Creating SIDs/STARs - FMC

[Guest xcltm3]

Hello everyone,I'm new to PMDG 747-400X and the forum.The question I have is this;Why can't I create a SID/STAR directly via my FMC?From what I have been able to determine thus far, I can only create such directly through the PMDG "sidstars" folder (such as Terry Yingling's turorial rev #5).I was certain that in real-life you can create a SID/STAR using the Smiths (Boeing) FMC/CDU directly.You assistance is much appreciated.Also, can anyone advise where the "Expanded Procedures" checklist is located?Tutorial #1 -ie PMDG 747 Type Course Lesson #1 refers to it (pg 1 - 4, Power Up & First officer Preflight) but I can't locate it anywhere. (Not on the DVD, my Hard Drive or web for that matter..Best Wishes,Steve

[Mats_J 2]

Steve,You cannot program terminal procedures (SID/STARS) on the real deal either. You can get close by using the options at hand but a lot of the special commands, like fly-over waypoints, can only be programmed and imported into the FMC. Both for the PMDG simulator as for the real FMC.If you want to keep updated with real world procedures without any hassle go to www.navigraph.com. It will cost you a little bit. But in my opinion it is well worth it. There are also some members of the community who contribute some procedures for limited regions for free. Do a search in this forum.If you would like to program procedures yourself there's a good tutorial in the download section at the PMDG site.Hope it helps,

[dave_paige 11]

You can certainly enter all of the waypoints and crossing restrictions your self. But you can't save them as SIDs or STARs you can only save a route (.rte). Database SIDs and STARs need to be created in the text files you find in the SIDSTARS folder.I don't know if the real world FMC can save a SID or STAR to it's database directly our not but I doubt it.

[Tabs 2,790]

It cannot - that would be a huge liability to have pilots entering and saving procedures on a real airplane if there were mistakes made in the entry.There some very good resources for making SIDSTARS, Terry Yingling has a whole document explaining it and many forum members like Dan Downs are very experienced with it.

[Guest xcltm3]

Mats, Dave & Ryan,thx for replying so promptly.3 things:1st: As I understand it now, I need to program the SIDS/STARS remotely (not through the FMC). I did point out in my orig post that I have Terry Yingling's Tutorial Rev #5 - I'll give it a crack & see how I go.2nd: However, where is the tutorial download you refer to on PMDG site? I looked under "Documentation" but saw nothing referring to creating SIDS/STARS. Can you assist?3rd: I also asked a question (orig post)in relation to the "Expanded Procedures" checklist. Anyone know where I can grab a copy? Much appreciated.Thx to everyone for their time and assistance.Best Wishes,Steve

[Mats_J 2]

Steve,I thought the tutorial was housed at the PMDG site but I couldn't find it either. However you can download from here: http://planepath.com/html/pmdg_utilities.htmlOh, and the Normal procedures in the manual should be what they are referring to in the lessons. They are expanded normal procedures... ;-)Hope it helps,

[cavaricooper 2,615]

FWIW I relish DEPs and ARRs where there are no procedures published. Creating the DEP or ARRival in the FMC along with altitude and speed crossing requirements is a source of some satisfaction for me. Should the arrival culminate in a CDAP approach- that's icing on the cake ;).That said, between Navigraph (http://www.navigraph.com/www/default.asp), Dan Downs' procedures (http://library.avsim.net/index.php?CatID=fs2004fp), Steve Bell's UK SIDSTARS (http://www.speedbirdonline.co.uk/downloads/747/PMDG_SIDSTAR_AIRAC0808_DATASET.zip) and Bill Bulfer's Big Boeing FMC Guide (http://fmcguide.com/StoreFront.bok) you ought to be able to take the fat girl almost anywhere.Following normal flows will require an arrival briefing well before TOD- plenty of time to ensure that your LEGS page is all set up for the procedure you intend to fly.Best-Carl F. Avari-Cooper BAW0225http://online.vatsimindicators.net/980091/523.png| XP Pro SP3 | 2 x APC UPS | Coolermaster Stacker 830 SE | Gigabyte P35 DS3R | e8500 @ 4gHz | Tuniq Tower 120 | EVGA 8800GT 512MB | Creative X-Fi Fatal1ty | 2 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 | 2 x 320GB WD Caviar RAID 0 | Corsair HX620W PS | CH Products Yoke-Pedals-Throttle Quadrant | Aerosoft 747MCP-EFIS-EICAS |