firstly I know there is now a separate forum for PFE and I am currently trying to resolve problems with their help.Initially i was attracted to this programme by its presentation and the quality of voices etc etc. But since downloading it I have had nothing but problems. For example waiting minutes for a response to a key press. After initial clearance I get no response at all so I have to taxi and take off at my discretion. Thereafter changing to a departure frequency manually. No calls to climb or descend no clearance to land. I have to say I'm quite disaffected. It cost a lot of money and what I get is very hit and miss. It is not an intuitive programme.My system is not cutting edge but handles everything else in FS9 well with no problems at all. Fs9 ATC is CRAP but at least it responds immediately. I'm beginning to think I might have wasted my money and certainly do not intend to add on the extra voices until or if these problems are resolved. Your comments are welcome.Vololiberista

I'm sorry to hear about the problems you've been having with PFE. I've been using it since Dave and his team overhauled and reintroduced it a year ago, and I'm very happy with the results. I've had a few minor problems here and there, but I always remember that it's a work-in-progress, and the team is making it better with every update.I can only offer (mostly) rudimentary advice, although one of your problems struck a chord with me: the annoying delay between call and response, and the sometimes complete lack of response. I have realized, begrudgingly, that the lack of response from PFE was due to my incorrect hotkey commands (i.e., asking for one thing when I should have asked for another). Sometimes it seems that PFE will just ignore it completely. In that way, no, it's not very intuitive; it is only a piece of software and doesn't yet have the ability to correct you. I've also found that the long delays were due to other (non-FS-related) programs taking up system resources. You say you don't have a high-end system; neither do I. People like us need to get into the habit of shutting down non-essential services before going into FS. I use a program called Alacrity, which I found on download.com, which does this for me. It also defrags my memory, which gives my system a little extra boost. You should check it out.As for the rudimentary advice, I'll try to please the PFE team by offering the mantra, "read the manual, read the manual, read the manual." PFE doesn't have much of what I'd call a "learning curve," but it's not a kick-the-tires, light-the-fires program either.Other than that, stick with the OnCourse Software forums, be specific in your questions, and do EXACTLY what Dave tells you to do while trying to solve these problems. He gives great support, and he'll do whatever it takes to make sure it works for you.Don't give up yet... PFE is worth your money. Once it works for you, I'm sure you'll agree. I rarely write long posts like this, but I LOVE the product. I don't work for them; I'm only a very satisfied customer!

Once it works for you, I'm sure you'll agree. I rarely write long posts like this, but I LOVE the product. I don't work for them; I'm only a very satisfied customer!

Do you actively use SID/STARs? Do you get misdirected to one end of a runway in use by AI on the other end? Do you get descend instructions later than FMC TOD and wind up high on approach? How about random PFE client crashes without knowing about them unless you alt+tab to see that PFE is no longer connected?These are all thorns in my side which have yet to be remedied. I've complained when the PFE forums were on AVSim but for some magical reason no one else seems to be having any of these issues.

I'm sorry el Kabong, I've never had those problems.

Perhaps I could ask if either of you could repeat a flight plan and say what frequencies what key presses what handovers were called etc. and in what sequence.Could you set up an IFR flight from LIMZ to LIMF at an altitude of 5,000 ft. The frequencies used in PFE do not correspond with the frequencies in real life or in FS9. I am endlessly pressing keys and getting no response or half a response. A similar question was raised in the PFE forum but it seems was not followed up.Vololiberista

I have to add my support here of PFE, too. It has long since replaced Radar Contact on my FS9 machine. The only problem I have experienced that vololiberista or el_kab0ng have had was PFE bringing me in too high, and that was solely because of poor flight planning on my part. You have to make sure your FAF is far enough away to allow time to descend from your cruise altitude. Oh, yeah, and the only time my PFE client has crashed is because PFE has lost contact with MSFS over my network -- are you using wireless? One other setting that I no longer change is in the PF2000 section of the program. I have distance from FAF set to 12 miles and the approach angle (?) to 20 degrees and I have never had another problem.

Hello Voloiberista:I know how frustrating such a scenario can be regardless if it is product problems, support problems (non-existant here IMHO), or a short between the ears.I had PF2000 years ago and was thrilled to death when PFE gave it rebirth. I also have had a few growing pains, but I rate this combination at the top of the must have list. In fact, I have to confess that I have regressed and failed to give VatSim significant attention since its rebirth. I seldom make a flight without implementing it now with virtually no problems at all.I do not use the keyboard, but voice commands with game commander, so anything I have to say may or may not be of value to you. I would think that what is valid for one, would be valid for the other. In fact, voice can be a little more iffy at times than a key command I would think. It sometimes does not hear what I thought I said, but that is probably because of how I said it, not how it heard.However, tomorrow, I will try the flight plan you requested. Not really my territory nor an area with which I am familar, but that may not have anything to do with anything. I am surprised that none of the frequencies sound valid as USA domestic differences have been extremely rare to me. I assume being that you mention real world frequencies, that you have experience and knowledge in that realm as well as flight sim. I will try to do an airport search to verify the frequencies where possible.Good luck, and I wouldn't give up yet.Respectfully:RTH

Perhaps I could ask if either of you could repeat a flight plan and say what frequencies what key presses what handovers were called etc. and in what sequence.Could you set up an IFR flight from LIMZ to LIMF at an altitude of 5,000 ft. The frequencies used in PFE do not correspond with the frequencies in real life or in FS9. I am endlessly pressing keys and getting no response or half a response. A similar question was raised in the PFE forum but it seems was not followed up.Vololiberista

OK.I didn't really lie, for it is tomorrow. I see no problem.I originated a flight plan as you suggested from LIMZ to LIMF (Sure is a short flight plan.My flight path was from LIMZ to TOP to LIMF. The following is assumed that this flight plan has been originated and saved in the "Flight Simulator Files" and then addressed in PFE and PF2000 as instructed in the manuals.LIMZ has no communications except for Departure, Multicom, and FSS. Therefore, my procedure was as follows.Multicom: Freq. 122.9. Pressed the "6" key for "Taking the runway". So acknowledged and transmitted.FSS: 1222.2. Pressed "0" for "Open my flight plan". So acknowledged and transmitted.Departure: 118.6. Pressed "0" for "Checking in".Just for the heck of it, Pressed "6" to "Request Vectors"I manintained 3,000 feet as 5,000 feet is too high for such a short flight path. to PFE. Switched to "GPS" rather than "NAV" for the AP control.ATC transmitted that there would be vectors for runway 36 (In weather I had put in a 360 degree head wind for academic purposes).Instructed and went to the approach freq. of 120.75Left to a heading of 335, still instructerd for Rwy 360Left to ? degreesRight to 305 degreesRight to 330 degreesCleared for IFS approach Descend to ILS Change to tower freq. 118.5, #1 for landingInitiated "NAV" upon intercepting ILSInitiated GS upon interception GS.Cleared to land by the towerAFter landing, instructed to go to freq. 121.9 for taxi instructions.Taxi to the gate.For what it is worth. It is 2:00 AM. I am going to bed.Good luck:RTH

OK.I didn't really lie, for it is tomorrow. I see no problem.I originated a flight plan as you suggested from LIMZ to LIMF (Sure is a short flight plan.My flight path was from LIMZ to TOP to LIMF. The following is assumed that this flight plan has been originated and saved in the "Flight Simulator Files" and then addressed in PFE and PF2000 as instructed in the manuals.LIMZ has no communications except for Departure, Multicom, and FSS. Therefore, my procedure was as follows.Multicom: Freq. 122.9. Pressed the "6" key for "Taking the runway". So acknowledged and transmitted.FSS: 1222.2. Pressed "0" for "Open my flight plan". So acknowledged and transmitted.Departure: 118.6. Pressed "0" for "Checking in".Just for the heck of it, Pressed "6" to "Request Vectors"I manintained 3,000 feet as 5,000 feet is too high for such a short flight path. to PFE. Switched to "GPS" rather than "NAV" for the AP control.ATC transmitted that there would be vectors for runway 36 (In weather I had put in a 360 degree head wind for academic purposes).Instructed and went to the approach freq. of 120.75Left to a heading of 335, still instructerd for Rwy 360Left to ? degreesRight to 305 degreesRight to 330 degreesCleared for IFS approach Descend to ILS Change to tower freq. 118.5, #1 for landingInitiated "NAV" upon intercepting ILSInitiated GS upon interception GS.Cleared to land by the towerAFter landing, instructed to go to freq. 121.9 for taxi instructions.Taxi to the gate.For what it is worth. It is 2:00 AM. I am going to bed.Good luck:RTH

Many thanks for your effort. Quite why PFE doesn't ask to tune to LIMZ tower on 119.55 I don't know!!! As that is the correct frequency and is also used in FS9 ATC. I have been able on 2 out of 5 times to tune to 119.55 get clearance, taxi instructions and clerance for TO then advised to change to 118.6 but thereafter nothing more. It seems that the web site for the airport scenery for both these airports is no longer functioning so when the avsim library comes back up i'll post them there as they were free.You should try the approach into Torino from the NE say from the UK the mountains are spectacular!!!Vololiberista

Hello again:I see what you mean relative to frequencies. I suspect that the confusion may develop from the real world notam B1983/09 which states that the frequency 119.55 is to be addressed as the tower only from 0900 until 1700. PF2000/PFE does not list LIMZ as having a tower, ground control, etc. Only the FSS, Multicom, and Departure frequencies are listed as available. LIMF has the whole package though and they seem to work fine for me. I notice that FlightSim Commander shows 119.55 as an FSS station. PF2000 lists the FSS station for both airports at a frequency of 122.2. Pretty confusing huh.In any case, if I play like LIMZ has no facilities, open my flight plan after I am in the air with the FSS (122.2), and then check in on the departure frequency (118.6), communication is complete thereafter. I did have to edit the altitude to 5,000 in PF2000 to get ATC to instruct me to fly that high for such a short flight. One needs a pretty slow aircraft as well (I used the RealAir 172). I hope you can find what is causing you trouble as I really get a lot of pleasure from PF2000/PFE and highly recommend it.I have tried several flights with varied conditions to and around your two airports, and I agree that some of the scenery is outstanding, particularly for FS9. Looks beautiful in FSX as well. It is always good to hear of new locations in other parts of the world with which we have no knowledge.Good luck and happy flying:RTH

Hello again:I see what you mean relative to frequencies. I suspect that the confusion may develop from the real world notam B1983/09 which states that the frequency 119.55 is to be addressed as the tower only from 0900 until 1700. PF2000/PFE does not list LIMZ as having a tower, ground control, etc. Only the FSS, Multicom, and Departure frequencies are listed as available. LIMF has the whole package though and they seem to work fine for me. I notice that FlightSim Commander shows 119.55 as an FSS station. PF2000 lists the FSS station for both airports at a frequency of 122.2. Pretty confusing huh.In any case, if I play like LIMZ has no facilities, open my flight plan after I am in the air with the FSS (122.2), and then check in on the departure frequency (118.6), communication is complete thereafter. I did have to edit the altitude to 5,000 in PF2000 to get ATC to instruct me to fly that high for such a short flight. One needs a pretty slow aircraft as well (I used the RealAir 172). I hope you can find what is causing you trouble as I really get a lot of pleasure from PF2000/PFE and highly recommend it.I have tried several flights with varied conditions to and around your two airports, and I agree that some of the scenery is outstanding, particularly for FS9. Looks beautiful in FSX as well. It is always good to hear of new locations in other parts of the world with which we have no knowledge.Good luck and happy flying:RTH

I agrre that in essence it's a good programme but it does have anomiliesWhen the AVsim Library comes back I'll post the airport scenery for both. For your amusement for now look at this post here on avsim :( Vololiberista

Back again:I agree that at times strange things do happen. In Dave's defense, the combination is a continual work in progress. In addition, I am never completely sure whether the problem I run into is in the program, or something I failed to address or leave out in my flight plan. I would estimate that somewhere between 95 and 99% of the time, I see no problem. It does seem that on some approaches, I am directed to an unreasonably long distance before I am instructed to turn around and come back to a proper heading for final. The following often can cut this scenario short.However, my reason for one more reply is this recommendation: Anytime you run into a situation where it seems that you are being led astray as you reach your destination similar to the example you linked, "Request Landing Clearance" (I believe this is keyboard "1"). This doesn't always work, but will cover a multitude of sins some of the time, whether it was the program dropping the ball, or a short between these old ears. If you are acknowledged, you can complete your approach to the assigned runway and be granted landing permission.Looking forward to seeing your post of the library scenery:Respectfully:RTH

Do you actively use SID/STARs? Do you get misdirected to one end of a runway in use by AI on the other end?

This can easily be corrected by choosing/activating the desired RWY in the PFE menue.Wolfgang

What happened in the last stages of the flight from LIMZ to EGLL was, as I passed over the ODH facility SW of Heathrow I was instructed to maintain my heading of 355 and to expect vectors to the ILS for rwy 09L (great so I thought!) I was then given the headings of 225 and 215 repeatedly eventually sending me back all the way to the French ATC boundary. (It's good that I had enough fuel on board!!!)What should have happened just after ODH was that I should have been given the "reciprocal" heading of 035, told to report established on the localisor and then handed over to the tower. PFE made an error in my judgement.Also in my opinion the problem with wrong frequencies is down to to the old Proflight2000 module which they can't or won't update. There needs to be a correction facility built into PFE so that frequencies etc can be adjusted and correctly displayed. There is, interestingly a file which one can print off after setting up a flight plan called freq_conversion.dat found in the data directory it is a list of frequency changes for that flight plane.g.LIMZ - Apr: Orig: 0 New: 129.27LIMZ - Twr: Orig: 0 New: 119.55I printed this off as for me I don't see the point of using imaginary frequencies when real ones exit both in FS9 and real life.Especially as 119.55 does seem to work (after a fashion!)vololiberista

This can easily be corrected by choosing/activating the desired RWY in the PFE menue.Wolfgang

On my afcad2 file of LHR (in the avsim library as a Heathrow 2008 update- containing many other things like nearly 700 signs!) I have designated rwy 09L and 27R as landing and rwy 09R and 27L as take off PFE knows this and was directing me to the correct rwy when it vectored me in the wrong direction to establish.Vololiberista

Vololiberista -- I'm going to as a REALLY stupid question here, but just to be sure: do you rebuild your PFE database after every single scenery change you make in FS9? Even if you just rearrange the order of scenery in your scenery.cfg? Have you checked for duplicate AFCADS, by any chance?I have never experienced any of the problems you're having and as a matter of fact, if I lose track of any frequencies I just hover my cursor over the appropriate airport in my FSNAVIGATOR, which is completely independent of FS and PFE, and I get the freuqency set in the AFCAD via a pop up. These have ALWAYS agreed with whatever PFE has given me, so long as I have kept the PFE data base rebuilds up to date.