PMDG’s 747-400 Queen of the SkiesReviewed by Ludo Lambrechts
There are many different types of people in the world a majority of people don’t have much knowledge of the aviation world. This is very understandable that many regular day people aren’t as knowledgeable about this vast subject as us simmers and pilots, but when you talk to anyone in a civilised country the 747 is known. This aircraft has had tremendous impacts on how people look at air travel today. One of the main forms crossing overseas and long cross country distances takes place with this amazing aircraft. Tremendous fuel consumption, customizable interiors, the ability to travel at high speeds, and many more milestone achievements have made these 887,000 pounds of airplane a success.
Rolling out in 1989 the Boeing 747-400 immediately grew into airline’s fleets, and is a highly common sight in every major airport of the world. Given the influence that this aircraft has on even the least aviation-oriented people it is a very important aircraft to have Microsoft Games Flight Simulator 2004. This aircraft was featured as a default product in the original release of MSFS2004. However this model is not very deserving of praise. The panel is horribly done, the model is despicable, and there is no realism to any of the functions of this aircraft. There have been various attempts to re-create this aircraft for our beloved simulator, but without a proper budget backing these projects they have always fallen short of brilliance. Rolling on a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise PMDG used their budget capabilities to develop the “747-400 Queen of the Skies” title. As many simmers are interested in this aircraft it is a perfect project for the team from PMDG to tackle. Now that this aircraft is finally out, the question is if it has lived up to the hype, and if the price tag is worth it.
Following up on the highly successful releases of the 737 and B1900 families, the hope was that the highly anticipated 747 series would follow right in its steps. The boxed version by Aerosoft has a very simple installation process; all files will be directly put in the right spots in efficient time as well. Included on this CD also is a very handy tool which allows you to go through the pain staking process of installing liveries in a few minutes. All official PMDG liveries have been included, and allow you to choose which ones you would like installed in order to minimize the overall space this aircraft takes up on your computer system. The other advantage of an Aerosoft boxed product is that a major restriction will be lifted. An internet connection is not required to install this product. Once again these two respectable companies have combined their efforts to make this product easy and accessible for everyone.
Selecting your aircraft will be the next step in your experience of the “Queen of the Skies.” As can be expected, you’ll be chomping at the bid to fire up Microsoft Games Flight Simulator 2004 and try it out. The aircraft are very easy to find as they are all listed under “Boeing – PMDG.” Once you select the aircraft, the PMDG module will engage all the required files to run the advanced systems that come with the 747-400. This process takes between 1-5 minutes depending on your setup, but the progress can easily be monitored as it will be displayed while the process happens. Once you finally get behind the panel of your newly purchased Boeing 747-400 the first instinct will be to increase your throttle just to hear the initial roar of your engines.
A feature of this aircraft which makes it unique is that it’s not only its looks. The aircraft add-on is very complex in an abstract sense. However what you’ll see won’t fall short of spectacular. Previous products from the PMDG team are a tremendous standard to stand by, but the 747-400 has exceeded even that quality standard. It is very hard to understand how you can have better detail, and quality than the PMDG 737NG titles, but with better reflections, liveries, gear detail, edges, and exact outlines. This add-on absolutely is an evolution in flight simulator design, and translates its exterior detail inside as well. The Virtual Cockpit features a tremendous amount of detail and quality. Many photographic images, coding, models, and extensive research has all contributed to the final product. This Virtual Cockpit is the most extensive which I have seen it shows smooth gauges, slick textures, and perfect modelling. In the back you will find all of your operational manuals, and will be able to access them directly. Behind the door, the upper deck of the Cabin has been included with great detail, and with the program “Active Camera” you will be able to navigate and explore this extensive area. Almost everything in the Virtual Cockpit is animated, such as pop cans, or window shutters. This VC won’t fall short of impressing even the toughest critics.
The panel and navigation systems are even more impressive than the modelling, and appearance of this product. The panel has been able to succeed where not many can, and that is including all of the necessary gauges into the small area. There are no issues regarding this matter though in PMDG’s add-on. However, using this panel and its navigation systems will be a very challenging process. The PMDG 747-400 Queen of the Skies add-on is not meant for the “faint of heart.” The FMC has been included, and the challenge of creating such a complex device has been tackled extraordinarily by PMDG. The FMC is very difficult to use if you hold no aviation experience, but is highly realistic and ideal for any aspiring real world pilots. To make the learning process of the FMC, and the PMDG 747-400 a very thick manual is on the way to help you learn these systems. The work that was put into this part of flight is even more impressive than the effort and emphasis put on the exterior and interior models.
This aircraft’s interior and exterior wouldn’t have much to boast about if it is impossible to use on your system. It is likely that a plane with this much details added in would really tax your frame rates. However, as past experiences with PMDG products have had the reputation of remarkable detail without killing your frame rates. The same can be said of the 747-400 Queen of the Skies. You receive great detail, without the tax on your computer. Almost any simmer will be able to use this add-on with ease, and smooth performance. Again PMDG is very deserving of praise, for making this add-on accessible for every simmer.
The 747-400 Queen of the Skies is a true evolution in the quality that commercial aircraft will boast. Although this aircraft is very pricey, it is worth every penny, and will give you a true feeling of controlling a real 744. The detail is amazing, the sound is outstanding, the performance on your system is astounding, and the systems are as real as it gets. This aircraft shows much promise in the future of flight simulator development and what will evolve from it. For outstanding work I award the team from PMDG a remarkable 10 out of 10 for the 747-400 Queen of the Skies aircraft add-on!
Reviewed by Ludo Lambrechts for Aerosoft
PMDG's 747-400 Queen of the Skies, My Review
[GK-customfield]FSX[customfield-GK] 
