I look for posters to target.

I look for posters to target.

I like flying aircraft with a panel state save function (I believe that the Level D B763 and the PMDG birds do this well, not sure about other a/c and will fly one long flight with a pause at TOD, then save the panel. I then enter various winds, weather and times of day and fly the approach (plus to an alernate if applicable). That's for long flights, otherwise I set up challenging IFR approaches using the map function and fly them in the C172 or something like the Duke Turbo.Good thread, Bruce.

I monitor aircraft systems and progress along the route using charts from skyvector.com. When I am flying the 727 I use VOR/DME for navigation, so it keeps me busy tuning in the frequencies and radials while using triangulation to plot my precise point along the flight plan.

Frankly, I dont see the point in starting a flight then going and doing something like going to bed or going and watching t.v. If your going to step away from the computer and participate in other activities why not use time compression? I used to do these 8 to 12 hour flights where I would fly to altitude, put it on autopilot, then go watch tv, go to bed or do something else, then come back to start the descent and fly the arrival etc. After doing this a few times, I finally realized that I was wasn't getting anymore out of the experience by doing it all in realtime when I wasn't even in front of the computer. Since then I started using time compression for the cruise and get the same enjoyment as well as being able to do a lot more flights in the same amount of time.

I agree although I prefer to make shorter flights rather than using time compression. It can do strange things to some aircraft/scenery/weather.

Not too long flights (1 to 6), using time x4. And in the meantime playing with the Ipad.Raymond

I fly approximately 1 hour VFR flights using pilotage and dead recckoning techniques so it keeps me busy. In addition I have to monitor the instruments because realistic failures are modelled on my favourite aircraft.

I look for targets of opportunity.Al

LOL good one!When I go for long flights I usually read, listen to music, play my guitar, surf the internet and sure always look for targets of opportunity with my B17 (Spitfire lately). :( Lately I have not much time for FS, unfortunately.

If the flight is too long (+10 hrs) R key two times :( :( but if it's not that long i usually read aviation stuff, charts, forum discussions, tips & tricks (obviously here in Avsim), etc etc.Not a single theme away from aviation!!RegardsIgnacio :(

What do you mean crews don't sleep on long flights???!!! :(

I shift three feet to the left and get back to work on the iMac.

Are flight sim guys the only people that get the drive for other things when actually using their favourite game?'Gosh, I have to do some business things now, lets start fsx.exe' :(

How I do it?A long haul in my hands lasts 4 days.Day 1:Flight planning, I look up the flight pair I'm going to fly, then I build the flight plan. Fuel, load is planned, then a weather check for points A and B and in between.Day 2:The outbound flight, usually out of Frankfurt or in rarer cases, Munich. If the flight is more than 7 hours I take off the earliest time possible to not land too late, if its shorter, I takeoff around noon.During the flight, I regularly monitor systems, mostly the fuel system, which needs to be checked for pump shutdowns and crossfeed valves. After those, the in flight laptop serves both as an EFB and an IFE, so I'm never bored! Day 3:Rest at destination, planning of the inbound leg.Day 4:The inbound leg.Rinse and repeat, my longest flight yet is 14.7 hours, from Frankfurt to Buenos Aires, and Lufthansa's schedule really confuses me.. why would they have a night westbound route?! You see nothing but darkness for 13 hours!

Did I already say using an INS instead of a BFS (Boring Flightmanagement System) ?"yes Johan you did, shut up now.." :(

Did I already say using an INS instead of a BFS (Boring Flightmanagement System) ?"yes Johan you did, shut up now.." :(

Yes you did, but it stays valid, even when repeated. But, hey, there already was a guy stating the VOR to VOR thing, so, from his viewpoint, you may already be too fancy equipped. And we had some VFR fans too of course (don't know if they take a look at the GPS from time to time though).Still an interesting read.

Haven't used time compression since FS9 since everything looks so good in FSX and most flights are < 4 hrs. Once at altitude I'll do just about anything, cook dinner, go grocery shopping (store is in back of my condo), take the dog out or take a nap. Once at an airport, I'll sometimes take a nap on the couch or cruise forums on my laptop while watching flights come and go on the 47" screen. Yes I'm single so I can do what I please. LOLI'm not into VATSIM but am hoping that FLIGHT has a nice multiplayer environment because that would add a whole new dimension to the hobby.Anyway I think that flight simmers are a cool group to hang out with either on the forums or in the sim.Cheersjja