Learn how to use PMDG pause at top of descent, resume safely, set the MCP for VNAV, and fix failures to pause or descend.
Enable Pause at T/D in the aircraft’s PMDG Setup options, complete the FMC route and descent data, then leave the flight running. The aircraft pauses at the FMC-calculated top of descent. Before resuming, set the MCP to the next cleared lower altitude so VNAV is permitted to start the descent.
Across PMDG Boeing add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS), Prepar3D and FSX, the menu position and feature availability differ by aircraft generation. It is an aircraft option rather than a simulator assistance setting, and not every PMDG product includes it.
How do I enable PMDG Pause at T/D?
Enable the option through the PMDG pages in the CDU before the aircraft reaches its calculated descent point.
- Complete the FMC setup. Enter the route, cruise altitude and performance data, then resolve any route discontinuities that would prevent the FMC calculating the descent.
- Confirm that T/D exists. Look for the top-of-descent marker on the navigation display and check that the DES page contains a sensible path. If it is absent, use our checks for restoring a missing PMDG descent path before relying on the pause.
- Open PMDG Setup. From the CDU menu, select
PMDG SETUP, openOPTIONS, and look on the simulation-related pages forPAUSE AT T/DorPAUSE AT TOD. Set it to on or yes. The exact page and wording vary between the 737, 777 and different simulator releases. - Stabilise the cruise. Leave the aircraft established on the programmed route with the autopilot operating normally. Normal simulation rate is safest; high acceleration near T/D can cause the trigger to be passed or detected late.
- Prepare before resuming. When PMDG pauses, review the route, weather, cleared altitude and MCP setting. Resume with the simulator’s normal pause or toggle-pause command. In MSFS, do not substitute Active Pause, which can freeze position without stopping every aspect of the aircraft simulation.
Does Pause at T/D start the descent automatically?
No. The feature only pauses the simulator at or near the FMC’s predicted top of descent; it does not grant clearance, change the MCP altitude or guarantee that VNAV will descend after the pause is released.
| Condition when resumed | Expected result | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| VNAV active and MCP set below cruise | VNAV should follow the calculated descent path | Monitor the flight mode annunciator and altitude constraints |
| MCP still set to cruise altitude | The aircraft remains level | Select the next cleared lower altitude |
| No valid VNAV path | Descent may not begin or may use another VNAV mode | Check the route, constraints and DES page |
| No ATC descent clearance | The aircraft should remain at its cleared altitude | Do not descend solely because the FMC has reached T/D |
The FMC’s T/D is a performance prediction, not an ATC instruction. Simulator ATC may choose a different point; our explanation of why ATC and FMC descent timing disagree covers how to handle that conflict.
Why does the PMDG aircraft stay level after I resume?
The aircraft usually stays level because the MCP altitude remains set to cruise altitude, which blocks VNAV from descending.
- Set the MCP altitude to the next altitude for which you have clearance.
- Check the flight mode annunciator rather than relying only on the illuminated VNAV button. The annunciator shows what the autoflight system is actually commanding.
- If the aircraft has already passed T/D, the model may require altitude intervention,
DES NOW, or a selected descent mode. Availability and behaviour differ between PMDG aircraft. - If VNAV still refuses to descend, work through our PMDG VNAV troubleshooting sequence for MSFS.
A mistake we see constantly is releasing the pause without checking speed restrictions, arrival constraints or the approach. For the 737, this practical descent and approach setup explains when to retain VNAV and when LVL CHG or V/S is the better recovery mode.
Why did Pause at T/D not trigger?
Pause at T/D will not trigger reliably unless the FMC has a valid, future top-of-descent point and the option is enabled before reaching it.
- No T/D was calculated: check the cruise altitude, active route, destination arrival and discontinuities.
- The T/D moved: route changes, revised altitude constraints, winds and speed changes can move the prediction after you last checked it.
- The aircraft was already past T/D: enabling the option afterwards does not normally recreate the missed trigger.
- Simulation rate was high: return to normal speed well before the expected descent point.
- The option is absent: some PMDG aircraft or simulator generations do not provide it, or place it on a different PMDG options page.
- A pause control immediately released it: check for duplicate keyboard, controller or external pause assignments.
Can I leave PMDG unattended until top of descent?
Yes, on a stable offline flight, but Pause at T/D is a convenience rather than a guarantee that an unattended flight will remain safe.
- Allow enough fuel for the cruise and any route or weather changes.
- Make sure the aircraft is not approaching terrain, a route discontinuity or the end of its programmed route before T/D.
- Do not rely on pausing while connected to live multiplayer or ATC services; their clocks and traffic may continue while your aircraft is stopped.
- Return with enough time to review the arrival, set the MCP altitude and confirm the active descent mode before unpausing.