PMDG 777-200ER Release Window Narrows as Flight Testing Intensifies

By Jeff Turner

Published on 04/26/2025 19:24 • Updated 04/26/2025 19:25

PMDG has dropped another major update on the eagerly awaited 777-200ER for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS), and it’s clear the finish line is in sight! In a detailed forum post by Robert Randazzo, the team shared exciting news, some unexpected testing stories, and a clearer view of what's next for the PMDG product line.

Locking Down the Release Window

The big headline? PMDG has now entered the final stages of internal flight testing for the 777-200ER. Randazzo emphasized that the team is zeroing in on a "release window" rather than a single day, to allow flexibility for any last-minute tweaks or discoveries. While an exact date still isn’t pinned down, PMDG is aiming for a release within the first week of May 2025.

Testing is progressing at a strong pace, with build iterations happening almost daily. The test team is pushing the aircraft hard to identify and squash bugs before launch. The goal: deliver a highly polished and reliable 777-200ER from day one.

Flight Test Follies: Realism Bites Back

Randazzo shared a few humorous (and slightly painful) stories from the test flights. One memorable glitch involved flight control issues triggered by a simulation of severe fuel imbalance—not something your average virtual pilot encounters every day!

While the 777’s real-world systems are designed to tolerate these extremes, MSFS’s flight dynamics sometimes behave unpredictably when pushed into the edge cases. PMDG’s team had to work through both simulation and coding nuances to keep the realism high without frustrating users unnecessarily.

There was also a funny moment where a routine test of the ground handling features ended with a tester rolling the massive 777 straight off the taxiway… without brakes engaged. (No aircraft were harmed—only pride.)

The Universal Flight Tablet (UFT) Evolves

Alongside the 777 release, PMDG continues refining the Universal Flight Tablet (UFT), which will launch fully integrated into the new 777. Recent builds feature better stability, more intuitive navigation map displays, and upcoming SimBrief route integration improvements.

The UFT is becoming a true "mission control" hub for PMDG aircraft, with dynamic weight and balance, performance calculations, and extensive customization options.

Expect these tablet updates to roll out to the existing PMDG 737 fleet soon after the 777's debut.

What's Next After the 777-200ER?

If you thought the 777-200ER was all PMDG had cooking, think again! Randazzo confirmed that after the 200ER launches, the team will focus on:

Completing the 777-300ER and 777-200LR/F models for MSFS.
Updating and enhancing the 737 series with new tablet features and refinements.
Progressing work on the 747 for MSFS, which will build on lessons learned from the 777 development cycle.

In short: 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for PMDG fans.

Stay Tuned to Sky Blue Radio!
We’ll bring you all the latest news (and a few more "flight test follies," we hope) as PMDG’s 777-200ER gears up for its inaugural MSFS flight. Get your checklists ready—this beauty is almost ready to depart!

Check out the full forum post here.