Hi all, this question should have been asked in the Leonardo Maddog80 forum, but despite my ownership of a duly licensed and registered copy of the Maddog80 standard package, and my efforts to try and enrol in the discussion forum, the confirmation email for that registration was never sent, meaning I am effectively blocked from asking any questions in that forum.Cutting to the chase, I would like to have my copy op the MD80 load with the engines running, so that I can postpone learning the startup process till such time as the very cryptic user's manuals begin to make sense to me. On page 34 of the users manual, the Maddog Control Panel includes selectable options for loading flights with the engines running, BUT, when I try to open that Control Panel, absolutely NOTHING happens, despite my internet link being on at the time. Why one should need an internet link just to configure the startup state of the MD80 is beyond me, but that is an academic question anyway, since that control panel remains totally unaccessible to me, regardless of whether I try to access it from within the FS9 ( ALT) menu, or from the FS9 file listings.An aviation career isn't in the cards for me, so I wouldn't particularly mind if I NEVER learn how to work the APU, bleed air, fuel and ingition sequence for the MD80, BUT, having paid for it, I sure would like to be able to load that bird with the engines up and running, so I can move on to the aspects of operating the jet which appeal to me more. As a way of comparison, I have had no problems understanding the cold and dark startup sequence for the LevelD767 and the PMDG737, merely by following the very clear and straightforward instructions that were published for those aircraft, but as I mentioned earlier, the Maddog user's manual might as well be written in Martian, for all the sense it makes to me.Any help would be appreciated. Thanks from Tony Selario

Tony,Before firing FS9 you should do your selections in Leonardo Manager.When you are leaving it with the final OK, it will give you a choice of the panel state you wish, including the ready-to-fly one.Having said that, let me also add that as far as you are right about paying and being able to do what you want, this particular piece of software is a typical hardcore addon, which has never been a secret.It is not a jump-in-and-fly plane. Even if you start your simulation with engines on, you will probably end up having various problems operating it until you really learn how to.

Thanks for the quick reply Rafal. I will try the procedure you have described, before starting up FS9. You are right about the daunting complexity of this bird. Getting started with this aircraft has proved to be a truly humbling experience that is in no way helped by my inability to register at the Maddog forum, and very sketchy, obscure way the manuals are written and organized.Much obliged for the pointer.Tony Selario