solve different problems. The aircraft profile defines doors and service points; the airport profile controls stand positions, pushback routes and local equipment. Replacing one will not repair faults in the other.
What GSX turnaround order works with PMDG aircraft?
Use GSX as the ground-service coordinator while treating the PMDG cockpit systems as the authority for doors, fuel, payload and electrical state.
- Prepare the dispatch figures. Enter the planned fuel and loading data into the PMDG FMC or EFB, but do not use the default MSFS Weight and Balance panel on top of PMDG’s custom loading system. Give GSX a passenger count that agrees with the same dispatch plan.
- Establish ground power. Connect power through the PMDG ground-services controls and verify that external power is available in the cockpit. A GPU vehicle parked outside does not by itself prove that the aircraft’s electrical model has accepted it.
- Complete deboarding if required. On a turnaround flight, call deboarding first and open only the doors GSX requests. Skip this at the aircraft’s originating station.
- Request catering and refuelling. For PMDG’s custom fuel system, call the GSX fuel truck and follow the on-screen instruction to enter or confirm the target quantity through the PMDG FMC or EFB. Pre-loading all the fuel before calling GSX can leave the truck with no uplift to perform.
- Connect the passenger route. Attach the jetway or position the required stairs, open the indicated passenger and cargo doors through PMDG, then request boarding. Let boarding and cargo loading finish before changing payload figures again.
- Secure the aircraft. Confirm the final fuel, zero-fuel weight and centre of gravity in PMDG. Close the requested doors, disconnect ground power when the APU is supplying the aircraft and remove PMDG chocks and duplicate equipment.
- Use GSX pushback. Select the required pushback direction or route in GSX. Keep the parking brake set until the tug instructs you to release it, start engines at the appropriate point, then wait for the tug and bypass pin to clear before taxiing.
Should GSX or PMDG control fuel, payload and doors?
PMDG should remain the final authority for aircraft state, while GSX controls the timing and visual operation of the ground services.
| Function | Primary control | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Doors | PMDG FMC or EFB | Open and close the exact exits requested by GSX. Use automatic door handling only when the installed profile explicitly supports it. |
| Fuel target | PMDG loading system | Call the GSX fuel truck, then enter or confirm the target when prompted. Verify the final quantity in the cockpit. |
| Payload and weights | PMDG loading system | Keep GSX’s passenger count consistent with the dispatch figures and avoid changing the default MSFS payload sliders. |
| Ground power | PMDG electrical system | Confirm external power availability in the cockpit rather than relying only on the visible GSX vehicle. |
| Pushback | GSX | Use one tug only. Do not start PMDG, default MSFS or another add-on pushback at the same time. |
Why is GSX not working with my PMDG aircraft?
Most GSX and PMDG faults come from a mismatched aircraft profile, competing ground-service tools or an aircraft state that does not satisfy the next GSX step.
- GSX is waiting for a door: Read which exit GSX expects, then open that exit through the PMDG door page. If the requested exit does not exist on that variant, replace or edit the aircraft profile rather than opening unrelated doors.
- Vehicles are inside the fuselage: The profile probably belongs to another PMDG variant or freighter configuration. A stale community profile can also override improved built-in GSX support after an update.
- Refuelling will not begin: Confirm that the truck is connected, the requested fuel exceeds the amount already aboard and the target was entered through PMDG when prompted. A normal uplift cannot reduce an aircraft that already carries too much fuel.
- Boarding numbers do not agree: GSX and PMDG may have been given different passenger or payload figures. Use the PMDG zero-fuel weight and centre of gravity as the final operational check.
- Pushback remains locked: Close the required doors, disconnect the jetway, finish active services, remove PMDG chocks and cancel any other tug. Keep the brake set until GSX asks for its release; releasing it early does not bypass an unfinished step.
- Two sets of vehicles appear: Remove PMDG’s visible stairs, loaders or service vehicles before calling their GSX equivalents. The same rule applies to the built-in MSFS ground-services menu.
- The GSX menu is absent or unresponsive: Verify the installation link for the correct simulator, update GSX, restart Couatl and reload the flight. If every aircraft is affected, this is an installation or background-engine problem rather than a PMDG profile fault.