Hello, I think I'm missing something when it comes to the sequence of when I should program the FMS. In order to program the FMS I need power, which comes from the GPU at the gate, but in order to push back I have to disconnect the GPU so I lose power and all the FMS data that I programmed? I can not push back with the engines running so it looks like I can only programme the FMS after push back and engine start? Is that correct?thanksJay Vasto

Jay, we discussed this during beta testing and my recollection is that this is the correct simulaton. Caught me by surprise too. The real world situation is that these birds are seldom parked in a position that requires push back. If you google earth some airports that have parking for regionals, such as KDEN, you can see that they are all parked such that they don't need pushbacks.

According to the AOM (8.5.22), engines may be started using only internal power (no GPU) ... assuming, of course, that the batteries are adequately charged and not already over heated. It appears, therefore, that you could disconnect GPU prior to pushback ... then pushback and start on battery power and not lose FMS programming.

According to the AOM (8.5.22), engines may be started using only internal power (no GPU) ... assuming, of course, that the batteries are adequately charged and not already over heated. It appears, therefore, that you could disconnect GPU prior to pushback ... then pushback and start on battery power and not lose FMS programming.

I've tried disconnecting the GPU with the batteries fully charged and on but that FMS goes black and loses power and all flight data. Jay Vasto

Jay, we discussed this during beta testing and my recollection is that this is the correct simulaton. Caught me by surprise too. The real world situation is that these birds are seldom parked in a position that requires push back. If you google earth some airports that have parking for regionals, such as KDEN, you can see that they are all parked such that they don't need pushbacks.

I tend to agree, from my experience taking many flights with similar planes, you always have to walk a distance to board the plane and I've never once seen a push back. Also the J41 seems to have a tight turning radius. Jay Vasto

theres also the possibility of starting the left engine, turn on the gen, disconnect the gpu, then start the right engine. This process is used for various other aircraft on the GA line.JR

According to the AOM (8.5.22), engines may be started using only internal power (no GPU) ... assuming, of course, that the batteries are adequately charged and not already over heated. It appears, therefore, that you could disconnect GPU prior to pushback ... then pushback and start on battery power and not lose FMS programming.

The moment you disconnet the GPU without a generator you lose your FMS settings.

theres also the possibility of starting the left engine, turn on the gen, disconnect the gpu, then start the right engine. This process is used for various other aircraft on the GA line.JR

Yes but your still not supposed to get a push back on one engine either (I don't think), starting one, turning on the gen then disconnecting the GPU doesn't solve anything.

As said earlier these aircraft are rarely pushed back from a gate. They are parked using an arc lead in line so that they do not have to be pushed with a lektro or tug. As to starting on engine, turning on the gen and then disconnecting the gpu. How does this not solve anything? 1. Input all FMS data2. Dont turn off avionics3. Start Engine 1..........JR

As to starting on engine, turning on the gen and then disconnecting the gpu. How does this not solve anything? 1. Input all FMS data2. Dont turn off avionics3. Start Engine 1..........JR

Thats fine... and actually normal if you don't need a push, but this thread is about when you do need a push. Which your suggestion doesn't solve.I personally get a small push back prior to pre-flight just to set the plane back enough for me to turn, but not too far to get in the way, otherwise I will do a quick FMS config after start, it's quite a basic FMS and only takes a 30 seconds to a minute depending if I need to fill in all the legs and jetways.

I guess you then if you have your aircraft parked in such a way that a push back is required, dont program the FMC until you have pushed back from the gate and have the engines running.If you have ground power, you could I guess program the route and save it, so you can quickly bring it back up after start up, the rest of the numbers like payload, cruise altitude, are numbers that should be available quite easily and should be able to be put in quickly.I think you could easily get the FMC back up and running, and fully programmed before you finish taxiing to the departure runway.

Scott is right, the workaround is not a big problem. Real world the PNF is pushing the buttons and that's how we do it in the C-414 (not FMS but the Garmins).

According to the AOM (8.5.22), engines may be started using only internal power (no GPU) ... assuming, of course, that the batteries are adequately charged and not already over heated. It appears, therefore, that you could disconnect GPU prior to pushback ... then pushback and start on battery power and not lose FMS programming.

If this is the case and it does make sense, then there is no point in touching anything on the FMS until after start up. I'll have to review the normal procedures checklist again but I thought they had you programming the FMS data before engine start?Jay Vasto