PMDG MD-11 Automatic Fuel Loading

[Guest Carvelle5000]

Hi,I've been flying the MD-11 so far simply guessing the required fuel loads and seeing how much I'd have left at the destination. I was checking out the refueling page of the MCDU when I noticed this 'AUTO' option was available. So my question is: if I select this after I have entered my route, alternate etc., will it calculate and load how much fuel I'll need automatically? Sounds like a really neat feature. Thanks,Carvelle5000

[tcas_climb 45]

No, the AUTO function just lets the virtual refuelers distribute the fuel load in the correct sequence.I use FSBUILD to figure out fuel load, but i hear you can let the FMS give you a rough estimation by entering any fuel quantity in the block fuel line after you've entered all the perf data.

[Guest Carvelle5000]

Hi,Thanks for the reply. Under FSBuild, do you enter all the takeoff data and fuel information, generate the route and use the FREM column for taking the required fuel? Thanks,Carvelle5000

[downscc 1,327]

To each their own preference.I only use FSBuild to provide both rte and pln files for the weather application; the MD-11 FMS fuel calculations are verry good if you have decent wind forecasts. I consider it better than a rough estimate.

[aentwis 61]

VROUTE in the premium version also has a fairly good fuel loading estimation for the route and weather. I generally get to my destination with around 4-5 tonnes in each of the main tanks. I always double check that I have around 45 minutes' worth of final reserve, and adjust the Vroute load accordingly. If I wish to put in a flight route to my alternate (as opposed to direct), then I need to add obviously. It is a little hit and miss, but my estimates are getting more accurate with experience and practice...I can only agree with Dan. If you have a good estimate for the en route weather, the FMS is actually a good estimator of the fuel load, as long as you plan for the required minmum loads...Andrew