I've been trying to edit aircraft.cfg files so that on arrival my B747 full of passengers (or 757, A320 - whatever!) is not directed by ATC to a Cargo ramp or similar, but it's not working. Could someone kindly remind me of the different lines (Gate, Cargo etc.) - I think I have the syntax right: Is there something else I am not doing? Thanks,Martin

first guess - be sure that the airport AFCAD has enough parking spaces that are of the radius for a 747. default FS airports (AFCADS) don't have many spots.next, understand that if there is not enough gate space FS will send you to the ramp ... if there is a space large enough.--

FYI, the payware ATC addon 'ProFilight Emulator' has an option to prevent ATC from ever doing this. And it has the advantage of being much better than the default system.

There were free gates in the latest example (at VHHH - addon, not FS9 default). So I don't know why ATC sends me to the Cargo stands.I am waiting for Radio Contact 5 - I think this will replace ATC on the ground too (but may be a long wait apparently). meanwhile, does adding gate options to the aircraft.cfg not help?Martin

meanwhile, does adding gate options to the aircraft.cfg not help?

gate, ramp, cargo will define where FS ATC will send you to park. airline codes do nothing for user planes.confirm that your 747 doesn't have a too large radius for the the gate parking spots. this requires checking both the aircraft air file and the airport's AFCAD. if the plane is too large FS will send you to one that will fit.whom is the publisher of the 747?whom is the publisher of VHHH?--

I'll redo the aircraft.cfg file and check width - the a/c in this case was an iFly 747, but happens with PMDG 747 too (but also other a/c). Thomas Kwong's VHHH..Martin

So I don't know why ATC sends me to the Cargo stands.

Default ATC is much smarter when it sends AI to parkings spots, than when it has to do the same with user aircraft. This has to be one of the most often asked questions about FS9. Why doesn't it send me to a logical spot?! All MS had to do, was use the same system for AI and user alike, then we wouldn't have this problem...Have a look at this guide. Short story, reserve a spot for yourself that AI won't occupy and that the default ATC will assign to you, based on the logic that is used for user aircraft. There are several ways to accomplish that, the linked to guide is a good starting point.

OK, will investigate that, thanks.M.

I am not sure if this is what is causing the problem, but when I use AFCAD2 and choose Aircraft Editor in Tools, the iFly 747 shows "n/a" (greyed out - so uneditable) in the Aircraft Radius box (as do some other a/c, scrolling through randomly). The radius is set in the mdl file, no? In which case, how would I set the missing value for the radius for the aircraft?Martin

Try a different radius tool, I've always used APCM. Could be that some (payware) models carry some kind of editing protection though.