Commercial Simulation Systems (CSS, not to be confused with Captain Sim) has closed out the year by releasing version 1.6.41 of the Boeing 737-500, an update the developer claims represents a “night-and-day” difference over previous iterations. This release feels like the second half of a strategic pivot that began in late November, as the team works to transition their “Classic” fleet into the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 era while addressing long-standing community concerns regarding their platform.
For months, the CSS 737 has been at the center of a debate over subscription-based pricing and “experimental” stability. Following the major announcement in November that introduced individual variant purchases and freighter versions, this year-end patch acts as the technical delivery of those promises, positioning the classic Boeing as a native contender in the new sim.
Rather than simply patching the aircraft to run in MSFS 2024, the developer says they have implemented a native project structure. This change is aimed at utilizing the new simulator’s improved engine for better performance and graphics. However, this shift does require a house-cleaning phase for the community: the developer notes that current third-party liveries will need conversion to the KTX2 format to function properly in the 2024 environment.
The update also debuts a custom launcher redesigned from scratch. This tool is now the primary gateway for the aircraft, handling a revised licensing process that makes the update mandatory for all users. The developer says this new infrastructure is more intuitive and responds directly to previous feedback regarding the installation experience.
Refined performance and system depth
Building on the foundation laid during the November “shake-up,” version 1.6.41 introduces livery-specific engine ratings and winglet configurations. The aircraft now supports three distinct 737-500 profiles: the 18.5K, 20K, and 20K with winglets. The developer says each variant features its own unique performance calculations, allowing pilots to experience the subtle differences in handling and climb performance across different airline configurations.
The flight deck experience has also seen a systems-level review. CSS says they have entirely rewritten the speedbrake and ground spoiler logic, while the parking brake now requires a specific sequence of pedal and lever interaction that mirrors the real-world aircraft. These refinements, alongside fixes for VNAV, LNAV, and the autopilot, indicate that the developer is prioritizing accuracy to compete with the high-fidelity standards established by other major 737 developers.
This update appears to be the final milestone before CSS expands the family. With the 737-500 now stabilized for MSFS 2024, the developer says they are shifting focus toward finalizing the 737-300 and 737-400. These upcoming releases will follow the recently announced pricing model, offering standalone versions for $45 each, a strategy that significantly lowers the barrier to entry compared to the original $120 “all-in” license.
The 1.6.41 build includes a dense list of internal changes. See the full changelog below:
- Aircraft performance table aligned with actual registration and engine rating
- Added 18.5K, 20K, 20K Winglet engine data
- Added new stab trim sounds
- Added new ground roll sounds
- Added Go Around modes
- Added VNAV approach flap setting target speeds
- Added EFB option for FO display FPS optimization
- Removed winglets configuration from EFB
- Introduced delay to DIR TO turns
- Fixed flap indicator going back to 0 after reaching Flaps 40
- Fixed CRZ WIND entry range
- Offset modified EHSI path push until path is complete
- Fixed incorrect stab trim movement with AP engaged
- Fixed missing ADF bearings on EHSI
- Improved glareshield shake effect
- Fixed SELECT DESIRED WPT screen showing several VORs with null coordinates
- Fixed LEGS first waypoint not matching RTE first waypoint
- Fixed distance based navaid sorting
- Fixed light panel switches cutout backlight missing
- Fixed CVR needle during test
- Fixed CTR getting hidden behind two altitude restrictions on LEGS page
- Fixed CLB N1 not matching FMC
- Fixed DIR TO causing an unreasonable turn
- Fixed PPOS waypoint appearing on EHSI after DIR TO
- Fixed RESET MCP ALTITUDE message appearing when it shouldn’t
- Fixed stab trim moving when switching views
- Fixed unresponsive brake pedals after autobrake disconnect
- Fixed T/O config warning triggered by speedbrake axis
- Disabled spoiler axis if armed using mouse or keyboard
- Fixed speedbrake handle moves randomly to stow position
- Fixed VNAV PTH to VNAV SPD change missing
- Fixed VNAV PTH late descent due to missing decel
- Fixed VNAV PTH no rate change with speedbrakes extended
- Fixed early TOD when reaching TOC during departure
- Fixed missing VNAV mode termination when flaps extended beyond 15
- Adjusted VNAV PATH profile priority over speed
- Fixed objects with backlight having separate emissive component
- Adjusted static changeover altitude
- Fixed standby altimeter not working in MSFS2024
- Improved VNAV descent deceleration
- Fixed SID not clearing when changing departure airport in FMC
- Fixed POS INIT coordinates after recycling IRS
- Improved Autoland
- Improved Flaps lift & drag
- Adjusted Stall Warning Computer speeds
- Fixed green dot speed displaying above FL200
- Fixed autobrake disarming using toe brakes
- Fixed speedbrake handle animation in VC
- Fixed aircraft climbing above FMC cruise altitude
- Fixed LEGS page not displaying Mach numbers
- Fixed VNAV SPD climb target not matching FMC
- Fixed TOD after STAR re-sequence
- Fixed MSFS2024 lights not having spills
- Fixed waypoint disappearing when using direct to fix during departure
- Fixed vertical channel staying in FMC_PATH after altitude restriction removal
- Fixed VNAV commanding excessive V/S for path recapture
- Fixed MCP Mach displaying 0.60 when switching from VNAV
- Fixed MCP SPD mode not engaging with VS
- Fixed being able to select MCP SPD with LVL CHG
- Fixed MCP modes not deselecting
- Fixed ADF receivers not detecting signal
- Fixed RDMI ADF arrows not displaying bearings
- Fixed RDMI DME indicators showing 0 instead of dashes in ADF mode
- Fixed RDMI fail flags logic
- Fixed EHSI ADF pointers displaying VOR bearing instead of ADF
- Fixed EHSI VOR/APP mode not displaying CDI
- Fixed EHSI VOR/APP mode showing VNAV deviation instead of glideslope deviation
- Fixed MCP VOR/LOC mode not working for VOR
- Fixed VOR/LOC mode not working FROM VOR
- Fixed EHSI waypoints disappearing too early
- Fixed unable crz altitude message appears for the modified route
- Fixed thrust settings and FMC phase after missed approach
- Improved FMC Approach phase
- Improved EADI VMO/MMO barber pole movement with configuration changes
- Fixed flap setting being copied into scratchpad when selecting VREF
- Improved autopilot turn tracking
- Fixed LVL CHG using VNAV target altitude if engaged after VNAV
- Fixed ASP3 backlight linked to Aft Electronic panel
- Adjusted flight spoilers drag
- Fixed EFB Weather app filling both alternates in Alternate field if SimBrief computes 2 alternates
- Increased EFB pushback speed
- Fixed EFB pushback allowing selection of multiple directions at the same time
- Fixed Override Aircraft Configuration toggles Winglets
- Fixed Simbrief OFP cannot be displayed
- Fixed NAVIGRAPH app doesn’t set airports value from OFP
- Fixed WEATHER app doesn’t set airport value from OFP
- Fixed PERF app doesn’t set current Aircraft type
- Fixed PERF app doesn’t set current reg number
- Fixed GPU button missing
- Fixed Load button missing
- Fixed Unable crz altitude message appears for the modified route
- Fixed LEGS first waypoint missing if no departure runway selected
- Fixed Navdata out of date message with the latest Navigraph airac
