FSCaptain - newbie questions

[Lucas]

Hello FSCaptain Team,

after my first experiences with your great product, I have a lot of questions which are very different kind, so I decided accumulate them in one topic (please, don’t be angry).
I will be really glad if you response...

1. Example flight: Warsaw to Munich (on VATSIM and under „human” ATC ):

a. Icing conditions were present, I was standing on stand 15, de-ice service is on 46 stand.
b. I see WEATHER HOLD on ACARS
c. ok, I had to call for ground service but first I have to taxi to stand 46 (I got permission from ATC)
d. so, I selected RELEASE, then started up the engines and taxi to stand 46 and while taxiing I selected T/O DELAY – is it correct?
...ok, but what about my ETE which started after first move of my aircraft? In this case I was standing a couple of minutes on de-icing stand…
e. on stand 46, I set parking brakes (all doors was closed), engines was running (it was jet plane), and FSCaptain's ground de-ice service cleaned my aircraft then applicated anti-ice fluid - so it was realistic.

By the way, I'm curious, if is it necessary to turn OFF turboprops engines before de-icing as in real life (?)

So, the question is: what is the proper procedure if assuming that ground de-ice service is on other stand than I'm actually standing, to Dispatcher don't give me any penalties? Is above procedure described above in "d." point is correct?

2. In above case, if I remember well, T/O DELAY option didn’t change calculated ETE… I think it should to avoid potentially further penalty. What do you think?

3. I set in Disptach snack service (1 value). So, should I select START SVC to run the process or service will start automatically?

4. NGX flight. I got penalty POOR SERVICE (-5 pts). I pushed START SVC many times, but there wasn’t any re action (seat belt and no smoke signs were on)

UPDATE: with PMDG777 there is no issue (strange). SVC starts automatically, few minutes after reach TOC.
UPDATE2: I think that I found explanation. Service altitude was set on 41000, but I usually flight on FL320-FL370. Shame! (I'll be test it on next flight)
UPDATE3: now it works

5. Is it possible to change alternate airport during flight (in case bad weather conditions at first chosen alternate)?

6. Are there any communicates (on ACARS pages or provided by FO) that I have to turn the ENGINE ANTI-ICE on?
If I'm not in mistake, FO warn me only structural (wing) icing (then ICE WGT parameter grows up), but is it also obligate me to turn Eng Anti-Ice on?

7. In case flameout, should I do any special steps in ACARS? (select EMERGENCY or other selections?)

8. I still have an issue with quiet FO/FA voices... but I have an idea to make it more comfortable:
I have two active audio outputs (two separately speaker systems). Main speakers emits all sounds of simulator, but I could set FO/FA voice (or all FSCaptain's voices) to play through second audio device -> then I could set FSCaptain's voices volume on independent speakers. Is it possible?

9. Is it possible to flight the same pilot in all airlines (also airlines added by me) or should I add different pilot name to each airline?

10. Couple of days ago, I flown PMDG 777 British Airways. After this flight, in FLIGHT LOG tab, I don’t see previous flight which I flown Jet Stream 41 also for British Airways.
(it’s too bad, because I tested flameout and get +100 pts as a result of good emergency landing. By the way, why +100, not +20 as described in Manual?)
What is probable reason that I don’t see earlier flight log?

11. Is it possible (maybe in future versions of your product) to ICE WGT was decreasing slowly after pressing wing anti-ice systems (not immediately in 1 second) to "0"?

12. I added new airline (Siberian S7) but it’s doubled in Current Airline list on OPTIONS FOR ALL AIRLINES tab. I don’t know why… how to remove doubled entry?
(I also added Thomson Airlines and there is no similiar issue)

13. Why on PROGRESS page, „Time” still grows up while flight (all phases) when I entered plan in Dispatch tab before (the letter „P” is next to Time value)? See pictures:







UPDATE: described issue deal with NGX, but there is no problem when I flight PMDG777 (?!) – „Time” value was decreasing properly. Anyway I was delay 9 min and – again – I don’t know why, because I pressed „Transmit Possible Delay”?. What is the solution when I predicte about 10 min. delay? – REVISE ETE is the only way?
UPDATE2: In A/C characteristics I had set Cruise altitude: 41000, but I usually flight on FL320-380, so I set 35000 now - probably this was a reason ongoing delays in NGX. I will check it.
UPDATE3: strange things still happen I got -10pts again due 17 min. delay although I did REVISE ETE (I got REVISE ETE ACCEPTED message), TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY, APP DELAY announcement, even HOLDING DELAY announcement - all of these options. It's a fact that ATC ordered me to abort approach due traffic and all of above options I used during second approach. Anyway it is strange that after REVISE ETE, ETE on Progress page doesn't change.

14. Incidentally, on cruise, I switched „no smoking” off then quickly on, executing landing alert. After that, LDG ALERT on COMM page was inactive to the end of flight. Is it normal?

15. Please confirm: all DELAY options on the "Announcements" page don't affect on ETE? On ETE affects: ETE REVISIONS and Free revisions?
Ok, so what is advantage of TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY option?

16. I would like to describe some cases when I got penalties, in my opinion - unfair:

a. LATE “X” min.: -20 pts. I don’t know why, because I did REVISE ETE [aircraft: NGX] (see also question 13 above)

b. ALT NOT SET OVER TA: -5 pts. I’am sure that I set altimeter to STD just after passing 6500 ft (which is TA in Poland). By the way - it wasn’t first time of this penalty. Is it possibile to manualy set TA (i.e. somewhere on Dispatch tab) in future version?

c. NO LDG ALERT: -3 pts: I don’t know why…because I switched no smoking sign off then on after stabilize on ILS [aircraft: JS41]



Ok, that’s it. User’s answers also will be useful and kindly seen

Thank you in advance... and sorry for long post, but I'll be very thankful for your help.

Best regards,
Lucas

[Dutch Owen]

after my first experiences with your great product, I have a lot of questions which are very different kind, so I decided accumulate them in one topic (please, don’t be angry).

We might be many things, but we are never angry at customers

1. Example flight: Warsaw to Munich (on VATSIM and under „human” ATC ):

a. Icing conditions were present, I was standing on stand 15, de-ice service is on 46 stand.
b. I see WEATHER HOLD on ACARS
c. ok, I had to call for ground service but first I have to taxi to stand 46 (I got permission from ATC)
d. so, I selected RELEASE, then started up the engines and taxi to stand 46 and while taxiing I selected T/O DELAY – is it correct?
...ok, but what about my ETE which started after first move of my aircraft? In this case I was standing a couple of minutes on de-icing stand…
e. on stand 46, I set parking brakes (all doors was closed), engines was running (it was jet plane), and FSCaptain's ground de-ice service cleaned my aircraft then applicated anti-ice fluid - so it was realistic.

By the way, I'm curious, if is it necessary to turn OFF turboprops engines before de-icing as in real life (?)

So, the question is: what is the proper procedure if assuming that ground de-ice service is on other stand than I'm actually standing, to Dispatcher don't give me any penalties? Is above procedure described above in "d." point is correct?

If the ground crew requires you to turn off engines they will let you know and won't do the de-icing until you do. Turboprops should require shutdown.
Ground de-ice is available at every stand on an airport.

2. In above case, if I remember well, T/O DELAY option didn’t change calculated ETE… I think it should to avoid potentially further penalty. What do you think?

You will probably notice that you've been granted a "free" ETE revision so you can re-set the ETE without penalty.

3. I set in Disptach snack service (1 value). So, should I select START SVC to run the process or service will start automatically?

It will start automatically.

5. Is it possible to change alternate airport during flight (in case bad weather conditions at first chosen alternate)?

Yes but Dispatch won't be happy if it doesn't concur with your decision. They don't like diverts.

6. Are there any communicates (on ACARS pages or provided by FO) that I have to turn the ENGINE ANTI-ICE on?
If I'm not in mistake, FO warn me only structural (wing) icing (then ICE WGT parameter grows up), but is it also obligate me to turn Eng Anti-Ice on?

You should always receive at least a comment from the FO about ice to remind you to turn on engine anti-ice, which should ALWAYS be on in conditions less than +5C with visible precipitation.

7. In case flameout, should I do any special steps in ACARS? (select EMERGENCY or other selections?)

A flameout will require an emergency landing, so you should inform dispatch via ACARS using the EMERGENCY option. They will cancel your flight and monitor your emergency landing. Many extra points for landing safely, usually!

10. Couple of days ago, I flown PMDG 777 British Airways. After this flight, in FLIGHT LOG tab, I don’t see previous flight which I flown Jet Stream 41 also for British Airways.
(it’s too bad, because I tested flameout and get +100 pts as a result of good emergency landing. By the way, why +100, not +20 as described in Manual?)
What is probable reason that I don’t see earlier flight log?

You might not have ended the flight properly after the emergency landing. Did you declare the emergency to dispatch?

11. Is it possible (maybe in future versions of your product) to ICE WGT was decreasing slowly after pressing wing anti-ice systems (not immediately in 1 second) to "0"?

Unlikely because part of what we're using is the built-in FSX icing simulation which dose this unrealistic effect.

12. I added new airline (Siberian S7) but it’s doubled in Current Airline list on OPTIONS FOR ALL AIRLINES tab. I don’t know why… how to remove doubled entry?
(I also added Thomson Airlines and there is no similiar issue)

In your FSCaptain\Airlinse folder you'll see all your logs. You will probably see a duplicate for Siberian. Delete it. Back it up first though.

13. Why on PROGRESS page, „Time” still grows up while flight (all phases) when I entered plan in Dispatch tab before (the letter „P” is next to Time value)? See pictures:

The "P" stands for "Planned" which is a different and more sophisticated way of making the prediction. "D" stands for Direct and you can switch between the two by pressing the LSK DIRECT>. The User Guide explains the two different methods of computation.

UPDATE: described issue deal with NGX, but there is no problem when I flight PMDG777 (?!) – „Time” value was decreasing properly. Anyway I was delay 9 min and – again – I don’t know why, because I pressed „Transmit Possible Delay”?. What is the solution when I predicte about 10 min. delay? – REVISE ETE is the only way?
UPDATE2: In A/C characteristics I had set Cruise altitude: 41000, but I usually flight on FL320-380, so I set 35000 now - probably this was a reason ongoing delays in NGX. I will check it.
UPDATE3: strange things still happen I got -10pts again due 17 min. delay although I did REVISE ETE (I got REVISE ETE ACCEPTED message), TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY, APP DELAY announcement, even HOLDING DELAY announcement - all of these options. It's a fact that ATC ordered me to abort approach due traffic and all of above options I used during second approach. Anyway it is strange that after REVISE ETE, ETE on Progress page doesn't change.

I'm not quite understanding what you are saying here.

14. Incidentally, on cruise, I switched „no smoking” off then quickly on, executing landing alert. After that, LDG ALERT on COMM page was inactive to the end of flight. Is it normal?

Yes, this is a confirmation that you gave the landing alert properly using the smoking switch toggle method.

15. Please confirm: all DELAY options on the "Announcements" page don't affect on ETE? On ETE affects: ETE REVISIONS and Free revisions?
Ok, so what is advantage of TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY option?

Announcements are for effect only, none change ETE. Only a "Revise ETE" will change it.

16. I would like to describe some cases when I got penalties, in my opinion - unfair:

a. LATE “X” min.: -20 pts. I don’t know why, because I did REVISE ETE [aircraft: NGX] (see also question 13 above)

b. ALT NOT SET OVER TA: -5 pts. I’am sure that I set altimeter to STD just after passing 6500 ft (which is TA in Poland). By the way - it wasn’t first time of this penalty. Is it possibile to manualy set TA (i.e. somewhere on Dispatch tab) in future version?

c. NO LDG ALERT: -3 pts: I don’t know why…because I switched no smoking sign off then on after stabilize on ILS [aircraft: JS41]

Simply revising your ETE doesn't avoid penalties if you are still late after revising it. (I've done this) - You may have to revise it again.

You may want to disable the "Barometer not set to STD over TA" option in the Options.cfg of the transition altitudes keep zapping you.

Dutch

[speedbirdcanada]

While I worked on the ground crew for Air Canada we did do an occasional live de-icing of the Dash 8's.... Rare circumstances and there is a long checklist before this is done but it's possible.

[Lucas]

1. Example flight: Warsaw to Munich (on VATSIM and under „human” ATC ):

a. Icing conditions were present, I was standing on stand 15, de-ice service is on 46 stand.
b. I see WEATHER HOLD on ACARS
c. ok, I had to call for ground service but first I have to taxi to stand 46 (I got permission from ATC)
d. so, I selected RELEASE, then started up the engines and taxi to stand 46 and while taxiing I selected T/O DELAY – is it correct?
...ok, but what about my ETE which started after first move of my aircraft? In this case I was standing a couple of minutes on de-icing stand…
e. on stand 46, I set parking brakes (all doors was closed), engines was running (it was jet plane), and FSCaptain's ground de-ice service cleaned my aircraft then applicated anti-ice fluid - so it was realistic.

By the way, I'm curious, if is it necessary to turn OFF turboprops engines before de-icing as in real life (?)

So, the question is: what is the proper procedure if assuming that ground de-ice service is on other stand than I'm actually standing, to Dispatcher don't give me any penalties? Is above procedure described above in "d." point is correct?

If the ground crew requires you to turn off engines they will let you know and won't do the de-icing until you do. Turboprops should require shutdown.
Ground de-ice is available at every stand on an airport.

Ok, so I suppose that my procedure described from a) to d) point above is correct – am I right?

2. In above case, if I remember well, T/O DELAY option didn’t change calculated ETE… I think it should to avoid potentially further penalty. What do you think?

You will probably notice that you've been granted a "free" ETE revision so you can re-set the ETE without penalty.

What do you mean that I can „re-set the ETE” without penalty? I thought that „free” ETE revisions (for example due holding) are automaticaly :/

5. Is it possible to change alternate airport during flight (in case bad weather conditions at first chosen alternate)?

Yes but Dispatch won't be happy if it doesn't concur with your decision. They don't like diverts.

Do you mean flight to alternate airport in general OR changing alternate airport while flight in case bad weather on first chosen alternate airport?

6. Are there any communicates (on ACARS pages or provided by FO) that I have to turn the ENGINE ANTI-ICE on?
If I'm not in mistake, FO warn me only structural (wing) icing (then ICE WGT parameter grows up), but is it also obligate me to turn Eng Anti-Ice on?

You should always receive at least a comment from the FO about ice to remind you to turn on engine anti-ice, which should ALWAYS be on in conditions less than +5C with visible precipitation.

I thought that FO warn me only about structural ice (then ICE WGT grows up and I have to turn on WING anti-ice). Hmm, I have to check this…

10. Couple of days ago, I flown PMDG 777 British Airways. After this flight, in FLIGHT LOG tab, I don’t see previous flight which I flown Jet Stream 41 also for British Airways.
(it’s too bad, because I tested flameout and get +100 pts as a result of good emergency landing. By the way, why +100, not +20 as described in Manual?)
What is probable reason that I don’t see earlier flight log?

You might not have ended the flight properly after the emergency landing. Did you declare the emergency to dispatch?

Nope. Ok, so that was the reason probably…

12. I added new airline (Siberian S7) but it’s doubled in Current Airline list on OPTIONS FOR ALL AIRLINES tab. I don’t know why… how to remove doubled entry?
(I also added Thomson Airlines and there is no similiar issue)
In your FSCaptain\Airlinse folder you'll see all your logs. You will probably see a duplicate for Siberian. Delete it. Back it up first though.

Hm, I have only one S7 Airlines.CFG file.

13. Why on PROGRESS page, „Time” still grows up while flight (all phases) when I entered plan in Dispatch tab before (the letter „P” is next to Time value)? See pictures:

The "P" stands for "Planned" which is a different and more sophisticated way of making the prediction. "D" stands for Direct and you can switch between the two by pressing the LSK DIRECT>. The User Guide explains the two different methods of computation.

UPDATE: described issue deal with NGX, but there is no problem when I flight PMDG777 (?!) – „Time” value was decreasing properly. Anyway I was delay 9 min and – again – I don’t know why, because I pressed „Transmit Possible Delay”?. What is the solution when I predicte about 10 min. delay? – REVISE ETE is the only way?
UPDATE2: In A/C characteristics I had set Cruise altitude: 41000, but I usually flight on FL320-380, so I set 35000 now - probably this was a reason ongoing delays in NGX. I will check it.
UPDATE3: strange things still happen I got -10pts again due 17 min. delay although I did REVISE ETE (I got REVISE ETE ACCEPTED message), TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY, APP DELAY announcement, even HOLDING DELAY announcement - all of these options. It's a fact that ATC ordered me to abort approach due traffic and all of above options I used during second approach. Anyway it is strange that after REVISE ETE, ETE on Progress page doesn't change.

I'm not quite understanding what you are saying here.

I’ll try simplify…

Problem touches NGX.

I usually load flight plan on Dispatch tab (plan is generated via vRoute software). Then press Get Weather (I use ASN). Then check Enroute Winds (compare with ASN briefing) - sometimes I have to correct them. Then I press Recalculate. Then Commit.
In Aircraft Characteristics tab I set: Cruise Altitude – 35000 (my flights are usually between FL320-FL380), Cruise Speed – 450kts

Almost in each flight I have delay penalties (for example -10 pts due 17 min. of delay). I don’t know why

Also, strange thing, „Time” value („planned”) still grows up during flight (even on cruise phase) - why??

I did REVISE ETE (even I get REVISE ETE ACCEPTED message). I also use TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY option – all these steps did not help.

(sometimes it happens in PMDG777 also)

Ps. I usually change manually Fuel Required after press Recalculate on Dispatch (I use vRoute to calculates fuel) – maybe this is a reason? (but I doubt)

14. Incidentally, on cruise, I switched „no smoking” off then quickly on, executing landing alert. After that, LDG ALERT on COMM page was inactive to the end of flight. Is it normal?

Yes, this is a confirmation that you gave the landing alert properly using the smoking switch toggle method.

Yes, I know this, but I did it incidentally on cruise phase and then LDG ALERT option on COMM page was inactive (greyed). Is it normal?

15. Please confirm: all DELAY options on the "Announcements" page don't affect on ETE? On ETE affects: ETE REVISIONS and Free revisions?
Ok, so what is advantage of TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY option?

Announcements are for effect only, none change ETE. Only a "Revise ETE" will change it.

Ok, so in which situation should I press TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY?

16. I would like to describe some cases when I got penalties, in my opinion - unfair:

a. LATE “X” min.: -20 pts. I don’t know why, because I did REVISE ETE [aircraft: NGX] (see also question 13 above)

b. ALT NOT SET OVER TA: -5 pts. I’am sure that I set altimeter to STD just after passing 6500 ft (which is TA in Poland). By the way - it wasn’t first time of this penalty. Is it possibile to manualy set TA (i.e. somewhere on Dispatch tab) in future version?

c. NO LDG ALERT: -3 pts: I don’t know why…because I switched no smoking sign off then on after stabilize on ILS [aircraft: JS41]

Simply revising your ETE doesn't avoid penalties if you are still late after revising it. (I've done this) - You may have to revise it again.

I understand it, but I was delayed 17 min. and I suppose that revising time was more then 17 min.

By the way, alarming is that, the „Time” value grows up while cruise phase (even descent) – so delays are so high.

Ok, one more question: after press Revise ETE (and EXEC it), ETE on Progress page didn’t change (althought I had accepted message from Dispatch) – is it normal? Look:

- Revision accepted:


- 1 revise still possible:


- ETE didn't change (still 26 min.)


And other question: Is it possibile to choose how many time (in minutes) can I add to current ETE value while revising? (for example: I predicte about 10 min. delay in case when ATC abort approach due traffic on runway, so I would like to revise ETE about 10-15 min.).
If „no” - so how many time is added while revising ETE? – it depends on distance to destination airport?

You may want to disable the "Barometer not set to STD over TA" option in the Options.cfg of the transition altitudes keep zapping you.

I don’t understand you
I don’t want to disable this option, but only make possibility to manually set TA value to avoid penalties.


…and Dutch, you missed question 8


Thank you very much for replies …and patience
Lucas

[Dutch Owen]

Ok, so I suppose that my procedure described from a) to d) point above is correct – am I right?

It's a valid procedure and works, but since you've started the flight in order to not lose time on your ETE you eithern eed to build in the extra de-ice time, or use the free ETE revision that will result from the procedure to revise it. It's easier to de-ice before you start the engines.

What do you mean that I can „re-set the ETE” without penalty? I thought that „free” ETE revisions (for example due holding) are automaticaly :/

The ETE is yours and yours alone to set. Nothing will change it automatically. You can change it anytime after the flight starts with the "Revise ETE" function, but if you revise it once you give up the "no ETE revisions" bonus. If you revise it more than once, you will suffer point penalties. But certain operations that are necessary or beyond your control (de-icing, holding patterns) will grant "free" revisions, that is, you can revise it and still get the "no revisions" bonus.

Do you mean flight to alternate airport in general OR changing alternate airport while flight in case bad weather on first chosen alternate airport?

If you change destinations you need to inform Dispatch. They know (from Metars) the weather at your destination. If they agree it's below minimums they will authorize your diversion to your planned alternate. If you don't have a planned alternate you can choose one in flight using the ACARS. If you have to divert from that alternate, you can also do that. There are other reasons to divert, for instances mechanical failures. When you use the the "Divert to" function it will require you to state your reason, and will let you know if a Wx divert is authorized based on Metars or not. But if you land at any airport other than the current destination, it's considered a "refueling stop". You flight can only be successfully closed at your destination.

Problem touches NGX.

I usually load flight plan on Dispatch tab (plan is generated via vRoute software). Then press Get Weather (I use ASN). Then check Enroute Winds (compare with ASN briefing) - sometimes I have to correct them. Then I press Recalculate. Then Commit.
In Aircraft Characteristics tab I set: Cruise Altitude – 35000 (my flights are usually between FL320-FL380), Cruise Speed – 450kts

Almost in each flight I have delay penalties (for example -10 pts due 17 min. of delay). I don’t know why

Also, strange thing, „Time” value („planned”) still grows up during flight (even on cruise phase) - why??

I did REVISE ETE (even I get REVISE ETE ACCEPTED message). I also use TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY option – all these steps did not help.

(sometimes it happens in PMDG777 also)

Ps. I usually change manually Fuel Required after press Recalculate on Dispatch (I use vRoute to calculates fuel) – maybe this is a reason? (but I doubt)

I can think of two options. I've used both in the past. One, manually add some time to the ETE that dispatch calculates whenever you fly the NGX. Two, change the characteristics on the NGX (use the "Aircraft characteristics" tab) to make it fly somewhat slower (reduce cruise speed). This will cause dispatch to add more time for your flights.

Yes, I know this, but I did it incidentally on cruise phase and then LDG ALERT option on COMM page was inactive (greyed). Is it normal?

Once you've given the landing alert the option should go grey. That's normal.

Ok, so in which situation should I press TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY?

I only use that message when I know I'm goingto be late but I'm too close to actually change the ETE using the Revise ETE function.

By the way, alarming is that, the „Time” value grows up while cruise phase (even descent) – so delays are so high.

Ok, one more question: after press Revise ETE (and EXEC it), ETE on Progress page didn’t change (althought I had accepted message from Dispatch) – is it normal? Look:

Time will sometimes fluctuate. Try the DIRECT> option and it will give you the estimate direct and not along your route, this will be more stable.

When you "Revise ETE" you're actually sending a request to the dispatcher. It will say "Request Sent". After a while you'll get a reply. The actual ETE won't change until you get a positive reply. If your request is denied it won't change. It certainly should change to what you requested if you get the "ETE REVISION ACCEPTED" reply.

I don’t want to disable this option, but only make possibility to manually set TA value to avoid penalties.

The manual TA set option is on the list of features to implement. It will probably be in the next major release (not the upcoming bug fixer.)

8. I still have an issue with quiet FO/FA voices... but I have an idea to make it more comfortable:
I have two active audio outputs (two separately speaker systems). Main speakers emits all sounds of simulator, but I could set FO/FA voice (or all FSCaptain's voices) to play through second audio device -> then I could set FSCaptain's voices volume on independent speakers. Is it possible?

Current we don't have an option to direct FSCaptain's sound put to another audio device.

Dutch

[Lucas]

Ok, so I suppose that my procedure described from a) to d) point above is correct – am I right?

It's a valid procedure and works, but since you've started the flight in order to not lose time on your ETE you eithern eed to build in the extra de-ice time, or use the free ETE revision that will result from the procedure to revise it.

Do you mean that „extra de-ice time” is a FREE REVISION? How do I know that Dispatch gave me this kind of free revision?

It's easier to de-ice before you start the engines.

I know, but on VATSIM, de-ice stands are usually determined and noticed in NOTAMs.


Dutch, thank you very much for replies. Many things are clear now
I’ll be glad if you will remember about possibility to do an option to set FSCaptain's sound (I mean FA and FO sounds) to another audio device

Best regards,
Lucas

[Lucas]

Dutch, can I remind with question from post above? I mean:

Ok, so I suppose that my procedure described from a) to d) point above is correct – am I right?

It's a valid procedure and works, but since you've started the flight in order to not lose time on your ETE you eithern eed to build in the extra de-ice time, or use the free ETE revision that will result from the procedure to revise it.

Do you mean that „extra de-ice time” is a FREE REVISION? How do I know that Dispatch gave me this kind of free revision?

--------------------------------------------

I have one more question. You wrote:

Ok, so in which situation should I press TRANSMIT PROBABLY DELAY?

I only use that message when I know I'm goingto be late but I'm too close to actually change the ETE using the Revise ETE function.

Does it prevent from getting "late" penalty?

[Lucas]

Captains,

yestarday I had to do GA just before landing (on VATSIM flight). Normally I would be closely on-time. After going around, stewardess announced to passengers GA procedure, so I thought that dispatcher doesn't give me penalty, but I was wrong (and I get -5 pts). What should I do in this case? How to prevent penalties in case GA or other situations when I'm too close to use REVISE ETE option?

Ps. Can you also look at above post? I mean "free revisions" - how do I know that Dispatcher give me free revisions in case described above or other situations like holding pattern or t/o delays? (it's important to me because I always flight on VATSIM)

[Dutch Owen]

A go-around should grant you an additional ETE revision that doesn't count against you, and it should be usable at any distance. You can check to see on the ETE revision page itself. If you have any free revisions it will say "2 allowed w/o penalty". If it says one, that's the normal one you are allowed without penalty (but it will remove the bonus you get for not using any ETE revs). If it says "ETE Rev will incur penalty" you are out of luck and revs.

Dutch

[Lucas]

Ehh, I thought whole life that "free revision" automatically changes (I mean increases) ETE, but this is simply more ability to manual revision (what a shame)
Ok, but suppose that ATC give me 20-30 min. hold but very close destination airport - so, I should get free revision and then I can manual increase ETE, right?


Still don't understand what for "Possible delay" request is?

...and what is advantage of "Early approach clearance" request? Suppose that I will be more then 20-30 min. earlier at destination, so should I revise ETE or use this kind of request?



Sorry for long post, but yestarday I had another situation:
I had +5 pts due "on-time with no ETE revs", but I did ETE revision (I changed ETE from 0048 to 0038 because I would be to early at destination). BUT...in the light of the above considerations, I probably had free revision, right? (however I don't know why, because I didn't get hold, ground delay, etc.)

Lucas

[Dutch Owen]

Ok, but suppose that ATC give me 20-30 min. hold but very close destination airport - so, I should get free revision and then I can manual increase ETE, right?

Exactly.

Steel don't understand what for "Possible delay" request is?

To let them know you will be late. Otherwise they will send nasty messages to you telling you to "expedite arrival" or somesuch.

..and what is advantage of "Early approach clearance" request? Suppose that I will be more then 20-30 min. earlier at destination, so should I revise ETE or use this kind of request?

You should always revise ETE. This just asks them to authorize your approach sooner than the default, mostly to get it out of the way, if you should want to do that.

Dutch

[Lucas]

Thank you Dutch. I hope that you stay with us a bit longer

[Lucas]

Hi friends,

forgive me that I bother you...

After read the manual again, I have a few questions about Load Maps and Aircraft Characteristics (on PMDG 777 example) + 2 bonus questions:

In manual there are:

Section: Configuring Aircraft

Aircraft characteristics tab, „Type” window describe: This is the official type code and it should match the type in the filename. By default this comes from the 'atc-model' in the aircraft.cfg file, or if this is blank from the first 10 letters of the 'atc-type'.

So, in the „Type” should be atc_model from [fltsim.1, fltsim.2, …] section of aircraft.cfg file or from [General] section?

I mention that [fltsim.1] (and so on…) sections are connected with particular liveries and within them atc_model=777-200LR, whereas within the [General] section atc_model=B77L.

I suppose that B77L is correct entry in „Type” window in Aircraft Characteristics tab – right?


-> ok., but does above rule is the same in case using generic or override specification file?


Ok, next case… (from manual, Section: Load Maps):
Load Maps tab, „Type” window describe: This is the generic type of aircraft this load map is normally attached to. When the ACARS locates a load map that matches the aircraft's folder name, this type code must also match the model type code used to retrieve the airplane's generic characteristics file.

So, what if ACARS uses override characteristics file?


Bonuses:

1. Is it possibile to check in the ACARS which specification (for aircraft characteristics and load maps) is used by ACARS?

2. When should I play WELCOME announcement? As we know, FO says: „Please carefully follow all instructions from your cabin crew and let's all hope for a smooth ride” - ok., but the cabin crew in most of cases starts these instructions just after pushback begin. So should I WELCOME passengers before pushback?


Will be glad for your explanations (and thanks for patience )

Best regards,

Lucas

[Travis]

Hi Lucas,

You do seem to be correct... that type should be B77L - the [General] section is our guiding light.

As for your bonus questions...

1. Currently you would have to go to the log files to see what is being used. But I think this is a good thing to display to users, so I will ask Dutch to try and include this for the next version or so.

2. You should play the WELCOME announcement as soon as you COMMIT or PUSHBACK your flight.    (I hope you are not using Trav as your F/O, as there may be problems there.   )

[Lucas]

Thank you Travis.

(I hope you are not using Trav as your F/O, as there may be problems there.   )

Hmm, I have to check this... don't remember