Quick Reference Guide

MSFS 2020 edition

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations!
You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and complex add-ons ever developed for Microsoft
Flight Simulator 2020.

Fly the Maddog X features advanced, study level aircraft systems that cannot be matched by any other
add-on aircraft; it can be flown by following the operations manual of the real aircraft. We even
encourage you to use such documentation to experience the level of detail that has been accomplished
with this aircraft. Fly the Maddog X also features the undocumented intriguing details that real pilots
experience when flying the real airplane!

The documentation is divided in three parts:

• User Manual: describes the load manager and setup of the aircraft, built in route and fuel
planner, failures management.

• Operations Manual: the O.M. is structured as the real MD-82 Operations Manual and it is divided
in two volumes: Volume 1 describes the aircraft cockpit and systems; Volume 2 illustrates the
normal and emergency procedures, aircraft performances and checklists.

• Quick Guide (this document): describes interaction with the virtual cockpit and the other 2D
windows, special commands, tip and tricks for an easy and smooth transition to this marvelous
add-on.

Online source of information:

Our website: https://www.flythemaddogx.com

Our support forum: https://www.flythemaddog.com/forum/
Support ticket system: https://www.flythemaddog.com/hesk/index.php?a=add
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeonardoSoftHouse
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8GD2GjajlotIFDoKmu7Qg

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

I5 CPU or equivalent, 8Gb RAM, 8Gb GPU, Windows 10 64bit.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Fly the Maddog X is a fully 3D aircraft, with a state-of-the-art systems simulation and very highly detailed
virtual cockpit and exterior model.
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SUGGESTED MSFS SETTINGS

For the best simulation experience, the recommended axes calibration settings are:
- Aileron sensitivity: 0%
- Elevator sensitivity: 0%
- Rudder sensitivity: 0%.
- Brakes sensitivity: 50%
- Dead zone (all axes): assure there is no input from the controls when they are in their
neutral position.

Fly the Maddog X has internal calibration for the flight controls, please see the Advanced Options in the
User Manual’s simulator option page if you wish to change any of the settings.

We also recommend setting the mouse CAMERA controls as follows:

Note that some of the control assigned by default are not used with the suggested setup.

To quickly change between the defined CAMERAs (see below, CAMERA VIEWS) we also suggest assigning
to the desired buttons of your controller the following commands (if not already done):
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For a better experience with Fly the Maddog X we also suggest setting the assistance options and user
experience as showed above.
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MSFS TAIL NUMBER OPTION

To allow the Load Manager capability of having different settings for different aircrafts, the tail number
in MSFS must be left blank (please also refer to the User Manual, pages 7-8, AIRLINE OPTIONS).

FSUIPC COMPATIBILITY AND SUGGESTED SETTINGS

Fly the Maddog X is compatible with FSUIPC, axes may be assigned and calibrated, but it’s mandatory to
set them up as follows:

Axes Assignment
• Type of action required must be set to Send to FS as normal axis. Using the Send direct FSUIPC
Calibration option can cause problems in manual handling of the aircraft.
• Flight controls (Elevator, Ailerons, Rudder), Throttles, Brakes, Spoiler and Flaps must be
assigned to the corresponding Axis…Set option available in the drop-down list (i.e., elevator axis
must be assigned to the Axis Elevator Set and not to the Elevator Set option, etc.).

Joystick Calibration
Controls can be calibrated as required (this is particularly useful to calibrate throttles that have a reverse
included, like the Thrustmaster TC controller).
The Slope parameter should be left to his default setting (linear).

(Please refer to FSUIPC manual for further info on axes assignment and joystick calibration).

Fly the Maddog X has internal calibration for the flight controls, please see the Advanced Options in the
User Manual’s simulator option page for further information.
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INTERACTING WITH THE COCKPIT

Fly the Maddog X cockpit has been designed to be used with a three buttons wheel mouse. However,
when the middle button is not available, can be replaced by pressing and holding the right mouse button
or the TAB key while using the wheel.

All the switches, knobs and lever can be moved using the mouse wheel or left/right mouse buttons.
There are several hot spots and non-standard actions that can be performed on the virtual cockpit:

- Moving the wheel while pressing the middle button (or the right button) will activate the
acceleration function for faster increment or decrement of the setting value. This also allows 100
feet steps for the ALT values selection.
- On ground, positioning the mouse cursor over the FIRE BELL OFF button will enable to activate the
LOOP A TEST button with a left click, and the LOOP B TEST button with a right click.
- In flight, both the landing light switches, and nose light switch can be moved together using the
mouse wheel over the nose light switch.
- Press and hold the TAB key to write on the FMS with the keyboard or to replace the function of the
middle mouse button if not available.

CAMERA VIEWS
Fly The Maddog X defines the following CAMERAs for a better experience while interacting with the
cockpit:

• COCKPIT CAMERAs:
- Guidance. ‘Close Pilot’ camera, with better view to the most important instruments and
guidance controls.
- CM1. ‘Default Pilot’ camera (left seat).
- CM1 Landing. ‘Landing pilot’ camera, with better view to the outside of the cockpit.
- CM2. ‘Copilot’ camera (right seat).

• INSTRUMENT VIEWS:
- CM2. Same as ‘Copilot’ camera.
- FMS1. Top-down view of left FMS CDU.
- FMS2. Top-down view of right FMS CDU.
- Throttles. View of the pedestal throttles/trim/flap quadrant.
- Pedestal. Top-Down view of the full pedestal, including aileron and rudder trim knobs
and pneu levers.
- FWD Overhead. Bottom-up view of the lower part of the overhead panel, including EOAP
screens and advisory lights.
- AFT Overhead. Bottom-up view of the remaining upper part of the overhead panel.
- Seat 35E. View on the right engine and wing tip.
- Seat 28E. View on the aft right wing and flaps.
- Seat 28A. View on the aft left wing and flaps.
- Seat 21E. View on the fwd right wing and slats.
- Seat 21A. View on the fwd left wing and slats.
- Seat 1C. View on the cockpit (to open/close the cockpit door use move the temporary
door switch in the lower overhead to position UNLKD/LKD).
- Observer. Jump seat position in the cockpit.
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VC CLICKSPOTS
Some of the available click spots:

Left click to hide/show yoke.

Right click to show/hide speed charts.

Left click toggles between TO/LAND data.

Left click to start/stop chrono.

Left click to disengage autopilot.

Left click to automatically set the bugs

to the correct TO/Landing speeds.
Right click to select WET/DRY condition
(TO) or FLAPS 28/40 (Landing).
Use the mouse wheel to position a bug
manually.
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PAX CABIN LIGHTS

pax cabin lights are automatically dimmed when on ground and engines on, or initial climb/approach.
However they can be always manually controlled from the pax cabin fwd panel knobs.

Upper knob controls the forward attendants light, while the lower knob controls the pax cabin lights.

EMERGENCY LANDING GEAR

In case of hydraulic failure, the manual lever for extending the landing gears is located on the floor on
CM2 side. Look down then move the view to the left. Click to open the door, then pull up the red lever.

HFDS BRIGHTNESS CONTROL

Left, click on the handle to extend/retract the combiner display. The brightness knob is located in the
right side of the HFDS projector.
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STANDARD COMMANDS/ACTIONS THAT HAVE DIFFERENT BEHAVIOR DEFAULT SIM ASSIGNMENTS

The following commands have a different behavior or trigger some secondary effect:

- AUTOPILOT ON/OFF (Z). This command is used to disengage the autopilot only; pressing it again will
switch off the red AP warning light in the FMA and mute the AP aural. The autopilot can be engaged only
by clicking on the AP switch of the guidance.

- AUTOTHROTTLE ARM (SHIFT+R). This command is used to disengage the auto throttle only; pressing it
again will switch off the red AT warning light in the FMA. The auto throttle can be engaged only clicking
on the AT switch on the flight guidance.

- PARKING BRAKE TOGGLE (CTRL+.). The key assigned to this function is used in flight to mute the gear
horn alarm. On ground it performs his normal task of toggling the parking brake.

- THROTTLE CUT & INC/DEC (F1, F2 and F3). These keys are active also when the auto throttle is engaged
and can be used to temporary override the AT or to help the automatism to capture a speed (this
technique is largely used by real MD pilots which assists the auto throttle by manually moving the throttle
levers even when the AT is engaged).

- BARO SETTING (B). After takeoff, when climbing to an armed level above the transition level (or above
FL180), pressing B will set the standard pressure 1013 hPa (or 29.92 inches) on the CM1/CM2 and STBY
altimeters. During the descent for the approach, if descending to an armed altitude below the transition
altitude (or below FL180), pressing B will set the CM1/CM2 and STBY altimeters baro settings to the local
QNH.

- TRIM & CONTROL SURFACES. Moving the trim or the control surfaces with the AP on will disengage the
autopilot (for the control surfaces, this feature can be disabled from the setup page of load manager).

- THROTTLE LEVER. It is active when the AT is ON in SPD SEL and the FMA shows LOW LIM. In this case, if
the current speed is above 10kt of the target speed, the throttle can be set at IDLE STOP with the lever,
and the AT servos will not kick back until the target speed has been reached.

The following commands are useful when assigning them to hardware buttons or axes:

- AUTOBRAKE DISARM. It works as a toggle command for arming/disarming the AUTOBRAKE.

- AUTOBRAKE LO/MED/HI SET. They set the AUTOBRAKE system to the corresponding brake strength. A
second command will move the knob back to the OFF position. The AUTOBRAKE HI SET, when used on
ground, configure the AUTOBRAKE in T/O mode.

- MIXTURE 1/2 RICH. Used to OPEN the right/left fuel shutoff levers.

- MIXTURE 1/2 LEAN. Used to CLOSE the right/left fuel shutoff levers.
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MSFS GROUND SERVICES

Fly the Maddog X is fully integrated with all the standard MSFS ground services. For example, when
requesting ground power, the GND PWR Avail light will illuminate as soon as the GPU is connected, and
the aircraft can be powered. When requesting the MSFS Baggage service, PAX boarding will also
automatically start. Doors are handled automatically as requested from the activated service.

HINT: MSFS requires the COM radio to be powered to request any service,
including GPU. When starting from a Cold and Dark cockpit, the EMER PWR can be
briefly turned ON, to power COM 1, and allow requesting the GPU to be connected.

FMS SERVICES MENU

The Services page is available on LSK 6 right from the INIT REF INDEX page.

DOORS
Gives access to the DOORS page:

REFUEL
Gives access to the REFUEL page. This option is only present if the Refueled Aircraft option from Load
Manager is disabled:

Displays actual FOB and fuel requested from the Load Manager. Press LSK 6R to activate refueling.
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BOARDING
Manually start pax boarding (or un-boarding when at the gate after landing).

FLUID TYPE
Use this function to select the type of fluid used for de-icing the aircraft on ground (if required).

GPU
Use this function to connect or disconnect the GPU. The GPU will provide electrical power when on
ground and the engines and APU are off.

ASU
Use this function to connect or disconnect the ASU. The ASU will provide pneumatic air for engine startup
when the APU is off.

A/C
Use this function to connect or disconnect external air conditioning.

FIX FAILURES
Use this function to fix all aircraft’s failed items. This option is only visible if failures are enabled from the
simulator option page of Load Manager.

GROUND DEICE
Use this function to perform a ground deicing operation.

DOORS
Gives access to the DOORS page.

NOTE: These functions are also available from the EFB Aircraft Services app. In the CMA 900 FMS, FMS
SERVICES is on the 2nd page of the INIT REF menu.

CREW COMMUNICATION
To enable crew communications, left click on the blue PA button in the FWD overhead panel to select the
PA on speaker. The ‘emergency lights test/prepare for takeoff/prepare for landing’ calls will be trigged
automatically, according to the flight phase (on ground/taxiing/landing).
When the option for GSX synch is enabled, services must be started from the GSX menu.
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ICING
ICE FOD
Ice accumulation is possible also on ground, and the ice FOD detector works!
When ice conditions are detected or suspected on ground, it is mandatory to perform a Ground deice
operation (see Ground Communication).

The Ground deice operation will protect the airframe from icing on ground and eliminate accumulated
ice after an ice FOD alarm. If the ICE FOD ALERT comes ON while on ground, it is advisable to deice the
aircraft, or there could be an engine failure after takeoff due to ice FOD.

After deicing the annunciation can be turned off by resetting the ice FOD system.

ICING IN FLIGHT
Icing in flight can lead to engine flame out if the anti-ice is not used. When in presence of Severe icing
conditions, the ice accumulation rate could be too high for the anti-ice systems to operate properly. Flying
too long in severe icing condition can cause an engine flame out even if the engine anti ice is ON. Icing
can also affect the PITOT when PITOT heater is off, or the static ports.

NOTE: Fly the Maddog X is fully integrated with GSX Pro. In this case, refueling,
boarding, de-icing, etc should be started from the GSX menu (Refer to the User
Manual on how to enable GSX Pro integration).

FMS DATABASE
The setup program will install by default AIRAC version 2113 of the FMS database and the procedures
files, courtesy of Navigraph. To update the database and the procedure files to a newer version visit
Navigraph website:

www.navigraph.com

PFPX AND SIMBRIEF INTEGRATION

When the option ‘Use PFPX/Simbrief for Fuel/Route planning’ under the ‘Setup’ – ‘Simulator Options’
page is enabled, the integrated fuel/Load Manager tool is inhibited, and all weights/fuel/pax/cargo data
is automatically loaded by selecting the ‘Import OFP’ button.

When creating the aircraft in Simbrief, consider the following data for reference and remember (to avoid
ZFW discrepancies) that in Simbrief passenger weight must be inserted as the sum of pax + baggage (97
Kgs or 214 Lbs) and the ‘Baggage Weight’ field must be set to 0.

>> Maximum equipment capability: SDFGIJ1RWY.

>> Maximum PBN capability: A1B1D2D3O2O3S1.
>> Maximum certified weights: different operators may use lower weights for operational/costs reasons.
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MD-82 BASE PACK

MD-82 Y162 KGS LBS
Cabin layout – Max Pax Y162 = 162 PAX
DOW (dry/empty weight) 36835 81207
MZFW 55338 122000
MTOW 67812 149500
MRW (ramp/taxi weight) 68265 150500
MLW 58967 130000
Max Cargo 8520 18783
Max fuel 17740 39110
Pax weight 84 185
Baggage weight 13 29

MD-83 & MD-88 VARIANTS EXPANSION PACK

MD-83 Y162 KGS LBS
Cabin layout – Max Pax Y162 = 162 PAX
DOW (dry/empty weight) 37749 83222
MZFW 55338 122000
MTOW 72575 160000
MRW (ramp/taxi weight) 73028 161000
MLW 63276 139500
Max Cargo 6892 15194
Max fuel 21187 46707
Pax weight 84 185
Baggage weight 13 29

MD-88 Y162 KGS LBS

Cabin layout – Max Pax Y162 = 162 PAX
DOW (dry/empty weight) 37553 82790
MZFW 55338 122000
MTOW 72575 160000
MRW (ramp/taxi weight) 73028 161000
MLW 63276 139500
Max Cargo 8520 18783
Max fuel 17740 39110
Pax weight 84 185
Baggage weight 13 29
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ACARS SYSTEM AND EFB ELECTRONIC FLIGHT FOLDER

The ACARS system is a digital communication system integrated into the existing VHF radio system that
provides for the transmission of digital data to and from the aircraft.
These messages, referred to as uplinks and downlinks, facilitate two-way communication for applications
such as digital ATIS, weather reports, delay reports, and free text messaging with airline Dispatch and
Maintenance. More information can be found in the AOM, Volume 2, Appendix 1 ‘Operational Bulletin’.

The EFB permits the visualization of the Flight Folder in digital format, from the Electronic Flight Folder
APP.

To feed the EFB and the ACARS systems, an ‘OFP’ file that details flight data, fuel and weights is needed.
Such file is automatically generated by our integrated fuel/route planner in Load Manager when saving
the route, but Simbrief and PFPX either provide a mean to generate this file.

NOTE: ACARS system -as in the real aircraft- doesn’t allow flight plan uplink directly in the FMGC system
since they don’t share data: it must be manually inserted or loaded as a COROUTE in the FMS.

While Simbrief is now fully integrated with Fly the Maddog X, thanks to developer’s cooperation, we
never received a reply by PFPX to our requests for achieving the same degree of integration: the most
convenient procedure to let PFPX users exporting the OFP file from PFPX and importing it later in Load
Manager, is the one described in the next page.

>> PFPX users:

1) Copy the file ‘MaddogX ACARS.txt’ from the %Documents%\Maddog X files\Redist folder
to the PFPX Flight plan Templates folder (usually located in Users\Public\Documents\PFPX
Data\FlightplanTemplates).
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2) Plan your flight in PFPX and in the ‘Results’ page set, as OFP template in the dropdown
menu list ‘MaddogX ACARS’.

The generated OFP should look like the example above. Now you can export the .mdr route file to the
%Documents%\Maddog X files\Routes.

3) Release your flight and select ‘Print flight documents’ -> ‘Save OFP’.

Save the OFP. If you now want to print the OFP in another format, you will have to go back
to the ‘results’ tab, choose a different OFP template, release the flight again and print the
OFP.

When you have generated the .mdr route and the OFP files, open the Load Manager page and click on
the ‘Import OFP’ button: a windows explorer page will open to select the OFP file location, and all
weight/fuel settings -as calculated by PFPX- will be directly imported in the Load Manager: check that
the C.G. and weights are within the certified limits and fix any RED field. Save & close.
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NOTE: Load Manager can be bypassed and the OFP directly loaded into the EFB’s Perf or EFF apps. See
the EFB Manual for further details.

>> Simbrief users: an option to export the OFP.txt file together with the Maddog X .mdr route has been
added in Simbrief: you can export it directly along with the route file for the FMC after generating the
OFP; they must be saved inside your %Documents%\Maddog X files\Routes folder.

When you have generated the .mdr route and the OFP files, open the Load Manager page and click on
the ‘Import OFP’ button: a windows explorer page will open to select the OFP file location, and all
weight/fuel settings -as calculated by Simbrief- will be directly imported in the Load Manager: check that
the C.G. and weights are within the certified limits and fix any RED field. Save & close.
The latest OFP can also be automatically downloaded to the EFB/ACARS systems (see below).

NOTE: In either case, Load Manager can be bypassed and the OFP directly loaded into the EFB’s W&B or
EFF apps
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ACARS PRINT
ACARS messages can be printed either to a physical/virtual printer or directly inside the virtual cockpit:
*PRINT select is available when a printer is connected and reporting its status as operating. Check the
User Manual for further information.

PUSHOVER ACARS PRINT

Pushover allows you to print the received ACARS messages to a phone or tablet: this is aimed for people
who still want to have a printout of incoming ACARS messages, but outside the simulator and in a digital
format. You will need to you sign up for an account at https://pushover.net, and acquire an app for your
mobile device: a one-time purchase is required after a month trail.

On your pushover dashboard, take note of user-key.

Create an application in Pushover which will generate an application/API token. Make a note of this, too.
Also take note of your device ID(s).

REALISTIC MODE
A “realistic mode” has been added in the load manager - simulator options tab.
When selected, these options will be automatically enabled:
- failures system and maintenance actions;
- random weight/pax number variations on final loadsheet (± 1000 Kgs);
- the “automatic update aircraft weight, CG and flight number” and “Refueled aircraft”
options in load manager - simulator options are disabled (but can be manually re-enabled
if desidered).
Additionally, as the airframe ages, instruments will tend to develop more discrepancies (i.e. altimeters,
EDP).

With realistic mode, you could get different weights from the original planning and it’s important (even
if it’s all detailed in the EFB tutorial pdf) to give a quick reminder to recap the correct working flow:
- 1) Set weight figuers manually - or import an OFP file from the load manager (or the EFB
“Weight and Balance app”);
- 2) After the INIT REQ* in ACARS, you receive a preliminary weights message. Use the data
to set the ZFW in the fuel panel, the FMS INIT PERF page, the CG in the takeoff computer
and in the “Performance” app in the EFB (if appliable).
- 3) When boarding is completed, you get the final loadsheet message via ACARS (or the
“classic” paper sheet, if the ACARS hasn’t been initialised): check the new weights/pax
number, and set the aircraft accordingly. Remember to consider that weights change
have an impact on balancing, aircraft performance and fuel loading.

MDClient
Fly the Maddog X uses an external tray app to overcome the limitations of MSFS sandboxed
environment.
The app is installed as a startup item but can be launched also from the icon placed in the
desktop.
Currently MDClient enables the following features (more will be added in the future):
• Realistic mode and Turnaround mode
• Automatic retrieval of latest SimBrief OFP in EFB’s Electronic Flight Book and Weight and
Balance apps, or the INIT FLIGHT entry of the MCDU ACARS menu
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• Selection of the EFB’s OFP from a sorted list of all downloaded flight plans.
• Full ACARS capabilities from the cockpit MCDU including retrieval of ATIS and METAR
from a selected server (either VATSIM or IVAO).
• Fully functional CPDLC.
• Printing of ACARS/CPDLC messages either to a physical printer connected to the PC (best
choice is a POS-type printer) or to the Pushover app available for both IOS and Android
phones and tablets.

NOTE: Please refer to the User Manual, Advanced options, to setup all this features.

Blue cockpit version

To change a livery with pink cockpit color into the blue color version, copy and replace the
content of the <aircraft>\texture\Pink folder with the files from the <documents>\Maddog X
Files\MSFS 2020\Blue folder.

NOTE: The folder should not be renamed from Pink to Blue, just the content replaced.