TOPCATSIM 736/739

[Chrjs 61]

Hi,i guess a lot of you use the great tool Tpocatsim to get accurate data for the v-speeds, flex, landing/TO distance etc etc. Unfortunatelly, they only made data for the 737 and 738, which makes the proper operation of the other models, IMO, nothing more than guesswork - not very realistic and even dangerous ;) . I know they work hard on their new program called PFPX. But maybe, if some of us could go over to their forum and ask them in a POLITE way they might find the time to include the remaining models. I would open a thread there myself, but since I registered a few weeks ago, I'm still waiting for my account to be opened...and please feel free to delete this thread if it is inappropriate in this place. I just though that it is a common wish among many NGX-drivers....

[Jetman67 517]

fair bet they are waiting on the sdk so they can do this

[pow0011 8]

I heard that the files can be tweaked (from the TOPCAT iFly 737 profile) to be more like the NGX. But I haven't messed around with anything, I'm happy to wait.

[Chrjs 61]

I don't care to much about Topcat be able to read and change the NGX payload/fuel etc. I think doing that manually is fine. However I really would like to be able to calculate the proper V-Speeds and Flex-Temperature. Especially when you operate the 736 from short rwys it would really help to get out(in safely. That shouldn't require the SDK at all since (i guess) we are all looking at the same basic data.

[Jetman67 517]

good point chris

[flightwatch 68]

fair bet they are waiting on the sdk so they can do this

TOPCAT doesn't need the sdk to do this. Many people asked the same from them when the iFly 737 was released as well. Unfortunately, it seems as though the developers have forgotten about TOPCAT in lieu of their new software that they are developing. The last full release update was Jan '11, and the last BETA release was Feb 2011.Matt L

[masneoquil 66]

They need real performance data. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Chrjs 61]

They need real performance data. Nothing more, nothing less.

Looking at our thousands of pages of manuals, I think there is everything they need. But I'm sure it takes a lot of time.I also think it is sad, that they appear to have lost interest in the "original" Topcatsim program. It seems they don't even have the time to open my account. I'm sure many people (including me) would be willing to help to create new profiles (as long as it is only putting hundreds of figures into different tables... ;) )

[masneoquil 66]

Looking at our thousands of pages of manuals, I think there is everything they need. But I'm sure it takes a lot of time.I also think it is sad, that they appear to have lost interest in the "original" Topcatsim program. It seems they don't even have the time to open my account. I'm sure many people (including me) would be willing to help to create new profiles (as long as it is only putting hundreds of figures into different tables... ;) )

Its strange because their new program needs TOPCAT to make a full flight plan, so they will need to keep developing profiles for topcat

[NoahBryant 26]

Actually all the performance data isn't there. Otherwise it would have been a lot easier to make NGCalc.

[Chrjs 61]

Actually all the performance data isn't there. Otherwise it would have been a lot easier to make NGCalc.

Are you sure? There are tons of graphs/tables in the FCOM and I downloaded the FPPM for each inidividual model with additional hundreds of tables and it is still not enough? Do you know what is missing?

[NoahBryant 26]

Are you sure? There are tons of graphs/tables in the FCOM and I downloaded the FPPM for each inidividual model with additional hundreds of tables and it is still not enough? Do you know what is missing?

I was unable to locate anything that describes the specific effect that Cost Index has on TAS and therefore FF. If I've missed it though please let me know :)

[Chrjs 61]

I was unable to locate anything that describes the specific effect that Cost Index has on TAS and therefore FF. If I've missed it though please let me know :)

don't know either. but shouldn't effect the calculation of v-speeds etc, so no need for the topcatsim team...

[NoahBryant 26]

But was a need for my team, lol. But actually I wondered why TOPCAT didnt take that into efect when coming up with a fuel number, it can vary by quite a bit in the extremes

[Vaillant 0]

Because Topcat is not a fuel planner. That will be done by PFPX and it will take into account the cost index. They are using for those calculation some specific tables from real world airlines. For what I know all the 737 NG version are going to be included on the first release of PFPX.About updating Topcat I know the developpers are not doing anything to it until the release of PFPX. If you have an issue the only things to do is submit a support ticket to them. I just can't wait for the release and it's frustrating me that they haven't given us a single update since Aug 2nd.