Hello, I have never seen this discussed in this forum. Can someone explain how pilots use ACARS for their take-off performance data instead of using the performance charts? Why do it this way when the FMC can calculate V-speed automatically? Also what other features does ACARS have? Is it possible that an ACARS gauge can be added in PIC to make it more realistic? If someone also has a pic of how the ACARS looks in the 767 that would be great. Thank You

A lot of times, pilots will actually recieve last minute info like an updated ZFW, trim settings etc from dispatch on their way out to the runway. This can be done over the ACARS or it can actually come over a company radio frequency. I remember leaving Denver one time in a 737-300 and we pulled off on a little spot out toward runway 25 so the pilots could talk to dispatch and get an updated ZFW because of some last second cargo additions etc...Ryan

HiI think printed flight plan clearences are being implemented on some major airports in Europe, EKCH for example. I guess they use ACARS to recieve that clearence.Also when visiting the SK945 flight deck, B767-300ER, on a flight to KORD some time ago, the FO was printing out METARs for KORD like crazy. Guess he was a bit bored.It would be great if one could implement METAR reporting, and also integrate the SB text window in an ACARS gauge. That would be pretty cool!Regrads,

It's done. Please check latest FSacars.http://pt.simflight.com/downloads/fsacars30.zipIt's in public beta. It has a working gauge.You can ask:Metar;Weightsand insert comments;The last oficial release is in the site:www.satavirtual.com/fsacarsThis one is without the gauge the interface is using multiplayer.BestJos

I guess there is an interesting link here on the subject of ACARS. http://home.kabelfoon.nl/~pdw/alp/Michael

"Also what other features does ACARS have? Is it possible that an ACARS gauge can be added in PIC to make it more realistic?"The idea of adding ACARS has been looked into by the PIC team, November. As always, they were aiming for realism.... Unfortunately, there are 101 different types of ACARS system and each one has as many, if not more pages than the FMC (I started taking photographs of the various pages in our ACARS system and got pretty bored by the time I hit 30 pages.... Just endless pages of text). Needless to say, they had more important things to program."If someone also has a pic of how the ACARS looks in the 767 that would be great. "Unfortunately, I don't have enough space on my website to show you even a few of the pages. Basically, it's just a dot matrix screen with buttons down the side (or the "buttons" are on the screen itself... like a touchpad, but you don't actually have to touch the screen....There are a series of infra-red light beams crossing the display... and when you interupt these beams with your fingers, the ACARS registers a "button push").What you'll find on the pages....The ACARS system usually interfaces with a Centre VHF radio, so there will be a page or two devoted to recapturing the Centre VHF for normal voice communications. The ACARS CDU may also give access to the airplane data management system, so you can look at recorded data (e.g. what the engines were doing at such and such a time). The ACARS system can also be used as record of what pilot did what during the flight, so that the company knows who to pay the most money ;-)The ACARS can be used to send weather requests, send arrival messages (detailing what sort of things will be required on arrival ... e.g. wheelchairs, ground staff to take care of unaccompanied minors, etc), check the time (GMT updates), etc... The ACARS can even tell you if the front door is closed :-)Hope this helps.CheersIan.

So you don't access ACARS through the CDU on 767s? What about the 744 (and 777)?Disregard - I have found that on some 767 aircraft, as well as the 744, it is accessed through the CDU.Martin767 fetishistIt's a lot like life and that's what's appealing

"Disregard - I have found that on some 767 aircraft, as well as the 744,..."Do you have any links to the ones accessible through the FMC CDU (on the 767), Martin? I'd be interested in seeing what the display looks like.I can't recall seeing any on the 767 (although some ACARS display units do look similar to CDU's, but are not associated with the FMC).The 744 ACARS, as far as I know, is always accessed through one of the three regular looking CDU's.Thanks.Cheers.Ian.

IanFound this on the SAS FlightOps web site. Picture of the SAS B767-383ER.http://www.sasflightops.com/dlk/avionics.htmAs far as I know they use a Collins system which is linked to the CDUs.Regards,

Ok i have download the ACARS window, now i can use it with the RFP742 game.

Hi Ian. Here are a few examples of what the pages look like, but to qoute the AOM, "ACARS functionality and menu configuration is defined by the airline and is not covered in detail here." It was actually covered in detail (an insert from the airline), but this exact configuration may only be valid for three of their aircraft or something like that...http://forums.avsim.com/user_files/24892.jpghttp://forums.avsim.com/user_files/24893.jpghttp://forums.avsim.com/user_files/24894.jpghttp://forums.avsim.com/user_files/24895.jpgMartin767 fetishistIt's a lot like life and that's what's appealing

Always something new (and different) out there :-).... whatever aircraft you fly.http://members.ozemail.com.au/~b744er/744e...PWSObstacle.jpgCheers.Ian.

Hello Ian, My goodness, hello. This is the first time I saw you pop up on a forum other than Aerowinx. Good to see your print.Regards

I have using the fsacars program from the begining of this month,and I can only write one word: "impresive". Yesterday, I also make a flight with the new acars gauge implemented in the PIC cockpit (very easy instalation) and found its usage very realistic and useful. I'm think to adopt fsacars to our VA operations, indeed...RegardsJose M. BarruezoSpain

---

http://personal.telefonica.terra.es/web/as...ot/logosoc5.jpg

Thanks. The gauge now is different. Put some LSK, RSK keys and menus. Send me an E-Mail if you want to see this version.Jos