First look (in a long time) at the PMDG Douglas DC-6 in Microsoft Flight Simulator

[@SummersTheGreat]

Something about these older aircraft that just amaze me with the beauty and craftsmanship that went into them when pioneering the way for the future.

[@DOGOID]

Similar to old cars too. More character.

[@yamahaguy1732]

@@DOGOIDoh yes i am a sucker for Classics cars or aircraft Objects even! I get so much enjoyment out of working on and driving the classics I own irl! This is one of my favorite aircraft in the game atm.

[@IceNein763]

For people who are into VR, this is a really fun plane to fly in the cockpit.

[@777FreakyD]

I've been simming since FS5.0, and only with MSFS2020 have I gotten into radial engine simulation, mostly thanks to this bird. Now with B247 and DC3 and others, it's almost all that I fly.

[@RevReese]

I have been eyeing up the DC6 for some time, but now i think i have to take the plunge! Great video as always! This is the only PMDG i can run according to the requirements, so it must be meant to be!

[@III_DarkAngel]

Thanks for this, just bought DC-6 and was having a problem with a couple of the controls until you cleared it up 👍

[@jonbeckett]

You're welcome :)

[@spnhm34]

This video is so much fun. From the game itself, the attention to detail and apparent passion of the developers to Jonathan’s execution, it’s a joy.

[@posapie]

So good you are doing this - so few youtubers come back to aircraft once they are released. Thing is this plane has had updates and refinements - so its great to revisit. Thank you.

[@markscars1069]

Love the DC-6. Does indeed sound good and it’s refreshing to actually do something on a long haul.

[@twistedyogert]

The only gripe I have with this is there's no smoke when an engine starts.

[@punjabibasskings]

Does this plane have autopilot gps. Make it much easier than having to adjust the heading with the gyropilot. And how do u turn it on is there a button or something?

[@WilliamBugeater64Simpson]

The PMDG DC6 was the first aircraft I added to my fleet in MSFS. I flew it in X-Plane 10 and deeply wanted it again. She is very special to me because I had an uncle whom was part of the Design team for her. She is beautiful and very capable. Well done as usual. 👍

[@Terribleguitarist89]

I mainly fly the DC-3, D-17 and D-18's so the DC-6 was just a natural move forward given my tastes for the classics. I left for work with it downloading so looking forward to the first flight in a few hours after shift. Edit, it's a great bird on Xbox and PC. Definitely benefits from using a mouse if you're on Xbox though.

[@tonyascaso6254]

No smoke on start up, that is an immersion destroyer.

[@PeterNGloor]

I think you would find a mod in the internet to add this effect.

[@Linska495th]

Was my first PMDG purchase and i see it as a collectors item, I don’t fly it much but I’m proud to have it in my hangar!

[@yamahaguy1732]

You should try it out more often! I love flying this thing because it feels so different from anything else I own!

[@yamahaguy1732]

Also the more systems you learn and how to use them makes this aircraft so much more enjoyable!

[@nicknicholson1268]

Thank you Jon for this new adventure in the DC-6. Happy to be onboard on this special occasion. Cheers.

[@messmerjos]

You read my mind. All the old aircraft had me flying my dc6 on a four hour flight this morning.

[@mikecoffee100]

bout time that we get to see a propper video about the PMDG DC-6 Thank You

[@PeterNGloor]

another thing about power on take-off: You can set full power for a short time only and must then go to METO power, and then eventually to climb power. The gills are on trail for flight, and you would open them after landing so the engines can cool off. This is like you do it in the DC-3, only the DC-6 has a rotary switch so the engineer can regulate the gill opening for each engine in order to get it to run at its optimum temperature and fuel consumption

[@kamaradski1]

This still is my most enjoyable plane in the sim.

[@845SiM]

Can you do the alluette helicopter please. Your spot on about dc6. Its my fav plane in the sim. Just wished pmdg had done the dc3, that would have been amaze balls.

[@yams900]

Good one Jon ! Excellent timing, as I'm planning flying YPPH (Perth) to YBAS (Alice Springs) in DC-6

[@PeterNGloor]

I think what you call the fuel-boost lever (it is labeled Boost) is the ignition booster. The fuel is being pumped in by the fuel pumps, and when you start you use the primer switch to get the initial few prop turns as soon as you open the ignition switch (after turning the 12 prop blades to motor the engine without it firinig), the engine will fire, and only THEN would you set the mixture lever to auto rich. Engine starting sequence is 3-4-2-1

[@jay-rus4437]

Not my style of plane to fly, but this may end up in my hanger just because of how good it is. Its odd to “collect” aircraft that are only software, but they are pretty awesome

[@willynicolasannicette2412]

Thanks for this overview, Jonathan. I am a big lover of the DC3 so the prospect of learning to use the DC6 got me extremely happy. It will definitely be my next MSFS airplane buy.

[@PeterNGloor]

Having flown in several piston-engine airliners myself, including this one, it's tempting to buy it but I will wait to see if PMDG issues a 2024-compatible version.

[@wilga80]

Nice landing. You have encouraged me to try flying this plane again. Thank you.

[@jonbeckett]

It's very easy to fly.

[@Thaendril]

This thing is literally my favorite aircraft in the sim. I've flown the thing so much I could probably get away with dinking around in a real one if that was ever possible. PMDG really outdid themselves with this old girl. Also, I'm sure you've seen it by now, but ILS wasn't working as you had 113.35 instead of 111.35. :) Thank you for the awesome video.

[@jonbeckett]

Yeah - I knew it would be something silly - just didn't want to stop the recording to start diagnosing what was wrong :) It was only a quick flight.

[@twistedyogert]

There's something special about a radial engine. I guess it's the same feeling people get when they see a steam locomotive.

[@StudioDaVeed]

The addition to the DC-6 is the only reason I'm getting back into flight sim. In fact - just reinstalled FSX and revisiting an old friend.

[@scotthumphreys1789]

Thanks Jonathan! Just started flying this beauty again.

[@phillipbeharall6271]

THANK YOU 👏👏👏purchasing this soon I’ll watch the video when home

[@Verntaff50]

I love having this in my Hangar

[@chrisbailey9331]

Thank you for posting such an enjoyable and informative video; you always make these overviews so easy to follow!

[@yannbastiaans]

As usual your videos are wonderful to watch, i just love it! I had a little remark about the use of the prop levers to try to slow down on approach, but having seen you already got some flak from others about other things I decided to be lenient today :) You truly amaze me with your overall knowledge of flying on flight simulator being not a 'real' pilot. So much that I regularly check out your videos for things to pick up after having flown many years on airliners.

[@jonbeckett]

Oh, I know hacking the propellers to slow down isn't the proper way to do it :) It's nothing compared to arguments about how to approach the airfield in a GA aircraft - those run and run and run - usually with real-world pilots arguing with each other endlessly :)

[@volkerjansen3901]

Great idea to re-visit this beautiful plane, I really enjoyed watching this video! If I had more time I would love to fly this, but so I at least could enjoy one flight :)

[@larryhaines7109]

Besides the aviation related schooling you provide, I sometimes also get a lesson in language as well. Todays new word is recalcitrant.

[@GumperVanLier]

Professional wrestler, the late Nick Bockwinkel, known for his excellent interviews, used that term.

[@MarcosBuehler-nd6oy]

Congratulations, GREAT!!!

[@krozareq]

Still one of my favorite planes. Boeing 247D is another one of my favorites with the period radio range nav, etc. Something in your video though, with the DC-6 you need to decide to do a dry or wet takeoff. You didn't turn on water injection but you ran the manifold pressure up to wet takeoff numbers. Takeoff MP -> METO -> Climb power -> cruise -> descent ... each phase has its own MP and BMEP for engines to be happy. On approach use flaps and trim to control descent and speed and keep throttle MP at one setting. Your BMEP was off the charts. Just some suggestions with this beast of a radial. Cheers. The only thing really missing in the DC-6 is the old radios don't work. The khz bands knobs and CW (continuous wave) switch is there. But PMDG didn't simulate it since in modern times there's no ATC or nav on them. But with Wing42's B247D installed, there are stations on those bands :/

[@philmcconnell5830]

55" 2700 RPM is DRY, so actually he was OK

[@GumperVanLier]

Haven't flown this in awhile. Took me awhile to configure my Turtlebeach Velocityone for the engines. There is a reverse throttle. I use the assistance of the engineer as it's hard for me to get around in the cockpit. Beautiful plane and excellent product. You flew it well.

[@jonbeckett]

Oh, I was just fooling around with it really - hence the disclaimer at the end - I expected to be raked over the coals by the more knowledgeable pilots because I didn't follow procedures at all :)

[@Flofutz]

Fuel economy was off the rails for this one.

[@martynbrinton]

Always forget this in the hangar - distracted by new purchases. It is still one of the best. Going to have to dust it down.

[@fearless_ambassador_ambo]

Has anyone else tried to right click and drag the view around while watching flight sim videos like this? I swear I do it at least once a video, like I'm actually in MSFS and want to change the perspective. 🤣

[@thesimchannel8281]

Thx bro! Just your review made me purchase the DC6. Hope youre getting a PMDG promoted paycheck. lol!

[@redrum425]

The boost in the ignition process is a spark booster, not a fuel booster.

[@jonbeckett]

Yep - I mis-spoke. One day when I get time I'll go through the start-up properly, and explain what each thing does - including the water injection, the superchargers and so on. Should be fun :)

[@expjames911]

This plane is simply great, I haven't flown it in a while either.

[@Ngamer834]

This looks cool, love the sounds as well.

[@JDSleeper]

This aircraft has a supercharged 'wet take off' mode in the AFE that's really fun.

[@jonbeckett]

Yeah - as I hinted at the end - there's a LOT more to this aircraft if you really want to dig into the weeds with it - water injection, and so on :)

[@chilloutvibesforyou]

I'll buy it just for the sounds!!

[@johnb.3655]

Ahh nice, been awhile since I’ve flown this..!!

[@kikufutaba524]

Great video. Thank you

[@philmcconnell5830]

Hi Jonathan, You take on a rather daunting task making a video showing "This is how to fly the DC-6" Very comendable but I would really love to see someone who has had many 'plays' with the aircraft to get used to it, and then show others. I flew DC-4s for four years, and have had many rides in the jump seat of the DC-6, and no, I don't know all about it. Can I throw a few points your way for consideration. During start, the booster is an extra coil giving the magneto a huge spark for starting. Some power settings for take off, and you will need to know the weight of the aircraft to decide if water injection is needed. If DRY use 55" and 2700 RPM and this is time limited. Come back to METO 48" 2600 RPM until immediate terrain no longer is a problem, then climb 40" 2400 RPM which should give 177 BMEP For cruise you can use 35" 2000 RPM aiming for 155 BMEP. This is a big engine and does not like being driven by the airflow - you must always use a power combination so the prop is always driven by the engine. Idle is a NO - NO! I noticed you just brought the RPM back for the descent which caused the BMEP to skyrocket to 200. Good way to ensure a glide approach after the engines drip out the exhaust pipes. If you revisit the video you will notice that you never got the correct ILS frequency. The double window is confusing, but the bottom half is the select window and then needs to be moved to the upper VHF NAV window to become active. Confusing as there is a double window just above this for VHF COM. I do appreciate the fact that you took the trouble to create a video, and there were helpful parts of it for sure. Interestingly, I was an instructor for Boeing training pilots on the 777-300ER simulator. Would I put out a video? Wouldn't be game, so credit to you. Cheers for now, Phil

[@jonbeckett]

I seem to have been lectured more about the DC-6 than any other aircraft in the game :)

[@tranquangkhiet]

Rất thích nghe giọng nói chuyện và phần hướng dẫn của Bạn.. Cảm ơn Bạn

[@BBoaBrim]

Just purchased this aircraft. At £50 it's more than I would normally spend on a dlc aircraft, but I wanted something special. Started up and taxied to runway with no issues, thanks to this video. However, I cannot take off. I have the propellor and throttle levers at full. The aircraft travels down the runway, and at about 120 kts I lift the nose up. But it does not want to take off. The nose tries to lift up but the aircraft would not leave the ground. On my second attempt I managed to get off the runway, but within moments the plane is nose diving into the ground. Not sure what I am doing wrong. Flaps are at the second notch (15%?) EDIT: As soon as I posted this I suddenly thought: Did I have the gust lock off? I certainly didn't touch it. On my first attempt I started off cold and ark at the gate. On my second attempt I spawned in on the runway so that everything was up and running. Again. I didn't check the gust lock, assuming that everything would be set to go as it was a running spawn in. I need to try again later.

[@BBoaBrim]

Just checked. Yep, it was an engaged gust lock causing my issue. Once disengaged the aircraft rotated beautifully. Thank you for this video. It has really helped me to fly this beauty!

[@jonbeckett]

Everybody has crashed the DC-6 in the sim with gust lock on :)

[@arthurambroise7894]

Checklists were invented precisely because a prototype of the famous B17 crashed due to controls lock still in place at takeoff. This is the most historically accurate mistake you could have made!

[@cmdrkiramikamy4248]

best experience in the sim.

[@ceegnz]

I love your videos like this, I like flying low enough to enjoy the scenery and it feels completely wrong to fly airliners at 8000' - then you pop out a video where you're taking something designed for long flights up in the flight levels and bomb around a very small piece of the UK at ILS capture altitudes, makes me feel that what I'm doing is still weird but at least I'm not the only one doing it :) I believe you're supposed to wait for the full 12 count before you squirt anything into the engine, it's a gentle start for the oil circulation and allows anything still in the cylinders to get pumped out. Nice toy know you can get away without waiting :)

[@jonbeckett]

Yeah - I knew I was short-cutting the spin-up of the engines. I was just reading about it yesterday :)

[@whamalek]

thanks, great vid, Wrong ILS frequency 🙂

[@JohnVanderbeck]

From an era before cockpit standardization.

[@Lungolords]

Minor things but you should start the engines 3-4-2-1 and fuel boosters low for start up

[@jonbeckett]

Yep - like I said in the video - I'm not following the proper procedure - just showing people how things work. There's a LOT more in this plane that I don't even go near :)

[@isaxen2000]

I feel for the poor passengers that is still sitting and waiting for the seatbelt sign to go off and they can't even have a smoke while they are waiting since the no smoking light is still on 😁

[@jonbeckett]

Yep - keep them in their seats :)

[@user-rf1dk8np4s]

I was a c118 dc6 flight engineer in the usaf loved the plane they did show in this video incorrect engine starting you don't start with the mixture on first prime then mixture thanks

[@jonbeckett]

Yep - it's amazing actually how forgiving this simulated DC6 is. I need to go back to the DC6 - it's great fun to fly.

[@RobJones262]

Saw a DC-6 crash land at Southend many moons ago ;)

[@realLuisGiordano]

On 18 september 1961, then UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld died on a DC-6 plane crash near Ndola, Zambia.

[@madfinntech]

1:51 Cool video about this plane but you went to a wide angle lens there, the complete opposite of a telephoto lens. As a photographer, I had to point it out.

[@jonbeckett]

I know :) I watched it back the other day, and thought "oh crap, somebody's going to notice that" lol

[@cmdrquelcertoleo3408]

I suggest you check again the introductory videos or use AFE to see "how it's done", you've destroyed those engines ;)

[@jonbeckett]

I said at the start - I hadn't touched it in months :)

[@portlandtwowheels1872]

Great video. Love the plane. However I notice when I fly it oscillates (tracks left and right) throughout the entire flight...

[@jonbeckett]

Lots of planes do that :)

[@DOGOID]

and the word of the day is, Recalcitrant.

[@svmik]

Still my favourite plane in MSFS

[@tedtedsen269]

when is the dc7 coming

[@DP-xz8xr]

Looks a wonderful plane to fly but all the dials and buttons scare me! I'd never find the time to learn a plane that complex!

[@jonbeckett]

It looks worse than it is :) And the automated flight engineeer can do it ALL for you.

[@kermitreturnz]

Could someone help with an issue with this plane? I cant find any soloutions. Ive even got in touch with pmdg about it but theyre not help

[@gregnockolds3855]

Is it simply impossible to show engines at start up? Last three prop videos I was hoping for at least one of the four {or more!} engines to be seen start from first prop movement. With the "but" out of the way, soz, fantastic details thank you.

[@jonbeckett]

If you ask the automated flight engineer to start the aircraft, you can sit outside and watch.

[@gregnockolds3855]

@@jonbeckett I thought YOU were my flight engineer?... 🤣 Cheers Jon!

[@ITMann]

Very informative video. Thank you. The older aircraft are a joy to behold. Full kudos to the pilots who definitely had their work cut out. May I ask Jonathan, do you have a tutorial on how to setup the Thrustmaster TCA Quadrant for this aircraft ? I have both the joystick and quadrant. What profile best fits this aircraft for the Thrustmaster ?. Any help appreciated.

[@jonbeckett]

I just mapped the throttles to the four engines - I have a generic "4 engine" profile that works for most big aircraft.

[@mro9466]

Them not making a DC-3 is a crime

[@user-jh5fm7ci6o]

My Microsoft sim does not have this airplane. How do you get this nice DC-6

[@jonbeckett]

You can buy it from PMDG - it might be in the marketplace too.

[@iamthewolf7277]

for some reason this plane sucks down fuel hella fast for me not sure why i even turned on unlimited fuel and its still draining really fast not sure what's causing it

[@jonbeckett]

You can control mixture :)

[@teteulopesbraz]

my dc6 not takeoff, gust lock released, i do all ! dont take.

[@panhakhmer6224]

Why in marketplace no dhc 6 seaplane?

[@fboe68]

So I stupidly bought this and I now realize I have no flight controls using my hotas or controller on my Xbox X. Any solutions?

[@jonbeckett]

Sorry - I don't have an Xbox.

[@Sypheara]

My favourite larger plane in MSFS. After flying this, i've never gone back to big jets. Airbus is absolutely snooze fest in comparison.

[@user-jh5fm7ci6o]

Knew you where low way before you stated you where low and corrected.

[@normg2242]

I really your personable style! Just onecquestion - how do you get the drone to fly so slow? I tried that to look at the interior of my new Latecoere, but it's way to fast for that...

[@jonbeckett]

In the camera settings you can set the drone speed :)

[@normg2242]

@jonbeckett awesome, thanks Jon. 😎

[@BBoaBrim]

I’ve not purchased any PMDG products, but I’m very interested in this one. How much is it currently in the marketplace for PC?

[@jonbeckett]

Not sure

[@hexoden5027]

$59.99 in the marketplace

[@johnc.4871]

Fun aircraft to fly, behaves so well. How does flight control compare to xplane version?

[@Bigboss45305]

John I can’t figure out how to do an ILS landing with the gps in the dc6 I have tried using the approach button and localizer button on the gyropilot on the descent toward the runway using charts from navigraph but I can’t get it to capture it. How do we do this?

[@jonbeckett]

I don't think I've ever done that :) I almost always fly finals by hand. I'll have a look next time I'm in the plane.

[@Bigboss45305]

@@jonbeckett I will pay you for your time if you make a tutorial. I have bought some of your checklists and I know time is money

[@dantilert5320]

Bit of a late reply here, but - as you may have figures out by now - the gyropilot doesn't do descents. It captures the ILS horizontally but you have to manage the vertical movement by yourself. I highly recommend PMDG:s tutorials on the DC-6, they explain this and a lot else very well.

[@philmcconnell5830]

I have been using the gyropilot now for some years, and whilst it is supposed to do the ILS, provided it has been set up correctly, I have continually found that the glide slope needle and the elevators don't seem to talk to each other. Maintaining altitude with Approach armed, one would expect at glide slope capture there would be a descent initiated. Well mine always seems to climb for a while. I remember on aircraft of that era, there was an automatic 700fpm down bias until the glide slope was stable. Can't help thinking the guys making the DC-6 may have put this in in reverse to cause a climb. Manfred Jahn has put out a C-47 with a behind the scene autopilot that never diverges from localizer of glide slope by even a needle width. If you want a great model check it out - it's free and flys really nicely

[@drakeforce8937]

Why does it have a low rating on the Xbox marketplace? Is there something wrong with it? I haven't bought it because of the rating

[@alexdeglavina1412]

Your engine start sequence is wrong.

[@jonbeckett]

Lots of people have told me that :) I'll re-visit at some point and do some proper videos about it - doing the procedure as written in the POH.

[@rymdskrotet]

Hows the fps vs other planes? (pmdg 737, fenix, stock aircraft)

[@jonbeckett]

Very good.

[@firefox3187]

This worth getting on Xbox now WASM is sorted?

[@jonbeckett]

Absolutely.

[@artofaerospace8053]

Unfortunately the engines keep failing after startup (with 60 seconds all oil is drained, hydrailics empty eetc) Ive tried reinstalling 4 times but it just seems to be a issue

[@jonbeckett]

That's really odd. Have you updated it to the latest version?

[@rymdskrotet]

Wish they could lower the price. Maybe PMDG could handle you a code for us subscribers? =)

[@jonbeckett]

For what you're getting, it's one of the best value aircraft in the simulator.

[@Deadmode]

Your power settings are all kinds of wrong.

[@Mustang242Sqn]

Pity we didn't get a look at the engine health page after landing :) The BMEP was through the roof during descent with the high MP and low RPM combo. But anyway, it's great to see this wonderful aircraft get more coverage.

[@jonbeckett]

I said in the video I wasn't following correct procedures :)

[@Deadmode]

@@jonbeckett Not following procedures is one thing, but managing the engines is literally as important as what you do with the yoke on this aircraft - it's core to flying it. You literally ignored one of the most important aspects of this aircraft. If you were going to ignore procedure *this* much, why not use the AFE? Opting to fly her manually by Ignoring the AFE and then setting way over METO power, entirely missing out what makes this bird interesting to fly and manage, in a video designed to showcase the aircraft, just seems stupid. Still, like others have said, at least the DC6 is getting some screen time, I guess.

[@Mustang242Sqn]

​@@jonbeckett That was indeed plenty clear in the video and I am not judging you for it :) I felt you were lucky not to get an engine failure in fact! Half the fun of this plane is having a 'sacrificial livery' where you TRY to break the engines, rather than trying NOT to break them which is usually the challenge ;)

[@krookeddreamz09]

Have you had a flight in the new BF109?

[@jonbeckett]

No. The warbirds in MSFS don't really interest me I'm afraid - I would rather see them in IL2 or DCS :)

[@chuck176]

@@jonbeckettI’m on series x and bought the 737-800 for $75 it’s the best ever I’m still waiting for the liveries, but do you think I should get this as well there are currently no liveries yet as well but it looks amazing!

[@mikecoffee100]

@@jonbeckett I agree with Johnathan unless one does a group flight with a few mates and do an airshow of sorts its best to keep the war birds in the war sim so one can chase each other round.

[@jonbeckett]

@@chuck176 the DC6 is fantastic - no bones about it :)

[@krookeddreamz09]

@@jonbeckett That is a shame to each there own tho as the airliners do nothing but bore me.

[@user-jh5fm7ci6o]

Anything created by Microsoft has bugs. Would be great if it Microsoft Flight Sim worked properly. It crashes and does stuff like you are experiencing.

[@jonbeckett]

It's a very, very complicated piece of software.

[@user-jh5fm7ci6o]

@@jonbeckett Yes but it needs to work and being complicated is no excuse for errors and mistakes. They need to test the software before releasing to the public. I have a fast computer with 64 Gibs of Ram and a large video card and Microsoft Sim has several glitches. It's really sad. It is is as bad as Microsoft office which seems to have many problems. Yet the avionics in the work. If we used Microsoft systems in our aircraft, we would be in trouble.

[@user-jh5fm7ci6o]

@@jonbeckett Also, it's like stating aircraft are complicated so it's OK for the controls to freeze up and the engines to quit.

[@Paradyski]

:)

[@SolRayz]

DC-6 engines put me to sleep.

[@jonbeckett]

It's a properly deep rumble, isn't it :)

[@eduardopekurned1505]

Does it have more functions or more realistic to buy this on PMDG site or Marketplace on pc?☕☕

[@jonbeckett]

It's identical

[@eduardopekurned1505]

@@jonbeckett Thank you. Just curious because Its 70 bucks originally on PDMG site though. thats why i asked

[@DankNoodles420]

Every switch and knob in this planes cockpit is functional, not the majority. Each single switch functions.

[@calumlittle9828]

Surprising? It's from FSX.