Now onto the Microsoft Flight Simulator lineup.
The gold standard of all Boeing 737s comes from Precision Manuals Development Group (PMDG). PMDG has been in the game a long time, with all flight simmers likely having heard of it.
Part 2: How Flight Simulator Platforms Handle the Boeing 737
X-Plane and MSFS receive grades for their ability to simulate the iconic jet airliner.
![The PMDG 737 Next Generation in the unique Boeing Business Jet model. [CreditL MSFS 2024]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FLY0825_1.4_Sim-Lab-1.jpeg)
Key Takeaways:
- PMDG is considered the "gold standard" for Boeing 737 simulations in Microsoft Flight Simulator, renowned for its extensive research, highly detailed models across the 737 Next Generation series, exceptional realism in graphics, physics, and systems, and optimized performance.
- iFly Simulations has emerged as a strong competitor, offering a high-quality 737 Max lineup for MSFS2020 that closely rivals PMDG in visual fidelity, sound, realistic system operations, and performance, with some features even preferred by the author.
- Both PMDG and iFly products provide "study level" simulations, offering a profound level of realism and configurability that makes them valuable tools for understanding the actual aircraft and potentially aiding real-world pilot training.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
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