When I am programming the FMC in the MD 11, a lot of information is required. Is there a program out there where I just have to put my departure and arrival airports in and where it will give me everything from runways, frequencies, slopes etc, pretty much everything that is required to program the FMC? I would appreciate your help.Bernd

Yup, Aerosoft's Flight Keeper. It lets you install an ACARS gauge in the cockpit which can pull most that info up such as en-route winds aloft, temperatures, pressure settings, runway headings and lengths, ILS frequencies, ATC frequencies, expected weather at any point along your route etc etc. It got five stars when AVSIM reviewed it (and deserved to), and it's much improved since that happened, so now it is even better. Works in FSX and FS9 and adds TCAS, and a moving map to your cockpit too. About the only thing it won't do is go and make you a cup of coffee.There is a downloadable demo of it, but frankly just go and buy it, you won't be sorry: www.aerosoft.comIndispensable for FMC inputs with airliners when flight planning, and useful when in flight too. Al

Yup, Aerosoft's Flight Keeper. It lets you install an ACARS gauge in the cockpit which can pull most that info up such as en-route winds aloft, temperatures, pressure settings, runway headings and lengths, ILS frequencies, ATC frequencies, expected weather at any point along your route etc etc. It got five stars when AVSIM reviewed it (and deserved to), and it's much improved since that happened, so now it is even better. Works in FSX and FS9 and adds TCAS, and a moving map to your cockpit too. About the only thing it won't do is go and make you a cup of coffee.There is a downloadable demo of it, but frankly just go and buy it, you won't be sorry: www.aerosoft.comIndispensable for FMC inputs with airliners when flight planning, and useful when in flight too. Al

Thanks Al, I will check it out.Bernd

I dont think flight keeper will put this data inside PMDG FMC for you, not sure if thats what you were wanting to get at.I am no great fan of the bother introduced by some FMC's myself, but one thing they all seem to have in common that i like is,1 - You dont have to enter all the information if you just want LNAV and ILS, if you need VNAV is when detailed info starts getting more critical. for PMDG MD11/747, i fill in basic stuff and go, i dont use VNAV.2 - Also Wilco/PMDG FMC's have certain options where it helps you fill in the data for certain items, just by clicking the relevant FMC button.3 - I have many Wilco , and PMDG md11/747, and i have learnt that experience gained from one FMC does carry over to others, and in my case expericnce gained from wilco FMC's means i was not so intimidated when i recently started using PMDG md11/747.I would not bother with another cockpit tool that will just add to CPU load, and perhaps even add stutters, not to mention having to install the new tool in every aircraft.Give the FMC some time and youll get used to it.ALSO CHECK YOUTUBE FOR PMDG 747 or MD11 FMC tutorial vids, some of them are so good you will be suprisedSome great PMDG tutorials from UTube-- If you cant be bothered to spend a lifetime on manuals. Like Me.

I always fly with FS Flightkeeper, but haven't bothered to put the ACARS panel in on my current install yet. Even without it is a great logging tool produces wonderful maps of your flights, has ambient sound packages in different languages (including a co-pilot who comments on the level of turbulence, etc). Also has a great screenshot manager. With the ACARS you can have a lot of information at your fingertips, including a moving map which is very useful for taxing.There are also a lot of features I haven't even begun to figure out like streaming your flight on the internet (which sounds pretty cool). It is the most indispensible add-on I own.As for your MD-11, I don't think runway slopes are modeled, so you can forget that. For an airplane as detailed as the PMDG MD-11 you're probably going to find it rewarding to collect charts for your departure and arrival airports. Other information is there on your load manager for you to note down.