Taking over a crew-disabled 744 in real life...

[JSACKS 0]

If that day ever arose and I found myself in the left (or, OK, right!) seat driving, I think I'd be OK with the FMC, MCP, etc. But what would I do to communicate with ground folks and with whom would I communicate if in cruise across an ocean? What radio(s) would I use and how (especially to avoid getting shot down by a protective F-16)?Jonathan

[Guest Daniel Pimentel]

... I wouldn't hold my breath. :-lol But if it did happen, I'd think the crew would have the correct frequency tuned, so all you have to do is locate the transmit key. Have you been watching the movie "Final Approach", by chance? :-lolDaniel P.http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/supporter.jpgMember of SJU Photography. [A HREF=http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?userid=9004]Click Here[/A] to view my aircraft photos at JetPhotos.Net!The official psychotic AA painter. :)

[cowpatz 243]

Dont want to spoil your dream but the 747 comms can be a nightmare if you haven't used them before. Normally a crew will fly with the active ATC com frequency on the L radio. Each radio (normally 3) has an active and standby position. The current ATC frequency is most likely the frequency on the LH window of the L radio. On the right radio will probably be 121.5 the emergency frequency. I would look to see that the VHF L button is selected and the light illuminated (on whatever Audio selector panel you are using either Capt or FO position). If you are out over the atlantic then chances are that you may be out of range. In that case either give a mayday call on that frequency (might be other aircraft listening on frequency) or select the VHF R button on the ASP making sure that 121.5 is showing in the LH window (active) side of the R radio and then give a mayday call. There is an excellent chance that someone will hear you and be able to offer assistance.This Sim is so good that if you can fly it well then you will have an excellent chance of landing the aeroplane. Make it easy on yourself and auto land.Hope you never have to do it!!!!!CheersSteve

[Qavion 19]

"Dont want to spoil your dream but the 747 comms can be a nightmare if you haven't used them before."I have used it before... and still push the wrong buttons :(Cheers.Q>

[Stuntie 0]

The main thing is to get talking to someone in ATC. They will be able to advise you of what channels to switch to, and how to do it. Hopefully it would be as simple as press and talk on either the captains or the FO's headset. If not the Flightplan notes should have the frequncies on it.Personally I would always get them to talk me through all procedures such as channel switching even if I was 100% sure I knew what I was doing. Better safe than plummetting earthward from 30,000 feet.I would assume that you would be switched to a special frequncy so that you can talk to ATC one on one for instructions and help etc. without needing to wait for Mrs Miggins getting clearence for her Cessna to get off the line.I would also assume that there are a couple of fighters heading my way to help escort me a suitable airport who are listening in on the frequency given to me.We might know (or think we know) how to fly the 747, but with passengers in control we would most likely be given specific instructions to follow by ATC to not only get us down, but to get us down in a manner that is as simple and as automated as possible to prevent any confusion or incorrect action. I for one would follow ATC to the letter. Nevermind if I can set up a STAR or set a VNAV descent I follow the 'set heading to xxx, speed to yyy' commands given by ATC. After all the aim is to land safely, not show how well you can fly (you can do that in the Sim time you blagged from the Airline as reward for saving the plane :)).

[Qavion 19]

"Hopefully it would be as simple as press and talk on either the captains or the FO's headset."Yes, if you can figure out where the press-to-talk switches are... and you know the difference between INT, R/T and MIC. Then pray that the right radio button has been selected, you are on an active frequency and the volume controls are set correctly :(Cheers.Q>

[JSACKS 0]

Thanks all for leaping!Yes, the main issue is WHAT buttons to press and WHERE. I think Steve has addressed some of this directly, thanks. It's one thing to be able to fly the Queen but I do feel that communication is a very important part of the whole gig and I still don't have a high level of familiarity or comfort with the whole radio stack in the PMDG Queen. Thanks again to all. Good stuff!Jonathan

[Guest gremel]

In addition to all of the above, I'd 'Squawk' 7700.....Regards,jack

[Guest tomahawk_pa38]

Even the pros get it wrong. On a recent Emirates flight into Sydney our Captain announced to the cabin that 'Flight EK XXX is established ILS for runway 12 Right'.Wrong button I think !!

[victorlima01 2]

Not wrong button. He porobably used the correct switch, wrong position. There are a number of ways to transmit on the frequency. One of these ways is a switch on the audio panel that can be switched up (R/T) which keys the mic on the headphone or O2 mask to trasmit on the frequency; or switched down (INT position) which keys the mic in the headset/O2 mask on flight interphone system. I don't personally think the radio/audio panel is hard to use at all. Pretty self-explanatory. After a first glance and some use you can catch on pretty quickly. Best Regards,Victor Limahttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/800driver.jpg

[cowpatz 243]

It is not hard to use but it can be confusing and I have seen numerous stuff ups with it to know it is. The main problem is the ability to do off side tuning. In other words the right frequency selector can be used to tune any other radio Left, Center or Right. Coupled with the fact that it can have an active and a standby position and can display a VHF or HF frequency. Coupled with that you have to make sure that the correct transmit button is selected and the volume set on the correct ASP. I would call that very confusing for someone who has only operated a simple VHF radio. Compound that with if the crew were on OXY at the time then you need to reset the oxy doors to get the boom mics to work.Making a "established on the ILS" PA to the cabin is not half as embarrasing as giving a complete rundown on the weather and time of arrival etc at LA complete with a "we should be arriving at time blah, blah subject to no ATC delays" all broadcast over the SOCAL approach frequency to all and sundry!!!!! Instant feedback assured :)CheersSteve

[dseagrav 0]

There are two types of airline pilots; Those who have issued a PA over ATC, and those who will.

[jon b 2,041]

Every single night on the Atlantic tracks you`ll hear a "SHANWICK SHANWICK" call on the chat frequency of 123.45 by someone who thinks they`re transmitting on HF.Quite often someone will quickly put on their best Irish accent and say "this is shanwick go ahead" and the poor guy will speal of his whole position report, much to the amusment of everybody else on frequency.hilarious stuff,yes the mid atlantic at 3am is great place to be! notI think in reality if the crewless aircraft happened in a terminal area Jonathan`s initial scenario involving F16s would probably be the sad reality nowadaysJon

[Guest Callmecapt]

>Even the pros get it wrong. On a recent Emirates flight into>Sydney our Captain announced to the cabin that 'Flight EK XXX>is established ILS for runway 12 Right'.>>Wrong button I think !!Now that's scary...since there is no 12R runway at Sydney Airport.Runways are:16R16L34R34L0725:( Goran