VideoFlyRec Training Video For DreamFleet Boeing 737-400
By Nick Ross (17 December 2002)
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DreamFleet Boeing 737-400, we know, is a magnificent aircraft;
however, before writing this review, I personally was not overly
familiar with it. Of course, I have flown at length Flight Simulator
2002's default 737, and was, to begin with, satisfied with it.However we've seen airliners far excel Microsoft's, in comparison lowly and basic form of the world's favorite jetliner. This version by DreamFleet is the one that has, in my opinion, raised the standard.
Now, I've flown the 767 for Pilot In Command. I love it, and yet I am still relatively uneasy with the concept of 'properly' flying this large and complex aircraft. So I sought some grounding, and, although affectionate of the Cessna 172, I decided to remain in the jetliner category, and what better aircraft to choose, than the 737.
With this fully functional aircraft come the checklists and
procedures which really do have to be adhered to; although the load
is not overbearing. I was still somewhat taken aback by the cockpit,
but not enough to hide behind the seat or seek refuge in the main
cabin (which incidentally can be seen from the view selector).
Instead the flying of this aircraft becomes a lot easier with the aid
of the VideoFlyRec's video; endorsed by DreamFleet, and developed
alongside 737 pilot Marcios Arranz.
Taking us through the FMC, Load Manager and an Air Europa flight from Madrid to Tenerife, this video is a great visual aid to flying the 737. I use the word 'fly' loosely however, since the principal of actually flying the aircraft is the same as with the default 737. Those familiar with this and other more complex aircraft should be proficient in the actual flight of the aircraft. What the video does, more specifically, is go through the more advanced systems and intricacy of a typical flight. Previous to watching the tape I had never really considered the effects of weight, center of gravity, payloads, etc. I had always thought I could avoid them; however with an aircraft this good they become unavoidable.
This is what makes the tape so good; it is a great guide to using the
FMC and other tools which take you through everything from
calculating how much power will take you off the ground, to exactly
what runway you want to land on at your destination airport. There
are a lot of guides out there on the use of the FMC. There is one for
767 Pilot in Command which makes Stephen Hawking seem like light
reading.
Of course, written material is useful to read and understand, but I think the best way to use the FMC is through visual aids. With the tape, you can replicate the same flight and go through all the motions. If there's something you don't understand, then just rewind, or take a look at some other material on the matter. In my opinion this gives someone much better grounding in a subject and is much more like real pilot training. Plus, the video really exemplifies the DreamFleet 737. It unlocks procedures which real pilots go through in the day to day operation of the aircraft. Although some of them may appear tedious at first, their usage in the simulation makes flying a lot more interesting.
There are some negative points of the tape; it can at times seem
desperately dull and there are points where you'd quite like to
fast forward on to the next bit. However, none of the material is
irrelevant, so it is best to try and take it all in. The quality of
the tape overall is good, although there are points where work could
have been done on sound to make it a little more interesting.
Nonetheless this is not intended to be an action movie and it does
its job of conveying information very well. To watch this video, and
then supplement what you have seen with written information seems to
be the best possible way to learn the intricate details of flying an
airliner.
Going back to my earlier point; this video supplies a lot of detail; checklists are followed down to every detail and at first this may seem a little overwhelming and tedious. However, once you know these things you feel compelled to use them. Not only does it make the flying more realistic but they are part of the simulation. If you take it upon yourself to actually fly this aircraft properly you'll find yourself using all the elements; in fact many are essential for the correct operation of the aircraft.
Containing good graphical aids, comprehensive details of each function and all the information necessary to really take the 737 into a new level of simulation this video is an invaluable resource to those learning to fly the 'heavies'. For me, this has been the best step into flying the 737 and has made me more capable in aircraft like the 767. I seriously recommend the video to all those who want to make sure they get the most out of DreamFleets' 737-400.
 
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