Hey guys, Has anyone used or use the program mentioned in the appendix of the Advanced tutorial "Flight Operation Center"?It is the software used to create the nav logs use in the Advanced tutorial and after looking at their web page, looks like the webmaster has been on leave for a few years being that Airline 2 and FS 2002 are mentioned. The latest FS version listed is 2004 though, but no mention of FSX. I don't know why it would matter, or if it would what version of FS you used other than the flight plan itself, but I can bypass the need for that function. Anywho, I have asked the source and still no reply including posting on their forum a few days ago without word. It is rather expensive so would be nice to know before hand, especially since they also charge a yearly fee in the high double digits for weather alone. so....Does anyone here use this for FSX? And how would it matter what version FS (Other than the flight plan)?

Dan,I use it, though I haven't re-installed it since getting my new computer before the holidays. Here's the skinny, IMHO:1) The interface is clunky and dated. But...it looks, feels and operates very similarly to the real-world Dispatch software suite called NavTech...which is also clunky and "Windows 3.1-ish"2) The functionality and accuracy rival any real life flight-planning software I've used as a dispatcher. It does everything the real thing does, including realistic ETOPS/EROPS/ETP, Re-Dispatch, NATS, PACOTS, etc.3) As a result of 1 & 2 above, the learning curve is very steep. You must work across multiple windows, and follow a very specific procedure in order to get everything to work correctly.4) Documentation is sparse in places, and does not fully explain some complex aspects of the user interface. Trial and Error is going to be the name of the game until you get proficient. If you're not a licensed dispatcher, I'd say that after doing 10-15 flight plans, you'll start to get the hang of it. YMMV.5) The forum is a relic, and tech support is dodgy. Luckily, I haven't had ANY problems with the software. It works as advertised.6) The weather server and Nav database subscriptions are exorbitantly expensive. The weather server is a must, and I'm pretty sure that you get 1yr free with your purchase. The Navdata, on the other hand, requires a separate purchase. I'd recommend buying only one or two cycles per year and keep the corresponding AIRAC loaded for your PMDG and other addons.So to sum it up, it's a very accurate, reliable and robust simulation of a real Dispatch platform that is marginally documented and supported. If you've got the money and the patience, it's WELL worth it. If you're looking for a "gee whiz" 30-second flight plan generator, you will be disappointed.Hope that helps.EDIT: I forgot to mention, it doesn't matter which version of FS you're using. The performance is predicated on individual aircraft databases that are specific to a given addon, for instance, you can download a profile for the GE powered PMDG MD-11, or the PW powered LDS 767-300, etc.

Hey guys, Has anyone used or use the program mentioned in the appendix of the Advanced tutorial "Flight Operation Center"?It is the software used to create the nav logs use in the Advanced tutorial and after looking at their web page, looks like the webmaster has been on leave for a few years being that Airline 2 and FS 2002 are mentioned. The latest FS version listed is 2004 though, but no mention of FSX. I don't know why it would matter, or if it would what version of FS you used other than the flight plan itself, but I can bypass the need for that function. Anywho, I have asked the source and still no reply including posting on their forum a few days ago without word. It is rather expensive so would be nice to know before hand, especially since they also charge a yearly fee in the high double digits for weather alone. so....Does anyone here use this for FSX? And how would it matter what version FS (Other than the flight plan)?

Dan,seems you didnt check your post on the forum.i made an answer. like it or not an answer was made.i cannot comment all your questions because you re an hard core simmer and this is the tool for this but as already answered this is not plug and play this is real tool like the ones i use at office.especially for the MD11 there is a profile in kgs for PW engine and one i created in lbs for GE engines. all best for your next to come experience. Phil

Hope that helps.EDIT: I forgot to mention, it doesn't matter which version of FS you're using. The performance is predicated on individual aircraft databases that are specific to a given addon, for instance, you can download a profile for the GE powered PMDG MD-11, or the PW powered LDS 767-300, etc.

Nick,,, Thank you so very much for such a great reply!Very detailed indeed and you actually answered several of my questions that I didn't want to bother asking (figured I'd find out on my own).As for the learning curve, I can only say that actually attracts me to various products, after all I do the PMDG :)I think I get more out of the planning stages and setting up at times than some flights, well of course there is the satisfaction of being on time and fuel as expected.I remember all my gamer friends hated Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six because the amount of time to plan rather than get in and start guns blazing, I on the other hand loved the hour+ of creating every small detail.Thanks again, I really appreciate your help and advice!

Dan,seems you didnt check your post on the forum.i made an answer. like it or not an answer was made.i cannot comment all your questions because you re an hard core simmer and this is the tool for this but as already answered this is not plug and play this is real tool like the ones i use at office.especially for the MD11 there is a profile in kgs for PW engine and one i created in lbs for GE engines. all best for your next to come experience. Phil

Phil, first of all don't take me wrong here, but did I say something to you, or maybe reply to a post you made wrongly somewhere down the road?Maybe it's just differences in wording but in one post a while back you said "I guess you an exception to the rule" when I was "Asking" someone to post there full name in posts, even though I have always had my name in my sig...And now with the reply above of "i made an answer. like it or not an answer was made."Ummm, ok, thank you very much, truly I mean that, but why that attitude? Why the "like it or not an answer was made"?I've looked back now for quite a while actually see that I've answered some posts of yours, but not once in a demeaning way, so if you have an issue with me for some reason, let me know.Otherwise, thanks for taking the time to reply here and to the post. I was just on there recently and had none, and tried asking a certain someone that could answer the question but apparently he didn't want to bother answering.Also, and this is said laughing with a grin,,, what makes you think I am a hard core simmer? Is that because I use FSX? Hopefully not, neither platform makes a hardcore simmer, neither does a fool that spends as much money as I do on their hobby. A hard core simmer in my opinion is someone that studies and questions every aspect of their procedures to get them understood as much as possible. Someone that truly has the passion to fly, whether they do or not in real life means nothing. It is their passion and determination that to me means Hardcore simmer.Thanks again, appreciate your time and answers!

Thanks again, I really appreciate you help and advice!

Word.One other feature that I like about FOC is that once you're done with all the planning, it will generate a realistic dispatch release package, weather package with NOTAMS, and a computer flight plan. The whole thing can be printed and even e-mailed to yourself for safe keeping. Kinda nifty.By the way, I've been curious for a while now...what on earth is up with the guy in your avatar?

Word.One other feature that I like about FOC is that once you're done with all the planning, it will generate a realistic dispatch release package, weather package with NOTAMS, and a computer flight plan. The whole thing can be printed and even e-mailed to yourself for safe keeping. Kinda nifty.By the way, I've been curious for a while now...what on earth is up with the guy in your avatar?

Haha, that's me. I was at the park with an old girlfriend eating my sandwhich (Turkey) and joking with her kiddos, ya know, acticing the goof. My gf shot the pic. I forget why I loaded that one, but beats the one of me in my clockwork orange costume :(That sounds cool on the email option, the printing part not so much, I can only imagine the amount of ink I would got through in just one week of simming :)

Phil, first of all don't take me wrong here, but did I say something to you, or maybe reply to a post you made wrongly somewhere down the road?Maybe it's just differences in wording but in one post a while back you said "I guess you an exception to the rule" when I was "Asking" someone to post there full name in posts, even though I have always had my name in my sig...And now with the reply above of "i made an answer. like it or not an answer was made."Ummm, ok, thank you very much, truly I mean that, but why that attitude? Why the "like it or not an answer was made"?I've looked back now for quite a while actually see that I've answered some posts of yours, but not once in a demeaning way, so if you have an issue with me for some reason, let me know.Otherwise, thanks for taking the time to reply here and to the post. I was just on there recently and had none, and tried asking a certain someone that could answer the question but apparently he didn't want to bother answering.Also, and this is said laughing with a grin,,, what makes you think I am a hard core simmer? Is that because I use FSX? Hopefully not, neither platform makes a hardcore simmer, neither does a fool that spends as much money as I do on their hobby. A hard core simmer in my opinion is someone that studies and questions every aspect of their procedures to get them understood as much as possible. Someone that truly has the passion to fly, whether they do or not in real life means nothing. It is their passion and determination that to me means Hardcore simmer.Thanks again, appreciate your time and answers!

Dan,ill try to answer your points the most precise way despite the fact that english is not my mother tongue and happy one you dont have my accent lol ...i ve no issue with you or anyone for one reason my memory is nothing else than immediate and im too old to take care about words posted ... especially on a forum with hobby in mind.now back to your problem you asked the 18 jan at 07 00 Z a question about FOC supporting old platforms and not the dedicated wonderful FSX and the high profiles for such high add ons like PMDG ... correct ... i answered at 1200 Z less than 6 hours after your post and yes FOC is not dedicated to one or other plateforms but this is a system giving you the route and fuel infos ... if well fed it give you the results taken from the sources Manuals or Aircraft constructors datas nothing else nothing more plus weather and notams ... it s not tailored to a specific add-ons because the datas are real and sometimes the add-ons are not so good on perfs side ... try to find MD11 flightplanning datas and you ll see what i mean ... some Beta testers of PMDG used the MD11 profile that come with the program ... about answer like it or not seems maybe you had an answer in mind and this is not what you get and i can say sorry about that but i m giving you the answer i can make not the one you re wishing ... check your post, my answer on the FOC board and come back (on the FOC board) with an answer or more questions.now about hard core simmers there is not for me a platform that make it good or not so this is not the debate for me. the fact you re on FOC side is certainly one reason about hard core and nothing else especially here ... again FOC is a specific tool not for everyone. it didnt have any eye candy (maybe im the only one loving the graphics) but once you learn it you ll find it useful ... there is some stuffs you didnt find in many pro applications for flightplanning and the companies are paying more money.good dayPhil