Find aircraft background, systems descriptions and manuals for the aircraft you are researching. Each note keeps its source and version context close by.
Simulator manuals describe the developer’s implementation. Aircraft background is research-based; pilot accounts describe an individual’s experience. Coverage here is limited to the selected notes and linked resources, not the full contents of every manual.
DC-6 · PMDG · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
Control tabs, trim tabs and the Sperry autopilot
The DC-6 manual distinguishes spring control tabs from trim tabs. They are different mechanisms, even though both involve small surfaces attached to larger controls. The Sperry A-12 autopilot also has a trim servo that responds to sustained pitch imbalance. That period system helps explain why the DC-6 cockpit is organised differently from a modern jet's flight-guidance panel.
Archived document; installed package version not observed · PDF pp.15,57,87
Douglas DC-6
Douglas developed the DC-6 from wartime transport work into a long-range commercial competitor. Its four radial engines and pressurised cabin supported passenger and freight operations. Production ran from the 1940s into the late 1950s, with later careers extending into specialist cargo and firefighting work.
The flight engineer is a major part of the aircraft's cockpit organisation. PMDG's simulation makes that role accessible through its own interface while retaining period systems such as the Sperry autopilot. The manual explains how those responsibilities are divided in the virtual aircraft.
Aircraft / family
Captain Scotty Fraser remembers the DC-6
Scotty Fraser · edited by Mitch Stirling and John Reid Rowland, March 2014
Yukon 060 is Barrow bound
Ken Zachary and Joe Holland observed by an unnamed onboard writer · 2 May 2000
The Six
Julian Firth interviewed by Kara Platoni · July 2009
Draco X · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
DRACO X's simulator-specific equipment
The manual identifies three-axis trim, separate pilot and copilot autopilot disconnects, G3X displays and custom landing-gear squat behaviour. These belong to the simulation.
Got Friends DRACO X manual · PDF pp.5,7
SourceDraco X ↗Microsoft / aircraft developers
Draco X · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Enter through the left door or its step
In MSFS 2024, the left door triggers entry and exit. With that door removed, the left doorstep becomes the trigger.
DRACO X manual · PDF p.8; explicitly MSFS 2024
SourceDraco X ↗Microsoft / aircraft developers
Draco X · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Door removal and opening use different controls
Door handles open or close each door; separate removal levers provide the open-cockpit option.
DRACO X manual · PDF p.8
SourceDraco X ↗Microsoft / aircraft developers
Draco X · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Find checklists in the MSFS 2024 EFB
The Electronic Flight Bag holds interactive checklists with item locators and progress tracking.
DRACO X manual · PDF p.10; MSFS 2020 uses a different checklist interface
SourceDraco X ↗Microsoft / aircraft developers
Draco X · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
The low-fuel indicators also open fuel configuration
The cockpit legend identifies a fuel-configuration click action on the wing-tank low-fuel indicators.
DRACO X manual · PDF p.7
SourceDraco X ↗Microsoft / aircraft developers
Draco X · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Some labelled switches are inoperative
The cockpit legend marks the 747 pod light and tail-camera functions as inoperative.
DRACO X manual · PDF p.7; documented limitations, installed revision not observed
SourceDraco X ↗Microsoft / aircraft developers
Draco X · Microsoft Flight Simulator · MSFS 2024
Headphone simulation has its own toggle
The interior includes a headphone-simulation switch, separate from the aircraft’s radio controls.
DRACO X manual · PDF p.8
SourceDraco X ↗Microsoft / aircraft developers
