My installation of the JS4100 appears to work impeccably.I didn't install "172 Cold and Dark" I just created a startup by moving the Tutorial start to my home airfield and saving it as the default, this appears to load perfectly everytime.I do seem unable to save a flightplan. I click the line select button "Save FPL" but it doesn't highlight.The button does animate.There's no mention of this in the AOM (Pages 514 - 543)In fact a search of the entire pdf for "save" gives nothing.I've downloaded the Honeywell Manual and this gives no result either...I have completed all relevant data on FPL, VNAV and PLAN pages. I have "Active FPL 1/3" banner at the top.I can cycle the ETE/ETA/DIS with the Back button, but not get it to save in either panel state..Can this only be done only on completion of the flight? Am I missing something obvious?I'm really enjoying learning to fly this new PMDG offering, and marvel at the level of detail, and the amount of realism that has been achieved.If you guys develop the next generation flightsim XI, I'm certainly investing!Heartfelt thanks to all involved.Kev Townsend

Experimenting, I have followed Ernie's advice regarding the FS Nav Planner in another topic.5 - Load your Copilot route into the FSPlanner (or generate a new route with the FSPlanner).6 - After starting the FMS Press the 'FPL' button to display the Flight Plans List page.7 - Click on the LSK next to the any stored flight plan listed and select it.8 - The Flight Plan List page will display, and you will see a new label called 'ATC RTE'9 - Click on the LSK next to that label (R4), and it will load and display the current active FSPlanner route in the FMS. (If no route is active in the FSPlanner, the flight plan will just clear).10 - Then select the flight plan like any other stored flight plan (Select LSK, press Enter).This works fine, and once loaded I am offered the Save FPL Option.I confirm, the .RTE file exists in the PMDG/Flightplan folder.I have gone through all 31 flightplans in my FS .pln format collection and saved them through the "ATC RTE" method.Unfortunately all files appear in the Flight plan list 1/1 with the same Departure/DestinationKHPN - KIAD The flightplan used for the Tutorial. Which I loaded before moving my "Cold and Dark".mmm more experimenting I feel...Kev Townsend

Looking at the .RTE files in Notepad, they are perfect except that in all cases the Departure/Arrival airports are KHPN/KIAD.Closer inspection shows the correct co-ordinates for my Dep/Arr airfields.I have just gone through them all replacing these correctly and now they all display correctly within the FMS!However, when prompted to save, the filename of the LSK pressed (in Ernies Step 7) is offered.It is the Dep/Arr airfields that are taken from this file that are used, and then need editing within the new .RTE file.As an aside, the offered filename also includes an underscore _ J41, which I don't think is available on the keypad.Strange but still trying.Kev Townsend

OK I think I have worked my way through this one.I have a PPL but never work with an FMC in my GA flying.I am only able to "SAVE FPL" once the STAR is input. Filename appears automatically, and is correct (including the _J41).I have been attempting to Save at the programming stage prior to turning OFF the Avionics for Startup.I have input the destination field, but not the STAR, as in real life this might be considered premature.Is it the case, that Real World FMC using pilots, would programme the likely STAR prior to takeoff. and modify it once in the descent stage when ATIS is known?Thanks again for this wonderful piece of art, and for the great grey cell workout!best wishesKev Townsend EGLF

Is it the case, that Real World FMC using pilots, would programme the likely STAR prior to takeoff. and modify it once in the descent stage when ATIS is known?

In the US, very few STARs are runway specific and instead are selected based on direction arriving from. Flying the same company route over and over I would bet the STAR never changes.Be sure to look at the STAR charts, many are either turbojet-only or have different altitude constraints for props.