When I first returned to using GSX with the PMDG 737-800, I expected it to be complicated. The GSX manual runs to nearly 300 pages, and that alone can make the program feel as though it requires weeks of study before you can send a baggage loader anywhere near your aircraft.
Thankfully, that has not been my experience.
GSX can do an enormous amount, but you do not need to learn every option before enjoying it. Once I stopped trying to understand the entire program at once and concentrated on the few services I actually wanted, everything became much easier. I now think of GSX as a collection of ground-handling tools rather than one large and complicated procedure.
This guide explains how I use GSX with the PMDG 737-800 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, beginning with an aircraft parked at the gate and continuing through boarding, baggage loading, pushback, engine start, departure, arrival, and passenger deboarding.
The purpose is not to reproduce every page of the manual. It is to show how GSX can fit naturning the preparationturally into an ordinary PMDG flight and make the airport environment feel more alive without
FlightSimulationShowcase Verdict
| Helps make the simulator feel more real? |
✅ Yes — particularly during airline departures and arrivals |
| Performance impact |
🟢 Low to moderate, depending on the airport and number of vehicles |
| Learning curve |
🟡 Moderate at first, but much easier once the basic routine is understood |
| Value for money |
★★★★☆ |
| Would I recommend it? |
✅ Yes, for regular airliner flying |
| Would I install it again? |
✅ Absolutely |
Quick Answer
GSX adds animated ground services to airline operations in Microsoft Flight Simulator. When used with the PMDG 737-800, it can provide passenger boarding, baggage handling, catering, refuelling, pushback, marshalling and deboarding at the end of the flight.
The simplest way to learn it is to start the PMDG at a suitable airport gate, connect ground power, prepare the aircraft and request only the services you need. You do not have to use every GSX feature on every flight. I normally treat boarding, baggage handling, pushback and arrival guidance as the essentials, with catering and refuelling added when they suit the flight.
The main benefit is the atmosphere. A parked aircraft no longer feels abandoned, and the period before departure becomes part of the flight rather than time spent waiting for the interesting part to begin.
Table of Contents
What Is GSX?
GSX, or Ground Services X, adds ground-handling activity to Microsoft Flight Simulator. Instead of arriving at a gate and finding an aircraft surrounded by very little activity, GSX can bring in the vehicles and staff normally associated with airline operations.
Depending on the airport, parking position and aircraft configuration, this may include:
- passenger boarding and deboarding;
- baggage and cargo loading;
- catering vehicles;
- refuelling services;
- ground power;
- passenger stairs;
- airport buses;
- pushback vehicles;
- follow-me vehicles;
- marshaller guidance; and
- Visual docking guidance at supported parking positions.
GSX does not change the way the PMDG 737 flies. It changes what happens around the aircraft while it is on the ground.
That distinction matters because GSX is not something you install to improve the flight model or cockpit systems. Its value comes from making the airport operation feel more believable. For me, that is an important part of immersion because an airline flight does not begin when the aircraft reaches the runway. It begins at the gate.
Worth Knowing
GSX can look intimidating because it offers far more options than most people will use during a normal flight. You do not need to master the complete program. Learn boarding, pushback and arrival handling first. The remaining features can be added gradually.
Why Use GSX with the PMDG 737-800?
The PMDG 737-800 is still my preferred 737 in the simulator. I enjoy the cockpit, the way the aircraft feels and the familiar views I have set up in ChasePlane. It is an aircraft that encourages a more complete style of airline flying rather than simply loading on the runway and taking off.
GSX suits that style particularly well.
Without GSX, I can prepare the PMDG at the gate, start the engines and request a standard pushback, but the airport can feel rather lifeless around me. With GSX running, passengers arrive, baggage containers or carts are positioned, doors are used, vehicles approach the aircraft, and the pushback becomes a visible part of the operation.
None of those things is essential to flying the aircraft. However, they help connect the individual stages of the flight.
The gate preparation feels like a departure rather than a setup screen. The pushback feels like the aircraft is being released for flight. On arrival, the flight does not end the moment the wheels touch the runway. I still need to taxi to the gate, park correctly, shut down and allow the passengers to leave.
That is why I regard GSX as an immersion add-on rather than a utility I use purely for convenience.
How I Actually Use GSX
When I first looked through the GSX manual, I wondered whether I had bought something that would create more work than enjoyment. A manual of nearly 300 pages suggests a program with a great deal going on behind the scenes, and GSX certainly has plenty of advanced options.
Once I began using it again, I realised I had been overthinking it.
I do not need to edit every parking position, customise every vehicle or understand every setting before completing a flight. Most of the time, I use a straightforward routine:
- Load the PMDG 737-800 at a suitable gate.
- Prepare the aircraft and connect ground power.
- Request the ground services I want.
- Open the doors requested by GSX.
- Begin boarding and baggage loading.
- Complete my cockpit preparation while boarding continues.
- Close the doors when boarding is complete.
- Request pushback.
- Start the engines during or after pushback, depending on the situation.
- Complete the flight.
- Request a suitable gate after landing.
- Use the marshaller or docking guidance to park.
- Shut down and begin deboarding.
That is the heart of it.
There are additional features I can use when I want them, but those basic stages provide most of the improvement I am looking for. The important thing is to let GSX support the flight rather than allowing it to dominate everything I am doing.
My Recommendation
For your first few flights, use only boarding, baggage loading, pushback and arrival parking. Once that routine feels natural, add catering, refuelling, buses, remote stands and more advanced pushback options.
Before Starting Your Flight
A successful GSX flight begins before you request the first vehicle. A little preparation prevents most of the confusion that can occur later.
I recommend deciding on the following before loading the simulator:
- the departure and arrival airports;
- the route and approximate flight time;
- the PMDG 737-800 variant and livery;
- whether the departure uses a jetway or passenger stairs;
- whether you want catering and refuelling;
- whether boarding will begin before or after the cockpit is prepared; and
- Which arrival gate are you likely to use?
You do not need to plan every detail, but it helps to know what kind of operation you are trying to create.
A Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane to Hamilton Island, for example, feels different from a departure from a remote stand at a small regional airport. One might use a jetway, while the other may require stairs and passenger buses. GSX can support both, but the parking position you choose affects the entire sequence.
Beginner Tip
Choose a familiar airport for your first GSX flight. When you already understand the taxiways and parking layout, you can concentrate on learning GSX rather than trying to find your way around an unfamiliar airport.
Choosing a Suitable Gate
The gate matters more than I initially realised.
If you select a parking position that is too small, incorrectly configured or unsuitable for the 737, the ground vehicles may appear in strange positions. A jetway may not reach the aircraft, baggage loaders may approach the wrong door, or the pushback direction may not be what you expected.
For the PMDG 737-800, choose a gate intended for a medium-sized airliner. At a large airport, this will usually be a normal domestic or international airline stand rather than a small regional parking bay.
After loading the aircraft, look around before beginning the services. Check:
- whether the aircraft is reasonably centred on the stand;
- whether the nosewheel is near the parking line;
- whether a jetway is present;
- whether service vehicles have enough space to approach;
- whether another static aircraft is occupying part of the position; and
- Whether the parking position appears suitable for pushback.
If the aircraft is badly positioned, it is usually easier to restart at a different gate than to spend the next 20 minutes trying to make an unsuitable stand work.
Default Airports and Add-On Airports
GSX can be used at default and add-on airports, but the results can vary. A well-designed airport with accurately placed parking positions will generally provide a better experience than an airport with incorrect stand information.
Airport-specific GSX profiles can improve vehicle positions, passenger routes, stop locations and pushback instructions. These profiles can be particularly helpful at detailed third-party airports, although they are not essential for every flight.
I would not begin by collecting profiles for every airport I may one day visit. I would install them for airports I use regularly, especially when the default GSX behaviour is obviously incorrect.
Loading the PMDG 737-800
Load the PMDG 737-800 directly at the chosen gate rather than starting on the runway. A gate start gives GSX access to the full departure sequence and allows you to prepare the aircraft properly.
The aircraft state you choose depends on how involved you want to be.
A cold-and-dark aircraft provides the most complete experience, but it also adds more work. If you are still learning either GSX or the PMDG, a powered gate state may be more sensible. There is no benefit in making the first attempt unnecessarily difficult.
Once the aircraft has loaded, allow it a moment to initialise. Avoid immediately calling several GSX services while the PMDG systems and cockpit displays are still coming to life.
Check that the parking brake is set, the engines are off, and the aircraft is secure at the stand.
Important Note
GSX and the PMDG both need to understand the current state of the aircraft. Rapidly changing aircraft states, opening several doors and requesting multiple services immediately after loading can create unnecessary confusion. Give the aircraft time to settle before beginning.
Connecting Ground Power
While the aircraft is at the gate with the engines shut down, it needs a suitable electrical supply. This may come from the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit or an external ground-power connection.
For a realistic gate preparation, I prefer using ground power while the aircraft is parked and beginning the APU later, closer to departure. This avoids running the APU throughout the entire boarding process and gives the ground-power equipment a proper purpose.
The PMDG 737 manages its aircraft services and electrical system through its cockpit controls and onboard menus. GSX also provides visual ground-service equipment. The exact sequence depends on your chosen setup, so the important thing is to avoid requesting two separate pieces of equipment to perform the same job without understanding which one is actually supplying the aircraft.
Once power is available, check that the cockpit displays and aircraft systems are stable before continuing with the flight preparation.
Managing the PMDG Doors
Door management is one of the first areas that can confuse new GSX users.
GSX may ask for a particular door to be opened before it can begin a service. Passenger boarding normally uses the forward left entry door, while catering and baggage services use different access points around the aircraft.
On the PMDG 737-800, the safest approach is to manage the doors through the PMDG aircraft menus rather than searching around the cabin with the mouse. Open only the doors required for the service being performed.
During a typical departure, these may include:
- The forward left passenger door for boarding;
- another passenger door at the airport and boarding arrangement use it;
- service doors on the right side for catering;
- forward and rear cargo doors for baggage; and
- The flight-deck window is only in unusual circumstances, not as part of normal boarding.
Do not open every door simply because the option is available. GSX will normally tell you which door it requires. Opening unnecessary doors makes the aircraft preparation less believable and creates more things to remember before pushback.
Common Mistake: Opening the Wrong Door
If GSX continues asking for a door even though you believe it is open, check the exact door name. The forward entry door, rear entry door and service doors are separate. Opening a nearby door will not necessarily satisfy the request.
Checking the GSX Aircraft Profile
GSX uses an aircraft configuration or profile to understand where the doors, cargo holds, fuel connection and other service points are located. If those positions are incorrect, vehicles may stop too far from the aircraft or approach the wrong part of the fuselage.
The PMDG 737-800 is a widely used aircraft, so the standard setup should give many users a workable starting point. However, it is still worth observing the first service.
Look for the following:
- the jetway connecting to the correct passenger door;
- stairs stopping at the proper height;
- baggage loaders aligning with the cargo doors;
- catering trucks approaching the correct side;
- the fuel vehicle stopping in a believable position; and
- The pushback tug is connecting properly to the nose gear.
If everything lines up correctly, leave the profile alone. There is no reason to adjust a working setup simply because GSX provides an editor.
If several positions are wrong, first confirm that you have selected the correct PMDG variant. A configuration intended for another 737 model may place equipment incorrectly.
Supporting image position: PMDG 737-800 at a gate with a GSX jetway attached, baggage loaders positioned at the cargo holds and catering vehicles approaching the right side.
Preparing the PMDG for Boarding
Before requesting boarding, I like to have the aircraft in a sensible state. The parking brake is set, electrical power is available, the cabin is ready to receive passengers, and the necessary doors are open.
I also prefer to have at least the basic flight information available before boarding begins. This includes the route, planned fuel, passenger load and departure runway. I do not necessarily need to have completed the entire cockpit setup because boarding time gives me an ideal opportunity to continue preparing the aircraft.
This is where GSX begins to work particularly well with the PMDG.
Instead of sitting in a silent cockpit entering information while nothing happens outside, I can begin boarding and then continue with the flight plan, performance setup and cockpit checks. Passengers and baggage are being loaded while I prepare for departure.
That parallel activity makes the aircraft feel as though it is genuinely being turned around for a flight.
Real Pilot Tip
Real airline preparation involves several activities happening at the same time. The flight crew, cabin crew and ground staff each have their own duties. You do not need to complete every cockpit task before calling the first GSX vehicle. Allowing boarding and aircraft preparation to overlap creates a more natural flow.
Boarding Passengers and Loading Baggage
Once the aircraft is ready, I request boarding through the GSX menu. This normally brings several parts of the departure to life at the same time. Passengers begin making their way to the aircraft, baggage vehicles arrive, and the ground operation starts to feel as though it has a purpose.
If the aircraft is parked at a gate with a working jetway, passengers will usually board through the forward left entry door. At a remote stand, GSX may arrange passenger stairs and buses instead. The exact sequence depends on the airport and the parking position.
I do not feel the need to watch every passenger board, but I usually take a few moments to look outside. This is one of the visual improvements GSX adds that can easily be missed if I remain in the cockpit throughout the entire preparation.
Seeing passengers approach the aircraft, luggage being loaded and service vehicles moving around the stand departs feel much more convincing. It is also an excellent opportunity to capture screenshots or video footage if you create flight-simulation content.
Passenger Numbers and Boarding Time
Boarding time is affected by the passenger load and the settings being used. A heavily loaded 737 should naturally take longer to board than an aircraft carrying a small number of passengers.
However, realism does not mean you must sit for an excessive length of time on every flight. If you are completing a short evening flight and do not want a long wait, it is reasonable to use a faster boarding setting.
I prefer a boarding time that gives me enough time to complete the cockpit preparation without departing drag on unnecessarily.
Best Settings for a Practical Boarding Routine
- Use a realistic passenger count where possible.
- Select a boarding speed that suits the amount of time you have available.
- Allow the boarding process to overlap with cockpit preparation.
- Use a jetway at normal terminal gates and stairs at remote stands.
- Keep passenger sounds at a level that adds atmosphere without overpowering cockpit audio.
Loading the Baggage
While passengers are boarding, GSX can position baggage equipment at the forward and rear cargo holds. Depending on the airport and configuration, this may involve baggage carts, belt loaders or container-handling equipment.
The PMDG cargo doors must be open before loading can begin. If GSX asks for a door repeatedly, check that you have opened the correct cargo hold through the PMDG menu.
I normally allow GSX to complete the baggage loading while I continue working inside the cockpit. There is no need to stop everything and wait beside the cargo hold unless I specifically want to watch or record the process.
Before departure, I make sure the cargo doors have been closed and that GSX reports the loading procedure as complete.
Important Note
Do not request pushback while baggage loaders, catering trucks or other vehicles are still connected to the aircraft. Allow GSX to finish the service and clear the area before moving on.
Catering and Refuelling
Catering and refuelling are optional parts of my GSX routine. I do not use them simply because they are available. I use them when they fit the type of flight I am trying to create.
When I Use Catering
Catering makes sense when the aircraft is being prepared for a passenger service and has enough time at the gate for a proper turnaround. GSX sends catering trucks to the service doors on the right side of the aircraft.
Before requesting catering, open the doors GSX identifies. The vehicle should approach the correct side of the 737 and raise its service body to the door.
I would not necessarily request catering for every short sector. If the aircraft has supposedly just arrived and is turning around quickly for another short domestic flight, a full catering visit may not be needed. This is a small detail, but thinking about the type of operation makes GSX feel less like a collection of animations and more like part of the flight.
When I Use Refuelling
Refuelling is worth using when I want to experience the full preparation sequence. It gives me time to check the route, weather and aircraft setup while the fuel service is underway.
Before calling the fuel truck, I decide how much fuel the flight actually requires. I normally obtain this from the flight plan rather than guessing or filling the tanks unnecessarily.
GSX may coordinate the visible fuel service, while the actual fuel quantity is managed through the PMDG or the flight-planning method being used. The important thing is to confirm that the correct fuel load is aboard before departure.
Real Pilot Tip
More fuel is not always better. Additional fuel adds weight, and extra weight affects take-off performance, climb and fuel consumption. For simulator flying, a sensible planned amount is more realistic than automatically filling the tanks.
Can Refuelling and Boarding Happen Together?
GSX may allow several services to operate during the same general preparation period, but I avoid starting everything at once until I know the airport and aircraft setup is working correctly.
For a simple routine, I usually begin refuelling and catering first, then start boarding once those services are underway or close to completion. This keeps the stand active without surrounding the aircraft with too many vehicles at once.
After a few flights, it becomes easier to judge which services can overlap without confusion.
Completing the Cockpit Preparation
While GSX is handling the passengers and ground equipment, I continue preparing the PMDG 737-800.
This part of the flight may include:
- entering or importing the route;
- checking the departure runway and SID;
- confirming the fuel and payload;
- setting the cruise altitude;
- entering take-off performance data;
- checking the initial heading and altitude;
- setting the radios and transponder as required;
- reviewing the weather;
- checking the departure taxi route; and
- Completing the appropriate cockpit checks.
I find this is one of the best reasons to use GSX. The time spent programming the aircraft no longer feels disconnected from the flight. Something useful and visible is happening outside while I work inside.
It also creates a natural sense of time pressure without becoming unpleasant. I know boarding will eventually finish, so I need to keep moving through the preparation rather than becoming distracted by unrelated menus.
Beginner Tip
If boarding finishes before you are ready, do not panic. Leave the aircraft parked, keep the parking brake set and complete the cockpit preparation properly. It is better to depart a few minutes later than to rush and miss an important setting.
When Boarding Is Complete
GSX will indicate when passenger boarding and baggage loading have finished. At that point, I begin preparing the aircraft for pushback.
Before closing the doors, I check that all ground services have completed their work. This includes catering, baggage and refuelling if I requested them.
I then close the passenger, service and cargo doors through the PMDG menu, leaving only anything specifically required for the final preparation.
Before requesting pushback, I check:
- boarding is complete;
- Baggage loading is complete;
- Refuelling has finished;
- Catering vehicles have cleared the aircraft;
- All required doors are closed;
- The jetway has been removed;
- Ground equipment is clear;
- The flight plan is ready;
- The take-off data is entered;
- The APU is running if required;
- The aircraft has a stable electrical supply, and
- The parking brake remains set.
Simple Before-Pushback Checklist
- Passengers aboard
- Cargo loaded
- Fuel confirmed
- Doors closed
- Jetway disconnected
- APU available
- Route checked
- Take-off data entered
- Pushback direction understood
Pushback and Engine Start
Pushback is one of the strongest parts of GSX. It turns what can be a very basic simulator function into a visible ground operation involving a tug, ground crew and spoken instructions.
Before requesting pushback, I make sure I understand which direction the aircraft needs to face. At some gates, the choice is obvious. At others, the taxiway layout can make the correct direction less clear.
GSX may offer several choices, such as pushing the aircraft left, right or to a specific position. At airports with a customised profile, the available pushback routes may be more detailed.
I take a moment to check the airport chart or taxiway layout rather than selecting a direction at random. A perfect pushback in the wrong direction is not especially helpful.
Requesting the Pushback
Once the aircraft is ready, I request pushback through the GSX menu. The tug approaches and connects to the nose gear according to the selected pushback method.
Follow the instructions given by GSX. The program may tell you when to release the parking brake and when to begin the engine-start sequence.
I avoid changing the parking brake until instructed. Releasing it too early can interfere with the connection or allow the aircraft to move unexpectedly.
Starting the Engines
The engine-start sequence should be completed according to the PMDG procedure you normally use. GSX provides the pushback environment, but the aircraft systems still need to be operated correctly.
During a typical pushback, I start one engine and then the other when appropriate. I continue monitoring the engine indications rather than assuming the start will complete successfully.
When the engines are stable, I check the generators, air-conditioning configuration, hydraulics and anti-ice requirements as appropriate for the conditions.
Once the pushback is complete, GSX will normally instruct me to set the parking brake. The tug then disconnects, and the ground crew moves clear.
Warning
Do not apply significant thrust while the tug or ground crew remains near the aircraft. Wait until the pushback is complete, the equipment has disconnected, and the ground crew is clear.
Do I Need to Start the Engines During Pushback?
Not necessarily. Starting during pushback is common and feels natural in the simulator, but there may be occasions when you prefer to complete the pushback first and start the engines afterwards.
For example, unusual airport restrictions, a very short pushback or a problem with the aircraft setup may make a later engine start more sensible.
The best approach is the one that allows you to complete the sequence safely and without rushing.
After Pushback
Once the tug and ground crew are clear, the GSX departure operation is largely complete. I then continue with the normal PMDG taxi preparation.
This includes checking:
- the flight controls;
- the flap setting;
- the stabiliser trim;
- the taxi and runway lights;
- the autobrake setting;
- the take-off configuration;
- the transponder;
- the taxi route; and
- The before-take-off checklist.
At this point, GSX has done its job. It has taken the flight from a parked aircraft through a believable ground preparation and pushback, and I can now concentrate on taxiing and flying.
Using GSX During the Flight
GSX does not require much attention once the aircraft is airborne. I do not need to keep opening the menu or managing ground services during the climb and cruise.
Later in the flight, I begin thinking about the arrival airport and the type of parking position I want.
If I know the airline normally uses a particular terminal or gate area, I try to choose something appropriate. If not, I select a gate that suits the size of the 737 and the type of flight.
Planning the arrival gate before landing makes the taxi-in much smoother. It also prevents me from clearing the runway and then stopping while I search through the menu.
Using GSX After Landing
The GSX experience continues after landing, and this is one of the reasons I enjoy it. Without a proper arrival procedure, there is a temptation to end the flight as soon as the aircraft touches down.
With GSX, the flight continues through the taxi, parking, shutdown and deboarding stages.
Selecting the Arrival Gate
After landing and clearing the runway, I select a suitable parking position through GSX if I have not already done so.
I look for a gate that:
- is suitable for the PMDG 737-800;
- is located in a believable terminal area;
- is not occupied by another aircraft;
- has a usable jetway or suitable stair access;
- allows a sensible taxi route; and
- Has marshalling or docking guidance available.
If live or injected traffic is active, it is worth checking that the gate is genuinely clear. An apparently available stand can become awkward if another aircraft is already parked there.
Using a Follow-Me Vehicle
At unfamiliar airports, GSX may provide a follow-me vehicle to guide the aircraft to the selected parking position.
This is not essential, especially if you have airport charts and know the taxi route, but it can be useful when the terminal layout is confusing.
I still monitor the taxiway signs and aircraft position rather than following blindly. A follow-me vehicle is an aid, not a replacement for situational awareness.
Marshalling and Docking Guidance
As I approach the gate, GSX may provide a marshaller or visual docking guidance. The marshaller gives hand signals to guide the aircraft onto the stand, while an electronic docking display shows alignment and stopping information.
I taxi slowly during the final approach to the parking position. Rushing the last few metres is an easy way to overshoot the stop point.
Real Pilot Tip
Walking speed is more than enough near the stand. Reduce speed early and avoid using large bursts of thrust. Small corrections make it much easier to stop accurately.
Once the aircraft reaches the stop position, I set the parking brake and begin the shutdown procedure.
Shutting Down at the Gate
Before shutting down the engines, I make sure another electrical source is available. This may be the APU or ground power.
I then complete the normal PMDG shutdown sequence, turn off the engines and confirm that the aircraft is secure.
Once it is safe to do so, I request the appropriate arrival services through GSX.
Connecting the Jetway or Passenger Stairs
At a terminal gate, I connect the jetway to the forward passenger door. At a remote stand, I request passenger stairs and buses as required.
I wait until the jetway or stairs are properly positioned before opening the passenger doors.
Opening the door too early may cause GSX to request that it be closed again while the equipment approaches.
Deboarding the Passengers
Once the aircraft is parked, powered and connected to the terminal or stairs, I begin deboarding.
This gives the flight a proper ending. Passengers leave, baggage is unloaded, and the aircraft gradually returns to a quiet gate state.
I may also open the cargo doors so the baggage unloading can begin. As with departure, I check that the correct doors are being used and allow the service to complete before ending the session.
There is no need to sit and watch the entire deboarding process every time. However, I enjoy letting it run while I complete the final cockpit checks and secure the aircraft.
Securing the Aircraft
At the end of the flight, I complete the appropriate shutdown and secure procedure for the PMDG.
Depending on whether the aircraft is remaining at the gate or supposedly being handed over to another crew, I may:
- leave ground power connected;
- Shut down the APU;
- turn off unnecessary lights;
- Check the fuel remaining;
- confirm the parking brake or chocks;
- close the flight plan and systems as appropriate; and
- Allow the passengers and baggage to finish unloading.
Only then does the flight feel complete.
Using GSX with Passenger2 and a Virtual First Officer
GSX can work particularly well alongside passenger and crew-immersion add-ons because each program covers a different part of the operation.
- GSX handles visible ground services, passengers, baggage, pushback and parking.
- Passenger2 adds cabin atmosphere, passenger reactions and announcements.
- Flight Simulator First Officer adds cockpit assistance and crew procedures.
Used together, they can make an airline flight feel much more complete. The risk is that too many automated systems may begin issuing instructions or changing the aircraft at the same time.
I would learn each add-on separately before combining them. Once I understand what each one controls, it becomes much easier to avoid conflicts.
My Recommendation
Add immersion programs one at a time. Begin with GSX, then introduce Passenger2 or a virtual first officer after the GSX routine feels familiar. Trying to learn three programs on the same flight can turn an enjoyable departure into a guessing game.
Common GSX Mistakes with the PMDG 737-800
Requesting Too Many Services at Once
Calling catering, fuel, boarding and pushback within a few moments can surround the aircraft with vehicles and make it difficult to understand which service is waiting for what.
Begin with one or two services and add more once the sequence is underway.
Opening Every Door
Open only the doors required by GSX. Unnecessary open doors create more work and can prevent the aircraft from being ready for pushback.
Choosing an Unsuitable Gate
A stand intended for a small regional aircraft may not have enough room for a 737 and its service equipment.
Select a medium-airliner gate and check the aircraft position before beginning.
Ignoring GSX Instructions
GSX may be waiting for a door, a parking brake change or an aircraft condition. Clicking the same service repeatedly will not solve the problem.
Read or listen to the current instruction first.
Starting Pushback Before Services Are Complete
Make sure vehicles are clear, doors are closed, and the jetway is disconnected before requesting pushback.
Selecting the Wrong Pushback Direction
Check the taxiway layout before choosing left or right. The correct choice depends on where you need to go after pushback.
Taxiing Too Quickly Toward the Gate
Approach the marshaller or docking system slowly. GSX can guide you, but it cannot prevent an overshoot if you arrive too fast.
Expecting Every Airport to Work Perfectly
Parking data varies between airports. Some stands may require a GSX profile or manual adjustment before vehicles and passengers appear correctly.
Troubleshooting GSX with the PMDG 737-800
Most GSX problems are not serious, but they can be frustrating when they interrupt a departure. In many cases, the program is waiting for a particular aircraft condition, door or parking setup rather than suffering from a major fault.
Before reinstalling anything, I would work through the simpler checks first.
GSX Keeps Asking Me to Open a Door
Check the exact door GSX is requesting. The forward entry door, rear entry door, right-side service doors and cargo doors are all treated separately.
Open the requested door through the PMDG aircraft menu and give GSX a few moments to recognise the change. If the message remains, confirm that the correct PMDG 737-800 profile is active.
The Jetway Will Not Connect
First, check that the aircraft is parked close enough to the correct stopping point. If the 737 is too far forward, too far back or badly angled, the jetway may not be able to reach the door.
Also check whether the airport uses its own animated jetway system or whether another airport utility is controlling it. Two systems attempting to manage the same jetway can cause problems.
If the stand is clearly unsuitable, restarting at another gate may be faster than trying to force the jetway to connect.
The Baggage Loader Is in the Wrong Position
This usually points to an incorrect aircraft profile, an unsuitable aircraft variant or poor parking data at the airport.
Confirm that GSX has identified the PMDG 737-800 correctly. If the airport is one you use regularly, look for a suitable airport-specific GSX profile from a trusted source.
If only one vehicle is slightly misplaced and the service still works, I would not immediately begin editing the entire airport. Minor visual imperfections are not always worth the effort.
Passengers Are Walking Through Walls or Vehicles
Passenger paths depend heavily on the parking-position configuration and airport scenery. At some airports, default walking routes may pass through objects or use an unrealistic path.
An airport-specific GSX profile may improve the passenger route. At a remote stand, make sure buses or stairs are appropriate for the parking position.
This is one area where scenery quality makes a noticeable difference. GSX can only work with the space and parking information available to it.
GSX Says the Parking Brake Is Incorrect
Follow the current GSX instruction carefully. During preparation, the parking brake normally remains set. During pushback, GSX may instruct you to release it, then set it again when the tug stops.
If GSX and the PMDG seem to disagree, check the actual parking-brake position in the cockpit rather than relying only on a controller assignment or external indicator.
The Pushback Tug Will Not Connect
Check that the aircraft is stationary, the parking brake is set and no other ground service is still connected.
Make sure the jetway, stairs, catering trucks and baggage loaders have cleared the aircraft. GSX may refuse to begin pushback while another service is still active.
If the tug appears but stops in the wrong position, the aircraft or airport profile may need attention.
Pushback Goes in the Wrong Direction
This is often caused by choosing the wrong option rather than a GSX fault. Check the taxiway layout before requesting pushback and note whether GSX describes the direction from the pilot’s perspective or by the direction the aircraft tail will move.
At unfamiliar airports, it is worth looking at the airport chart first.
GSX Freezes or Stops Responding
Wait briefly before clicking repeatedly. GSX may be waiting for a service animation, door change or aircraft condition to complete.
If the menu is still available, check the current service status. If the program has genuinely stopped, use the available restart option before closing the simulator.
A full reinstall should be a last step, not the first one.
Troubleshooting Tip
Test GSX at a simple default gate with the standard PMDG 737-800 configuration. If it works there, the problem is more likely related to a particular airport, stand or custom profile than the main GSX installation.
GSX Does Not Recognise the Aircraft
Make sure the PMDG is fully loaded before opening or restarting GSX. Also confirm that you are using a current version that supports your simulator installation.
If the aircraft is recognised under an unexpected name or variant, remove any incorrect custom aircraft profile and test again with the standard configuration.
I Cannot Hear the Ground Crew
Check the GSX audio volume, Windows Volume Mixer and your selected sound device. If you use a headset for cockpit audio and speakers for other sounds, make sure GSX is being sent to the output you expect.
Also check whether cockpit sound settings are masking external voices.
Performance Impact
GSX normally has a smaller performance impact than a demanding aircraft or detailed airport scenery, but it is not completely free.
The effect depends on:
- the complexity of the airport;
- the number of GSX vehicles and passengers active;
- AI or live traffic density;
- the PMDG aircraft systems;
- weather conditions;
- graphics settings, and
- The number of other add-ons running at the same time.
A large payware airport, the PMDG 737, live traffic, GSX passengers and several ground vehicles can create a much heavier scene than a quiet regional airport.
On a reasonably capable system, I would expect GSX itself to be manageable. If performance drops badly at the gate, I would first look at the total combination of scenery, traffic, aircraft and ground activity rather than blaming one program immediately.
Best Settings for a Simple GSX Routine
I would avoid changing a long list of advanced options until the basic workflow is reliable. For a straightforward PMDG 737 operation, these are the settings and habits that matter most:
- Use the correct PMDG 737-800 profile;
- Choose realistic but manageable boarding times;
- keep passenger audio at a comfortable level;
- Use jetways where they genuinely suit the stand;
- Use stairs and buses at remote parking positions;
- confirm the preferred pushback direction before requesting it;
- avoid excessive numbers of simultaneous service vehicles;
- Use airport profiles only where they solve an actual problem;
- keep GSX updated; and
- Learn the simple routine before using the advanced editor.
The best setting is not necessarily the most realistic setting available. It is the one that gives you a believable operation without making every departure unnecessarily long or complicated.
Buying Considerations
GSX is not an essential purchase for every flight simmer. Whether it is worthwhile depends on the type of flying you enjoy.
Who GSX Suits
GSX is most likely to suit you if:
- You regularly fly airliners;
- You usually begin and finish at airport gates;
- You enjoy realistic ground procedures;
- You want more activity around the aircraft;
- You use detailed aircraft such as the PMDG 737-800;
- You enjoy creating screenshots or videos, or
- You want boarding, pushback and arrival to feel like part of the flight.
Who May Not Need It
GSX may be less useful if:
- You mainly fly small general-aviation aircraft;
- You normally start on the runway;
- You prefer quick flights with very little preparation;
- You have little interest in animated ground services;
- You dislike managing doors and service sequences, or
- Your computer already struggles badly at large airports.
Does It Offer Long-Term Value?
For someone who flies airliners regularly, I believe GSX has better long-term value than an add-on that is enjoyed for only a few flights and then forgotten.
It can be used at many airports and with many aircraft, so it is not tied to one route or scenery package. The exact experience changes depending on the stand, aircraft and type of operation.
The value comes from repeated use. If you use boarding, pushback and arrival handling on most airline flights, the cost is spread across a large number of sessions.
If you only fly an airliner occasionally, the value is much harder to justify.
Buying Consideration
Do not buy GSX because the screenshots look busy. Buy it because you want the time at the gate, the pushback and the arrival to become meaningful parts of your flights.
Does GSX Make MSFS 2024 More Immersive?
For airline flying, yes, I believe it does.
The improvement is not found in one spectacular feature. It comes from the way GSX joins the different stages of an airline flight together.
Before departure, the aircraft is being prepared rather than simply sitting at a gate. Pushback becomes a visible operation instead of a keyboard command. On arrival, the flight continues through parking, shutdown and deboarding.
That said, GSX only improves immersion when the routine feels natural. If I spend more time correcting vehicles, reopening menus and fighting with unsuitable parking positions than preparing the aircraft, the immersion quickly disappears.
This is why I prefer keeping the setup fairly simple. I use the features that add something to the flight and ignore the rest until I have a reason to use them.
Every add-on should earn its place. For regular PMDG 737 flying, GSX earns its place by making the airport operation feel more complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need GSX to use the PMDG 737-800?
No. The PMDG 737-800 can be flown without GSX. GSX adds ground handling, boarding, pushback and arrival services, but it does not provide the aircraft’s core systems or flight model.
Does GSX work with the PMDG 737-800 in MSFS 2024?
You should use the current GSX version and confirm compatibility with your simulator and PMDG installation. Because both the simulator and aircraft receive updates, current developer information should always be checked.
Do I need an airport-specific GSX profile?
Not always. Many gates will work with the default configuration. A custom airport profile is most useful when vehicle positions, passenger routes, stop points or pushback paths are incorrect.
Where do GSX airport profiles go?
The installation location can depend on the profile and GSX version. Follow the instructions included with the profile and compare them with the current official GSX documentation. Avoid placing files randomly into the Community folder unless the profile instructions specifically tell you to do so.
Why does GSX keep asking me to open the doors?
GSX is usually waiting for a particular PMDG door. Check the exact door name and open it through the PMDG aircraft menu. Also confirm that the correct aircraft profile is active.
Can I use GSX and the PMDG ground services together?
You can, but it is best to avoid using two different systems to control the same service. Decide which program will manage the jetway, ground power, fuel or pushback so that duplicate vehicles and conflicting actions do not appear.
Can I use GSX with Passenger2?
Yes. GSX handles ground services and visible passenger movement, while Passenger2 focuses more on cabin atmosphere, announcements and passenger reactions. Learn each program separately before combining them.
Can I use GSX with Flight Simulator First Officer?
Yes, provided each add-on is given a clear role. GSX manages the activity outside the aircraft, while the first-officer program helps with cockpit tasks. Avoid triggering several automated procedures at the same time.
Does GSX reduce FPS?
It can add some load through vehicles, passengers and airport activity. The impact is usually low to moderate, but large airports, live traffic and detailed aircraft can increase the total performance cost.
Do I have to wait for realistic boarding times?
No. You can use a faster boarding setting when you have limited time. A believable sequence matters more than forcing yourself to wait through a long turnaround on every flight.
Should I start the engines during pushback?
You can start the engines during pushback if that suits the aircraft procedure and airport operation. You may also complete the pushback first and start afterwards if that gives you more time and control.
Why are passengers walking through parts of the airport?
This is often caused by the airport’s parking data or passenger path configuration. A good GSX airport profile may improve the route, although some scenery limitations may remain.
Is GSX difficult to learn?
It can appear difficult because it includes many advanced options. The basic routine of boarding, doors, pushback and arrival parking is much easier to learn than the size of the manual suggests.
Summary
GSX can look far more complicated than it really needs to be.
When I first saw the size of the manual, I assumed I would need to understand almost everything before using the program properly. In practice, most of what I need for a normal PMDG 737-800 flight comes down to a simple routine.
I load the aircraft at a suitable gate, connect power, prepare the cockpit, request the services I want, board the passengers, close the doors and request pushback. After landing, I select a gate, follow the marshaller or docking guidance, shut down and begin deboarding.
The advanced options are there when I need them, but they do not have to become part of every flight.
For me, GSX works best when it remains in the background supporting the operation. I do not want to spend the entire departure managing ground vehicles. I want enough activity to make the aircraft and airport feel alive while I continue preparing and flying the PMDG.
If you regularly fly the PMDG 737-800 from gate to gate, GSX can add a great deal to the overall experience. It turns the time before take-off and after landing into meaningful parts of the flight, which is exactly what an immersion add-on should do.
