VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2006

USA $7.95
CANADA $9.95
AUSTRALIA $9.85 (INC. GST)
A PC AVIATOR PUBLICATION

FLYING MEMORIES
The VS-44 China Clipper
PLAYING GAMES?
UAVs and Flight Simulators
ATC SERIES CONTINUES…
Center Control
FREEWARE FRENZY
Expand your Horizons for Free!

ON A WING AND SOME AIR!

Soaring in Flight Simulator

cpm1002.indd 1 1/11/2006, 5:24:02 PM

 Your

M I C R O S O FT F
N ERY F O R
TO - S C E
C P H O
A L I S TI
P E R -RE
HY

A BEFORE & AFTER SCREENSHOT OF GLACIER PEAK, WASHINGTON STATE.

SHOWING WHAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING NOW AND WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE WITH MEGASCENERY!

COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION AT WWW.MEGASCENERY.COM

S
ay goodbye to boring default scenery pixel (MegaCITY titles). It’s the real world water. Our hand etched coastlines and shores
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Simulator Scenery World from artificial… to see the rooftop on your own house. Fly VFR land your float planes on them
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but instead the actual real world ported the real world - during the day and at objects to their absolute correct geographic
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you also get realistically rendered snow smoother and faster than the default artificial
MegaScenery and MegaCITY let you experience covered scenery. e.g. MegaScenery New scenery.
all the landmarks and features of the area York. So you’re getting up to 3 sceneries in • Developed specifically for Microsoft Flight
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING RETAILERS IN THE USA - FRY’S ELECTRONICS AND MICROCENTER STORES.
© 2005 PC AVIATOR INC, AEROSOFT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD. MEGASCENERY AND MEGACITY ARE DEVELOPED BY AEROSOFT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD AND PUBLISHED BY PC AVIATOR INC.

cpm1002.indd 2 1/11/2006, 5:24:35 PM

 MEGASCENERY MAIL ORDER FO
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cpm1002.indd 3 1/11/2006, 5:25:37 PM

 C
From the EDITOR
Well, if you have already read the news section this month you will know about the
announcement from Microsoft regarding the next version of their popular Flight Simulator line.
“Flight Simulator X”, and we’ll assume the X stands for 10 for now, is not due out until the
end of 2006. Arghh, why do they put us through this torture! Just when you thought hospital
waiting lists were painfully long, along comes Microsoft to add to the drama. I’m just kidding
of course. Besides, how can you complain when the major player in the home fli
market announces a new release? It’s a cause for celebration really. We get anoth
to see how far flight simulation has progressed since the last version and where it
headed in the future, and hopefully find out that they have addressed all the little
last release and added more than a few new extras to the product.

Judging by the screenshots made available so far, it looks like the terrain engine its
changed a lot, except perhaps for more accurate mesh modeling, a lot of new aut
water rendering improvements and even birds! Yes, several screenshots show birds flying
around the place. Not only do we have to avoid ground obstacles and other aircra
avoid the chance of bird strikes as well. What a challenge! There also seems to be
aircraft, changes to weather effects and how they look and function, and perhap
new camera angles to delight the virtual flight sim photographers among us.

Computer Pilot will cover it all of course as new information is released from th Publisher: Robert Ferraro
team, so stay tuned. In the meantime however, we will continue along with o
of sims, which I might add, I am enjoying flying at present with some top ne Editor: Dean Bielanowski
out, and new advancements for Austin Meyer’s X-Plane product, namely the new Global Layout & Design: Tony Liatos
Scenery add-on, look very impressive indeed and betters even what Microsoft can produce
in the terrain mesh department by default. I think over the next 18-36 months we will see a Contributors In This Issue: Dean Bielanowski,
titanic battle between the major flight sim players as they try to outdo each other, and there is Peter Stark, Matthew Edwards, Roger Curtiss,
also an inkling of a new contender to the market in the coming y Dr John Lattanzio, Tom Kurtz, Dr David Wilson-Okamura,
was boring, eh? Gene Davis, Mike Glynn, Chuck Bodeen, Al Pelletier.a
Subscription Managers: Australia: Adrian Lazzarotto
Enjoy this month’s issue of Computer Pilot. Again, there is something for just about everyone,
USA: Mark Jakubowski
but I’d encourage you to try new things you wouldn’t normally try in your sim world. It makes
it all so much more exciting! Editorial Submissions: Please address editorial matter
to The Editor at [email protected] or to the office
closest to you listed at the bottom of this page.
Advertising Inquiries: PC Aviator Inc.
Phone: 843-232-1160. Email: [email protected]
Dean Bielanowski Website: www.computerpilot.com
Editor
General E-Mail: [email protected]
US Distribution: Ingram Periodicals, International
Periodical Distributors, Media Solutions
Supplement
your reading in Computer Pilot Magazine
Printed By: The RL Bryan Company (USA).
Disclaimer: Any information, advice, maps, charts, tables
by visiting the Computer Pilot web site at www.computerpilot.com and other information published in this magazine is exclusively
As well as features for first time visitors, the web site is for use with PC flight simulations. The publisher does not
designed with our readers in mind. accept any liability for any accident or incident arising from any
information conveyed or implied in this publication.
For subscribers Copyright: © Copyright 2006 The PC Aviator Pty Ltd
• Renew your subscriptions on-line Incorporating PC Aviator Inc. All rights reserved. None of
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Subscriptions:
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It will enhance your reading of Computer Pilot Magazine. Rest Of The World: Ph: +1-843-232-1160
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ISSN: 1324-7336
Published by: PC Aviator – The Flight Simulation Company
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Computer Pilot Volume 10 Issue 2, February 2006 (ISSN 1324-7336) is published monthly Computer Pilot is an international magazine, proudly
V10I2

by PC Aviator, inc., 839 Surfside Drive, SC 29575. published in Australia. Printed in the United States
Periodicals postage is paid at Myrtle Beach, SC and additional mailing offices. of America.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 15907, Surfside Beach, SC 29587.

cpm1002.indd 4 1/11/2006, 5:26:08 PM

C
CONTENTS

6 NEWS AND NEW RELEASES

All the latest news and new releases since our last issue.

REVIEWS 54 MUD MOVING IN THE VIPER: 103

In this, the third in our series on the various methods of spreading mayhem
via high technology, we will be running through the last of our F16 weapons
systems. We will start with precision bombing with laser beams and then finish
with some good old fashioned shoot-em-up action with the Vulcan cannon.

58 “PLAYING GAMES” OR CAREER PREPARATION?

Roger Curtiss looks at the growing need/trend to operate unmanned aerial
vehicles remotely in combat and reconnaissance campaigns. It’s certainly
an interesting area of study/application, and one that involves the use of
simulators and controls very much like the ones we use at home today.

62 ALPHATRAINER OVERVIEW
Resident X-Plane guru, Chuck Bodeen, has been working on a special project
called the ‘Alpha Trainer’ for X-plane for some time. Chuck takes us behind the
scenes and shows us how this software can be used efficiently and effectively
for pilot training using the simulator.
y
72 ROUND ROBIN ADVENTURES
y

16 PC Aviator’s MegaScenery Mid Atlantic

39 Mike Ray’s Flying the Boeing 700 Series Flight Simulators
46 Aerosoft’s Beech 1900C & B1900D
50 PILOT’s SR-71 Blackbird

10 ON A WING AND SOME AIR

Get back to nature and allow it to have a bigger influence on your next flight.
Peter Stark takes a look at soaring options in Microsoft Flight Simulator,
where you are, at least to some degree, at the mercy of what your immediate
environment throws at you. But be assured that this is some of the most
exciting, the most challenging, but also the most peaceful type of flying you
can undertake!

22 COCKPIT BUILDING SERIES

We have more flight deck construction articles for you this month. We explore We are flying for Aero Mexico, on the Boeing 737-700. Today’s flight is a
the concept of switch integration using the X-Keys hardware with Matt Edwards. regular schedule run from Mexico City to the resort towns of Puerto Vallarta
Don’t miss this one if you are currently building your own flight sim rig. and Mazatlan.

26 “WHO’S IN CONTROL” SERIES CONTINUES

We conclude our series on the matrix of Air Traffic Control. This time out we 78 FLYING THE HEAVIES - ANGLES
look at the expansive coverage area that the Center Controller is usually in In this month’s flight lesson, Captain Charlie explores the theory and practice
charge of. The challenge of ensuring aircraft separation over broad expanses is of angles in flight. It may seem basic, but a thorough understanding of the
just one of the responsibilities covered. principles is vital for safe and efficient flight.

30 FLYING MEMORIES: THE VS-44 CHINA CLIPPER PLUS OUR REGULAR COLUMNS:
Get back to real hands-on flying with this series on classic aircraft of yester-
year. Join Tom Kurtz as he takes a VS-44 on a long trip from California to Hong 42 PULL OUT POSTER
Kong! This is what flying is really all about… “Machines of War”

34 FREEWARE FRENZY – EXPANDED! 61 INBOX

In this issue’s Freeware Frenzy, we have an expanded column showcasing some Your letters to us.
of the most interesting and most downloaded freeware add-ons over the last
12 months. There is something for everyone so be sure to check it out and get 66 HARDWARE CORNER
your net connection warmed up! The latest and greatest PC gear on show.

cpm1002.indd 5 1/11/2006, 5:26:46 PM

 6 NEWS & NEW FLIGHT SIM RELEASES

Flight Simulator X Announced!

WE HAVE ALL been wondering for some X” will also present players with a wide array and what has been enhanced, or not included
time, but Microsoft finally dropped the of new aircraft to fly in a beautifully rich and this time around. There is a small FAQ section
bombshell recently with the announcement of believable world which will contain greater on the Insider website which has some minor
the next version of Flight Simulator; detail than past entries in the franchise. Players details about enhancements, most of which can
“At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las will be able to experience what it is like to be a be seen in the set of screenshots released thus
Vegas last night, Microsoft officially unveiled pilot and have real distractions, to shade their far anyway. So, as is common with the first
“Flight Simulator X” and provided an exciting eyes from the glare of reflective paint and the announcement of a new title in the MS Flight
first look at the innovative new title. During glint from glass and chrome. Players will enjoy Simulator range, we are still left guessing as
Microsoft’s keynote, hosted by Chief Software the opportunity to fly their dream aircraft, from to what can be expected for the new release,
Architect Bill Gates, attendees were given classic seaplanes like the de Havilland Beaver but we have over 9 months to wait and find
an exclusive sneak peek at the jaw-dropping and Grumman Goose to the Cessna 172 there out, and in the meantime we can still enjoy our
realism and exciting new content enabled is a plane for every terrain and every player. current generation of simulators which have
through “Flight Simulator X,” which is “Flight Simulator X” will also enable players already given us great service over the last
scheduled to be available this holiday season. to enjoy a connected world through an few years. Expect Microsoft to deliver more
Published by Microsoft Game Studios and improved online experience. With more than information about Flight Simulator X in the
developed by ACES studio, “Flight Simulator 24,000 airports located on every continent, third quarter of 2006.
X” is the 10th addition to the highly successful players will be able to explore their home town
“Flight Simulator” franchise and is regarded as or a favorite far off city. For more information on Flight Simulator
one of the most popular Windows franchises Under Gates’ guidance, Microsoft continues X or to view more screenshots, head on
in history. its stronghold as the worldwide leader in over to the FSInsider website at http://
“Flight Simulator X” is the culmination consumer electronics through the design www.fsinsider.com/
of nearly 25 years of the landmark “Flight of groundbreaking technologies that lead
Simulator” franchise and the most significant to innovation in every aspect of human Of course, Computer Pilot will provide all the
addition to date. “Flight Simulator X” will endeavor.” latest details for the new version as they come
be fully optimized for Windows Vista. Keen simmers will still have a bit of a wait on to hand and, as customary with all new major
“Flight Simulator X” will set the standard for their hands as the new release is not expected sim releases, we will print one of the most
technological innovation, incredible graphics until the final month of 2006. Few details are extensive reviews available of the final product
and realism for the genre. “Flight Simulator currently available as to what will be included, soon after it hits stores globally. Stay tuned…

cpm1002.indd 6 1/11/2006, 5:26:57 PM

 NEWS & NEW FLIGHT SIM RELEASES 7

MegaScenery SOCAL Version 2 Out Now

MEGASCENERY PUBLISHER, PC golf course is visible from the skies. This is every street, road and highway and uncannily
Aviator, recently announced the release of the largest area of photo-scenery of the USA resembles the same spine-tingling night flying
a completely new version of its best selling recreated from aerial photography for flight experience you get in the real world.
MegaScenery Southern California – this time within Microsoft Flight Simulator. MegaScenery USA 2005 - Volume 1 –
created entirely from 1 foot per pixel aerial While the source imagery is resampled up Southern California Version 2 is available and
photography source data. to 4.8 meters per pixel for display within shipping now. It is available on DVD in Full
“Flight Simulator pilots can now soar the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 – a Kit (US$39.95) and Lite (US$29.95) versions.
skies above Southern California – including limitation inherent to the simulator – the 1 The Full Kit version provides users with color
Los Angeles, San Diego, and all the way east foot per pixel high resolution of the initial aeronautical maps and charts of the area. It
to Palm Springs and beyond – and see the source data (provided by AirPhotoUSA, is available now through a number of retail
world beneath them at a whole new level of LLC) results in the best clarity and highest chains in the USA including Fry’s Electronics
clarity, crispness and realism. The area covers possible level of realism. and Microcenter stores, through specialist
a mammoth 22,000 square miles (150 miles Like all previous MegaScenery titles, online flight simulator dealers globally and
x 150 miles) and features every landmark NightScene™ technology is also included is also available direct from the publisher at
in the area. Even every sand trap on every for realistic night flying that maps virtually www.megascenery.com

Flight 1 Releases Version 2 of Greatest Airliners – The 727!

FLIGHT ONE SOFTWARE, in “This update now rounds off one of the
partnership with DreamFleet, officially greatest releases for the FS2004 platform.
announced a major update to Greatest This is one sweet aircraft to fly, and must
Airliners - The 727 product recently. This be seen to be believed. The best news is
update greatly extends the product with that this upgrade is free to all previous
many new aircraft, including the -100 purchasers! And in addition to the update,
and -200 Super27 with Winglets and also there will be 2 new livery packs totaling 30
the -200 with Winglets. There are now a new paint schemes released in the next 6
total of 9 different 727’s, each of which weeks. These add-on livery packs will be
can be set up to use either a conventional made available at no charge also!”
analog flightdeck or an updated semi-glass
EFIS flightdeck, with or without a VC. All For more information and to purchase,
models include wingviews from 4 different please visit the 727 product page at http:
seat positions. //www.flight1.com/products.asp?product
=ga727
The update also addresses some service
related items in the first release, as well as All current users will need to install fresh,
adding new features like the First Officer as there is no separate update file. For more
making appropriate call-outs during information on how to install (for existing
the take-off roll based on the users own users), visit http://dreamfleet2000.com/
speedbug settings. The PDF manuals have Previews/727/preview_V2.html
also been enhanced with the inclusion of
Super 27 performance tables, many color
pictures, and clickable indexes.

cpm1002.indd 7 1/11/2006, 5:27:00 PM

 8 NEWS & NEW FLIGHT SIM RELEASES

VATUSA Announces Training Academy

DECEMBER 28 - VATUSA announced the experience in a closed environment will The complete rollout of the Training
plans for the VATUSA Training Academy, provide students with the practical skills Academy is scheduled for the first quarter of
which will provide a centralized training process they need prior to joining an Air Traffic 2006. Additional details, including instructor
for all new air traffic controllers in the United Control Center (ARTCC). Once a student has staffing will be provided prior to the official
States. The academy will be modeled similar to graduated they will select an ARTCC to join, opening of the VATUSA Training Academy.
the FAA Part 141 training guidelines, with the where they will continue their training with Check out www.vatusa.org for further
key focus of standardization. localized instruction of the procedures for the information or to sign up!
specific area.
Upon joining VATUSA as a controller,
students will be automatically enrolled in “The concept of the training academy is a
the academy. While at the academy students giant step forward for this region”, stated
will learn the basics of air traffic control, VATUSA Director Jeff Turner. “With the time
and receive an introduction to the tools they students put forth at the academy they will
will use while on the job. Once familiar transition to their selected ARTCC with a high
with these concepts, students will then level of experience, in addition to having their
receive hands-on instruction with Delivery, voice endorsement. I am proud of my staff
Ground, and Tower Control leading to their and all of the individuals at the ARTCC level
first over the shoulder (OTS) exam while who have contributed in getting this program
at the academy. This hands-on controlling set-up in the past six months.”

Wilco Fleet: A400M Nears Release

IF YOU ARE LOOKING for a “heavy” feature a cargo capacity of 37 tons over 3,550 • Manage cargohandling: embark/disembark
aircraft, try the new Wilco Fleet: A400M nm at a maximum cruise speed of mach 0.72. vehicles from the main cargo bay.
on for size. New screenshots and additional Its design will enable it to operate in areas • Vector gauges for the Primary Flight
information has come to light as it nears its with deficient infrastructure and on short/ Display, ND, Engine/Warning Display and
official release to the public. unpaved runways. It will also be able to refuel System Display.
A400M offers to the air transport world a and be refueled in flight. • Head Up Display (HUD) with basic
modern, multi-role airlifter which will replace Just some of the package features are listed navigation instruments.
the ageing fleets of C-130 Hercules and C-160 here: • Traffic and Collision Avoidance System
Transall in service with the air forces around • GMax exterior/interior models. (TCAS).
the world. • 3D Interactive Virtual Cockpit, fully • And much, much more!
This new aircraft guarantees far superior clickable.
performance and characteristics as compared • Easy-to-use Paint Kit to create your own Check out the Wilco website at
to competitors: double load capacity, airlines. www.wilcopub.com for the full feature list
greater cruising speed and range, optimum • Numerous animations: feathered blades, or additional screenshots. A400M will be
capabilities for low-altitude flights. Equipped hydraulic suspension, flaps, landing gear, available soon on CD from flight sim retailers
with four high speed turboprop engines, it will cargo and pilots doors, reverses etc. worldwide.

cpm1002.indd 8 1/11/2006, 5:27:03 PM

 NEWS & NEW FLIGHT SIM RELEASES 9

cpm1002.indd 9 1/11/2006, 5:27:09 PM

 On a Wing and some Air… Soaring in Flight Simulator

BY PETER STARK

I
n a recent issue we took a look at a more extreme It wasn’t until the 19th century however, that a number of pioneers
way to use FS2004 by utilizing some clever add- worldwide were actively designing and flying aircraft. Names like
Otto Linienthal, Lawrence Hargrave and Octave Chenut are still well
ons to simulate Aircraft Carrier operations.
known around the world. But as this was before the invention of the
This month we’ll take a look at another area that internal combustion engine, all aircraft were gliders! Even before
seems to be becoming increasingly popular in FS2004 Orville and Wilbur built their famous ‘Wright Flyer’, they were
- soaring. We will look at how to get started and regularly gliding down sand dunes to test wing designs. Did you know
provide plenty of sources to get the right planes and they even held a gliding endurance record (an impressive 9 minutes 45
seconds) some eight years after their first powered flight!
effects to provide as realistic a soaring experience as
possible. Glider development was continuing when the First World War
intervened. At its conclusion, the Treaty of Versailles prohibited
Germans from flying powered aircraft. This inspired the sport of
A Brief History soaring and it resulted in some rapid developments in glider design in
As any glider pilot will tell you, the history of manned flight is that part of Europe. These days, of course, it is a worldwide sport and
longer than the Wright Brothers! While man has probably dreamed of modern technology, materials and avionics have resulted in extremely
‘soaring like a bird’ for thousands of years, it was Leonardo da Vinci efficient designs that allow significant time in the air and large
that attempted to design specific flying machines as early as 1490. distances to be flown.

10 CPM. V10I2

cpm1002.indd 10 1/11/2006, 5:27:14 PM

 REVIEW

Where to Start in FS2004? Aircraft

FS2004 does ship with a default glider - the Schweizer 2-32. It is Up until now we’ve been using the default Schweizer sailplane.
perhaps a little dated but still popular worldwide and does allow you A perfect place to start adding to your hangar of gliders is Wolfgang
to start soaring with a minimum of setup time. It is simple to fly and Piper’s website at http://www.fsglider.de Wolfgang must be the
doesn’t have any nasty handling characteristics - so all-in-all it is a most prolific virtual glider creator in the world and a browse through
great glider to start soaring with. If you have never tried this before, his website is like a pictorial history of gliding! You can select from
the simplest way is to just load your glider, slew to altitude and start a range of 35 gliders spanning 1933 to 2005. A number of gliders
gliding towards the airfield. for earlier versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator are also available.
Wolfgang has been meticulous in his creations with all gliders
As we don’t have a motor and propeller up front to keep us going at a performing realistically and with most incorporating a simulated
set speed we must obviously lower the nose to maintain enough velocity winch launch. His site also offers some ‘must read’ tips and tricks as
and lift to continue flying. A check of the reference page on the kneeboard well as static scenery objects related to soaring.
reveals that the Schweizer has an optimal gliding speed of 64mph. So
practice maintaining that speed whilst maneuvering the glider. Another ‘must have’ is the masterfully crafted Schleicher ASW-28
glider by Peter Franke and Kris Feldmann (asw28-fs9.zip) which is
I am sure you will master it quickly and be wanting more of a available from http://www.virtualsoaring.org/goto.html
challenge. Up until now you have been in a continuous descent. This It is a high performance single seat glider that also features a
means you are limited in just how far you can travel - unless you find wonderful suite of avionics as described in the Avionics section
a way to gain altitude again. I know you don’t want to cheat by using below. It is a wonderful glider that will serve you well when you are
the unrealistic slew mode do you? In the real world, glider pilots gain ready for some cross country epics!
altitude by searching out thermals - columns of warm air rising from
the ground. Staying within the thermal by banking, the glider can
ascend to a point where the thermal dies out or when the pilot believes
he has enough altitude to get to the next thermal or destination.
Alternatively, winds passing over mountain ranges can also generate
waves of air that the glider can ride to gain altitude. Experienced
pilots have learnt how to identify ground and sky features that may
indicate thermal or mountain wave activity.

To take the next step, download SoaringChallenge.zip from

Microsoft - http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulator/
fs2004_soaringchallenge.asp
This sets up the Schweizer 2-32 and adds some thermals for you
to navigate your way up the Columbia River in north west USA. You
have to find the thermals to gain altitude and then track to the next
airfield before again climbing in a thermal to eventually reach your
destination. Full instructions are included and the flight plan is loaded
into the GPS for you.
THE SCHLIECHER ASW-28 OOZES APPEAL.
Now you will be full of confidence, so download and install
Everglid.zip by Paul Harmon. This is a situation where you start on
top of Mt. Everest and the challenge is to find a tower on top of a
Getting Airborne
nearby mountain before attempting a landing on a target. The closer
OK - we’ve got some cool gliders in our hangar and a little bit
to the bullseye you can stop, the more points you earn - but be careful
of experience. While we have discovered the simplest way to start
- the brakes aren’t so effective in all that ice and snow!
gliding is to slew to altitude, it is not realistic. In an attempt to get
around this shortcoming, Rob Barendregt has designed a gauge you
can fit to any gliders panel (rcbgc-10.zip) which simulates a winch
pulling your glider into the air. You just set the brakes, engage the
‘cable’ and release your brakes. You will gradually build up speed
before becoming airborne and the cable will release at 1500 feet
above the ground. So while it is still ‘slewing’, it is automatic and
provides a better experience.

If you are confident with ‘adventure’ files, you could also try
ABLWinch (ABLWINCH14.zip) by Peter Lürkens. By using throttle
and keyboard commands, you are connected to the cable and launched
while accompanied by voice calls in your choice of several languages.
It also comes with a built in cable failure probability to keep you on
your toes.

If you have already downloaded some of Wolfgang Piper’s gliders,

you may find that they have come with a simulated winch launch. The
GLIDING FROM MT. EVEREST aircraft.cfg file has been modified to install a very small turbojet engine.

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 I2

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cpm1002.indd 13 1/11/2006, 5:28:03 PM
 When you are ready for launch, just move the throttle to full and press
‘Ctrl-E’. In about 20 seconds you will start your takeoff roll. The rate of
acceleration and climb approximates that of a real world winch. When
you have reached the end of the cable (usually about 1500 feet), ‘press
Shift/Ctrl-F1’ to release the cable. You are now on your own! Other
gliders may also include a panel activated winch launch that operates in
the same way but negates the need to use any keyboard commands. So
if you are comfortable with editing configuration files (and you should
be after reading my recent panel and aircraft configuration file tutorials)
you could modify your favorite gliders to incorporate these features.

Thermals
The thermals you experienced in the Microsoft Soaring Challenge
are also available for large parts of the virtual world. A search on
‘Franscisco Vargas’ or ‘thermals’ at the major file libraries will reveal
a huge number of these add-on ‘scenery files’ that add permanent
thermals to specific areas. They are a great way to start expanding MAX ROODVELDT S SUPERB AVIONICS SUITE
your soaring skills as the thermals are close enough together to
prevent too many embarrassing ‘out landings’!

To add the ultimate in realism however, download and install Cross

Country 2004 by Eric Carden from http://x-c.home.att.net
This very clever software creates random thermals worldwide. It
also mimics thermal behavior with features such as; downwind drift;
varying intensity related to the time of day; they build and dissipate
over time; and some are stronger than others. In case you have
difficulty in locating a thermal, it comes with ‘cheat keys’ which give
you directions to the nearest ones. Cross Country 2004 also simulates
ridge soaring by the user editing a configuration file which defines the
area where the air wave is riding over a mountain range. The package
also contains a magnificent tutorial on soaring and thermal theory.
Another advantage Cross Country 2004 has over individual thermal
scenery files is that it is only enabled when you want it to be - so if
you are flying powered planes you simply don’t start Cross Country
and there will be no thermals to make your ride uncomfortable.

Avionics REVIEW YOUR PERFORMANCE WITH FLIGHT VIEWER 2

There are also some gauges available that are quite specific for
gliders and many modern virtual gliders come supplied with these
avionics. For example, the Glaser-Dirks DG-101G (dg101v1a.zip) by Scenery
Wolfgang Piper comes with a vario (sensitive vertical speed indicator Most gliders and panels are not that demanding on system resources
with an aural output). As the glider starts to climb, a tone let’s you so you can enjoy some great frame rates. This may allow you to install
know you have possibly entered a thermal - the faster your rate of some superb mesh and general scenery and be able to relax a little and
acsent, the higher the pitch of the tone. Some even emit a low rumble enjoy the views without the noise from a big fan up front - just don’t
to warn that you are descending. relax too much if you want to make it back to your airfield though.
The same avionics suite (by Max Roodveldt at http:// A search of the file libraries also reveals a number of scenery files
www.fszwever.com) also allows you to enter your planned route specifically for gliding clubs. Try buttw_v1.zip by Bruno Zurmuehle. It
- similar to a GPS. When you advance to cross country flights this provides a cozy gliding club atmosphere in Buttwil, Switzerland. You can
will allow you to always regain your track to the destination even arrive Friday night in your Baron or Cessna 210 and glide all weekend
though you may become a little disoriented during your climbs in in a picturesque environment with great club facilities. This airfield also
the thermals or become ‘geographically embarrassed’. If you do load makes a great base if you wish to soar online with some friends as there are
a glider that uses these panels, make sure you obtain SOARRec.dll several parallel grass runways and static gliders and trailers for some extra
from Wolfgang Piper’s website, install it in your \Modules folder, and realism - but just watch out for those high trees on short final!
alter your fs9.cfg file as instructed to avoid annoying gauge failure
messages, as they have been modified from FS2002 gauges. Alternatively, try Léon Louis’ tribute to the Golden Eagles Squadron
with his Flying Club (ilge_ff1.zip) which places a busy airfield in
You can utilize the avionics even more by using the Flight Viewer 2 Illinois and includes some great static scenery and even some AI gliders
utility also by Max Roodveldt. You can program your preferred route into to share the sky with. The Virtual Soaring Society also have a scenery
the avionics and start the tracker as you pass overhead your departure file for their soaring ranch in Argentina (SOAR_RanchFS9.zip) that, in
point. The tracker will then plot both your vertical and horizontal position addition to some club facilities, also offers ridge soaring files for Cross
throughout the flight. When you are safely back at your clubhouse you Country 2004. So you will now be able to both thermal and ridge soar in
can use Flight Viewer to examine your performance! the one location with a minimum of fuss.

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 REVIEW

SOARING PARADISE IN BUTTWIL, SWITZERLAND

Obtaining Help! USEFUL WEBSITES

Most of the virtual gliding websites listed in this review also run
forums. I have also found the virtual gliding community to be a very US Soaring Team - http:/
/www.ssa.org/UsTeam/
congenial group and if I have contacted them directly they have Virtual Soaring Society -
http://www.virtualsoar
always been happy to share their knowledge. Wolfgang Piper’s Glide Co ing.org
llection - http://www.fsgl
Cross Country 2004 - htt ider.de
p://x-c.home.att.net
So shake off those big iron and propeller driven shackles and Thermal Scenery - http:/
/www.flightsim.com and
explore a whole new arena of flight simulation by sliding into a glider http://www.avsim.com
and taking the time to explore your virtual world.

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 REV
IEW

MegaScenery Mid Atlantic

BY GREG HARRIS

A
erosoft Australia and PC Aviator Inc continue Installation
the MegaScenery legacy with their latest Yes, we must cover the boring parts first in the interest of
offering to the Flight Simming fraternity completeness. All MegaScenery products feature an automated
installation routine. MegaScenery Mid Atlantic ships on one DVD, so
– MegaScenery Volume 5: Mid Atlantic. Does this latest
you will need a DVD drive to use the product. It is compatible with
package live up to the high standards set by their FS2004, although it can be used in FS2002, however, some default
previous releases? And what kind of flying experience scenery objects may appear out of place in FS2002 - no problems
will it offer the virtual pilot who may not be a local in FS2004. Installation can take 30 minutes or longer, even on fast
resident of the coverage area? Is there enough detail machines, but the wait has been worth it with past releases, so no
major issue for me. You will need about 4Gb of free hard disk space
and interest to keep them flying in the Mid Atlantic for installation. System-wise, you do not need any extra horsepower
area using this scenery add-on? These are the than you have already to run Flight Simulator as MegaScenery, once
questions I will attempt to answer in my review of loaded, does not affect frame rates during flight, although initial
this product, so let’s get going! scenery load up time can take a bit longer. Regardless, you would

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 REVIEW
want a 2Ghz+ system with 512mb RAM and a good video card as referenceMegaScenery is gradually moving from satellite imagery to
minimum system base for Flight Simulator anyway. The installation photographic imagery in their products. This particular title includes
will ask whether you want your sim settings adjusted for best over 5,000 square miles of aerial photographic source data, and new
performance when using MegaScenery… it’s a personal choice. I products in the line, including the new Southern California Version 2
say no because I am somewhat experienced with adjusting my own title feature full photographic data for even more detail.
settings, but you may choose otherwise. Once installation is complete
and the scenery library updated (it does this automatically), you are
told installation is complete and you are ready to fly.

What is MegaScenery?
MegaScenery, basically, is a series of high resolution satellite
and aerial photos that have been extensively processed and overlaid
onto the default FS terrain (usually at a 5m per pixel resolution – the
highest possible in FS). The result is a scenery world that looks
just like the real world, albeit with some constraints as to how your
PC renders graphics on your system. Regardless, what you see out
the window is what you would expect to see in the real world. In
fact, you can fly VFR using real world charts successfully using
MegaScenery, something that is very difficult to do with the default
scenery alone. You can identify roads, valleys, mountains, landmarks
(2D displayed), and quite possibly even your own rooftop if you live
in the coverage area! It is easier to explain visually so take a look at
the included screenshots shown with this article and you will see what
I mean. Apart from the real-world looking textures MegaScenery
offers pilots, the package also contains realistic night lighting scenery
that makes even night VFR flying possible, a winter texture map that
provides a simulated snow cover over the ground for added effect,
the use of adjusted autogen mapping to ensure trees and buildings
are placed accurately in relation to terrain types and obstacles, and
the ability to land on any of the water bodies just like you can do
with default scenery. And I shouldn’t forget to mention the 1 foot per
pixel (resampled back to 5m per pixel in FS) MegaCity textures for
the cities of Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The MegaCity textures
reveal even more finer details for city area flying.

To complete the package (at least in the full version offering), PC

Aviator includes a chunky book of Instrument Approach charts and
Airport Diagrams for all of the airports in the coverage area, as well
as a full size, re-printed Sectional Aeronautical Chart for the area
and a VFR Terminal Area Chart for Baltimore – Washington. Along MEGASCENERY MID ATLANTIC COVERAGE
with the Pilot’s Operating Handbook, you have everything to get you
airborne and flying VFR or IFR flights in your new scenery world. Geographical Coordinates
Note that the less expensive “lite” version offered does not include 39.75, -78.00
the full-size charts or book of instrument approach charts/airport 37.25, -76.00
diagrams. (210 miles x 110 miles)

MegaScenery Mid Atlantic

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s take a closer look at City Flying
the scenery itself. The package covers over 22,000 square miles of Three major cities feature in the Mid Atlantic title. These are
earth from Baltimore in the North to Richmond, Virginia in the south. Washington, Baltimore, and Richmond. Washington and Baltimore are
Provided is an actual image of the coverage area (next column). geographically located fairly close together, with Richmond further
to the south near the bottom of the coverage area. With the MegaCity
The area offers a diverse range of flying opportunities, however, it textures covering Washington and Baltimore, the cities really stand
lacks some of the more serious mountainous adventuring one can find out, and make great flying for helicopter pilots or light aircraft
in the Southern California or Pacific Northwest MegaScenery releases. enthusiasts. In the real world these cities are surrounded by some of
It does offer more aqueous opportunities however with Chesapeake the busiest airspace in the world, and there is a myriad of ATC rules
Bay and the Potomac River being major features of the scenery. and airspace classes to contend with. This would leave any pilot
For the amphibious aircraft fans, this title will be very rewarding too busy dealing with ATC rather than enjoying the scenery around
indeed. The scenery area itself is mostly flat so VFR navigation is them. In our simulators, however, we can choose to ignore ATC
achieved by reference to ground objects rather than any standout and enjoy the views. All the major landmarks can be found in and
mountain features, however, there is more than enough ground detail around Washington including the Capitol Building, White House,
to easily track your course and adjust to maintain your desired flight Pentagon, Fort Washington, the Patriot Center and several other
path. The busy I-95 road system provides a good backbone for VFR stadiums, all surrounded by more accurate MegaCity texturing.

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 TO
LDING JUST IN VIEW
WITH THE CAPITOL BUI
WASHINGTON, D.C. ON AN D KDCA AIR PORT AHEAD.
THE PENTAG
THE UPPER LEFT, AND
SHINGTON, D.C.
HEADING TOWARD WA

ESS, WELL…
THE COVER OF DARKN
RICHMOND, VA UNDER H ME GA SCE NER Y!
NOT REALLY WIT
HT.
WASHINGTON AT NIG

Y DEFINED.
LAKE ANNA IS CLEARL
PORT (KRIC).
D INTERNATIONAL AIR
OVERHEAD RICHMON
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 REVIEW

…
KE BAY WITH THE BALTIMORE CITY AHEAD
EY AROUND CHESAPEA
THE END OF A JOURN S IN THE BACKGROUND.
PATUXENT RIV ER NA

AC RIVER LOOK
DGE AND THE POTOM
DALE CITY, WOODBRI WIT H ME GA SCENERY ADDED.
SIMUALTOR
STUNNING IN FLIGHT
M WAY ABOVE.
BALTIMORE SEEN FRO

ULATED WINTER
TE THAT THESE ARE SIM
BRRRRR! WINTER… NO ITE REA LIS TIC NONETHELESS.
K QU
TEXTURES, BUT LOO
KING SOUTH EAST.
M FOREST PARK, LOO
OVER PRINCE WILLIA

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 REVIEW
Or perhaps would like to try the challenging river approach to KDCA You might also like to take an amphibious flight from the James
that was featured in a previous issue of Computer Pilot magazine? River near Richmond heading north and land in Lake Anna.
– Volume 9 Issue 5 (May 2005) I believe. This is great fun! Be sure
to check out Andrews Air Force Base as well east of the city, but you The Questions Answered…
might need an F-18 to get clearance. Now, getting back to those few questions I mentioned at the
beginning of the review. I will answer them now based on my
Baltimore is the most interesting city visually out of the three experience using MegaScenery Mid Atlantic over the past few weeks.
thanks to its position on the edges of the Patapsco River and
Chesapeake Bay and because of the diverse industry located in Does this latest offering live up to the high standards set by their
close proximity to the downtown area. Of particular note is the previous releases?
gas tank farm just southeast from the city skyline which catches I’d say yes, although this title is different geographically to the others
your attention from a long way out. An array of road systems that in that it covers a different type of terrain with some different features
snake around the city and bay shores offer very interesting night (i.e. more water, less mountains). In terms of visual quality it is on par
flying opportunities as these spring to life with MegaScenery’s with all other recent MegaScenery titles and has similar feature sets
night lighting effects. Jump in a helicopter and head south east from (night lighting, autogen, MegaCity textures) etc.
downtown along the river until you reach Sparrow’s Point, then
turn north east and fly up past the marinas and golf courses before What kind of flying experience will it offer the virtual pilot who may
turning north west to follow the Back River up to Essex. There’s not be a local resident of the coverage area?
a great short flight to fill 15-20 minutes if you don’t have time to An interesting one… To me, not personally living in the area
complete a full flight plan. means there are surprises around every corner. Not being familiar
with the area does make navigating around it that little bit more
The city of Richmond, Virginia, has a more country feel to it, challenging. If you just like to fly around and see the sights, this title
although it is still quite a large town. It is in close proximity to will offer something new. If you like to fly VFR using charts, this
many parklands and reservoirs dotted around the James River product will meet your demands. If you like mountain flying, try a
which divides the city in half. See if you can spot the granite quarry different MegaScenery title (Pacific northwest is a mountain pilot’s
northeast of town. Use the included charts (full version only) to find dream land).
its location.
Is there enough detail and interest to keep them flying in the Mid
Recommended Flights Atlantic area using this scenery add-on?
I haven’t mentioned everything in between the cities simply Some areas naturally offer more diverse scenery than others
because there is far too much! You can fly for hours in a light aircraft (Baltimore for example). I think if you are happy to fly a number
and not even come close to seeing everything. There are, however, of different aircraft like light aircraft, amphibians and helicopters,
some really nice flights I made in a small Cessna or Piper while then there is more than enough detail and scope to make for hours
testing the package that are worthy trying. of flying enjoyment. If you are a heavy jet fan and fly nothing else,
the scenery will make for some great takeoffs and landings in the
The “Service” area, but the scenery does not go on forever, and at high jet speeds,
Patuxent River NAS > Andrews AFB you will soon be out of the coverage area. Regardless, if Baltimore,
This flight takes you up the Patuxent River almost all the way to Washington or Richmond are regular departure points or destinations
Andrews. Take off from Patuxent River NAS and head NNE up the in your flight plans, heavy jets are accommodated just as well as
river. It’s impossible to miss. Follow the river all the way up past their lighter cousins.
the Hollywood Shores, Golden Beach, Eagle Harbor (see if you can
spot the drag strip nearby) and up to Lower Marlboro. From here Conclusion
the Nottingham VOR is just a jump away and set a outbound course I have several other MegaScenery titles and personally, I find
of about 150 degrees which will take you direct to Andrews for a them great for VFR flying. Of course, you can fly IFR in the
straight in approach. We’ll ignore any rules for the sake of siteseeing. coverage area just as well. What I like about the MegaScenery
products is that they come as complete packages. There is no
“Four City Express” skimping on manuals or materials, and they are very reasonably
Baltimore > Annapolis > Washington > Richmond priced. My only gripe is that I wished the coverage areas where
This trip showcases the major cities of MegaScenery Mid Atlantic larger! I guess there are limitations on how big you can make a
while navigating via the major interstate highways. Start from photorealistic scenery package before it starts consuming hundreds
Baltimore and head south on Interstate 97 initially for the short of gigabytes of hard drive space, or starts costing more than the
hop to the city of Annapolis, the capital of Maryland. From family car! I have also heard the source data (aerial and satellite
Annapolis, turn west on Highway 50 and head for Washington. images) are quite costly, so perhaps this is also a factor limiting
You will see Prince Georges Stadium enroute. From downtown coverage size? For US$39.95, the full version kit is well worth the
Washington, hook up with Interstate 95 which will take you asking price. The Lite version for US$29.95 is cheaper, but the extra
all the way to Richmond (talk about easy navigation). On the $10 is well worth it for the charts and instrument approach and
way to Richmond you will pass through Dale City, Triangle, airport diagrams booklet. It would probably cost you much more in
Fredericksburg and Doswell before reaching the city of Richmond. ink and paper to print them out yourself.
The international airport is to the southeast if you are flying a
larger aircraft, otherwise try Chesterfield Co (FCI) further south. See you in the MegaScenery skies.
Because this route follows the major interstates and passes through
the large cities, it is ideal for a early morning or night flight with MegaScenery products are available from www.MegaScenery.com
MegaScenery lighting guiding the way. or from good flight sim retailers globally.

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 21

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 Cockpit Building Series
Adding Switches with the X-Keys Matrix

BY MATT EDWARDS

M
any home cockpit builders build their
cockpit not only to create a realistic place to
slip into the simulation but also to simulate
the functionality that a real flight deck offers. A real
aircraft cockpit has switches that control a plethora
of functions, and a home cockpit builder can take a
big step forward by adding their own switches to the
cockpit. There are several methods to add switches,
and the X-Keys Matrix board by P.I. Engineering
(www.xkeys.com) is one of the best. Let’s explore how
we can integrate switches into our flight deck using
this hardware board. THE X-KEYS MATRIX

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 P.I. Engineering is best known for their X-Keys programmable
key pads. Their Matrix board is the project version of the control
boards they put in their other products. The X-Keys Matrix project
can be a large undertaking for the novice, but it is not that difficult
after understanding the wiring concept and what kind of switches
are needed. However, do expect to improve your experience with a
soldering iron as up to 128 switch additions are possible.

The Matrix Board

The Matrix is small, only 2”x 2”, but it can do big things. Like
most flight controllers it is possible to program the Matrix with
simple mouse movements or complex keyboard macros. Also, on
top of the 128 switch positions, you can also program one of these
positions as a shift function and take your total number up to 254
functions. That should cover most home cockpit builders’ needs for
switches. However, if more switches are needed, another Matrix
board can be used.

There is a PS/2 and a USB version of X-Keys Matrix. The PS/2 RICH’S TERMINAL BLOCKS
version can only have up to 96 switches while the USB can have up
to 128 switches. There are also programming differences between the
two. I would recommend the USB version due to the higher switch
capability, easier programming, and more modern connection type.
The PS/2 Matrix is available for simmers that specifically need a PS/2
connection. All Matrix units can be detected as a standard keyboard
and mouse and be quickly interchanged between computers, even
with differing operating systems.

Wiring the Matrix

You can interface the switches with the Matrix via a 30.1” pin,
double row male header located on the board. It looks similar to a
standard IDE port, and while you can buy a special female header,
many Matrix owners use an IDE ribbon cable. The special 30 pin
female header is recommended by P.I. Engineering, but it can be hard
to find. A higher pin count header can be used if you can find one. I
used a 34 pin originally but found it hard to solder the wires to the
pin header. Directly soldering wires to the Matrix board’s pins is not
recommended since you cannot easily remove them later and the heat
could damage the board. The IDE cable is the best route for many
users. I attached a spare cable and then inserted my wires into the
other end and then hot glued them in place. This works well but there
are countless possibilities out there as experience and knowledge
levels provide. From the IDE cable you can use terminal blocks,
breadboards, other electronic paraphernalia, or even directly wire to
your switches as I did.
MY MESSY, BUT EFFECTIVE WIRING

So Many Switches
There is myriad of switch types out there and it can be quite
confusing to someone that has never dealt with them before. For
starters, a new switch shopper will be presented with types like
Single-Pole Single-Throw (SPST), Single-Pole Double-Throw
(SPDT), and Double-Pole Double-Throw (DPDT). Add in that switch
positions can be momentary, push button, toggle, rotary, center off,
and you can have a momentary DPDT toggle with center off switch.
Definitely confusing!

Here is how to decode some of the mystery. Poles refer to how many
circuits the switch can support for each position. A single pole switch
will have one circuit, while a double will have two, and a 3P will have
three connections per position. For most situations, single pole switches
RICH “FLARELESS” SHERKIN’S MATRIX BOARD WITH RIBBON CABLE are what is needed with the Matrix.

23

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 A ROW OF ROCKER SWITCHES IN A FRASCA 141 SIMULATOR

Rotary switches turn through their positions. They can have just
one or multiple positions. Ignition, volume, and tuning knobs are
some rotaries that are seen in aircraft.

Note that switches are also rated by how many volts and amps they
can handle. Nearly all switches will work since the Matrix has a low
voltage (5v) and low amps (15ma). Sources of switches can vary
from cheaper local electronics stores, like Radio Shack, to expensive
aviation switches from avionics suppliers and eBay.

Wiring the Switches

THE BACK OF SEVERAL SWITCHES INCLUDING A DPDT WITH ONLY ONE Wiring the Matrix to the switches requires following a “rows and
POLE WIRED, A FEW SMALLER SPSTS, AND TWO ROUND PUSHBUTTONS columns” wiring scheme. There are 16 pins that are the columns and
8 pins that are the rows on the USB board. One column wire and one
row wire provides one switch position. When the circuit is completed,
Throws define how many closed circuit positions a switch has. A it allows the Matrix to see that column x and row y are being
single throw has one position that the switch is on; a double has two connected and then send the keystroke programmed to that position.
positions. Switches that have more than two will usually be labeled by Since 16 columns can be attached to 8 rows, you then have 128
the number of positions, like 6 Position, 3 Pole. Center off is generally positions. An inexpensive 1N4148 diode is required on each position
used in conjunction with double throws meaning that the switch has to prevent electricity from flowing down the column and sending
three physical positions but only the outside positions will complete errant keystrokes. Note that if you are using a double throw switch it
the circuit. will take 2 positions on your Matrix row/column layout if you want
both positions to have unique commands. To get the maximum 128
Pushbutton, toggle, rocker, and rotary describe how switches switches, you must use only SPST switches or wire multiple positions
move. Pushbuttons are just like they sound, there is a part that you with the same row/column slots.
push down on to close the circuit. Almost all pushbuttons are SPST.
Many push buttons are momentary, meaning that they are spring
loaded and only complete the circuit for as long as they are pushed
down. However, you can also have push-on, push-off buttons that will
stay on or off until you push them again. One other thing to check
with pushbuttons is whether the circuit is normally closed or open.
A normally closed momentary pushbutton will complete the circuit
until you hold it down, which can cause problems unless programmed
properly. Pushbuttons are usually used for radios, FMS, and MFD
buttons.

Toggle switches are what most people picture when they think
of switches. They are what you typically flip to turn on the lights in
a room. Toggles can have different types of levers that make your
project more realistic. Some even have safety covers or require you
to pull out on them so you do not accidentally flip them. Rockers are
very similar to toggles except that, instead of having an arm sticking
up, you press down on a large rocker. Toggles and rockers are also
quite common in airplanes with roles such as lights, electrical power,
and anti-icing. THE WIRING DIAGRAM FOR THE MATRIX

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 Programming the Matrix The Macro Recorder is fairly robust and very similar to the Works
Depending on the version of the Matrix, programming is software. I still would recommend buying a used pre-SE unit if the price is
similar to programming flight controllers. The PS/2 version has no right. Programming switches is easy with either utility. Just right-click the
programming software. To program it, the switch on the board is box that represents where the switch position is on the row and column.
flipped to enter the programming mode. The switch that is being A pop up menu will allow you to record the macro, enter the mouse
programmed is turned on and the assigned keystroke is pressed on movement, and execute other options depending on your software.
the keyboard. This programming mode is slow and it’s hard to know
exactly what is programmed. This is the major reason why I do not Like other controllers that send chorded keystrokes (commands
recommend the PS/2 version. with Ctrl, Alt, and Shift), you want to keep the held commands to a
minimum. Most switches should have a programmed keystroke and
The USB version can be programmed the same way as the PS/2 then an immediate release. For example, if an engine start toggle
but the software is preferred. First, you need to determine how old switch is programmed with a keystroke of “shift-e”; be sure to program
your USB version is. If you buy a used USB Matrix and it was built a key up for both keys. Otherwise your shift and/or e keys will be
before September of 2003 then you need a program called Macro held, causing problems for other commands. By selecting the release
Recorder. Matrix units built after that date are labeled as “X-Keys checkbox, the switch can also send keystroke when the switch is flipped
SE”. These use the Macro Works software. The newer software does back, like engine shut down. With commands like radio volume or
have more features that may make a buyer pay the extra price that ejection that need to be held or repeated for a few seconds, be sure to
new units normally demand. The two biggest features that Macro not use other switches until you are done using that switch.
Works brings are quicker profile changes and the ability to assign
joystick buttons to your switches. Tips and Troubleshooting
My Matrix project was quite enjoyable. Here are my tips to make it
even more enjoyable by preventing my common frustrations.

1. I found out the hard way that most mounting necks of switches are
under a ½”. The mounting material can’t be much thicker than this
and not impede the switch movement. Even less thickness is needed
if you plan to secure the switches from the top. I had to replace my
½” thick cockpit side panels with ¼” plywood so I would still have
extra depth to screw on the retaining nuts.

2. I suggest purchasing a plastic project enclosure box that will protect

the Matrix board. Otherwise, anything and everything can fall on it.

3. Take your time when soldering switches. It will save time hunting
down bad connections later. If switches are not working properly, be
sure to continue down the row or column of that switch to see if the
other switches are working or sending errant commands. This can
help locate the bad connection or short. Also, check that your diode
has the correct orientation since they only work one way.

4. When using multiple position switches, use the release programming

MACRO RECORDER S MAIN SCREEN
to save you positions when possible. For example, a four position fuel
selector knob can have only the middle two positions wired and rely
on the release commands for the first and last position. However, do
not skip in-between positions, the wrong release command may be sent
when turning the knob both directions.

5. Ironically, sim toggle commands can actually be troublesome to program

to toggle switches. For example, a single command like “g” is often used
for raising and lowering the landing gear. If the physical switch is toggled
up before entering the virtual cockpit for takeoff, the switch would have
to be thrown down to send the keystroke to raise them in the sim after
takeoff. There are two ways around this. One method is to pre-flight the
switches so they are set properly before entering the sim. The other way
is to utilize unique switch position commands, like “g” for gear down
and “shift-g” for gear up, if the sim supports it.

The Matrix can be a daunting undertaking to an electronics beginner

like I was. But it quickly turns into a fun adventure with big rewards at
the end. It is great way to get a more useful and realistic cockpit. There
is nothing like reaching for the switch instead of watching it being
flipped on-screen. At only US$59.99, I highly recommend it to any
MACRO EDIT WINDOW
cockpit builder – www.x-keys.com

25

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 Who’s In Control?
Center Controller…
BY ROGER CURTISS

Note: This series details procedures for the United States and as
implemented by the VATUSA division of VATSIM. Air Traffic Control
procedures of other countries and/or other online organizations may The Center of it all
differ slightly in standard usage. With responsibility for traffic in an area covering thousands of
square miles and numerous airports of all sizes within that airspace

S
the CTR controller needs to assess the traffic situation and provide
ome online Air Route Traffic Control Centers services accordingly. It is not realistic to expect that a single controller
(ARTCCs) or Flight Information Regions (FIRs) will be able to provide the same degree of personal attention to every
will have a policy that restricts the operation of aircraft that can be achieved when multiple controllers are working. A
the Center (CTR) position to those members who have CTR controller who is getting too busy might take a few shortcuts to
ease the workload such as:
achieved at least a Controller rating. This is a sound
requirement as the CTR controller must truly be a • Providing a clearance and then releasing that aircraft for departure
jack of all trades. There will be times when the CTR instead of issuing taxi instructions, takeoff clearance and initial
position is the only one online which will necessitate departure vectors.
that CTR take on many of the responsibilities of • If weather conditions permit, clearing aircraft for visual approaches
in lieu of vectoring them on instrument approaches.
other control positions; issuing clearances, takeoff
instructions and vectoring aircraft for approaches and Notice what the traffic in these examples have in common… they
landings at various airports throughout the sector and are arrivals and departures not enroute traffic. The CTR controller’s
doing so nearly simultaneously while also maintaining primary responsibility is separation of enroute traffic and services to
airport traffic will be provided as thoroughly as possible on a time-
surveillance of the enroute traffic in the Center airspace.
permitting basis. Most of the time an online CTR controller will
Therefore, the CTR controller should have a firm be able to provide most of the services expected of APP or TWR
foundation of ATC requirements and be experienced at controllers but if pilots feel they are being given short shrift by CTR
working traffic. this may explain why that sometimes happens.

26 CPM. V10I2

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 CONTROLLER’S SCREEN SHOWING CLE CTR AIRSPACE AIRCRAFT SQUAWKING 1200

THE ASRC SOFTWARE CAN BE CONFIGURED BY THE CONTROLLER TO AIRCRAFT SQUAWKING STANDBY –
ALLOW INFORMATION TO BE VIEWED EASIER. DIFFICULT TO SEE ON CONTROLLER’S SCREEN!

Tips for Pilots

Understanding that the broad airspace area under the coverage saying only, “Center, Southwest 541 with you FL330” this does
of a CTR controller usually encompasses the entire ARTCC, there not help the controller as it gives very little (as in no) indication of
are certain things pilots can do to make it easier for a controller to where to find the target, and in fact, the altitude is one of the only
locate them: facts the controller will be able to see about an unidentified target
(the other being the transponder code currently set).
• Make sure you are not squawking standby. An aircraft on standby • Give your location in reference to a prominent point; a VOR, an
appears on the radar screen as a ‘+’ with no additional information airport, city or other well known geographical feature is excellent.
available. “Southwest 541, 50 miles east of Indianapolis” or “N211DC, south
• Make sure you are not squawking 1200. An aircraft squawking of Mt. Ranier” tells a controller a great deal. “N88CL, crossing
1200 appears on the radar screen as a ‘V’ with no additional WILMA”, on the other hand, assumes that the controller knows
information available. where that intersection is…which may be unlikely given that there
• Give a location when you make your initial call. If a pilot calls in are dozens of intersections in CTR airspace.

27

cpm1002.indd 27 1/11/2006, 5:30:53 PM

 AS YOU CAN SEE, AIRSPACE IS FULL OF FIXES. REPORT IN A MORE AN AIRCRAFT’S DATATAG PROVIDES VALUABLE
EFFICIENT MANNER FOR MORE EFFICIENT AIRSPACE CONTROL! INFORMATION TO THE CONTROLLER

Entering the Airspace Exiting the Airspace

Aircraft that have been handed off from another controller need An aircraft leaving the airspace has two possible scenarios;
not be concerned with the above and, in fact, should NOT use this handoff to another controller as detailed above or being informed
procedure. The above is for unknown or pop-up targets. If a controller that there is no controller online in the adjacent airspace. Such an
instructs you to contact another controller, that is a ‘handoff’. And announcement will usually be phrased much like, “SWA451, Kansas
before a handoff occurs the following actions have been performed City Center is not online. Radar services terminated. Frequency
unbeknownst to the pilot: change approved.” Some controllers will add the phrase “Proceed
own navigation”, however, technically that is not necessary unless
• The first controller will initiate a handoff request by using a series the pilot was being vectored by ATC on other than the route stated in
of keystrokes to notify the next controller that the aircraft will be the clearance.
entering the airspace.
• The receiving controller will see the target flashing on the radar What the controller is saying is that monitoring of the aircraft’s
screen and quickly determine if the handoff will be accepted position relative to other traffic is being terminated. Thus, the pilot
(aircraft is at a proper altitude and there is no immediate conflict will be responsible for traffic avoidance duties that are otherwise
with other traffic). provided by a controller. The implied message to “Frequency change
• If everything is proper, the receiving controller will accept the approved” is that the pilot is no longer expected to monitor or respond
handoff. to radio calls on the controller frequency and may switch to any other
• The initiating controller will then notify the pilot to contact the frequency as the pilot desires.
receiving controller.
Most pilots at that point will and should tune in 122.80 the
So by the time the pilot of SWA541 is told, “Contact Washington UNICOM frequency. This will allow them to announce their position
Center 123.85” it can be seen that the Washington Center controller is and intentions “in the blind” so that other pilots who may be in the
aware of that aircraft AND its location and is merely waiting for the area can be aware and take action to avoid interfering or creating a
pilot to broadcast that he is on the frequency. “Washington Center, hazard. However, announcing one’s intentions on UNICOM does not
Southwest 541 is with you Flight level 250” is all that is necessary… relieve the pilot of also exercising due diligence and taking steps to
anything more is actually redundant and wasteful of radio frequency avoid other aircraft. UNICOM is merely an advisory frequency.
time… with one exception. If the aircraft is on a non-published routing
(GPS direct) or not on the route shown in the flight plan (vector by Broadcasting, “KSFO traffic, SWA451 is on final for landing 28R”
ATC) the pilot should state either the heading (if applicable) or the does not guarantee that another pilot will not also attempt to land on,
next significant waypoint “…direct Martinsburg VOR…” takeoff from, or cross that runway. The pilot of SWA451 must be
watching for other traffic using ‘see and avoid’ procedures.
It is not uncommon for enroute traffic passing through the Center
airspace to traverse what could be hundreds of miles and only have Without digressing too much, one additional note about operating
two radio exchanges with the CTR controller; announcing presence in uncontrolled airspace; online pilots have another tool that can
on the frequency and acknowledging handoff instructions when be used to contact an aircraft that is observed to be in the area but
leaving the airspace. This is perfectly normal and is a result of the might not be tuned to UNICOM and that is to send a private chat
controller knowing exactly what path that aircraft will be taking text message. All that is needed to know in order to do so is the
through the airspace and having arranged that there will be no callsign of the aircraft to be contacted and that can be found either
potential conflicts with other aircraft. by seeing the aircraft or checking Servinfo.

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 Some General Considerations
EMERGENCIES - There are some rather strict VATSIM rules “POP-UP CONTROLLERS” - There will be times when a
regarding emergencies and every pilot who logs on does so with controller comes online while traffic is already in the airspace.
the tacit acknowledgement of these rules and agreement to abide The ASRC program provides that the controller can click on a
by them. target aircraft, press one key and a private message will be sent
to that aircraft stating “XXX_CTR. Contact me on xxx.xx” Be
The first rule is that simulated hijackings are never allowed on aware that controllers are able to send this message to all aircraft
the network and announcing same will result in the pilot being in the airspace, therefore it is likely that if you received the
reported to a VATSIM supervisor and probably being removed message you are not the only one. As a result, when responding
immediately from the system and placed on an administrative to the message it is especially important for pilots to follow the
suspension. While VATSIM supervisors and administrators announcement procedures stated earlier.
may give a pilot the benefit of the doubt in some situations or
perceived breaches of regulations, this is one area where there is AI TRAFFIC - Enabling online ATC results in Flight Simulator
no leeway provided and sanctions are immediate and severe. disabling AI traffic and other programs such as Ultimate Traffic
due to the simple fact that controllers are unable to see these
Other emergencies are permitted, however, acceptance of them other aircraft and cannot factor them into the traffic equation. So
is strictly at the discretion of the controller. If a controller feels while it will be rare to replicate the real world traffic levels of
too busy to provide the special handling required for an aircraft EGLL, KORD, KATL or other major airports, the traffic that is
where the pilot has declared an emergency the controller may present will be piloted by live pilots like yourself and the ATC
indicate this to the pilot. The pilot then has the option of “fixing guidance will also be 100% human… not a bad tradeoff.
the problem” or disconnecting from the network.
FEEDBACK - All controllers strive to provide top-notch
Personally, I enjoy the challenge of working a declared service to pilots. If you encounter a controller who has done an
emergency regardless of the traffic situation. It is not realistic exceptional job, it is very much appreciated by the controller
to pick and choose when emergencies will be allowed to occur, to express your appreciation. A simple private text message or
and having to change the “game plan” to accommodate the even a voiced, “Great job Approach” will let the controller know
emergency situation is part of the controller experience. I have how you feel. Controllers are also striving to improve when
also found that the other pilots on the frequency usually accept needed. If you have a negative experience with a controller, that
the emergency aircraft and will do what they can to assist. So it should also be made known. However, engaging in a private chat
becomes an enjoyable, immersive experience for all. discussion is not the preferred way to handle this situation. Some
of the ARTCCs provide a pilot feedback form on their website
Furthermore, there are quite a few add-on programs (767PIC (accessible through www.vatusa.org) for positive and negative
and LDS 767 among others) that provide the pilot the option comments. If such a form is not available, an email to the facility
of either “scheduling” an emergency or having the program Air Traffic Manager detailing the experience will allow the staff
randomly fail a system. As long as the airplanes are being to ensure that the service is of high quality and consistent.
designed to have system and equipment failures I feel that
ATC should accept these events and deal with them as well. It The Big Finish
has been my experience that most controllers agree with this This concludes a six part series offering a detailed explanation
philosophy and will not refuse to handle a declared emergency. of online Air Traffic Control. The main point of this series is
But the pilots must be mindful that there is no requirement that that flying with ATC is a big part of making the experience as
ATC provide services to emergency aircraft and not object if a realistic as possible. Microsoft recognized this by including AI
controller responds to an emergency declaration with “Unable ATC in the last two iterations of Flight Simulator. However,
to accommodate.” the limitations of the program-provided ATC are well known.
Therefore, those pilots who desire to fly with ATC and able to
STAFFING - No controller is required to work an assigned access an online connection should find it much more enjoyable
shift or remain online even if there are aircraft in his sector. It to use the VATSIM ATC network. There is no substitute for
is generally accepted that a controller will not sign online at interacting with a human controller who can provide a personal
a control position unless that controller expects to be able to and customized touch.
remain online for at least one hour. However, this is a hobby
(an obsessive one no doubt, but nonetheless a hobby) and it I have very much enjoyed providing these articles detailing
is understood that sometimes circumstances will dictate that a views of the controller’s role and if anyone has any questions or
controller suddenly leave the position or have to sign off even comments concerning any aspect of this series I am always open
though traffic may be heavy in the airspace (after all, dinner time to communicating. Simply write to me at [email protected]
is dinner time!). and I will be sure to respond

If a controller needs to close a position he will usually make And for those whose curiosity may have been peaked by this
an announcement to that effect on the frequency so that pilots are series, I urge you to join the “land side” of the radar screen and
aware of an imminent closure in the next 5 or 10 minutes. Most experience for yourself the sense of accomplishment gained
controllers make an effort not to leave pilots in the lurch, but if from a session plugged in and controlling. And as an additional
it does happen, pilots are urged to take it in stride (and most do), incentive, if you have ever felt the desire to tell someone where
switch to UNICOM and continue their flights. to go this could prove to be your perfect opportunity.

29

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 Flying the Memories:
The VS-44 China Clipper
BY TOM KURTZ

I
t was a romantic era and the world was in a There were no large seaplanes available, but Trippe heard of Igor
Sikorsky, the famous Russian aircraft designer, and contracted him to
state of transition. Aviation was the new frontier. design two planes for Pan-American. Sikorsky produced the S-40 and
It was the 1930’s and in the United States the the S-42, the first four-engine seaplanes in the world.
euphoria of Lindbergh’s trans-Atlantic flight still
lingered. The country was in a severe depression and The S-40 could carry 50 passengers and had a range of about
1,000nm. The later S-42 could fly 3,000nm. The S-42 was this
war clouds were gathering over Europe and Asia.
country’s first luxury airliner. Only the very rich could afford to
Nevertheless, aviation pioneers like Juan Trippe, travel on these planes. Several routes to the Orient were planned. The
Eddie Rickenbacker, Hap Arnold, and Howard shortest and most economical was from California to Hawaii, then to
Hughes could see the bright future of commercial Midway and a little known island called Wake. Then from Wake to
aviation. At the time no airfields in America could Guam, Manila, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Pan-American Airlines
was soon a great success. Trippe also contracted the Glenn L. Martin
handle large commercial aircraft so seaplanes were Aircraft Company of Santa Ana, California to build three Martin M-
the answer. Eddie Rickenbacker came up with the 130 flying boats for the Pan-American Clipper Service.
idea of Pan-American Airways, but it was Juan
Trippe, a talented entrepreneur who founded the Pan- Later, in between 1940 and 1942, Chance Milton Vought and Igor
Sikorsky formed Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft and became part of United
American Clipper service. The name “Clipper” was
Aircraft. Three new VS-44 seaplanes were designed and built for
in honor of the old China clipper ships that were used American Export Airlines (AEA) for trans-Atlantic service. The
to trade with China. plane would carry 32 passengers and a crew of 6 on daytime flights.

30 CPM. V10I2

cpm1002.indd 30 1/11/2006, 5:30:58 PM

 RY CLEAN LINES…
BUT SHE HAS VE
SHE MAY BE OLD,
NDLES NICELY.
THE AIRCRAFT HA
D IN THE CRUISE,
ONCE ESTABLISHE

HONG KONG
TOURING OVER

T
VS -44 MID-FLIGH

ING
S A “COOL” LAND
THE VS -44 MAKE
INTERNATIONAL
RD HONG KONG
HEADING TOWA

31

cpm1002.indd 31 1/11/2006, 5:31:01 PM

 THE ANALOG 2D PANEL. NO FANCY INSTRUMENTS HERE… THE ELECTRICAL PANEL. DON’T PUSH THE WRONG SWITCH!

EVERY CLASSIC AIRCRAFT HAS A GOOD ENGINEER’S PANEL KEEP A CLOSE CHECK ON YOUR ENGINE CONTROLS AT ALL TIMES

THE INTERIOR OF THE VS-44 NO PLUSH INTERIOR TRIM IN THESE OLDIES

DOWNSTAIRS TO THE PASSENGER CABIN THE RADIO PANEL MAY LOOK FOREIGN TO MODERN JET PILOTS

cpm1002.indd 32 1/11/2006, 5:31:12 PM

 For overnight flights, the cabin seats were folded into beds, and upper
bunks folded down from the cabin walls, accommodating
16 passengers.

The first built was NC41880 “Excalibur” in January 1942, the

second NC41881 “Excambian” in May 1942, and the third NC41882
“Exeter” in June 1942. World War II was in full swing and the planes
were delivered to AEA in U.S. Navy wartime camouflage.

Excalibur made the first trans-Atlantic crossing in May 1942, and

later crashed in October 1942. Excambian and Exeter continued
service until the end of the war. They carried some very famous
passengers like Queen Wilhelmina and Eleanor Roosevelt just to name
a couple. After the war the planes were repainted in the original silver
and black colors of AEA. The last trans-Atlantic flight was in October
1945. I don’t know which plane made the flight. Later the planes were
sold to New Orleans/Tampico Airlines. Then Tampico sold the planes
to Skyways International in April 1947. Exeter was lost in August
1947 on a flight in Uruguay.

Famed actress Maureen O’Hara was CEO of the Antilles Air Boats
and owned the Excambian from 1967 until transferring it to the first
Naval Aviation Museum and then to the New England Air Museum
where it was restored. She attended the dedication ceremony in 1987
at the beginning of the restoration, and again at the completion in
1998.

Excambian is the sole surviving VS-44. She is now in the New

England Air Museum, Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks,
Connecticut.

Fly it!
Now that I have you in the mood with the history lesson, you may
fly the Excambian in FS2004. This is a fun plane to fly. You may will fly for 20 hours. I left Sausalito, California for Hilo, Hawaii on
download a Freeware copy from www.simviation.com Leg one of a flight to Hong Kong following a classic route to the
It may also be available at www.avsim.com or www.flightsim.com Orient. The VS-44 has a range of 3,000nm and it is 2314.8nm from
However, I believe the version from Simviation is the best. It was Sausalito to Hilo. It took me 14.5 hours at cruise speed of about
produced with Abacus FS Design Studio 2, FS Panel Studio, and Paint 160KIAS. I ran into headwinds for part of the flight and used more
Shop Pro 7 by George Diemer, is 5.5mb in size with the filename VS- fuel than I had planned. Fly her about 55% throttle and lean out your
44.zip. It is very easy to install. What I really like about the Virtual mixture. Above FL100 you will lose power if you don’t properly lean
Cockpit is that you may tour the interior of the plane in the VC mode. the mixture, so for the real feel of it turn off the auto-mixture in the
aircraft realism settings. Landings are best made at about 85KIAS
Unless you have experience flying a large seaplane you should take with full flaps. Let the plane settle gently on to the water. If you try to
time to learn how to handle the VS-44. I had a few surprises when cut the throttle and flair you will make a “belly whopper” and bounce
I first tried a water takeoff from 22CA Sausalito, California. I just off the water a few times. If you hit hard enough FS2004 will detect
jumped into the cockpit cranked up the engines to a manifold pressure it as crash.
of 35, shoved the mixture and props forward then I tried to rotate at
about 90 KIAS and she wouldn’t fly. I never got off the water, but The panel instrumentation is of the historical period and that’s
ran her up on the beach. Then I decided to read the checklists and the part of the fun. You can learn to use the Sperry Autopilot in the
kneeboard. When you take off set your trim a few degrees up, give her Microsoft Flight Simulator Learning Center in the DC-3 Flight
about ten degrees of flaps and make sure you have a long enough run Notes. There are icons on the 2D panel for displaying the Electrical
to get up to 110KIAS before you rotate. Panel, the ADF Radio, Overhead Panel, Checklists, ATC window,
Map window, and GPS. A really good “ReadMe” with full
The plane may be landed and flown off a runway because it comes instructions is part of the download.
with “beaching gear” which is like a set of landing gears, but is not
realistic. The real plane did not have landing gear. Beaching gear was So give the VS-44 a try across the Pacific to Hong Kong or fly
floated out and attached to the plane so it could be towed on to land the Atlantic to Europe. You may even become “hooked” on flying
for maintenance on the hull. You may use the “G” key to extend and historic aircraft, I know I am.
retract the beaching and use it as landing gear.
My thanks goes out to the New England Air Museum for use of the
In the air she is smooth but slow turning. Plan your turns far ahead historical references.
of time. Don’t exceed the FL160 service ceiling and watch the fuel.
Try to use only 290 pounds of fuel per engine in cruise, that way she Happy Landings!

33

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 FREEWAREFRENZY
Top Downloads at a Price that is Hard To Beat!
FREEWARE EXPLORERS THIS ISSUE: DEAN BIELANOWSKI AND LARRY A. COLEMAN

B y popular demand, Freeware Frenzy has returned to Computer Pilot magazine!

Every 2nd issue, we will track down the best freeware downloads available for a wide
variety of civilian and combat simulators. Every add-on mentioned in this column
can be yours for FREE (Internet connection required) thanks to the great community of
freeware developers devoting their time to creating awesome simulation masterpieces.
We salute you!

Socata TBM700 A FS2004 Aircraft

Filenames: tbm700_a.zip Filesize: 33 Mb
Authors: Michel Migaud, Cyril Breton, Maurice Rancourt, Jean-Pierre Langer,
Jean-Pierre Bourgeois, Benoit Dubé, Bruno Tresarrieu
Available From: www.avsim.com, www.flightsim.com

If you are looking for a sporty turboprop, the Socata TBM700 may be your ticket. It’s
easy to mistake this aircraft for a Pilatus PC-12, the nose section looks awfully similar
but there are of course differences. The aircraft comes with a great 2D panel decked
out with a nice mix of analog and digital gauges that is easy to navigate around in
flight, allowing the pilot to find the information they need without fuss. The 3D virtual
cockpit view is equally impressive, sporting high resolution panel bitmaps that easily
set it apart from your run-of-the-mill freeware add-on.

The aircraft has been modeled in Gmax, which doesn’t automatically mean it is going

model is sure to excel, and it does. The aircraft lines are clean and accurate and the model is fitted out with all the usual animations, plus some
extras that include opening passenger and cargo doors, engine covers and “remove before flight” tags for when the aircraft is in parking mode
and everything switched off.

In the air the Socata TBM700 A handles very well. It is agile but balanced, but getting on the throttle too quickly or adjusting throttle in turns
can unsteady her, but a balanced control taking into account all flight variables will provide a smooth and enjoyable flight. Overall an excellent
add-on worthy of earning its space in your virtual hangar.

Princess Juliana International Airport FS2004 Scenery

Filename: Juliana.zip Filesize: 4.8 Mb
Author: Delblond Christian Available From: www.avsim.com

One of the regular routes I used to fly for one of my Virtual Airlines was to the island of St-
Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles - to the Princess Juliana International Airport (TNCM).
If you have flown there with the default scenery, then you know the runway is the most
dominant feature of the island. The rest of the island is pretty much ignored. Delblond has
corrected that problem with this scenery package. The screenshot gives you an idea of the
style and uniqueness of this island paradise airport. But this picture does not do the scenery
justice - you need to load up an airplane and go there to get the full effect. As with a lot of
add-on scenery packages today, this one adjusts the level of detail your video card must
render according to the position of the Scenery Complexity slider in FS2004, with the
extremely dense setting providing the most detail. If you plan to use this setting, Delblond
recommends you uncheck the “Ground Scenery Casts Shadows” option. The scenery is a
snap to install and in no time you’ll have an island paradise to fly to on your next trip!

cpm1002.indd 34 1/11/2006, 5:31:23 PM

 Vista Australis Version 0.99 FS2004 Scenery

!
Filenames: voz099.zip Filesize: 63 Mb
Authors: John Venema, Matt Tomkins, Ross Casey, Jason Davies,
Derek Kippo, Jarrad Marshall, John Dow, Clive Marriott, Marty Pomej
Available From: www.avsim.com

This is perhaps the best freeware upgrade folks downunder have seen,
and probably will see for a while to come. Addressing the strong need for
enhanced scenery on a country-sized scale, the Vista Australis team set about
creating a new freeware add-on that would raise the bar for future freeware
to come, as well as challenge payware developers to lift their game. The
description listed with the download on the AVSIM file library best sums up
what this add-on encompasses;

“Vista Australis (VOZ) will revolutionize FS2004 in a way no other

single addon has done before. This freeware package rivals commercial
payware releases but does not skimp on quality or features. In addition
to replacing all the FS2004 textures for the *entire* Australian
continent, VOZ does this across four distinct geographical regions

Sydney Harbour upgrades, new building models, the highest density autogen in any scenery release with stunningly detailed city and rural
autogen textures and much, much more. Wrap this all up in a professional installer, 50 documented flights and adventures to stunning scenic
locations, a clear and concise user manual, a full community website and support forum with 150 members signed up in the first 5 days
- and you have a new approach to freeware that will raise the bar for commercial developers. VOZ attempts to create the Flight Simulator
community of old, where people pitch in to create something great. Expect to be impressed when you install VOZ and see the true, glorious,
beautiful colours of Australia the way it was meant to be seen!”

Even after using Vista Australis for just one flight, I am convinced it is a must have add-on for FS2004 users who live in, or wish to fly around
the great southern land. A great add-on that will grow even better over time with end-user input. Well done to the Vista Australis team.

Boeing 7x7 VRIF GG PANEL v13 FS2004 Panel

Filenames: 737_757_767_777_vrif_gg__panel_v13.zip
Filesize: 24 Mb
Author: Greetmir Goodeguard
Available From: www.avsim.com

Although this panel is modified from a Ken Mitchell

original release, it offers virtual pilots a standardized panel
layout that can be used for a variety of Boeing aircraft
including the 737, 757, 767 and 777, however, it is best
used as a 767 panel. It reminds me of some of the earlier
quality panels designed for Flight Simulator 98 as it has
that same cartoon-color style background bitmap, but the
gauges exhibit coding work that far surpasses anything
made for FS98. Personally, I don’t mind the look of it, but
your mileage may vary. There is a great sweeping TCAS
gauge included, designed by Eric Marciano and the fuel
statistics gauge by Bob Guy is a welcome addition. Much
of Ken Mitchell’s original design remains, including his
PFD and MFD gauges. Goodeguard has enhanced the
panel to be more friendly on the eye, enhancing it to meet
his own personal standard he calls “VRIF” - (Visibility
Readablility Information and Functionality).

Like the real Boeing 767 panel, visibility out of the window is not as good as some other smaller aircraft, so you are somewhat fixated
on the array of instruments and readouts available to you. It’s a nice panel for proper IFR flying and includes the default FS2004 GPS
for further reference.

Worth the download if you have a suite of Boeing twin-engine airliners that do not have a decent panel attached to them.

cpm1002.indd 35 1/11/2006, 5:31:26 PM

 FSPilot v1.0 FS2004 Utility
Filenames: fspilot_10.zip Filesize: 5.3 Mb
Author: Rudolf Bumm, Felix Bumm Available From: www.avsim.com

FSPilot is a multi-purpose module for FS2004 that goes beyond the confines of conventional
autopilots in many ways and provides a new way to fly in FS2004. It implements an enhanced
autopilot, EFIS, navigation and flight planning utility into every FS2004 plane and helicopter. It
does not bypass commands to plane’s own autopilots but implements its own autopilot engines
run-time.
This is no conventional one-feature add-on for Flight Simulator. In fact, the authors aimed
to achieve several goals with this new add-on which are outlined in the accompanying
documentation;
The aims of this project were many and ambitious: First and for beginners: to enable auto-
landings with all known planes of any size from Cessna to B747. Second, this product is the
first helicopter autopilot which not only stabilizes the vessel but also enables auto-takeoff, auto-land, auto-hover on given position and low
level profile flights. Third, the product includes all AIRAC navaids and the EFIS is perfect for one-click-navigation even in the smallest plane.
Fourth, fighter pilots will love the ability to auto-fly low ground profiles. FsPilot includes a flight plan language which not only supports basic
waypoints, but also aircraft operations such as taxiing, operation of lights, flaps, gear, pushback, brakes and reverse thrust.
The free-floating control windows allow each function to be initiated as desired. This is one type of add-on best explained through personal use,
so be sure to grab a copy today and enjoy all the benefits it offers for FS2004 aviators.

F-16 Falcon FS2002/FS2004 Aircraft

Filenames: usviper.zip Filesize: 15.7 Mb
Author: Kirk Olsson Available From: www.avsim.com, www.flightsim.com

You can kick the tires and light the fires with Kirk Olsson’s popular F-16 Falcon aircraft
package for FS2002/FS2004. This is one very popular download and almost all simmers I know
personally have a copy of it. What’s even more interesting are the hundreds of paint schemes
that have appeared on flight sim download libraries available for download for this aircraft. You
can just about download the F-16 Falcon in every world air forces liveries.
The aircraft itself features Gmax modeling and is very accurately recreated by Olsson. There is
even a Marine-specific F-16 package available too. You can load up various configurations of
the F-16 including different types of air-to-air, air-to-ground weapons, or fuel pods, although
these don’t seem to be customizable, i.e. you choose one of the configurations supplied to you.
Also, Flight Simulator does not support the deployment of weapons, so they are only there
to look impressive. The canopy is also animated to open and close, so you can “lift the lid” after your virtual
airshow display and wave to the imaginary crowd that has gathered to congratulate you on a fine performance.
Flying Olsson’s F-16 is tricky when you first start out. It is very agile and responds extremely quickly to control inputs. It’s easy to get it into
a spin if you are not careful. The flight deck is well rendered with appropriate gauges and offers good visibility to the pilot. Adjusting to the
huge amount of thrust and raw speed is the biggest challenge. Once you have this licked, you can attempt some landings on terra firma, and
eventually on a carrier with some other add-ons. Overall, a great aircraft to have in your collection.

Chek Lap Kok International Airport FS2004 Scenery

Filenames: vhhh2005b.zip Filesize: 12.7 Mb
Author: Thomas Kwong Available From: www.avsim.com

When Hong Kong’s old Kai Tak airport finally closed down, the closure was met with probable
relief by many real world pilots, but with a lot of disappointment among simulator pilots. Why?
Well, it was perhaps one of the trickiest approaches in aviation history and it was great fun to
try in the sim where hundreds of lives were not at stake! The airport was closed following the
building and opening of the new Chep Lap Kok airport further out of town which had much
larger capacity, a far simpler straight in approach, and multiple runways for operations. FS2004
does an ok job of recreating this new airport, but what you really want is Thomas Kwong’s
Chep Lap Kok airport recreation. It really brings the airport to life with high levels of detail
and now makes an adequate and justified replacement to Kai Tak for sim pilots.
Kwong has used photorealistic textures to recreate the feel of this modern airport, giving the buildings a look as realistic as can
possibly be short of actually being at the airport in the real world yourself! The detail is not just limited to the immediate airport area either.
Head out from the airport and you will find a modeled Tsing Ma Bridge and more ground objects and sea-bearing boats and ships. Set up a dawn
approach and the airport and surrounding scenery look awesome, the default rendition from Microsoft just doesn’t do the new airport justice.
Grab Thomas Kwong’s Chep Lap Kok upgrade and don’t look back.

36 CPM. V10I2

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 FS9 Water Texture Replacement Files FS2004 Scenery
Filename: waterzone.zip Filename: 7.4 Mb
Authors: Pete Drazzof, Lynn Lyons, Bill Lyons, and Ed Truthan
Available From: www.avsim.com

The default water textures in FS2004 do not project the breadth and depth of color that one
would see from the air in real life. As a result, many freeware authors have experimented
with modifications to the default textures with the goal of realizing natural looking water.
For most of these modifications to be effective, you must have a fairly high-powered
computer and graphics card combination. That is because some of the subtle changes and
effects included in these modified texture files only come to life when the Options | Settings
| Display “Water Effects” slider on the Scenery tab is set at its maximum setting: High. I
experimented with the looks of Lake Michigan as seen from Meigs Field with the three
different slider settings: None, Low, and High. With the slider on None, the water in these
textures appeared a darker blue than the default, but the surface of the lake was calm and
there was no color variation. With the slider set to Low, there was a marked change in the color of the water. It becomes multi-colored
with hues of green and brown mixed in with the blues. The color variation gives the illusion of water movement, but it is really stationary. On a
slider setting of High, the color variations were essentially the same, but now waves were apparent on the lake. Reflections could also be seen
resulting from the water’s motion. If you have the hardware for it, these water texture replacement files are worth considering. As the authors
mention, please backup your original files first. Then if you don’t like the new textures it is a simple matter to return to the default files.

B717-200 and A330-300 Checklists FS2002/FS2004 Utility

Filenames: FS9B7172.zip, schott-simchecklist-AirbusA-330.zip
Filesize: 1.2 Mb Author: Werner Schott
Available From: www.dauntless-soft.com/PRODUCTS/Freebies/Handlingnotes/simchecklists.asp

Suppose you have become interested in pursuing the A330 featured in this article. You’ve
downloaded and installed the aircraft and are busily planning your first flight with a new
airplane. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a printed checklist tailored to that particular aircraft
and panel combination to use when flying the airplane? Werner Schott has been a most
prolific writer of quality flight simulation checklists for several years now. If you have never
seen or tried one of his freeware checklists, you owe it to yourself to check out what he
has to offer the flight simulation community. The checklists are broken down to cover the
steps for all phases of flight: Startup, Before Taxi, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb,
Cruise, Descent, Approach, Landing, Taxi In, Shutdown, and Securing the aircraft. The
checklists you download consist of a PDF file suitable for printing. The screenshot shows
the coversheet of the A330 checklist. Werner includes some instructions for a method of printing that will result in a nice checklist
“booklet” - if you do it right. I managed to cobble it up a couple of times before getting the correct sequence of loading my printer to get booklet
style pages. The effort is worth it; you end up with a compact booklet that you can use every time you fly the airplane. The files listed above
are Werner’s checklists for two of the aircraft and panel combinations featured in this article. Add some realism to your flights with these new
aircraft by printing a complete checklist for each!

Project OpenSky Airbus A330-300 FS2002/FS2004 Aircraft

Filenames: osa333v2novc.zip, usa_a333.zip Authors: Project OpenSky
Available From: www.projectopensky.com

Here we feature another Project OpenSky aircraft - this time the Airbus A330-300. Version
2 of this Gmax aircraft is available from the Project OpenSky website, along with the US
Airways livery shown in the screenshot (right). Note that the -200 version of the A330 is
also available in Version 2. The aircraft may be flown in both FS2002 and FS2004. Shervin
Ahooraei gets the credit for the aircraft model; flight dynamics are courtesy of Warren C.
Daniel. This version of the Airbus has the full array of features virtual pilots have come to
expect of Gmax models. With version 2 a virtual cockpit has been added for those desiring
one. The file is available as a separate download and the non-virtual cockpit base package
version is required. Features to look for in this model include dynamic flexing wings,
animated tilting body, rolling main wheels, full night lighting, and landing lights visible
from the cockpit. New features in version 2 include improved wing flex, passenger and
cargo doors that open independently, more detail in the landing gear and flaps, animated vent scoops under the belly, and
new lighting and condensation effects. In addition, the aileron and elevator droop characteristic of a parked airplane can be simulated with the
Park Mode (Shif+F). As you can see from the accompanying screenshot, this is yet another beautiful aircraft created by the talented members of
the Project OpenSky team. Airbus fans will want to check out this new version of the A330!

37

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 Weapon Delivery Planner 1.0 Falcon 4: AF Utility
Filenames: WDP1_0.zip Filesize: 3.2 Mb
Author: Cars “Falcas” Burgers Available From:

Our current series on Falcon 4: Allied Force Weapons usage takes a look at different types
of bombs and their delivery, but sometimes you need just that little bit more help in making
successful strikes on enemy targets. This is where the Weapon Delivery Planner may come
in very handy. I mean, why go into a battle zone without all the help you can gather? It’s not
a matter of fair play, it’s a matter of life and death! You should maximize your chances of
success and survival right?
The problem with many unplanned ground attacks is that you are in sight and in range of
the enemy’s weapon systems, whether they be anti-aircraft fire or SAM sites. You want
to keep your exposure time down to an absolute minimum when flying the F-16. Weapon
Delivery Planner takes all the hard work out of flight planning by giving you the ability to
plug in data (type of bomb used, aircraft speed, altitude, tracking time, G’s pulled etc) and
receive data back about your attack path, dive and climb altitudes and more.
It can get very technical indeed, and may be over the head of many jet pilots who are not totally into flying their fighter sims, but the included
documentation that comes with the program is very good and explains a lot about the how and why of each variable to be considered. If you
are looking for something that will maximize your weapons efficiency while at the same time maximizing your life expectancy, give Weapon
Delivery Planner a shot.

Raytheon B1900D Airliner X-Plane Version 8.10/8.15

Filenames: B1900D_XP815_20050711.zip (A/C), BE1900D_Sounds_20050217.zip
(Sound), airnewzealand_R1_20050517.zip (Livery)
Author: Jan Grundke Available From: www.x-plane.org/home/twinpropflyer

Shown right is the beautiful B1900D for X-Plane Version 8 by Jan Grundke. In addition to
the aircraft model the package includes a custom panel. The layout of the panel is similar
to the real airplane, with a mixture of glass panels for the PFD and HSI and analog gauges
elsewhere in the cockpit. The package includes aircraft checklists and a panel usage guide.
Custom sounds are available as a separate download. To keep the file sizes small, and
to facilitate maintenance of the files, the author does not include any liveries in the base
package. The day I downloaded this airplane there were liveries for 12 different B1900D
operators available - the Air New Zealand scheme is shown in the screenshot. A Paint Kit
is also available from the author’s website, formatted for either Gimp 2.0 or Photoshop.
Bitmaps to provide 2D interior views for the airplane can also be downloaded. A couple

entry in the tailnumber.txt file. If you are in the market for a turboprop airliner for X-Plane, please consider this package.

New York Expansion Project 7 X-Plane v7.x Scenery

Filenames: NYEXPRO.zip Filesize: 47 Mb
Author: Robert Bunce Available From: www.x-plane.org

project seems to be top of the list among X-Plane users.

“This New York Expansion Project Package Revision (R19) adds more aircraft/boats/
trucks/trains, Custom Starting Locations have been incorporated, added more taxi lines,
developed and corrected the NAV/taxiways/runway data for 194 airports.”
Not the best English, but it’s free! The expansion is not just confined to New York however.
Other areas have the odd enhancement or two as well;
“The following other scenery items are included: Niagara Falls (THE FALLS), Niagara
Gorge, and Devil’s Hole, a few hotels in the Las Vegas Strip, a maintenance scene at
KIAG, construction scene at KSTL, Gateway Arch, White House, Pentgon, Airwolf
Challenge (like in the TV show “Airwolf” you fly out and into the Airwolf hiding location),

Supercar Challenge (like in the TV show “Supercar” you fly into and out of an open roof hangar), Building Challenge (a large building with
various areas to land on and take off), the unconfirmed reports of unidentified flying objects at Roswell Intl Air Center (KROW), a non-existing
base (area 51), construction scene at KLAS, St Louis Arch, and more.”
Scenery enhancements are generally not as plentiful for X-Plane as for Microsoft Flight Simulator, so when a decent one comes out, it is worth
taking the time to download it to improve your X-Plane world. This one is a good start for your X-Plane scenery upgrade interests.

38

cpm1002.indd 38 1/11/2006, 5:31:38 PM

 Flying the Boeing 700 Series
Flight Simulators
Book Review
BY DR. JOHN LATTANZIO

T
hose who are regular readers of this magazine So precious time can be spent learning to fly something or trying to
will have seen my very positive reviews of work out how this Flight Management Computer works, a bane to
many new virtual jet pilots, but a burden that is quickly overcome
Captain Mike Ray’s Simulator Check-Ride with efficiency once you have learned the ropes. And most of the
books in the past. These are for real pilots to practice time, the manuals that come with the software are, well, manuals and
the sort of things they will be asked during their they are not the best place to learn from. Oh, an excellent reference,
check-rides in the simulator. So, when I learned that don’t get me wrong, but not the place to learn how to use them. So,
most of these aircraft sit on my shelf waiting for time to learn how to
he was writing a book specifically for sim pilots on fly them.
how to fly the Boeing 700 series of aircraft, I begged
our esteemed editor to let me review the book, and Well, if you want to get up and flying quickly, and also be drawn
into the complexities in an entertaining way, this book is a must.
was happy to bribe him if necessary. So, hold the
In fact, I think it’s a must for anyone with any interest in flying
magazine at arms length, to make room for my commercial airliners. It is one of the best learning tools, if not the
enthusiasm, and start reading! best, currently available for simulator pilots.

If you are like me, you have bought many of the very fine and very Firstly, you must realize that the default airliners in MSFS2004 just
complex add-ons, such as the PMDG 737 and 747-400, the Level-D fail to give you even the slightest indication of what a modern airliner
767 or any other of the fine Boeing 700 series add-ons available. And, is like. Even the flight model is (so I am reliably told) very poor. So,
if you are like me, you have hardly any time to spend on your hobby. don’t go near them. Get a serious add-on. And get this book.

39

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 CPM. V10I2

cpm1002.indd 40 1/11/2006, 5:31:51 PM

 REVIEW

Mike possesses a great writing style, very readable and he gets to Mike has put a lot of thought into how to introduce people to the
the point. He is a born teacher, and an experienced pilot of almost glass cockpit. I sent him a couple of questions (about the VNAV
all Boeing 700 series airliners. So he knows of what he speaks, mode in tutorial one, to be precise) and I received an answer
and he speaks it well. There are lots of diagrams, big and friendly explaining about six different ways of handling the pitch at takeoff!
diagrams, well laid out, with clear instructions on what to do in For each he explained why he had not chosen it - such as “the sims
what order, and why. just don’t do this as well as the real planes” or “well, this is too hard
for a new pilot” or “different sims react differently to this technique
The book starts with an introduction to sims and fidelity, and a and I wanted something that was useful for all”. In fact, in one
discussion of the Boeing Glass Cockpit (a bit of history) as well as email Mike said “When writing this book I had to remember that the
the layout of a typical flight deck. This consumes 44 pages, but as I sims are NOT airplanes; and the simmers are, mostly, NOT pilots.
said, there are many large diagrams so its not heavy going at all. It’s That determines the whole presentation.” I think this is an excellent
actually very interesting reading. The book achieves a good balance summary. This is a book that will quickly and entertainingly teach
between text and imagery and will suit either text or visual learners a sim pilot how to realistically fly a good simulation of a real-world
equally well. Boeing airliner. The detail included in the Level Two section makes
you want to dig deeper, and Mike has more books (for real pilots) if
We then receive a “Level One” flight tutorial, designed to get you want that extra information.
us up and flying as soon as possible. But, and this is an important
bit, Mike has taken great care to explain what is happening and In the meantime, if you are not already extremely proficient at all
why, and to make sure that even though we are rushing, we are aspects of these wonderfully complex simulations, get this book. It
not developing bad habits. This tutorial takes up 76 wonderfully will save you many hours of frustration and increase your enjoyment
informative pages. of the sim many times over. The 260+ page Boeing 700 Series
manual is available from PC Aviator at www.pcaviator.com or from
Once you have flown this tutorial a few times, you are ready to UTEM at www.utem.com and retails for US$29.95.
move to “Level Two”. This is where we really start to understand
the versatility and design of the aircraft, and the sim. Mike starts
with an extensive description of each of the instruments in the Editor’s Notes
Boeing Glass cockpit, showing all the info they can display. I wish With Dean Bielanowski
I had this some time ago! This is the best explanation I have seen.
Yes, most of this info is in the manuals, but this summary is the way Well folks, this is not a section I write often following a review,
to start and it avoids all the irrelevant matter that consumes pages but in this case, I thought it was justified. The reason being is
of bulky flight manuals. Go to the manual for more details, but read that this book deserves additional commendation and comment
these summaries first. The discussion here at the start of Level Two because it is a text that has been long overdue in the simulation
includes SIDS and STARS and approach plates, more on the FMC, hobby. I frequently receive emails from simmers who are baffled
and runs a further 50 pages. by the complexities of the heavy jet flight deck environment, and
most noticeably by the intricacies and procedures involved in
Then it’s time to fly the Level Two tutorial, from KLAS to setting up and using the FMC in flight. After having read through
KLAX. There is a fuel calculation included, detailed FMC a large portion of this manual myself, I can recommend this text to
programming instructions, as well as a section on holding patterns. just about any flight sim fan at any level of proficiency flying the
All the stuff from Level One is included as well, but in more detail simulated heavy jets. Even the most skilled virtual jet pilot will learn
and more realistically so that now you start to appreciate the power more than a thing or two from this book.
of the FMC and the simulation itself. This section is another 80
pages. Do you get the idea that you are getting a lot of book for your It is odd though, because the layout and presentation of this
money? You sure are. book breaks just about all the rules of conventional and formal
book layout and editing styles. But is this a bad thing? I would say,
Following that there is a section on non-precision approaches certainly not! After reading through the manual and experiencing
(another 20 pages) before the ad section, where Mike tells you Mike’s unique way of information delivery via the wide and varied
about the other Check-Ride books that are available (which are an array of text, diagrams, font sizes, and even cartoons, you might
excellent addition for the enthusiastic simmer). come to realize that convention simply has it wrong. This book even
has myself questioning the layout and style of this very magazine
So my overall impression is that this book is essential if you want you are reading.
to know what it’s really like to fly an airliner. It’s just brilliantly laid
out, easy to read, well explained, and a fantastically efficient way to You can see just by reading John’s review above the level of
learn how to “fly the glass”. enthusiasm readers possess for this text after they have read it
themselves. I also experienced this elevated sense of enthusiasm, not
A couple of warnings however. The “save flight” option does not only because the book will allow you to fly your Boeing aircraft to a
remember the FMC inputs, at least for some add-ons. Maybe for level you have probably not experienced before, but more because of
some, but not for the ones I was using. This is such a useful feature the sense of relief that someone has, finally, produced a step-by-step
that one hopes will be included in the near future. Also, when guide to flying the Boeing aircraft that answers just about all the most
undertaking the Level One tutorial, remember to select only a small common questions flight simmers ask regarding operation of their jets.
amount of fuel. The default is for the aircraft to be fully loaded and
this makes it rather heavy at landing and the autopilot may have I send my personal congratulations to Mike Ray for producing this
trouble. So the Level One tutorial, which is a very short flight from book. I certainly learnt a lot from it and I’m sure you, the reader,
Seattle to Seattle, will require only a tiny amount of fuel. would also benefit greatly from it. Well done Mike on a great job.

41

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 42 CPM. V10I2

cpm1002.indd 42 1/11/2006, 5:31:54 PM

 43
“MACHINES OF WAR” Photograph by Glenn Alderton

cpm1002.indd 43 1/11/2006, 5:32:03 PM

 ORDER IL N E
IS S UE
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cpm1002.indd 44 1/11/2006, 5:32:49 PM

 puterpilot.com
ticle index is availab le online at www.com
Volu me 1-6 BACK ISSUE ar

Volume 7 Issue 1 Volume 8 Issue 1 Volume 9 Issue 2

Reviews • Microsoft’s Combat Flight Simulator 3 • Lago’s FS Maintenance • Creative Audigy 2 + Reviews: Flight 1’s Cessna 310 • Aerosoft’s My Traffic 2004 • Just Flight’s Battle of Britain. Crosscheck Reviews: PSS Concorde • Abacus FS Flight Ventures • Bryan York’s FS2Crew • REALAIR
Inspire 6.1 Speakers • Aerosoft’s Scenery Spain 1 & 2. Combat Flight Simulator 3 Mega Review. - Aviation Management Sims, AVSIM Conference Fly-In, The Good Fight by Bill Stack. Installing FS Add-ons, SIMULATION’S Spitfire. Flying the Maldives: What Went Wrong? Cockpit Building Series – Pedestals
The latest version of Microsoft’s combat sim range with this awesome 12-page review that covers Hortons Hints for FS2004, Inside AirsideTV.com, Rotary Wing 102 - Having trouble flying the choppers? and Panels. Aircraft ID Challenge II. Round the World in a C172 – The Trip Home. Hardware Corner
everything you need to know before you reach for the CFS3 skies. The Pilot’s Guide To Europe. Accessing Flight Sim Newsgroups, CFS3 - 12 Months On. Be Careful What You Wish For… Multi Engine Flying – latest joysticks and controls from Saitek. The 727 Project. “Hit the Deck!” – Flying UbiSoft’s Pacific
The Best Of 2002. Looking Into the Wild Sim Yonder. Horton’s Hints. Fly! II Freeware Roundup - High Altitude Operations. Flying the Heavies - Keep a Good Look-out! Flight Instructor - Flapless approach Fighters simulator. Battle of the Airlines. The Art of Instrument Flying – FMC Basics Part III. Round
2002. FS2002 Tutorial Series - A.I. Part I. X-Plane Tutorial Series: Creating Photorealistic Scenery. and landing. PLUS OUR REGULAR COLUMNS AND MORE!!! Robin Adventures – America West, PLUS OUR REGULAR COLUMNS & MORE.
Multi-Engine Flying: Your First Charter Flight in the Chieftain. The Art Of Instrument Flying: Flying Volume 8 Issue 2 Volume 9 Issue 3
the SAAB 340 with Reginal Express. Flying the Heavies: Unusual Attitutes Around Alaska, PLUS OUR Reviews: UbiSoft’s Lock On: Modern Air Combat • T-37 Tweet microSimulator • Abacus’ Sea Plane Reviews: Aerosoft’s Austria Professional 2004 • NaturalPoint’s Vector 6 Expansion • Australian
REGULAR COLUMNS AND MORE!!! Adventures. On A Wing And A Prayer – Ultralight Flying, Unusual & Interesting Airports, Lock On: Modern Simulation’s Piper Warrior II / III. The Making of a Scenery Add-on. Battle of the Airlines II. Cockpit
Volume 7 Issue 2 Air Combat Mega Review, X-Plane Parachutes, Flight Sim Piracy: Fact or Fiction? Round Robin Adventures: Building Series – Back to Basics. Learning from Accidents – 737 Overrun. “What FS10 Needs”. My
Reviews: Airport 2002 Volume 1 • Commuter Airliners/Eurowings Professional • VFR Photographic Ski trip to Innsbruck with Edelweiss Air. Understanding and Customizing AI Traffic in FS2004. Ground School: Flight Sim Closet. “HELL OVER HIGH WATER” – The Grumman Hellcat. Flight Instructor: “Get Real”
Scenery Volume 1 • Operation Barbarossa. The Birth of a Virtual Aircraft, Hardware Corner, Flying flying an aircraft for maximum range and endurance. The Art of Instrument Flying: Holding over a VOR – PPL Training. Ground School – All About the GPWS. The Next Dimension – Online ATC. Hazards
with ELITE, X-Plane Object Creation Revealed!, A.I. Part II, Mission Building in CFS3, Freeware station...PLUS OUR REGULAR COLUMNS AND MORE!!! when Power-line Patrolling...PLUS OUR REGULAR COLUMNS & MORE!!!
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cpm1002.indd 45 1/11/2006, 5:33:04 PM

 PMDG Express:
B1900C and B1900D Boxed Version Review

BY DR. DAVID WILSON-OKAMURA

S
ince 1997, PMDG has specialized in high-end that have been released, and also includes a modest host of livery
products for hard-core simmers. Then, two textures (14 for the C, 28 for the D). I will be commenting on the CD-
years ago, the company introduced a new ROM version.
series, PMDG Express. “Designed to be attractive Installation
to flight simulator users who are interested in a Installation from the CD is easy: first you install the aircraft using
less study-intensive simulation experience, PMDG a simple wizard and then you install liveries, again using a wizard.
Express products marry highly-detailed visual models There’s no need to edit aircraft.cfg files to install additional liveries:
the wizard does all of that for you and also includes a thumbnail so
with realistic flight dynamics and a comprehensive
that you can see what the new livery will look like. Should you wish
cockpit environment without also requiring the user to add more liveries later, it’s a simple matter of inserting the CD
to study for an ATP exam.” This is in contrast with again and picking the ones you want. There is no facility for deleting
the company’s flagship products, 737NG: The New a livery.
Generation and 747: Queen of the Skies.
With the CD-ROM comes a printed manual. The first half is in
To date, there have been two entries in the Express line: the German, the second in English. The English half is about 20 pages
Beechcraft 1900D, launched in February 2004, and the Beechcraft long and provides detailed performance specifications for both
1900C, released one year later. Now, Aerosoft has bundled both models, the C and the D, followed by operating procedures for each
aircraft on one CD-ROM, which incorporates a number of patches airplane. It assumes, reasonably, that you already know how to fly a

46 CPM. V10I2

cpm1002.indd 46 1/11/2006, 5:33:07 PM

 REVIEW
REVIEW

twin-engine aircraft from reading the relevant articles in the Learning

Center that came with Flight Simulator.

What Is It?
Once the aircraft are installed, what do you get? The B1900 is
classified as a regional airliner and corporate transport. Based on the
successful design of the King Air 200, it will carry 19 passengers and 2
crew a distance of up to 527 nm. Suggested altitude for long-range flights
is 25,000 (FL250), where it cruises comfortably at 280 knots true air
speed (KTAS).

How does it fly? Again, our reference point is the King Air. The B1900
is to the King Air what a stretch limousine is to a regular Cadillac. It’s
2D COCKPIT (1900C MODEL)
longer, heavier, more expensive, and it carries more people. Still drives,
though, like a Cadillac. If you can fly the default King Air (the one that
comes with FS2004) you can fly any one of the 1900 series. The extra
weight takes some getting used to - especially at low speed on final
approach - but the procedures are the same and the instruments are
similar where not identical.

Eye Candy
If it’s so close to the default, why not stick with that? The answer can
be stated very simply: the King Air that comes with Flight Simulator is
fast and fun to fly, but it is not lovely to look at. The exterior model is
blocky and the VC textures are crude.

Now compare this with the B1900s as modeled by PMDG. There’s

still something chunky about the front end, but that’s a feature of the
original aircraft, to which the modeler has been completely faithful. I
haven’t undertaken a rivet-by-rivet comparison with the real thing but
I’ve studied the photos on airliners.net and the contours are accurate. B1900D IN KLM LIVERY
Textures are sharp, too. The underside, including wheel wells and
landing gear, is reproduced in detail. And, to give the aircraft that
lived-in look, there are exhaust stains on both wings, top and bottom.

I was particularly struck by the clarity of the interiors. If you have

ActiveCamera, you can leave the cockpit, stroll down the aisle of
the passenger cabin and stoop down to look out the windows; in
the C model, the seats even have numbers. But where the details
really matter is in the cockpit, since that’s where you’ll be spending
most of your time. If you look, for example, at the door panel of
the default King Air, there’s just a blurry sketch of something that
looks vaguely electrical. Now compare this with the equivalent
door panel on the B1900: nothing vague here. Some of the switches
are just for show, but they all show up clearly. Lighting is attractive
too and there’s more of it; in addition to the nav, beacon, strobe,
cockpit, landing, and taxi lighting that is standard on the default
King Air, there’s also wing and tail lighting.
BLURRY DEFAULT KING AIR TEXTURES
Visually, the best thing about these birds is the detailed
animation, especially of passenger and cargo doors. The trick with
the passenger door is to model the wire lanyard that unfolds above
the stairway. When it’s well done, as it is here, the wire should seem
supple, not jerky. The same goes for the pull-rope on the cargo door.

Inside, the animations are more functional. The 1900D only

has one of these, the sliding door between the virtual cockpit and
the virtual cabin. To this, the 1900C adds working sun visors and
movable armrests, which otherwise would obstruct the autopilot. On
the instrument panel there are also several valves: these move too,
but when you pull on “pilot air” it doesn’t shoot air at your face. Also,
when you shut off “cabin air” at FL300, the passengers don’t slide into
a coma.

SHARP B1900C TEXTURES

cpm1002.indd 47 1/11/2006, 5:33:13 PM

 BIG WINDOWS, ONE SUN VISOR COCKPIT LIGHTING AT SUNSET (1900C)

DEFAULT GAUGES AT NIGHT EXHAUST STAINS IN DHL LIVERY

FIRST OFFICER’S VIEW FREIGHTER CONFIGURATION IN FEDEX LIVERY

PASSENGER CABIN (1900C VERSION) UNDERSIDE DETAIL

cpm1002.indd 48 1/11/2006, 5:33:23 PM

 REVIEW
REVIEW

Flight Characteristics the VC, which in both models is attractively textured and very
I’ve never flown the real thing, so I can’t comment on the usable. Framerates in the VC are slightly lower than the default
accuracy of the flight dynamics, but I can say what it feels like. King Air, and panning is a little choppier. This is to be expected:
Again, I’ll use the default King Air as a reference point. The first the B1900 has more gauges and more detailed textures than any
thing you’ll notice is that turns are larger and take longer. The other of the default planes and, of course, that “more” comes with a
main difference is on final approach. The temptation is to reduce performance hit. In this case, however, the hit is very low: if you
engine thrust too quickly. This bird is heavy though, and when it can run the current version of Flight Simulator comfortably, you
starts to sink it sinks fast. The result (when you reduce power too should have no problem.
soon) is a delay while the engines spool down followed by a steep
drop - at which point you realize that you are not going to make There are only two things I dislike about the VC. One, the GPS
it to the runway on your current glideslope. You add power, and is hard to read, even crouched down and close up - this is not a
while you are waiting for the engines to spool up again you add problem in the 2D view. Second, the autopilot controls are next
some back elevator. If you’re lucky you’ll maintain a shallow down to the seat instead of on the main instrument panel. This doesn’t
glide to the runway threshold. matter if you fly from the 2D cockpit, but if you’re using the VC
it forces you to look down and to the side whenever, for example,
The way to avoid this is to keep your speed up all the way down you want to switch the autopilot from HDG to NAV. But this is a
to the yellow line. Landing speed when you touch down should be feature of the real aircraft, not a defect in the model.
about 113 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS); for comparison, that’s
almost twice the landing speed of the 65 KIAS of a Cessna 172. What I like about the cockpit, apart from sharp textures and
The landing speed for the King Air is comparable (109 KIAS), but smooth gauges, is the view. This bird has big windows. You
because the B1900 is heavier you will need more stopping distance. can’t look back over your shoulder but the forward view is
For the same reason, you’ll also need more take-off distance. phenomenal. Side views are good too, because the engines are set
back behind the cockpit - in the King Air, they’re parallel with
Sounds the cockpit, and obstruct your view of the ground. The right seat
Again, I can’t remark on the accuracy of the sound set, but here is flyable as well (if you move the eyepoint over) and includes
are my impressions. In general, the sounds are both softer than the something that the left seat doesn’t have, a radio altimeter.
default King Air, and more subtle. When I say they are more subtle,
I mean there is more articulation. For example, when you retract Conclusion
the gear you hear more things happening. It’s not just up and lock, Should you buy it? Sold separately as downloads, the C and the
it’s more like up, fold, in, and then lock. The same is true when you D models sell for $15 (US) each. At that price there’s very little
activate flaps. Engine noise too has more variation beyond up and competition, and nothing with as much detail in the visual model.
down. Thus, at low speeds there are different sounds, not just lower The only question is, if you have the C model (the newer one
pitched ones. with the custom gauges) do you really need the D? The CD-ROM
version, published by Aerosoft, bundles both models together
Differences for about $30 (US) plus shipping. That’s not out of line for other
How do the C and D models differ? The D has been out longer titles on CD-ROM, and you do get two different models, plus the
and thus has more liveries. The D also has more thrust (1,279 cargo and freighter version of the C model, plus a barrel of easily-
horsepower vs. 1,100 for the C) so it climbs faster (2,615 feet per installed liveries, plus a printed version of the manual.
minute vs. 2,330) and cruises quicker (280 knots vs. 262). These
differences aren’t huge though, and I’m guessing that most people On the other hand, for that same $30 you could buy the
will end up flying the C for three reasons. First, PMDG’s version Pilatus PC-12 from Flight1 (also now on CD-ROM). Or, for
of the C comes in three types: passenger (with cabin and windows), another $5 you could get the award-winning ATR 72-500,
cargo (no cabin, no windows), and freighter (no cabin, no windows, again from Flight1. The ATR is complex and demanding, a real
plus a cargo pod underneath). Second, the C has more animations systems sim: unlike the B1900 under review here you need to
in the cockpit, including the sunshades and moving armrest I study before you can fly it. The real competition is from the
mentioned earlier. Third and most important, the C has a new set of Pilatus (which Gene Davis reviewed in these pages last year).
gauges. The D model, which was PMDG’s first offering for more Like the B1900, it comes in four different flavors: standard,
casual simmers, used gauges from the default King Air. Nothing executive, cargo, and “surveillance.” In speed and complexity,
wrong with that, and it kept the cost down. With the C model, the PC-12 is comparable to default the King Air but different
there are still some left-over default gauges, but the most important enough to make things interesting. It’s also more flexible, being
indicators (e.g., attitude, altitude) are new to this aircraft. In the capable of both short-field operations and long distances. The
real world the C model is older than the D, so the “new” gauges avionics are more advanced and the autopilot has some quirks,
are analog whereas the “old” gauges were digital. I like analog but but to help you with those there is a video tutorial. I only wish
that’s a matter of taste. The important thing is that the new gauges the windows were bigger. Another alternative in this price
are sharp, legible and very smooth: not Reality XP or RealAir range is the Aeroworx King Air B200, but that is not available
smooth, but close enough. yet on CD-ROM.

Cockpit Do you want to stretch yourself? If the answer is “Some,” get

If you fly exclusively from the 2D cockpit there is an option to the Pilatus. If the answer is “No, I just want something that looks
omit the virtual cockpit VC and cabin in order to free up system and sounds better than the default,” get the B1900. You’ll be very
resources. Since getting TrackIR, I fly almost exclusively from satisfied, and it does have those great big windows.

49

cpm1002.indd 49 1/11/2006, 5:33:29 PM

 SR-71 Blackbird Review
BY GENE DAVIS

I
remember growing up and looking at pictures pamphlet that explains how to install the aircraft, but once the plane
of the SR-71 Blackbird and thinking how cool it is installed you will find limited documentation on your hard drive.
Surprisingly, the developers chose to include only an 11-page manual
must have been to fly these magnificent looking
with the release of the SR-71; I am sure the flight manual of the actual
planes, and if that didn’t make them interesting, the SR-71 was nothing short of a small library.
fact that they were “spy” planes made the intrigue
only better. With the era of the Blackbird behind us, SR-71 Audio
we can now only experience the sheer power of this Once you get into MSFS you will find four different versions of
the SR-71, each one is based on their real life counterparts and are
plane on our home computers with PILOTS SR-71,
marked for where they served. So, if you have a special SR-71 in
so let’s take a step back in time and climb into the mind this add-on just might deliver.
cockpit and go for a quick shot over the Pacific and
see what the Russians are up to in old world USSR! The SR-71 from the people at PILOTS is a visual treat; one tends
to get a real sense of history when you are looking at the sheer size
Installation of this aircraft. Every conceivable detail has been added to this
The installation of this aircraft is relatively simple, but uses the plane on the outside and I was impressed with how well it flew at
same install process as the one used in the Boeing 314 clipper and lower altitudes. As you walk around this aircraft you will notice oil
has the tendency to be very sensitive when using virus programs, or dripping from the underbelly of the plane, I thought this was a nice
firewalls for that matter. Included with the disk is a simple two page touch and really adds to the quality of this add-on.

50 CPM. V10I2

cpm1002.indd 50 1/11/2006, 5:33:31 PM

 REVIEW
When you fly SR-71 it flies relatively well and has a
decent flight model. However, I found that when flying
it at the cruising altitude of 85,000 feet things tend to
get a little rough. Once the plane gets above 70,000
feet the autopilot starts moving the plane left to right,
I am sure this is due to the limitations of MSFS at
such a high altitude, but it doesn’t help this product
any. And if that wasn’t enough, once you get up to
about 75,000 feet you will notice parts of your plane
will blink on and off, in some cases I lost my entire
engine housing. When I brought the plane back
down to about 60,000 feet this bug went away and
everything went back to normal.

Maneuvering the plane is much like turning the

Concorde, you are traveling very fast and at such a
high altitude that the turn will take miles before it is
completed - remember that when you are coming back
from a mission as you will need to know the areas you READY FOR DEPARTURE!
are flying into and have a good idea of the where your
home airstrip is, otherwise you might find yourself
overshooting your target and running out of gas.

The sound for the Blackbird is well made as

you will find everything from the sound of the
engines starting, to the sound of the afterburners
engaging in flight, as well as audible warning
sounds within your cockpit environment. You will
also find that the entire engine startup sequence
has been recreated for your aircraft; you will
hear the ground crew and the pilot going through
the arduous process of firing up this monster,
as well as the sounds of the canopy closing. I
have to add though; there is no way to start the
engines yourself as you have to use the auto-start
sequence on the panel, more on that later.

2D Panel vs Virtual Cockpit

The 2D panel for me was the biggest
disappointment. Compared to that of the real
world SR-71 it is almost too modern. Though I
think the designers did it to make the plane more
flyable to the casual simmer, I was looking for SUPERB DETAIL!
a more realistic SR-71 experience with more
accurate system modeling and avionics. Now,
I am not saying that it is a bad thing, I am just
saying that I wanted more of a simulated SR-71
environment, and who knows, maybe by the end
of their service life these aircraft did see some
pretty modern enhancements.

Included in the 2D panel is a single MFD that

offers a decent TCAS that operates in several
different modes, but displays the same thing in
every mode. You can also switch between your
navigational displays here and a provided click
spot will bring up the MSFS GPS.

A real nice feature in the 2D cockpit is the

implementation of the HUD system. This
HUD is a rather complex one as it displays not
only your speed and altitude, but navigation
information as well.

MISSION DAY!

cpm1002.indd 51 1/11/2006, 5:33:40 PM

 IN FLIGHT WITH THE SR-71 2D PANEL WITH HUD ACTIVE

STANDARD 2D COCKPIT OVER THE TOP!

SR-71 IN FLIGHT, AFTER BURNERS LIT! VIRTUAL COCKPIT

cpm1002.indd 52 1/11/2006, 5:34:04 PM

 REVIEW
There is a list of features that
come with the 2D panel and I
simply do not have the space in
this review to go over them all, so I
will just list some of them:

• Functioning drogue chute.

• Pushback: left, right or straight
back.
• Functioning HUD that displays all
pertinent NAV information.
• NAV radios / Communication
radios.
• Auto-start sequence.
• Multi functional MFD.
• TCAS.
DETAILED WHEEL COMPARTMENTS • GPS.
• Clear and easy to read gauges.

Now, if you were to look at a picture

of the real SR-71 and that of PILOTS,
I think you will find the virtual cockpit
more on par with the real life plane.
It does not offer the modern or quick
launch functions of the 2D panel, but
on the other hand it is not designed to
be as interactive either, so you will find
yourself going back and forth between the
two. There are some click spots on it, thus
allowing you to fly from the VC if needed.

Performance
When you fly a plane at Mach 3.31, at
an altitude of 85,000 feet there are going
to be performance issues. The plane itself
runs really well, it’s just your surroundings
that are going to take a hit. The faster you
go, the slower your computer will keep up
with you, thus resulting in blurry terrain
textures. On the other hand though, at
85,000 feet I don’t think you’re going to see
LANDING! much so the blurry world of MSFS will be
adequate until it is time to come back down.

Looking Ahead
I read somewhere that the folks at PILOTS
will eventually incorporate a major update
to this already functional aircraft and that
they will add in-flight refueling, this would
be a welcome addition as the SR-71 refueled
numerous times on a single mission.

In the End…
PILOTS’ SR-71 Blackbird is a nice product
and if you like flying that era of military
aircraft you will probably enjoy it, sure there
are things that could have been different
or better but it is still a decent product and
worthy of your attention. This is an era that has
passed us by, and it is really nice to see add-on
developers revisiting this particular part of our
history and giving us the opportunity to see it
again. http://sr71-stealth.com/

53
CHUTE DEPLOYED

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 Mud Moving in the Viper: 103
BY MIKE GLYNN

I
n this, the third in our series on the various
methods of spreading mayhem via high
technology, we will be running through the guidance mechanism. Paveway I was a series of laser guided bombs
last of our F16 weapons systems. We will start with with fixed wings. Paveway II [with retractable wings] and Paveway
III are the Air Force designations for 500- and 2,000-pound-class
precision bombing with laser beams and then finish laser-guided bombs (LGBs).
some good old fashioned shoot-em-up action with
the Vulcan cannon. General Purpose (GP) bombs are turned into laser-guided bombs
by the use of a build up kit. The kits consist of a computer-control
Laser Guided Bombs group (CCG), guidance canards attached to the front of the warhead to
We all saw the effectiveness of the laser guided bomb on television provide steering commands, and a wing assembly attached to the aft
during the first Gulf War. Those grainy black and white shots of end to provide lift. All LGB weapons have these basic components.
bombs going down ventilation shafts or going through the blast doors
of hardened aircraft shelters were a stunning testament to the accuracy The guidance control unit is attached to the front of the bomb,
of this type of weapon. So how do they work? and a wing assembly is attached on the rear. Laser designators and
seekers use a pulse coding system to ensure that a specific seeker and
The USAF LGBs (Laser Guided Bombs) are designated the designator combination work in harmony. By setting the same code in
“Paveway” system. both the designator and the seeker, the seeker will track only the target
designated by the designator. Target designators are semi-active laser
Three generations of Paveway LGB technology exist, each illuminators used to “tag” a target. In the case of the F-16, a targeting
successive generation representing a change or modification in the pod set on gimbals is used.

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 Lofting a LGB
Once you have refined your target designation skills, you can
increase your chances of survival by employing the loft delivery
technique. Lofting an LGB allows you to come in low and fast, which
will always provide greater protection than a standard medium level
CCRP attack.
The key to this technique is early and accurate designation of
the target. Once this is achieved you can descend to 1000 feet and
increase your speed to 500 KIAS (Knots Indicated Air Speed). It is
unwise to descend lower than this because you still must maintain
line-of-sight to the target.
At approximately four miles to run, start a 30 degree pull up and
depress your pickle button. The HUD will be in CCRP mode and
you should both feel and hear the bomb come off the rack with the
“PAVEWAY” call. At this point you can start your turn away from
the target to avoid the defences, whilst maintaining the all-important
line-of-sight.
Lofting an LGB is a straight-forward maneuver once the target is
properly designated, and well worth practicing before you attempt it
on a live mission in Falcon 4: AF.
HERE IS THE F16 SHOWING BOTH THE 500LB AND
2000 LB VERSION OF THE “PAVEWAY”LGB
LGB dropping by the numbers
The training mission for the LGB in Falcon 4: AF puts you at 7500
feet with about 6 miles to run to your target, and an airfield laden
LGB bombing modes in the F-16 with juicy targets. For the first few runs, where you need to get your
We covered the CCRP mode (Continuously Computed Release switchology correct for the drop, it is best to start off by pressing
Point) mode in our first article, and this is the only mode that we can SHIFT-P which freezes the aircraft’s position, but lets you operate all
use to drop a LGB. The main difference in the two weapons is that the controls.
after release of a dumb bomb, the pilot is free to maneuver at will; Let’s go through the procedure for an attack using the laser
with a LGB the pilot must fly in such a way to enable the targeting targeting pod slaved to the radar:
pod to remain locked on the target. Fortunately this is easy to do
as the targeting pod can remain locked on to any target within 150 1. Make sure you are in A-G mode by either pressing BACKSPACE
degrees of the aircraft’s attack heading. or the A-G button on the ICP. You want 4GB12 selected on the
right MFD.
2. Ensure that steerpoint 4 is selected on the DED, if not, bring it up
Target Pod Slave Mode via the S key.
The search for targets can be made easier by slaving the targeting 3. Load the targeting pod on the left MFD by pressing OSB 14 twice
pod to the radar. Slaving the pod to the radar means that the pod is and choosing TGP (remember that the numbering starts clockwise
always looking where the radar cursors are. There are two modes from the top left button).
that are slight exceptions to this. One is where then the radar is in The Laser Arm switch can be found on the left hand side of the
Steerpoint mode (STP) and the other is Snowplough (SP) mode. STP cockpit panel (see screenshot):
mode will simply reference the radar cursors to the next steerpoint
and SP puts the cursors a set distance from the aircraft. In both cases
the targeting pod will still look at the radar, just don’t expect to see
anything worthwhile shooting at unless you are extremely lucky.
The general use for slaving is to use the various Air-to-Ground
radar modes to find the target area, and then slew the targeting pod
cursor to zero in on the target of choice.
Locking the target up once found is a matter of personal choice.
You don’t need to actually do it but if you don’t then you must slew
the cursors manually if they start to drift. Once the target is locked,
then the standard CCRP symbology appears on the MFD and the
HUD. At this point, consent-to-release is needed to release the
weapon which is given by holding down your pickle button as the
cursor comes down the bomb fall line on the HUD. At the appropriate
time, the bomb will release and you will hear the words “PAVEWAY”
on the comms channel, indicating a good release of the LGB.
Once released you can track the bombs progress to the target via the
targeting pod display, and even move the cursors while the bomb is in
flight. You can also turn away from the target and the bomb will still
guide, provided you still have line-of-sight and you haven’t locked up
the gimbals on the pod by turning more than 150 degrees away from
the target.

55

cpm1002.indd 55 1/11/2006, 5:34:25 PM

 4. Place the switch to ARM. A blinking L should appear on the Strafing
targeting pod display to confirm laser activation. Our final ground attack mode is the humble strafing run.
5. The Fire Control Computer (FCR) is now activated by pressing the The M61A1 Vulcan cannon is a six-barrel 20mm gun capable
] key and the F2 key. The radar cursors should now be on top of the of firing 6,000 rounds per minute. Its operation is based upon the
target. You can bring the range scale down to 20 miles by using the principle used in the rapid-firing gun invented by Richard J. Gatling
F3 key. in the 1860s. The six rotating barrels, firing one at a time, permit
6. It is best not to lock up the radar on the target (due to the difficulty a high rate of fire while at the same time reducing the problem of
of unlocking it). Press the NRM mnemonic on the OSB to bring barrel wear and heat generation. The gun can be driven electrically,
up DBS2 which allows you to get a long range picture of the target hydraulically, or by a ram-air turbine. In the F16 it is hydraulically
area. Once you have a reasonable view you can switch to NARO driven.
view and ground stabilize the view by pressing 0. EXP will further The multiple-barrels cannon offer both advantages in firing rate
refine the view. and in barrel life. As the 6 barrels revolve, they proceed through
7. Lock the target up with the 0 key again. Fly straight towards the the different stages of the gun firing cycle. Each barrel is fired as it
target and hold down the pickle button. passes through the top position, after which the spent case is extracted
and ejected, and a new round is fed and chambered - all at different
When the bomb releases, commence your escape maneuver. positions on the circle described by the revolving barrel. This means
The “L” on the MFD will start to flash when the laser is active. A that the firing rate is multiplied by the number of barrels, as six
countdown will also commence showing how long to bomb impact. barrels are being loaded in parallel. Furthermore, since each barrel is

THE LGB SHOT IS SETUP WITH A HANGER IN THE TARGETING POD SIGHT. NOTE THE CCRP SYMBOLOGY ON THE HUD

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cpm1002.indd 56 1/11/2006, 5:34:26 PM

 only fired at 1/6th of the total firing rate, barrel wear and tear is not 2. You will get a “hat” or straight line above the pipper when you are
increased. The major drawback is that ammunition is consumed at a within range; 8000’.
vast rate, requiring large ammo magazines. In your Falcon 4 F16, you 3. Be smooth.
have 510 rounds, or about five seconds worth of firing time. 4. Place the pipper below the target and fire for no more than 1-2
seconds.
HUD Symbology 5. You only have five seconds worth of ammunition so conserve your
The HUD for ground attack is simplicity itself. Simply place the shells.
floating pipper over the target and pull the trigger when in range. The 6. The troops you strafe would love to meet you. Always remember
range of the Vulcan is effectively 8000 feet. Enough said? Let’s take this (see screenshot below).
the Vulcan for a little spin using the training mission in Falcon 4: AF.
Some of the targets you will be attacking are moving ones (if they
The 20 mm projectiles fired by the Vulcan are not particularly are smart that is).
useful for penetrating hard-skinned target such as tanks. Although Generally, the correct technique for attacking a moving target is to
some later versions of the projectiles fired by this gun ARE armour place the pipper behind the target and run the shells up to it. You fire
piercing, it is not modelled in the sim. 20 mm projectiles also short bursts and correct your aim from the observed fall of the shot.
have a relatively slow speed; 3500 feet per second. This should be
remembered for the mission. Attacking a moving target at a right angle is generally frowned on
for all except the crack shots amongst us. Now, I know that means
Start the mission and select gun strf by using the backspace key. you, so just bear with me while I explain this to the lesser mortals.
Set your throttle to about 80% and start the hunt for targets. They Any angle less than 90 degrees will assist you in your strafing
are quite small in this mission and can take some finding. Use the L endeavors. Keep your longitudinal axis as aligned as possible with the
key to help you in this regard, just remember to get out of that mode movement of the target. At 500 knots, you have precious little time to
before firing. make corrections.

When aiming at a target there are some salient points to digest. This now concludes our tutorial on Ground Attack in the F-16. Next
month we will be looking at Air Combat Maneuvering, the Sport of
1. Once you start firing you will need to push the stick forward in Kings and applying what we have learnt in a mission. I look forward
order to keep the pipper on the target. to seeing you then.

THE L KEY CAN MAGNIFY THE SEARCH AREA TO FIND THOSE PESKY TANKS.
NOTE THE LINE OVER THE PIPPER INDICATING THAT THE TARGET IS “IN-RANGE”

57

cpm1002.indd 57 1/11/2006, 5:34:27 PM

 “PLAYING GAMES”
OR CAREER PREPARATION?
BY ROGER CURTISS

W
hat units in the United States Air Force
are experiencing the greatest growth…
Fighters?.. Bombers?.. Intelligence
gathering and reconnaissance? The answer might
surprise you. The greatest demand right now and Originally, UAVs were designed to carry a camera and operate as
intelligence gathering aircraft to explore the forward edge of a battlefield
for the foreseeable future is for Remotely Piloted or even probe beyond enemy lines. The camera images could then be
Aircraft, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as they transmitted to a control station for analysis prior to committing manned
are designated by USAF. aircraft and ground troops on attack missions. Their unparalleled
success in accomplishing this task coupled with innovations and further
UAVs, just as their name indicates, are aircraft that are not miniaturization of equipment and sensors inevitably led to designers
occupied by humans but operated by a pilot from another location. and users envisioning additional roles for the UAV up to and including
This allows them to be used on missions that are critical but may the very dangerous but vital task of suppression of enemy air defenses
expose the aircraft to potential hazards deemed too risky for the safety (SEAD). The SEAD mission is to lead an attack group and neutralize
of a human pilot. UAVs also offer the potential to linger in an area of air defense radars to create a corridor for strike aircraft to utilize on their
interest with greater endurance than may be possible with the limits of way to press bomb and missile attacks against what would otherwise be
fatigue of a human pilot. heavily defended targets.

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cpm1002.indd 58 1/11/2006, 5:34:28 PM

 USAF has projected that the use of UAVs will grow at a steady immediately deployed for operational missions. Another advantage
pace. There are now 3 squadrons that operate the Predator UAV. That of using UAVs in combat operations is that all aerial combat missions
is slated to increase to 15 squadrons within a few years. And the are assigned by an Air Tasking Order that dictates each target. A
Predator is only one of a few UAVs currently flying, with new designs manned aircraft receives its orders, plans the flight and executes
being tested for introduction into the active fleet. Each new design the operation. By the time the aircraft arrives on target, these orders
also provides increased capabilities. Whereas UAVs initially were may be 3 hours old and possibly no longer relevant to the dynamic
equipped only to carry a camera, newer models are now capable of nature of a battle. On the other hand, the UAV operator is able to
carrying and launching small missiles and precision-guided bombs. It communicate with mission planners and commanders directly, thus
is felt that ten years from now, perhaps half of the sorties flown in a providing flexibility in tweaking the mission to better suit changing
major exercise such as Red Flag will be performed by UAVs. conditions and/or priorities.

Such an increase in vehicle numbers requires operators trained to And what missions are these UAV operators being trained to do?
fly them. Minimum manning is considered to be 6-7 pilots per cockpit One of the newest missions is to utilize directed-energy weapons to
in order to ensure full time coverage which projects to a need for disable the electronics of enemy systems. Initial targets envisioned are
approximately 360 UAV pilots. missiles and airborne radars. This expansion of the UAV role means
that in the near future, it is anticipated that UAV pilots will become
Presently, UAV operators are drawn from the active pilot rosters as focused as their manned aircraft brethren and have to specialize
and detailed to serve as UAV operators for a three year assignment. in strike or the more traditional role of intelligence, surveillance and
At the end of that tour of duty the pilots return to the manned aircraft reconnaissance (ISR). And the ISR mission continues to evolve to
and all their training and experience in UAV flying leaves with them. include firefighting. UAVs have been tasked to use infrared cameras
Operational USAF pilots also have engaged in what can easily be a to assess the severity of forest fires, effectiveness of fire retardant
year or more of additional training in order to master advanced jet drops and to monitor the movement of smoke jumpers who would
training, multi-engine training, combat tactics, and survival training, otherwise be hidden by the smoke of a fire scene.
most of which are not necessary for a UAV operator to master. As an
example; the Predator is approximately the size of a four-place Cessna
172 and flies even slower than a 172. Using a 115 HP engine it loiters
at 70 kts, and with a maximum combat service ceiling of 15,000 ft.,
it is susceptible to high winds and rain, turbulence and other weather
phenomena.

Therefore, USAF feels that as the missions for UAVs increase there
will be a requirement to designate UAV operation as a career track
within the service, and in a few years there will be need for a cadre
of remotely operated aircraft operators dedicated solely to specialized
combat flight operations utilizing UAVs. Current planning estimates
that 240 UAV pilots will be trained each year starting in July, 2006.
One of the significant advantages to the USAF of a dedicated UAV
pilot corps is that a UAV pilot can be graduated from training and

THE FUTURE OF AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE AND WARFARE.

(PHOTO CREDIT – DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE)

TURNING FINAL IN THE GLOBAL HAWK 2 DURING TEST FLIGHTS.

(PHOTO CREDIT – DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE)

TECHNICIANS AND ENGINEERS PERFORM A PRE-FLIGHT CHECK ON

AIRCRAFT OR GLIDER? (PHOTO CREDIT – DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE) THE GLOBAL HAWK. (PHOTO CREDIT – DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE)

59

cpm1002.indd 59 1/11/2006, 5:34:30 PM

 YOU WOULDN’T THINK SHE WOULD FLY WITH SUCH AN UNUSUAL DESIGN. (PHOTO CREDIT – DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE)

As it stands now, the operators are loosely divided into two groups.
A small number of them are physically deployed with the UAV to an
air base near the area of operation and are responsible for takeoffs and
landings. However, once the UAV is airborne its operation is taken
over by a pilot who occupies a “cockpit” located at Nellis AFB just
north of Las Vegas, Nevada. This pilot views an image transmitted
from a camera on the UAV, has instrumentation readings to allow the
interpretation of what the aircraft is doing and a joystick controller to
work the air vehicle’s control surfaces. Sound familiar?
THE PREDATOR TAKES FLIGHT IN A REAL COMBAT MISSION IN IRAQ.
(PHOTO CREDIT – U.S. AIR FORCE) In other words, UAV pilots are essentially computer desktop
flying! So, while the hours logged in Flight Simulator or X-Plane
may not count toward a civilian pilot’s license, it can be seen that
they are valuable training time in the quest for a potential Air Force
career. And who would be more qualified to perform these missions
than those of us who have been occupying desktop cockpits day in
and day out?

Suddenly there is renewed justification for the dedication we

have devoted to perfecting computer flight simulation techniques.
Therefore, computer flying is not merely a hobby and should not be
viewed by anyone as a waste of time. Far from it, those extensive
hours spent perched in front of a monitor are actually valuable
training for an important military role. Indeed, desktop flight is
actually a patriotic duty and should be seen as a selfless dedication
to a noble cause.

Just think, months or years from now if any of us should find ourselves
YOU ARE BEING WATCHED FROM ABOVE!
assigned to pilot a military UAV, we will have Flight Simulator to thank
(PHOTO CREDIT – U.S. AIR FORCE)
for providing the framework of those piloting skills.

60 CPM. V10I2

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 Subject:

Hey everybody,

Thanks for a great magazine, and I look forward to seeing the next issue.

Zach Martin
Z a c h Martin” UTER PILOT
Ramer, TN “ COMP NSION!
N T H
[Zach, Good to hear from one of our younger readers. Actually, we have
12 MO /EXTE
WINS BSCRIPTION
quite a few readers in your age group from different parts of the world. The
beauty of flight simulation is that it is a product that bridges age gaps and
generations. I’ve been to flight sim expos and LAN meetings where there
has been 65 year age gaps between some of the participants! Keep up with
SU
your sim flying. Once you are able to afford real lessons I’m sure you will
progress through them very rapidly and save a heap of cash in the process.
Good Luck – Ed]

Subject: Easter Egg Update

Hi Dean,

In reference to the October 2005 Inbox subject “EASTER EGG”, as submitted Flight simulation is so much fun. And Computer Pilot just adds to that fun. I
by Nathan Ford of Australia, another giant “chook” (chicken) was sighted really appreciate the efforts and contributions you folks make each and every
today on a flight from Gray AAF (KGRF), Fort Lewis, WA to McCord month to all of us simmers!
AFB (KTCM), Tacoma, WA, at coordinates N47*6.39 W122*32.19. This
location is approximately one-half the straight line distance between the Sincerely,
two airfields. And off to the right side of the Diamond Katana 100, in the
distance, was Mount Rainier. It reminded me of the first UFO sighting in Fred Starr
1947... Eerie! Garland, Texas

But hold the phone (American expression); pretty soon we can all put the [Fred, I can hear the medical practitioners cursing you now. A giant hot
giant “chook” into our MSFS2004 (or FS9, as some prefer) wherever we chook fast food store on every street corner of the world! You might want
want it. In fact last night I placed one at the 4WA9 airstrip west of Seattle. to be careful though… I heard virtual bird flu has even been detected in
How? By using the new Abacus EZ-Scenery program. Scenery file “Generic our flight sim worlds! Just kidding. I’m sure there are many other “Easter
bgl”, model “agFastFood 4” is representative of the giant chook! What is Eggs” in the FS World just waiting to be found. In fact, if any readers know
this world coming to? ...the giant “chook”... now it can be everywhere, yes, of any other odd sightings of objects, send us an email with details and co-
everywhere (but of course, that’s only if we want it to be) - it’s up to each ordinates and we might publish a list of these in a future issue because, after
and everyone of us. all, who doesn’t like a good Easter Egg hunt… right? - Ed]

Subject: Missing Nav/GPS switch button?

Hi folks. I purchased the PC Aviator/Carenado Piper Dakota package and [James, in 2D cockpit mode, check the top left of the screen. There is a row
can’t find the little Nav/GPS switch to switch it to GPS mode when using of button/icons shown there for navigating around the flight deck. The last
autopilot so the aircraft automatically tracks the GPS path for me. Any button (right hand side) is the Nav/GPS mode switch. Have fun! – Ed]
ideas?

James Hendry
UK

Write To Computer Pilot INBOX

If you have something you want to share with fellow flight simulator enthusiasts, then Computer Pilot INBOX is the place to be heard. Each issue, we’ll choose the best
letter as the letter of the month and reward that reader with a prize!
The easiest and quickest way to submit your letters is by e-mail to: [email protected]

cpm1002.indd 61 1/11/2006, 5:34:53 PM

 AlphaTrainer
A learning tool based on X- Plane

BY CHUCK BODEEN

I
n 1994 Tom Shefchunas made a cardboard
training device which he christened
“AlphaTrainer” where Alpha refers to the
Greek letter that engineers use to represent Angle
of Attack. His motivation was to have some way
to acquaint students and rated pilots alike of the
concepts associated with AoA, particularly that stall
can occur whether the plane is moving up, down, or
in level flight. Pilots practice stalls and stall recovery
at altitude, but there have been many accidents close
to the ground. Stalls on departure and turning base to
final are the chief culprits. That first device received
U.S. Patent 5,607,307 in 1997, which also covers the
subsequent development as well. THE FIRST ALPHATRAINER

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cpm1002.indd 62 1/11/2006, 5:34:55 PM

 X-PLANE
The Airplane Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation
(AOPA ASF) used AT2D in a safety seminar that traveled around
the U.S. and is currently using that product for their traveling Flight
Instructor Refresher course.

ALPHATRAINER-2D PLAYS 15 MANEUVERS FROM X-PLANE DATA FILES

TOM SHEFCHUNAS IS AN AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT (ATP) CERTIFIED
ON THE LEAR JET, FALCON 10, CITATION 500 SERIES, CITATION EXCEL
AND A SINGLE PILOT RATING ON THE CITATION JET. HE IS ALSO
RATED FOR COMMERCIAL PRIVILEGES ON SINGLE ENGINE LAND AND
HELICOPTER AND IS A CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) FOR SINGLE
ENGINE, MULTIENGINE, AND INSTRUMENT. HIS LOGBOOK SHOWS OVER
15,000 HOURS.

The early AlphaTrainer device clearly shows that AoA is the angle
between the Instantaneous Flight Path (IFP) and the chord line of
the wing. The elevator moves to show how AoA can be increased or
decreased. A green portion of a partial protractor indicates that the
flight is safe, stall is approaching in the orange, and will most likely to
occur in the red. The slogan “From red to green is our dream” quickly
became attached to the project.

AlphaTrainer-2D
A review of the original AT in a flying magazine caught my
attention. On a business trip which took him close to my home he
came to see me and we discussed the fact that a computer program
could be written that would make the concept more dynamic. The
result was AlphaTrainer-2D which uses data files saved from X-
Plane runs to reproduce moving pictures in two dimensions. Several
certified pilots volunteered to fly 15 maneuvers in X-Plane and
send us the data. Tom Wilson and I jointly put together the program
which reads the data files and then displays them as if they were
on a video tape player. The user can select, say, a power-off stall
and run the program forward, backward, fast, normal, or slow. We
added the concept of flaps, retractable landing gear, and a moving
background. The pilot’s view angle can be coordinated with the
flight path or controlled by the user. This is important because pilots
don’t always look in the direction of travel and that is an important
part of angle of attack. The vectors (arrows) for lift, drag, thrust,
and weight can be turned on and off at will. All of the gauges and
handles work just as they did in X-Plane when the information
was saved. The yoke even moves up and down. Replicas of
light emitting diode (LED) instruments made by EM-Aviation
(www.riteangle.com) to display AoA, trim, and flap position are on
the panel.

63

cpm1002.indd 63 1/11/2006, 5:34:58 PM

 Some definitions used in AlphaTrainer: The “protractors” which were ahead of the plane in the direction
Vector = a quantity that has both value and direction. of the instantaneous flight path in the original and two-dimensional
IFP = Instantaneous Flight Path. models have been moved to the wings in the three-dimensional
= direction the plane is moving. program. They are fixed to the wings perpendicular to the chord
= direction of the velocity, V vector. line. The lift vectors (arrows) are perpendicular to the IFP. By the
Chord line = an imaginary line from the trailing edge of the wing to reasoning of high school geometry, the angle measured on the
the leading edge. protractors is still the AoA.
AoA = Angle of Attack.
= angle between IFP and chord line. A data window can be turned on and off and dragged anywhere on
AOA is positive if chord line is above IFP. the screen. Instantaneous values of the following items are displayed:
Lift = L vector and is always perpendicular to IFP, not to the
chord line.
Lift increases with speed and with AoA up to the stall point. • Angle of Attack and lift for left and right wings and averages
L can be different on each wing. for the plane
There are also L vectors on the horizontal stabilizer. • Instantaneous flight path angle
They usually point down when wing L points up. • Weight
Drag = D vector and is always parallel to IFP, not to thrust. • Thrust
Thrust = T vector and is usually parallel to the chord line. • Drag
Weight = W vector and always points straight down to the ground. • Tail lift
• Lift / Drag ratio
The net force on the airplane is the vector sum of L, D, T, and W • Indicated airspeed
which takes into account the directions as well as the values. If this • Vertical speed
force is not zero the ship will change speed and/or direction according
to the laws of physics discovered by Isaac Newton.
A “configuration” menu allows any or all vectors to be turned on
AlphaTrainer-3D and off at will and saved for the next time the plane is used. A “short
With the goal of making the simulation more realistic and interactive, panel” version of each plane is included to provide a better outside
a notice was posted at X-Plane.org asking for a plugin specialist to view. More AlphaTrainer planes are available as add-ons.
help with the project. Sandy Barbour, one of the authors of the X-Plane
Plugin Software Developers Kit (SDK), came to the rescue. Combining Two Options
Sandy’s work with X-Plane makes it possible to fly in real time in three AlphaTrainer-3D comes in two options. The basic set comes with
dimensions and still have all of the features of AlphaTrainer. the “AT” and “AT Sport” airplanes and X-Plane version 7 scenery for
the state of Florida. The recommended takeoff location is Key West
International (KEYW) which was chosen because it is at an elevation
very near sea level making altitudes above mean sea level (msl) and
above ground (agl) nearly the same. The AT basic AlphaTrainer plane
is derived from a general aviation trainer, whereas the AT Sport is
based upon a more powerful aerobatic design.

The AlphaTrainer-3D Pro package adds version 7 scenery for the

entire United States and three more airplanes: the AT Cub, AT Twin,
and AT Excel. The Excel is the same Cessna Citation XL that Tom
Shefchunas flies on the job.

IN A ROLL TO THE LEFT THE LIFT ON THE RIGHT WING IS LARGER THAN
ALPHATRAINER-3D PLANES COME WITH FULL AND “SHORT” PANELS THAT ON THE LEFT WING

64 CPM. V10I2

cpm1002.indd 64 1/11/2006, 5:35:00 PM

 X-PLANE

AT AND AT SPORT COME WITH THE BASIC PROGRAM. THE AT CUB, AT TWIN, AND AT EXCEL ARE ADDED IN THE PRO VERSION

Concepts revealed by using AlphaTrainer-3D X-Plane 7.xx runs on the Windows and Mac platforms and X-
Plane 8.xx runs on those plus Linux. Customer support for X-Plane is
• Amount of lift, drag, and thrust being developed. provided by Laminar Research at [email protected]
• Directional path of the airplane - the velocity vector.
• Total lift and average AoA on the entire airplane. WARNING
• Total lift and average AoA on each wing. The fundamental goal of AlphaTrainer is to make the concepts of
• Weight is always directed towards the ground. angle of attack and its relationship to stalls as clear as possible. As
• Total lift equals weight in normal, straight and level flight. a result, although the models are based upon actual airplanes they
• Tail lift is usually in the opposite direction of wing lift. have been modified to make them more suitable as components of
• Lift can be negative. this training device. The consequence is that they do not fly exactly
• In level flight with constant throttle setting, drag eventually will like the airplanes upon which they are based. In particular the
equal thrust and the plane will no longer accelerate or decelerate. airfoils and control surfaces may have been modified so that the stall
• Total lift is greater than weight in a bank – the vectors point in characteristics are somewhat exaggerated.
different directions.
• In a roll situation lift is different on opposite wings. Where to buy AlphaTrainer
• Drag increases with speed and AoA. AlphaTrainer can be ordered on line at www.alphatrainer.com,
• An airplane can change speed without changing altitude – the plane by toll-free telephone at 877-542-1112, or by mail: AlphaTrainer,
pivots on its center of gravity changing AoA to increase or decrease 112 Edwin Circle, Franklin, PA 16323, USA. Any checks should
drag. be made payable to “Tom Shefchunas”. Users who already have X-
• Stalls can happen at any speed, altitude, or attitude. Plane 7.50 or 7.63 should order just the “AT-3D” CD which contains
• A spin tightens because of a difference in AoA and lift on the a self-extracting file that installs AlphaTrainer. New X-Plane 7 users
individual wings. should order the two CD set: “AT-3D + X-Plane 7 “ providing a
• To stop aggravating a spin you must reduce power - a fast spinning self-extracting file that loads both X-Plane 7.63 and AT-3D. Those
prop acts as a large gyroscope. currently using X-Plane 8 need only AT-3D or AT-3D Pro.

Introductory Prices
All AlphaTrainer CDs include a learning guide which teaches the
CDs Ordered Price (US$)
principles of flight, stalls, etc. as well as two FAA documents: FAA-
AC-61-23C “Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Usage” and FAA-H- AT-2D $19.95
8083-3 “Airplane Flying Handbook”. AT-3D $39.95
AT-3D + X-Plane 7 $59.95
X-Plane AT-3D Pro $69.95
AlphaTrainer-3D will operate under versions 7.50 through AT-3D Pro + X-Plane7 $89.95
8.xx and users must have one of these installed on their hard
drives. A disc purchased from Laminar Research is necessary to Shipping and handling is $3.95 for U.S. and Canada and $6.95 for
fly outside of Southern California and for more than six minutes international orders.
of joystick control. For version 8.xx the DVD may be purchased Be sure to specify Windows or Mac for X-Plane 7 and Windows,
directly from x-plane.com or from a number of resellers. X-Plane Mac, or Linux for X-Plane 8.
7.xx presents a different situation since version 7 CDs are no
longer available from Laminar. AlphaTrainer has made special The AlphaTrainer technology can be applied to any X-Plane model
arrangements with the company to supply an older version 7 and others are available for a small fee by special order. Arrangements
CD which can be used in conjunction with X-Plane 7.63. Users can be made for AT versions of planes including custom panels and
are warned not to use any files on the outdated CD because of paint jobs to match the actual ships used by private individuals or
incompatibilities with later 7.xx versions. flight schools.

65

cpm1002.indd 65 1/11/2006, 5:35:02 PM

 Here we will
w fea

Welcome to the...

HARDWARECORNER!Here we will feature the latest available

and upcoming hardware devices of all varieties of interest for flight simulation,
aviation and general computing applications!

With Rod White

Ultra 7-Port Buddy Hub

(MSRP US$39.99)
If you have two PCs and wish you were are provided to get the unit set up and I see this device really being useful for
able to use the USB 1.1 devices you own on operational right out of the box. So setup is sharing your flight gear/joystick hardware
both; then the Buddy Hub from Ultra may be simple and painless. between your mobile and stationary PCs. It can
the answer to your dilemma. Essentially, the also be helpful in those instances where you
the Buddy Hub combines a 7-Port USB 1.1 “This 2-PC USB sharing hub will increase may indeed have two PCs up and running, but
Hub with a switch box and the means to share your office productivity exponentially. You you just don’t have an extra USB mouse and
all 7 of those USB ports between two PCs. can share connections among as many as 7 keyboard lying around to utilize.
USB devices and then link those peripherals
Sharing is done by simply pushing the to 2 PCs. Think of all you can accomplish! Pros
switch to the A or B position, which then You can create a full service office that’s • Solid USB 1.1 powered Hub.
routes the USB device to the appropriate perfect for small businesses - it’s all made Cons
PC and illuminates the corresponding LED possible by one dynamic device! Or you can • It’s not a USB 2.0 device.
light. On the back are outputs for PC/A use this 7-Port Buddy Hub for an integral • Could be more reasonably priced.
and PC/B. 7 USB 1.1 ports are aligned part of your overall big business matrix.
in the front and a power adapter (yes Tested to the strictest quality controls. Made For more information on the USB Buddy Hub,
it is powered too!) and two USB cords by the finest engineers.” head on over to www.ultraproducts.com

Here we will feature the latest available and upcoming hardware

cpm1002.indd 66 1/11/2006, 5:35:04 PM

 w feature the latest available and upcoming hardware devices of all varieties of interest for flight simulation, aviation and general comput
we will

XG Magnum 500-Watt Power This unit is large too, so much so that it $100 or less), but it’s also a next generation
Supply (MSRP US$175) sticks out the back of a PC case quite a bit due PSU unit, one that no doubt others will
to the external radiator which helps to keep follow along with.
Here’s a newcomer to the hardware heat outside of the system. They also claim that
market. XG is part of the MGE Company, the unit may not fit in all PC cases, so make Pros
and XG is also the name of their Xtreme sure you check the dimensions and capabilities • The Heat-Pipe and External Radiator
Gamer brand of power supply and PC case of your own PC case before moving ahead design helps to keep heat outside the case.
enclosures. They claim Xtreme Styling, and making the jump to this unit. Instead of • Modular UV Cables.
Xtreme Cooling and Xtreme Reliability. the usual fan-driven cooling system, the • Conforms to the ATX 2.01 standard.
The Magnum is one of their latest high-end Magnum utilizes a heat-pipe combined with • Limited Lifetime Warranty.
power supply units offering 500-Watts of the external radiator which works quite well • LCD screen is a nice touch.
power and a few unique bells and whistles. and helps to keep things running cool and
First off, on the back you’ll find an LCD without too much noise. In the way of noise, Cons
display which offers data on temperature it’s designed to be a quiet PSU and in use it’s • Won’t fit in all standard ATX cases due to
and wattage on all three voltage lines, and certainly quieter than most. its size.
voltage activity lights to boot. • It’s a bit more expensive than most 500-
The PSU is also housed in a 2mm thick Watt PSUs.
Meeting the Intel ATX 2.01 approved anodized aluminum chassis, and being a
standard are two PCI Express power modular design, you can plug in and use only Check out www.xgbox.com for full
connectors, a 20 + 4 Pin connector, and the cables needed, improving overall airflow information.
SATA connectors, in addition to all of the and helping to thwart the typical cable mess
usual standard connectors found on most found inside most PC cases. With a street
common ATX standard power supply units. price of around US$140, it runs a little more
Each cable is magnetically shielded and is than most 500-Watt PSUs (on average about
of the UV modular variety, so window cases
and those into adding some illumination to
the insides of their PCs are in luck.

devices of all varieties of interest for flight simulation, aviation and general computing applications!

cpm1002.indd 67 1/11/2006, 5:35:08 PM

 Here we w
will fea

Logitech Harmony 880

(MSRP US$249.99)
“The Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote puts you in The most notable is the lithium-ion battery and recharging module.
control of your entire audio-video system with just one button. It´s That’s right, no more little batteries to keep replacing, and a longer
home entertainment the way it should be - simple. battery life is what the 880 brings to the table.
Optimized for complicated HDTV and PVR systems, the Harmony
880 helps you tame tough configurations like switching your television The entire unit is set up and programmed via an extremely easy
between video aspect ratios depending on the program source. The to use web-based interface. So you’ll need internet access to utilize
interactive color display lets you quickly choose a 16:9 ratio for movies the unit, which isn’t much to ask these days. Simply select your
and HDTV, or a standard 4:3 ratio for basic television programming.” hardware by typing in the make and model and the unit can download
the setup scheme offered directly to the unit via a USB cable right
What’s a cooler electronic device than the universal remote control from the internet. Tweaking takes a little more effort, but it’s not at all
unit? I can’t think of one myself off hand, and while this is as far complicated. If you can run a DVD player, TV and or a cable/DVR
from PC flight simulation hardware as we can get, it’s still a product box, then you can set up and utilize this unit.
worth noting considering, no doubt, that the majority of our readers
are probably more than just a little tech savvy. The Harmony line A full color LCD display illuminates your choices and the unit
of universal remote units from Logitech has been around for a little even stores and displays .jpg images and custom backgrounds for
while now, and they’ve been heralded as one of the best universal the display. One can easily store family photos, or even your favorite
remotes that money can buy. The Harmony 880 is their latest high- aviation related imagery in this unit. Granted, you’re limited by the
end model, which improves upon their 600 series in quite a few ways. size of the images, but it’s a nifty little bonus feature if you ask me.

Here we will feature the latest available and upcoming hardware

cpm1002.indd 68 1/11/2006, 5:35:11 PM

 w feature the latest available and upcoming hardware devices of all varieties of interest for flight simulation, aviation and general comput
we will

Space is provided for up to eight custom “activities” or devices.

The “Activities” function is pretty smooth, as it allows you to select
a specific sequence of functions to take place with a single button
press. For instance, “Watch a Movie” can turn the TV on, to a specific
channel or input no less, turn the AV receiver on, to the right output,
and press play on the DVD player all at once.

I had no problem at all setting the unit up to control my Toshiba

HDTV, XBox Gaming Console/DVD player, Pioneer AV receiver
and a local cable company digital box. You can even teach it
commands directly if needed, and tweaking of the provided settings
for each device isn’t too tough. In-hand it’s a solid feeling unit and
the buttons are all easy to access and utilize. The docking station
recharges the unit, and even while being recharged the unit is still
functional. They claim that the lithium ion battery provides a weeks’
worth of use with a full charge, and in use I’d have to say that’s a
pretty accurate statement.

US$250 is a lot to plunk down for a remote, but then again, a

unit with these capabilities doesn’t come cheap, and at $250 it’s
competitively priced with some of the other offerings out there which
give you quite a bit less overall than the Harmony 880. Besides, if
you shop around the 880 can be had for a little under $200, which
is quite reasonable for a remote that can be updated via the internet
when a new device is released. Longevity and stylish functionality
are the 880s best qualities.

Pros
• It doesn’t get much easier than this!
• Upgradeable via the Internet in seconds.
• Full Color LCD.
• No batteries to replace.

Cons
• Can you live life with just one remote? (sarcasm, I know!)

View more information on the Harmony 880 at www.logitech.com

devices of all varieties of interest for flight simulation, aviation and general computing applications!

cpm1002.indd 69 1/11/2006, 5:35:17 PM

 Here we w
will fea

Ultra Fan Commander .

(MSRP US$79.99)
The Fan Commander is just that, a control fans, and 7 extension cords for case fans are to cool down to a safe level if your PC’s
unit that takes up an external 5.25 drive also included, making installation that much temperature exceeds a certain default limit.”
bay and handles the task of controlling case easier. With the means to monitor vital
fans, and then some. Features include; HDD system temperatures, fan speeds and the Pros S
status, Fan Selection, Fan Speed (RPM), data and time, the Fan Commander is more • A great single bay solution for fan t
Over Heat Warning, Keylock, Time, Date, than just another fan controller bay. In use monitoring and control, and then some. (
Fan Speed Status Bar, CPU Temperature, it certainly looks the part and does all that it • Versatility with two face-plate bevels s
System Temperature, HDD Temperature, claims to be capable of, but its price is what included.
Alarm Temperature Settings and Alarm will keep it out of the hands of most PC • Installation is fairly simple.
Failure Settings. This is quite a robust little case modding enthusiasts at US$80 MSRP,
unit which displays all of the information and about $50 if you shop around online. Con
O
via a color backlit display screen. • US$80 is very steep for a drive bay unit of
W
“You’ll be able to exercise total this type.
The fans all connect right to the back of temperature control over your system with EP
the unit directly, and the unit comes with this Fan Commander. And isn’t that the way Check out www.ultraproducts.com for o
both black aluminum and silver aluminum it should be? The Fan Commander features more information and pictures.
finish face-plates, so the unit can match an auto control setting with alarm that D
up quite well with most modern PC case activates fans to run at full speed in order f
enclosures. The unit can control up to 7 ty

A
s

Here we will feature the latest available and upcoming hardware

cpm1002.indd 70 1/11/2006, 5:35:22 PM

we will
w feature the

COMING UP...
...in the March 2006 Issue

WIN!
WIN A SUBSCRIPTION
to Computer Pilot Magazine
Have something to say about the flight simulation hobby? The flight
simulation community, or just a rant or rave about anything simulation or
Flying Memories – “April Fool’s Day” aviation related?
“It was April 1, 2001, “April Fool’s Day”, but for Lt. Shane Osborne, Senior chief Petty Send your letters of 400 words or less to [email protected] for
Officer Nicholas Mellos, and the other 22 members of Squadron One (VQ-1) the “World your chance to win a free 12 month (12 issue) subscription – or extension if
Watchers” it was a serious business day. Earlier in the day they had departed the USAF you already subscribe – to Computer Pilot. Each month, we will choose the
why!
Base Kadena, Okinawa on an aerial surveillance mission. They were flying a U.S. Navy best letters with the best angle/take on a flight simulation topic and publish
EP-3E Aries II Electronic Surveillance Plane on a routine mission over international waters them in our Inbox column.
of the South China Sea off the coast of China.” What comes next? Find out next month!
Stearman Kaydet Have Your Say!
Airspace for VFR Pilots FS2002/FS2004
Many Aircraft/Panel/Scenery
articles appearing in Computer Pilot magazine are a direct result of
Dr David takes a look at the issue of airspace for VFR pilots, particularly those who enjoy
your emails and feedback. If you have a topic you would like us to cover, or
flying the lighter Cessna aircraft, although the same rules apply for many light aircraft davstea1.zip (FS2002), stear04.zip (FS2004)
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types. This “eduventure”, my abbreviated word for “educational adventure”Authors:will explore
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we will doSmith, Dennis
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the Mid Atlantic area of the USA. Available From: www.flightsim.com
article ideas or suggestions to [email protected]
Building a Boom Box! While we may not be able to personally answer them all, we do read every
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help update your personal data banks on the newest gear available. the FS2004 version. The military trainer versions include little in the way of avionics - true

“Over Flanders Fields”

What could this be about I hear you ask? Well, there is a dedicated group of simmers
who have gathered to create a World War I add-on that runs under CFS3! Find out what
it is all about and how you can get a piece of the action next month as Ian Howlett
reports on this interesting add-on project.
Flight Sim and Your Health
Yep, believe it or not, flight simulation as a hobby has the potential to impact on your
health. But never fear. Computer Pilot has all the antibodies and advice you will need
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Air-to-Air Weaponry
Mike Glynn explores the technology of air-to-air weaponry and how they can be best
deployed to improve your chances of success in the skies.
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cpm1002.indd 71 1/11/2006, 5:35:41 PM
 ROUNDROBIN ADVENTURE AERO MEXICO Regular Passenger Route

BY AL PELLETIER

R
If you have undertaken previous Round ound Robin adventure: Aero
Robins, skip the next paragraph, jump right Mexico’s regular passenger route
in, and have fun. For those who are new to in Central to Western Mexico. It
this, Round Robins are published with the was flown with Microsoft FS2000\FS2002\ 0C2A3
intent of having Flight-Simmers fly, look at FS2004 but can be flown with any Flight SCENERY (Payware): I enhanced
the scenery, refresh our geography, practice Sim that has the required Airports and the Mexico terrain with FSGENESIS
our cross country navigation, perform Navaids included in its own database. textures, which can be found at http:
approaches at different airports all over the Being winter time up here in Canada, I //portal.fsgenesis.net/. The Mexico texture
world, and have some FUN. In the message, thought of doing a little flying in a warmer files made this route very realistic. Great
you will be receiving info like: airport climate. I vacationed many times in work Justin!
departure and runway number, VORs and Puerto Vallarta. It is a great place and the
NDBs enroute, two or three middle airport Mexican people are the friendliest on the Scenery (freeware): Mexico City
destinations, for VFR or INST approach, planet. International Airport (MMMX) by Bill
and back to your point of departure (Round Melichar (mexicov2.zip) Puerto Vallarta
Robin). You will also be given ILS and LOM Great add-ons for this flight: scenery by Dr. José Luis Águila Boudib
freq., minimums, procedures etc., and a little (Most freeware files can be found at (pvallar_173367.zip). Both of these files
background on the geography of the area. www.flightsim.com or www.avsim.com) will add to the enjoyment and experience of
After you fly a few of these, you will have a this route. I strongly recommend them.
much better command and understanding of Aircraft and Panel (Payware): I used
the different types of published procedures. the awesome PMDG Boeing 737-700. More aircraft and panels: There are also
You will learn to handle a lot of information The 737-700 is used by Aero Mexico. numerous freeware Boeing 737s in Aero
in a very short time, while still maintaining You can check PMDG products at: htttp: Mexico livery available at www.avsim.com
control of your aircraft.. //www.precisionmanuals.com and www.flightsim.com

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 ROUND ROBIN ADVENTU
URE

Al’s Flight Sim tip for this

month’s flight
This one only relates to the PMDG 737. Go
to the alt/menu bar and select the PMDG
options. Under the styles, you will be able to
change the way your various MCDU, EFIS
display types, colors, sounds are handled.
The main one being the type of EFIS display
you want to work with.

(A lot of notes regarding ATC will pertain

only to FS2002\FS2004 users)

May I suggest, that you READ the route a

couple of times before starting out, so that
you’ll have the flight plan fairly clear in your
mind. Especially in a fast medium or large
jet aircraft, there isn’t much time to spare and
definitely no room for errors.

The scenario and tasking for this exercise:

We are flying for Aero Mexico, on the
Boeing 737-700. Today’s flight is a regular
schedule run from Mexico City to the resort
towns of Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan.
If you install the add-on Puerto Vallarta
scenery, mentioned above, you will keep
coming back for Pilot training, many more
times. It is very well done. The terminal is
exactly as in real life.
MEXICO AREA MAP
Round Robin Adventure:
PUERTO VALLARTA - MAZATLAN MAP

Mexico City’s Lic Benito

Juarez Intl (MMMX)
>>> Puerto Vallarta’s Lic
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Intl
(MMPR)
>>> Mazatlan’s General
Rafael Buelna Intl (MMMZ)
>>> Mexico City (MMMX).
Approx Total Distance: 1000 nm.
NOTE: For the purpose of these exercises,
we will assume that we are receiving Radar
vectors to different VOR’s or ILS interception
points. In the “Real” world of today, aircraft
usually receive vectors to the interception
points, to ensure proper separation. I’m also
assuming that you will have a good look at
the Approach plates for each segment.

One more note. If you are using ATC for take

off, taxi and landings, you might be given
different RWY or taxiways, depending on the
weather. You might even input the whole trip
in a FS flight plan and fly it that way.

BEGIN

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 First leg: route establishes us on Airway UJ12). and maintain until 8nm out, followed by
Mexico City (MMMX) • On top the TLC VOR turn right HDG 282. a left hand turn to HDG 043 to continue
>>> Puerto Vallarta (MMPR) Dial in and track the MORELIA (MLM) with the VOR/DME approach (You want
Approx 362 nm. VOR frequency 114.60 to on top. to be at 2300’ alt when you begin your turn
• On top the MLM VOR dial in and track the to 043 and 1500’ at about 4nm out on the
• Clock to 0730L, season winter. Weather at Guadalajara (GDL) VOR frequency 117.30 approach).
your discretion. to on top (HDG should be about 280). • Continue with the approach.
• For the Boeing 737-700 users, set payload • On top the GDL VOR, begin descent • 5nm back, you are cleared for a full stop
at 28,000lbs and fuel at 25,000lbs. This to 13,000’. Dial in and track the Puerto to RWY 04 at Puerto Vallarta. Check gear
should allow us to be at landing weight Vallarta (PVR) VOR frequency 116.60 to down.
at PVA and Mazatlan without refueling at on top.
PVA. • While Enroute, dial in the PVR VOR on Land at PVR and proceed first turn
• Select Mexico City (MMMX) under NAV1 also and set course 043 on your right to terminal. If you installed the
airports Mexico (Lic Benito Juarez ramp NAV1 OBI in preparation for a VOR/DME add-on Puerto Vallarta scenery, you’ll
medium). approach to RWY 04 at PVA see the famous buses running around. In
• Dial in the TOLUCA (TLC) VOR (Actual course 038, RWY length 10169, PVA, incoming airplanes usually do not
frequency 114.30 on NAV2. elevation 19’). proceed to a movable corridor at a gate,
• Taxi to and take off (T/O) RWY 23L, • NOTE: Do not descend below 13,000 but instead are parked on the tarmac and
climb RWY HDG until 11nm out (as per until 30nm out of PVR. passengers are bussed to the entrance to
SID), then right hand turn to HDG 265, • 30nm out of PVR, reduce to approach the custom area. This will explain all the
track the TLC VOR to on top and continue speed and begin descent to 5000. buses driving around. Believe me, it is that
climbing to 32,000. (Note: the following • Over the PVR VOR turn left HDG 241 crazy in real life!

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 ROUND ROBIN ADVENTURE

Second leg: 330, continue climbing to 14,000’ and (There are some mountains up to 6400’
Puerto Vallarta (MMPR) track the MZT VOR (this establishes us to the east of the interception point, so
>>> Mazatlan (MMMZ) on Low V1 route). don’t wander too far to the east. Picking an
Approx 160 nm. • Enroute, dial in the LOC IMZT frequency interception point at D9 of the MZT VOR
111.7 on NAV1 and set course 263 on your is recommended).
• Clock to 1100L. Weather at your NAV1 OBI in preparation for an ILS to • Continue with the approach.
discretion. RWY 26 at MZT (actual course 263, RWY • 5nm back, you are cleared for a full stop to
• Dial in the MAZATLAN (MZT) VOR length 8800, elevation 39’). RWY 26 at Mazatlan airport. Check gear
frequency 114.90 on NAV2. • 50nm out of the MZT VOR begin descent down and locked.
• Taxi to and T/O RWY 22. Climb RWY to 2500’, reduce speed and turn right to Land at Mazatlan and take first right and
HDG to 2500, then a right turn to HDG HDG 340 to the ILS interception point. taxi to the terminal area.

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 Third leg: Mazatlan (MMZT) point, track the AGU VOR to on top (this • Over the SLM VOR, turn right HDG 146,
>>> Mexico City (MMMX) establishes us on High Airway UJ33). descend to 9600 and home the TPX NDB
Approx 480 nm. • Over the AGU VOR, turn right HDG 113, to on top. On top TPX, turn HDG 140 to
dial in and track the QUERETARO (QET) intercept the LOC.
• Clock to 1300L. Weather at your discretion. VOR frequency 115.70 to on top. *Remember that MMMX is at 7341’ alt.
• Dial in the MAZATLAN (MZT) VOR • Over the QET VOR, turn right HDG 117, • Continue with the approach.
frequency 114.90 on NAV1 and set 103 on dial in and track the LUCIA (SLM) VOR • 5nm back, you are cleared for a full stop
the NAV1 OBI. frequency 116.60 to on top and begin to RWY 23L at Mexico. Check gear down
• Also dial in the AGUASCALIENTES descent to 11,000’. and locked.
(AGU) VOR frequency 113.60 on NAV2. • Enroute, dial in the LOC I-MEX frequency
• Taxi to and T/O RWY 26. Climb RWY 109.7 and set course 232 on your NAV1 LAND at Mexico City and take first right
HDG to 2500 followed by a right hand OBI in preparation for and ILS/DME to to terminal.
turn back to the MZT VOR, continue RWY 23L at Mexico (MMMX) (actual
climbing to 33,000’. On top MZT, course 232, elevation 7341, RWY length Welcome home
establish on the 103 radial until you have 2,795’). Also tune in the TEPEXPAN
reception on the AGU VOR. At that (TPX)NDB frequency 359. END

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 ROUND ROBIN ADVENTURE

Al’s thank you box:

Without the people below and our 4. To Justin Tyme (FSGENESIS) and to
payware/freeware designers, I couldn’t Ruud Faber (www.fscene.com) for the
write these articles. So my sincere thanks great terrain textures, that make my writing
to all those and to flightsim.com and so much more enjoyable.
avsim.com 5. To the Robert Randazzo and the PMDG
1. Quotes and photos from Airways magazine team for complimentary copy of the 737-
are courtesy of and with permission of the 700. Just awesome!
Editor. Many thanks! 6. To AVSIM and FLIGHTSIM.com for
2. To Chris Squire for test flying the route. being there!
Chris is a retired military pilot with over
12,000 hours of flying time. Cheers and keep on reading Computer Pilot
3. I use FSNavigator for all by flight planning,
a courtesy of the FS Navigator team. Al

HIGH LEVEL PVR - MZT - MMMX LINES

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 H E A V I E S !
BY CAPT. CHARLIE VICTORIA

FLYI N G T H E ANGLES
INTRODUCTION

A
round 500 B.C. on the Greek Island Samos, Describing the situation of ‘one dancer plus another dancer plus
one of the world’s first mathematicians ran a yet another dancer’ as ‘three dancers’ was a very sophisticated step.
This was followed by an even more sophisticated step of writing it
school called ‘the semi-circle of Pythagoras’, down as abstract numbers, e.g. ‘1+1+1 = 3’, or ‘2+1 = 3’. Pythagoras
focussing on mathematics, music, religion, astronomy, described the geometric figure formed by ‘two straight lines extending
and philosophy. Pythagoras was a person especially from the same point’ as an ‘angle’. The straight-line of a dancer’s body
interested in the principles of mathematics, including connected to one arm forms an angle. If the two straight-lines connected
are at 90 degrees, the angle is called a ‘right-angle’. Less than 90
the concept of numbers, angles, and triangles. Pilots
degrees, it is an ‘acute angle’. At more than 90 degrees, it is an ‘obtuse
are very interested in numbers, angles, and triangles angle’. When flying an aircraft, the pitch-angle (nose-up or nose-down)
(including the ‘Bermuda Triangle’, where many ships and the bank-angle (to turn left or right) are very important.
and aircraft have disappeared over the years).

‘PYTHAGORAS’ OF THE GREEK ISLAND, SAMOS,

WAS INTERESTED IN NUMBERS, ANGLES, AND TRIANGLES PITCH-ANGLE AND BANK-ANGLE

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 FLYING THE HEAVIES

Connecting three angles together forms a tri-angle. To create a

triangle, no angle can exceed 90 degrees (i.e. a right-angle). You
might like to check that the total number of degrees for the three
angles connected in a triangle is 180 degrees. If one angle is a right-
angle (i.e. 90 degrees) the other two angles will be acute-angles (i.e.
less than 90 degrees). Pythagoras used a right-angle triangle when he
was figuring out his ‘Theorem of Pythagoras’. The ‘triangle’ is also a
musical instrument.

HUMAN FACTORS
Careers in aviation and music are similar. You are only as good as
your last performance!

PITCH ANGLE (AIRCRAFT)

ANGLE OF CLIMB
The climb-angle will not be as high as the pitch-angle. It is very
important in the takeoff and climb-out that the pilot (using the thrust-
levers and thrust-indicator instruments) selects takeoff-thrust early in
the takeoff-run. The aircraft should accelerate suitably on the runway
towards the desired takeoff-speed (checked on the ASI). The pilot can
use the rudder-pedals to keep the accelerating aircraft on the runway-
THE “OTHER” WRIGHT BROTHERS
centerline. At rotate-speed, the pilot should raise the nose smoothly
to a suitable climb-out pitch-attitude. The aircraft should leave the
ground well before reaching the runway end, and climb-out well
above any obstacles (e.g. powerlines, trees, hangars, buildings, hills,
TV masts, mountains, etc.). The pilot selects the pitch-attitude by
smoothly pressuring the control-column back, checks the ADI for the
desired pitch-attitude, and checks the AirSpeed Indicator (ASI) for the
desired climb-out airspeed. Some seconds after the aircraft has left the
ground and is climbing out (as checked on the VSI and Altimeter), the
landing gear can be retracted (to reduce the drag). The pilot can check
heading on the Heading Indicator (or similar instrument).

UNSTABILIZED APPROACH; PITCH-ANGLE AND BANK-ANGLE NOT

STABLE; AIRSPEED TOO FAST; TOUCHDOWN-POINT TOO FAR DOWN
THE RUNWAY; BRAKES NOT EFFECTIVE ENOUGH!
BOEING 757 ROTATING NOSE-UP AFTER TAKEOFF
TO REACH A PITCH-ANGLE OF ABOUT 15 DEGREES NOSE-UP
PITCH ANGLE (AIRCRAFT)
The pitch-angle (also know as the pitch-attitude) is the angle
between the aircraft’s longitudinal axis (i.e. from nose to tail) and The angle-of-climb does not depend on pitch-angle alone. It also
the horizontal. The pilot can change the aircraft’s pitch-attitude by depends on thrust, drag, and airspeed. If the nose is far too high in
pushing or pulling the control-column to pitch the aircraft up or down the climb-out, the airspeed will decrease, the lift will decrease, and
around its lateral axis (also known as the pitch-axis). You can see this the drag may increase. The actual angle-of-climb through the air will
visually out of the cockpit window, or on the Attitude Indicator in the be much lower than the pitch-angle. If the airspeed is too low and the
cockpit. With a suitable thrust set, raising the nose will decrease the ‘STALL’ is approached, the aircraft may even descend, even if the
airspeed; or lowering the nose will increase the airspeed. nose-attitude is high!

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 ANGLE-OF-BANK (BANK ATTITUDE), ANGLE- FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS USING ANGLES AND
OF-ROLL (ROLL ATTITUDE) DEGREES
This is the angle between the aircraft’s lateral axis and a horizontal The Artificial Horizon displays ‘NOSE-UP’ of 5 degrees, and a
plane (e.g. the horizon). The pilot can roll the control-wheel to ‘BANK’ of right 15 degrees. The Heading Indicator is displaying 195
roll the aircraft around its longitudinal-axis, and this modifies the degrees magnetic, which will increase towards the West as the aircraft
angle between the wingtip-to-wingtip (i.e. the lateral-axis) and the continues to bank to the right. The artificial-aircraft remains fixed in
horizontal, i.e. the bank-angle. You can see the bank-angle visually the HI as the actual aircraft turns to the right; but the compass-rose
out of the cockpit window, or on the Attitude Indicator in the cockpit. will rotate to the left, so the pilot will see the heading increasing.
Modern airline aircraft have more sophisticated flight instruments, and
can display angles (e.g. pitch and roll attitudes), degrees, and heading.

FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS IN A CESSNA 172

BANK-ANGLE IS IMPORTANT

ANGLES AND DEGREES IN NAVIGATION

Angles play a big role in aviation and sailing. The angle is a
geometric figure formed by two straight lines extending from the
same point. The directional difference between the two straight lines
creating the angle is expressed in degrees, somewhere between
0 degrees and the 360 degrees of a full circle. ‘Heading’ can be
displayed on a Magnetic Compass, or on the modern instrument like
the Heading Indicator or a GPS (Global Positioning System) or FMS
(Flight Management System).

A U-Turn on a runway includes an angle of 180 degrees (left or

right). A complete Holding Pattern (when waiting for your time to
commence an approach-to-land at an airport) takes 360 degrees. A
right-angle is 90 degrees, which is 1/4th of a full turn. An angle of less
than 90 degrees is an acute-angle. An angle of more than 90 degrees
is an obtuse-angle. Turning right from North to East includes a right-
angle of 90 degrees. Turning left from North to East involves a turn FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS AND ENGINE INSTRUMENTS
of 270 degrees. IN A BOEING 767

ANGLES AND DEGREES FOR NAVIGATION

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 FLYING THE HEAVIES

ANGLE-OF-YAW
The Yaw-Angle is the acute-angle between the aircraft’s plane of
symmetry and the direction of the relative-wind striking the aircraft.
Note: The term ‘symmetrical’ is when both halves of an object are
the same.

ANGLE-OF-YAW

The pilot can control the angle-of-yaw by using the foot-operated CLINOMETER
rudder pedals. Yawing can be indicated on the Balance-Ball (i.e. The clinometer is a curved-glass-tube filled with a liquid, and
Balance Indicator) on the cockpit’s flight instrument panel. containing a round glass ball which is free to move to indicate balance
or equilibrium. It can be used by a carpenter as a levelling device,
with the ball being acted on by the gravity-force. In aviation, the
clinometer (also known as the Ball Indicator or the Balance-Ball) is
used in an aircraft’s Turn and Slip Indicator (or Turn-Coordinator), to
indicate the relationship between the gravity-force and the centrifugal-
force in a turn.

In a balanced turn (i.e. when there is no yaw), the ball will stay in the
center and the pilot will feel comfortable on the seat. If the aircraft is
yawing to the left, the ball and the pilot are forced to the left. If the aircraft
is yawing to the right, the ball and the pilot are forced to the right.

CLINOMETER

WING’S ANGLE OF INCIDENCE

The aircraft’s wing is the fixed horizontal aerodynamic surface used
to create an upwards lift-force, and to provide stability in roll. The
wing’s angle-of-incidence is planned by the aircraft’s designer, and set
in place when the aircraft is being built. The pilot cannot change the
angle-of-incidence; but the pilot can move the flight control ailerons
to roll the aircraft.
Note: Moveable ailerons are hinged to the wing’s trailing-edge out
(towards the wingtips), and are moved by the pilot using the control-wheel.

RUDDER PEDALS AND BALANCE INDICATOR WING’S ANGLE OF INCIDENCE

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 STABILIZER’S ANGLE OF INCIDENCE
The aircraft’s stabilizer is the fixed horizontal aerodynamic surface
used to provide stability in pitch.
Note. A moveable elevator is hinged to the stabilizer’s trailing-
edge, and moved by the pilot using the control-column.

FIXED-PITCH PROPELLER CONTROLLABLE-PITCH PROPELLLER

ANGLE-OF-ATTACK
The Angle-of-Attack (AoA) is the acute angle between the
aerofoil’s chord-line and the relative airflow (i.e. the direction from
STABILIZER’S ANGLE OF INCIDENCE
which the airflow strikes the aerofoil). The aerodynamic force created
by the aerofoil depends on angle-of-attack and the relative speed of
the airflow. A wing’s angle-of-attack is vital to flight, because the
FIN’S ANGLE OF INCIDENCE
aircraft’s performance is determined by the wing’s angle-of-attack and
The aircraft’s tailfin is the fixed vertical aerodynamic surface used
the aircraft’s airspeed.
to provide stability in yaw, i.e. directional stability.
Note. Do not confuse a wing’s angle-of-attack (i.e. the angle
Note. A moveable rudder is hinged to the fin’s trailing-edge, and
between chord-line and relative airflow) with the pitch-angle or pitch-
moved by the pilot using the foot-operated rudder pedals.
attitude (i.e. the angle between the chord-line and the Earth’s horizon).

AIRCRAFT IN LEVEL FLIGHT

AoA=7°
Chord
Direction of Flight

Horizon

AIRCRAFT IN 10° CLIMB; SAME AOA

AoA=7° rd Flight
Cho irection of
D

FIN’S ANGLE OF INCIDENCE

Horizon

PITCH ANGLE (PROPELLER) ANGLE OF ATTACK

An aircraft’s propeller pitch-angle is the angle between the
propeller-blade’s chord line and the propeller’s plane of rotation. In
basic trainers, the propeller is fixed-pitch, i.e. the pilot cannot change CONCLUSION
the pitch of a propeller’s blade. The angles considered today are vital for safe and efficient flight,
especially aircraft performance. In a later article, we will consider
More sophisticated aircraft have a constant-speed propeller, further angles which affect navigation and the avoidance of nearby
i.e. a controllable-pitch propeller. Once the pilot has selected the obstacles, e.g. crosswinds and climb gradients.
desired engine-RPM in flight, the propeller-blade’s pitch-angle is
automatically varied - to maintain the same RPM even when the air- Best Wishes
load on the propeller varies. Charlie VICTORIA

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 FLYING THE HEAVIES

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