FLIGHT SOFTWARE (avionics suite)

In the real Boeing 737 aircraft has numerous systems which are controlled in the main by software.  These systems can be accessed though the use of various panels (avionics).

Likewise, a simulator requires software that replicates the systems and logic that are used in the real aircraft.  This software is loosely referred to as avionics software.

Historical Perspective

When I first became interested in flight simulation, the software available was rudimentary. 

I settled on using Microsoft's FS9 as a base platform, and after using several add on aircraft I favoured the Boeing 737-800 produced by Precision Manuals Development Group (PMDG).  Overall, I found the flight model to be realistic and the software reliable and stable. 

Unfortunately, the PMDG flight model cannot be used with hardware-orientated flightdeck.

Simulator Platform and Avionics

The simulator can operate two simulation platforms:  

  • Lockheed Martin P3d; and,

  • MSFS-2020. 

Both platforms use ProSim737 Version 3 (ProSim-TS). Prior to this, Sim Avionics was used.

Important Point:

  • To install two platforms to your computer successfully requires each simulator to be in separate folder structures.

Avionics Suite - Which One ?

I have decided to include this segment, published on my former website, as it provides incite into how I came to use ProSim-TS rather than Sim Avionics and Project Magenta.

The three avionics suites are similar, but not identical.  Fonts and colours may differ and functionality may alter between different companies software.  Before purchasing, it is wise to thoroughly test and evaluate each of the companies software against its competitor.

Project Magenta:  Project Magenta (PM) was eliminated early in the process because of inherent problems, instability, and the need for several computers with the installation of, what appeared to be complex software.

Sim Avionics:  (Sim-A) is engineered by Mark Hastings and developed further through Flight Deck Solutions (FDS).  Sim-A is the software marketed to any prospective purchaser of a high-end FDS product (such as a MIP).

The simulator has built around the skeleton of a MIP designed and supplied by Flight Deck Solutions.  Therefore, Sim Avionics was the initial software of choice by 'default'.

After using Sim Avionics for close to 6 months (in 2013/14), it was apparent that the software platform, although very robust, was convoluted in set-up and was not easy to update.  Furthermore, the behaviour of VNAV was inconsistent and the potential for 'run away trim situations' problematic. 

  • The version of Sim Avionics that was evaluated was released in late 2011.  Updates to the software may have rectified many of the problems I encountered.

prsim737 splash screen

ProSim_TS (ProSim737): Three commercial pilots recommended ProSim-TS.  After contacting ProSim-TS, I was provided the software to evaluate for a four week period. 

The software was very easy to install, configure, and more or less worked as it was supposed to. Importantly it took far less time configure OEM components because ProSim-TS do not require you to use FSUIPC offsets (ofsfet are available to use but only if needed). Additionally, software updates when available are straightforward to download and install.

An evaluation of Sim Avionics and ProSim737 has been published in the journal section.

Updated 03 February 2024.