Consider it DONE! Thanks. I'm taking some time off over the Holidays, and I fully expect to learn FMS navigation!Stan

Thanks for the patronage :( The one thing crucial to all of you wanting to learn FMC programming is... You have to have a payware addon like PMDG, Wilco, etc. that simulates a real FMC. Meaning, you need one that has...1) An updatable NAV(igation) database with SID (Standard Instrument Departure) and STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) for the major airports,2) Allows input of individual way points 3) Allows input of speed and altitude restrictions4) That is tied into the other systems of the simulated aircraft. Four is very important because what a FMC does is help manage various aspects of flight in conjunction with the autopilot. The FMC calculates the most efficient use of fuel (speeds on climb, cruise and descent), the top of decent, and numbers vital for safe landings and takeoffs like V1, VR, V2 and VREF (Reference Approach Speeds). These are important for commercial airliners because of their size, weight and power that must be taken into account on final approach, or takeoff to ensure safe operations within the aircraft's tolerances.You can use freeware FMCs... But they are not as complex as the payware ones (obviously) included in the large airliners. The payware FMCs have more functions and this is who my tutorials are aimed at.The reason I'm emphasizing what seems like an obvious point is because I get a lot of messages from younger simmers asking how they can access the CDU (Control Display Unit) -- The FMC interface -- On the default planes. Also, as a primer, you (anyone who is interested) should study up on what SIDs and STARs are because they form the backbone of how a FMC is programmed a majority of the time. I have a brief primer on my channel, but there are much more in-depth ones available here:

This guy, "WTurbiasz" is like the SID/STAR/FMC God on Youtube. His tutorials *are* that good, and I have no problem recommending them alongside my own. The SID/STAR Tutorials are four (4) parts, and his FMC Tutorial is about nine (9) parts... But the FMC Tutorial also includes a full flight, too, so you can see everything in action.So, between the two of us, you guys and gals should have a very solid understanding of the concepts behind a FMC and how to actually program and perform a flight using the FMC :( .

Stop buying airplanes.No. Seriously.I have every airplane I could possibly fly. More than enough.Unless it has a two sevens in the name. Then I might break my resolution.

Mine is the same as every other year, no more resolutions :(

This guy, "WTurbiasz" is like the SID/STAR/FMC God on Youtube. His tutorials *are* that good, and I have no problem recommending them alongside my own. The SID/STAR Tutorials are four (4) parts, and his FMC Tutorial is about nine (9) parts... But the FMC Tutorial also includes a full flight, too, so you can see everything in action.So, between the two of us, you guys and gals should have a very solid understanding of the concepts behind a FMC and how to actually program and perform a flight using the FMC :( .

These are all good tips. It has been a long time since I've flown a SID or STAR. And in FSX regardless of what I am flying I always hand-fly ILS approaches from loc capture through touch-down. I definitely want to gain a better appreciation of an FMC, but not rely too much on it all the time.

I don't have any resolutions, so much as ideas...... get more people to volunteer as AVSIM Reviewers... I am the opposite of the FMC set: I want to work on stick and rudder skills, the fundamentals... practise equipment failures more often... maybe possibly upgrade to Win7... write the PERFECT Review...?... or find something new and good that makes writing that perfect Review less of a priority...Lots of ellipsis, plenty of vague notions. I know I will dread coming back to this thread twelve months from now.Jeff ShylukSenior Staff ReviewerAVSIM

Stan-I am with you. I have to fight the constant urge to dose off while punching tons of mouse clicks before a flight-but I am planning to take the plunge also this year-that is if I can resist taking off in a conventional GA airplane and exploring the mountain west.

Geofa,I know. The same with me. Perhaps the reason I put the FMC "due diligence" off for so long is BECAUSE I'm so addicted to GA / VFR flying. With REX, GEX, ASA, or other addons, it's hard to appreciate it all when you're flying 6 miles above it!Stanps. Merry Christmas, Geofa

1: Lock my FPS at 60fps2: Shift+Z to switch the FPS display off permanently!Merry XmasTrafficPilot

Now, what's your FSX New Year's Resolution?Stan

To simply get back to flying more.In February of this year I started my own business, as our company was deeply impacted by the economy. I have done better than I expected, but what I've found is that I'm almost always working; morning, noon, evenings, and the weekends. I had my own business 15 years ago, and found time to relax, but cannot do so right now/this time around.Sometimes I get up on Saturday and say, 'self, its time to take a nice flight and relax', then I remember some of the work I have to do, and do that instead because my anxiousness to maintain cash flow. Thus, FS takes another back seat to work.So, here is to a sense of more security that the next job will always be around the corner, so I can relax on my 'time off' next year, and 'fly'. :(

For 2010 I am resolving to concentrate exclusively on one complex aircraft (airliner or regional jet) for at least six months, so that I feel utterly at home in it, and able to handle ANY situation. Only add-ons allowed will be FS utilities or scenery. I'm just not sure yet which aircraft I shall be committing to...Won't last of course...Ian

Publish more Pet Projects......... :(

For 2010 I am resolving to concentrate exclusively on one complex aircraft (airliner or regional jet) for at least six months, so that I feel utterly at home in it, and able to handle ANY situation. Only add-ons allowed will be FS utilities or scenery. I'm just not sure yet which aircraft I shall be committing to...Won't last of course...Ian

Ian, I can relate to this idea. This is the one reason why I have never built a cockpit in the house or garage. I would never be able to satisfy desires to fly just one plane in FSX. One thing I did recently was rename my Simobjects Airplane folder then created a new Airplane folder with just a couple of my complex aircraft that I want to isolate my efforts. As I see need to change out planes I can interchange between the two folders. My 2010 training plan will start with LH Maddog. Keith

For 2010 I am resolving to concentrate exclusively on one complex aircraft (airliner or regional jet) for at least six months, so that I feel utterly at home in it, and able to handle ANY situation. Only add-ons allowed will be FS utilities or scenery. I'm just not sure yet which aircraft I shall be committing to...Won't last of course...Ian

Ian, I can relate to this idea. This is the one reason why I have never built a cockpit in the house or garage. I would never be able to satisfy desires to fly just one plane in FSX. One thing I did recently was rename my Simobjects Airplane folder then created a new Airplane folder with just a couple of my complex aircraft that I want to isolate my efforts. As I see need to change out planes I can interchange between the two folders. My 2010 training plan will start with LH Maddog. Keith

My resolution is to get the most realistic experience out of flight simulator as possible. I mean that I want to fly with real world charts, procedures and checklists. I want to start flying on VATSIM, understand how NAT procedures really work and master the Captain Sim 757.

A session with FS-GS

or a brunette with big boobies :(

or a brunette with big boobies :(

Oh my! :(