Hello, all.I'm impressed with the capabilities of the new aircraft, both from the FMC and the flight "feel" in general. Unfortunately, I'm lost as how to use the FMC. I downloaded the tutorial (sorry, but I forgot who the author is) and read through the example given a situation from KDEN to KLAX. I'm still a bit confused. Is it possible for anyone to walk me through more carefully what I need to do to fly from say, KSFO to KMIA? I understand much of the information given in the tutorial (picking the dep/arv airports, choosing the runway, alt, fuel, etc..) but I guess I don't get the part about the computer actually flying the plane. When do I switch over to autopilot and what commands are necessary for it to pick up the flight plan in the FMC? Are both LNAV and VNAV together? I imagine they would since one is altitude and the other is basically heading. Or is this just a horrible assumption? Basically, I'd really like to use the FMC to it's capacity to get a real feel of how flights are truly accomplished, but I need some assistance. I appreciate anyone who's willing to help.Thanks!!AA

Try my updated tutorial, from JFK to ORD available from AVSIM. I think it shows the 'basic' FMC setup very closely. Also, check out Tim Metzinger's tutorial.

It takes a while to learn, but don't give up! It's a whole lot of fun once you get it! :)

I found the best way to learn the FMC is to turn off flightsim and read the instructions over. Then do it again with the flightsim on. follow it to the book and then do it again but this time changing the airports and way points. You'll soon get it, and when you do you will never fly the other aircraft again.Tip.when you have it all setup and ready to fly.... set your heading to point to the first waypoint. After take off (1500ft)click CMD A it will activate the ALT and Heading. When the aircraft levels of at your set heading click LNAV then VNAV. Make sure you have Autotrottle armed.You will need to keep looking at the FMC LEGS page to see what your next ALT setting is (You have to set this yourself) This should be set before you reach the waypoint or B/C (Beginning of Climb) or T/D (Top of Decent) When the aircraft reaches this indicator it will begin the transition

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the recent tutorials as well. But another question for Alany or anyone else: Where do you get the waypoints? How do you know what waypoints to enter for your flight plan?Thanks.

i would suggest you purchase FSNavigator (http://www.fsnavigator.com) whihc provides you with a moving map & flightplanning module (amongst other features) that can be used inside FS. you can try before you buy, so give it a go!

Additionally, FSBuild is an excellent flight planning tool. But don't forget about Flight Simulator itself! If you are very new to flight planning and getting the waypoints into the PMDG FMC, you might consider planning the flight in Flight Simulator, print the Navlog, and then use that to input the waypoints into the FMC.Of course, there are much, much easier or efficient ways where you can build flight plans and "import" them directly into the FMC. However, learning more about flight planning and entering different types of waypoints into the FMC yourself will greatly benefit you the more advanced you become.Good Luck!Joe Miller

I use FSNAV. but be warned, I have an Nvidia Graphics card and if i use FSNAV for a long period it freezes FlightSim or kills the system altogether. Its a known bug. Dose anyone have the address for FSBuild. Also thinking of getting FS Flight Keeper. Has it had good reports.

www.fsbuild.com :)

I am new to this discussion group and new to the PMDG which I have had for a few days. I have spent hours and hours this past weekend learning the FMC and Autopilot and am just starting to get a handle on it. In the beginning, it was REALLY difficult, so just stick with it. I found the best Tutorial is the Advanced Tutorial by Metzinger. It is very well written and easy to follow. By the way. the people that are responsible for the PMDG 737 should be commended as it is an excellent product!!!!. A few years ago, as a Private Pilot, I had a chance to fly a 767-400 SIM in an Major Airline training center, with a check pilot, and do 5 takeoffs and landings to a full stop. That was the biggest thrill I ever had. Flying the PMDG is a close 2nd. Bob

>I use FSNAV. but be warned, I have an Nvidia Graphics card>and if i use FSNAV for a long period it freezes FlightSim or>kills the system altogether. Its a known bug. >>Dose anyone have the address for FSBuild. >Also thinking of getting FS Flight Keeper. Has it had good>reports. Hmmm interesting. I have Nvidia and FSNav and haven't seen this bug. Are you drivers up to snuff ? Where is the documentation for this "known bug "?Regards,

Here is the topic which is listed on the FSNAV forum. http://news.simflight.com/cgi-bin/dnewsweb...item=9293&utag=I have recently changed my card to another Nvidia with different drivers and I still get this problem.Now I just use it to setup my flight then don't open it again.

I use FSBuild because I can put what I want to fly in there and it will build it for me to the FMC or have it build a plan if I don't have one.... I love it.... I know, I know... That's another forum. :^)Cam DeLongwww.simsouthwest.com