Where can I get it? I'd really like to know :-)

Sorry! My bad. NOT Ernie Alston.. Eric Marciano! :( See here: http://emarciano.free.fr/Cockpit/MCDUDoc/D...on.html#upgradeTo purchase it, you need to contact Eric via his website.

Sorry! My bad. NOT Ernie Alston.. Eric Marciano! :( See here: http://emarciano.free.fr/Cockpit/MCDUDoc/D...on.html#upgradeTo purchase it, you need to contact Eric via his website.

As I know Eric worked on Wilco Airbus.Good move. Wilco Airbus FMS sucks, so new product should repair all faults with original Wilco.No way for me.Just my opinion.Edin

Wow, I had no idea about this upgrade. I'll give it a whirl (here's hoping Eric replies soon...) and see how things are.

As I know Eric worked on Wilco Airbus.Good move. Wilco Airbus FMS sucks, so new product should repair all faults with original Wilco.No way for me.Just my opinion.

Not sure what you mean, but this module is not a new Wilco product but a side product of a hardware compatibility module. It won't "repair all faults" but from what I've heard, makes it a lot better.

Sent Eric an email - here's hoping he replies soon. I knew it existed, but I never understood how to get it. Thanks for telling me how to!

I'd have to agree with most of the comments here related to PSS and Wilco Axxx. To the original poster, yes, the automation between the Airbus and the Boeing are very different. Yes, the profiles that are managed are the same but how they are managed is what is different. The pre-flight of the MCDU in the Airbus vs. the FMC in the Boeing for one thing is different. I find it more streamlined though and pretty easy to setup a flight. The concept of Managed vs Selected modes for the FMGC and the associated push/pull of the Speed, Heading, and Altitude controls is another area that is different. For example, in the Boeing, if you want to climb at a selected airspeed where the rate of climb adjusts, you select FLCH or flight level change. This concept is known as OPEN CL or Open Climb in the Airbus and is available via a "pull" of the altitude knob. A push of this knob gives controls back to the airplane and puts it in NAV mode. This would be similar to VNAV mode in a Boeing. One thing to keep in mind respective to this in the 'Bus is push for plane control, pull for your control (input).I really find it a cool system in the Airbus and it has very defined controls for each of the major stages of a flight. For quite some time, the guys at SWA did not use VNAV and hand flew departures up to cruise in the 737-700s. That kind of thing just wouldn't happen in the Airbus. It is designed around the automation and flies best with it in use as much as possible.One last thing. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you head over to Turbine Sound Studios (TSS) and pick up the CFM56_5B9 and IAE-V2500 soundset. They will blow you away with the realism, right down to the "dog bark" of the PTU after starting the number 1 engine. The interior startup sound is spot on, to the limits of FS of course. I've been flying the Wilco IAE model and it has made my flights much more enjoyable.Aaron

Thanks Aaron! Your post has cleared up some things for me, but I think I'll have to read it some more times before I fully understand it. You see, what I never understood in the operation of the autopilot, is how to turn some things off. I can't for the life of me find buttons to give the autopilot control over, for example, which heading to fly. You are saying that with the "push/pull" principle you can turn these things on and off? As its now, I got the feeling you either have it all, or you don't (because you turn off the autopilot).Thanks for the post, it has been very helpful. I'll check out the sounds you mentioned. I've been hearing a lot of good sounds about TSS's packages (sorry for the pun).Update: just been to TSS's site, but I fear you have probably been confused with the packages, like so many before you in this thread; it is volume 2 I have, not volume 1. So, TSS doesn’t seem to have the required engine sounds...

Maybe the "give control to the airplane" phrase confuses you - it's not actually about turning the autopilot on or off, but rather allowing the plane to "manage" it's lateral and vertical paths (equivalent to LNAV and VNAV in Boeings).The other Boeing autopilot modes have their equivalents in the Airbus too, they just have different names. Flight Level Change is Open Climb etc.Just like in a Boeinng, you can still fly any of these managed or open modes, manually without autopilot, by following the flight director bars.

You are saying that with the "push/pull" principle you can turn these things on and off?

If you think of simulating Airbus flying with MFS, even on the Wilco level, you HAVE TO read some at least basic manuals.The selected and managed modes of the FCU are very different to boeing autopilots. So there is a necessary learning curve to get it.So, it's not only about the sidestick! :( EDIT: Just noticed all the thread was to be giving opinions on the Wilco Airbus vol.2So, I would say it's a mediocre product. Has bugs and the FDE is unrealistic (in my view).But, to a degree, you can learn airbus systems and probably make a full long-haul flight.Additionally, if you're interested in the visuals of the model, forget it.You can use CLS models but remember proper merging requires skills to bring satisfaction.I hope a top developer will release an outstanding version of big buses one day.I'd love to fly some A340s around the virtual world.

Rafal: Yeah, I do read the manuals - usually. First time I get a plane on my screen, I do a little tour through the cockpit, without looking at manuals. I always find that half the fun is discovering new stuff. Don't worry, once I can get the PMDG 747 flying the way it was designed to be flown, I'll go look at the A330 more carefully. I think. I might go learn the LDS767 in more detail, since I'm busy with Boeing aircraft anyway. Might as well stick the Qualitywings after that too... Or maybe turn these two around? *sigh* I always catch myself doing more planning on what to do next rather than simply doing the first thing on my list -.- I want to know them all, you see, but... oh well. I'll stick to the LDS767 after the PMDG 747. Anyway, I think I probably know enough about the Wilco Airbusses... It's clear it's not a perfect product, but then again, there simply is no perfect long haul Airbus released as yet, it seems.

Rafal: Yeah, I do read the manuals - usually. First time I get a plane on my screen, I do a little tour through the cockpit, without looking at manuals. I always find that half the fun is discovering new stuff. Don't worry, once I can get the PMDG 747 flying the way it was designed to be flown, I'll go look at the A330 more carefully. I think. I might go learn the LDS767 in more detail, since I'm busy with Boeing aircraft anyway. Might as well stick the Qualitywings after that too... Or maybe turn these two around? *sigh* I always catch myself doing more planning on what to do next rather than simply doing the first thing on my list -.- I want to know them all, you see, but... oh well. I'll stick to the LDS767 after the PMDG 747. Anyway, I think I probably know enough about the Wilco Airbusses... It's clear it's not a perfect product, but then again, there simply is no perfect long haul Airbus released as yet, it seems.

Rafal,You'll get there, trust me once you get the concepts down it's pretty straightforward. BTW, I just was searching for Airbus MCDU simulator in Google last night and found this pretty cool freebie package from Vital Simulations. Download the Load 0.60 Standard PC version here. I was able to setup and "fly" a virtual route that I entered. Great tool for learning the MCDU w/o booting up MSFS. http://www.vitalsimulation.com/page18.htmlAs for learning the FMGC and MCDU, yes, you will need some reading to really get a scope of what's going on. As for the point of the original post, yes, the Wilco 'Busses are not accurate in automation modeling but I have not found the need to go back to PSS. With the PSS system, I did however find that I was able to setup the MCDU and fly the FMGC about 85-90% by the book. I have an old FCOM that covers all this and it works pretty damn well.To give you an example of the push/pull, managed vs selected modes discussed, here is a short flight to follow. The Wilco system really does not work like it should so I'm afraid I may have developed some "bad habits" to compensate for its shortcomings. Anyways:- After takeoff, the plane should be in SRS RWY mode as indicated on the FMA above the PFD. This isn't simulated in Wilco though.- Since you've set your initial cleared alt on the glareshield FMGC, you eventually will PULL the altitude knob to selected mode and initiate an OPEN CLB (Think FLCH in the Boeing). The reason for this is that unless you are in NAV mode right from departure, the aircraft will not perform a MANAGED climb (Think VNAV in the Boeing).-Now suppose departure is giving you headings. You would turn the HDG knob to the desired heading and PULL to SELECT that heading. (Again, think HDG in Boeing). Once cleared to your first fix, you can do a DIR from the MCDU and the airplane will automatically enter NAV mode (very different from Boeing). Alternatively, you can PUSH the HDG mode which enters NAV mode (think LNAV in the Boeing).-Now that you are in NAV mode, you can PUSH the ALT knob for a MANAGED climb to your final.Assuming all else is as planned, you won't touch the FMGC again until you start the descent at TOD. This too is different from Boeing as even if you have your lower altitude preselected in ALT window, the airplane WILL NOT descend on it's own. you must PUSH the ALT knob for, you guessed, a MANAGED descent.As far as the climb and descent profiles are concerned, the MANAGED modes will adhere to any climb or descent waypoint speed or altitude restrictions. when in OPEN CL or descent, it's all up to you. The airplane will ignore any restrictions.Sorry for the lengthy post but hope this helps answer some questions on the climb phase of flight with the Airbus. There are some other managed vs. selected modes that you will need to be aware of during approach as well so let me know if you want to hear more! :(

adl320,Thanks a lot for your professional input. Will be much appreciated by many, I'm sure.However I don't value this addon like I do because I have problems with flying airbuses.I've known the theory and the concept quite well for years, I believe.I just find this addon buggy too much. But it's just my own opinion, of course.

adl320,Thanks a lot for your professional input. Will be much appreciated by many, I'm sure.However I don't value this addon like I do because I have problems with flying airbuses.I've known the theory and the concept quite well for years, I believe.I just find this addon buggy too much. But it's just my own opinion, of course.

Rafal,Yes, I agree. There are areas in the FMGC system that just don't work at all like they are supposed to. Honestly, as for FMGC accuracy I think PSS was the closest. I'll have to pull the PSS model out of the hanger tonight and run through a flight to see for sure. I wonder if the complexity of the automation is what keeps most from developing a proper working Airbus? I believe there was a time when folks thought PMDG was building one. They would absolutely nail it spot on and I'd buy without a thought from them. EVERY model I've purchased has been an awesome experience.Aaron

adl320: Thanks for the insightful post! A question for you: how much resemble the systems of the MD-11 and general modern Airbus plane each other? I'm asking this, because I plan to get the PMDG MD-11. Depending on how similar it is to Airbus, I will get it before trying the Airbus planes or after.

adl320: Thanks for the insightful post! A question for you: how much resemble the systems of the MD-11 and general modern Airbus plane each other? I'm asking this, because I plan to get the PMDG MD-11. Depending on how similar it is to Airbus, I will get it before trying the Airbus planes or after.

Thralni,Honestly, I'd get the MD-11 simply because it is damn near a work of art or how good it is. Really, what PMDG have done with the complexity of this airplane makes the 737 and 747 projects seem dated.As for your comparison, I'd say that the concept Airbus deploys of the "dark cockpit" carries over on the MD-11. The automation is similar to a degree but MD did things differently as well. If you understand Boeing well, and Airbus somewhat, you will be fine with the PMDG MD-11. All I really did was follow the tutorial flight a few times but after about a dozen flights, I still can't quite get in and fire it up w/o referencing the manuals. So, yes, it is different but you'll see almost a hybrid between Boeing, Airbus, and some MD unique things that are just a bit odd, like the "Dial-a-Flap" flap pre-selection function. If you like properly simulated packages, you won't be disappointed with this one bit.Aaron