I am taking a hard look at purchasing the Ready For Pushback program. I have downloaded the entire manual, and the plane and systems looks quite complex. I am sure it will take some time to get eveything down to fly this thing (and running all the systems corrently), but I am up for the task. My question has to to the the fact that the RFP 747-200 has no FMC and will thus mean that I will have to use the old-fashion INS instead. How realistic is this in present day aviation? Are there real 747-200s out there that don't use a FMC? I assume that they have been added. Thanks,Robb

Part of the charm of RFP (IMO) is the fact it has no FMC (I fly the PMDG NG when I want that). Actually there is a better option with RFP to use the excellent CIVA INS (freeware) in a triple configuration (peruse the RFP forum for more info). With all the things you have to tend to in RFP (INS updating, Fuel management, etc.) it can really keep you busy on the long-haul flights. Or you could use the GPS I guess...

hi,i presume most 747-200's have been retrofitted with an fmc of some sort,however,i also believe there are some still flying with the ins,fi those of European Air Charter.fyi,it is very realistic to fly by ins,however,it sets you back a couple of decades.i only fly using the civa ins,found at www.simufly.com/ins ,and i like it better then an fmc.iirc vmax/rfp reccomends installing the civa ins in place of theirs,and i totally agree:rfp 747 + civa ins makes for a killer combo.i prefer the dc8,but this 747 comes really close,its great fun to fly it correctly.i would not hesitate to buy it if i were you.be warned though:you will need to read the manual ;-)cheers

Some 200s were updated with glass cockpits (KLM) but the product aims at capturing the essence of steam gauges circa early 70s, and none of the computer stuff...This said, you can navigate with the built-in FS9 Garmin GPS, but I personally use the RealityXP Garmin 530 when I'm not really into the inertial mood (I can only learn so much at a time). Also, the A/P system and flight director are circa 70s technology, and while very advanced, it makes you really appreciate the 737NG and FMCs of today's modern jets. But then, where's all the fun?Controlling the RFP is not for the faint hearted, and it does target the "hard core" crowd. Expect to spend time They are very complex, because every essential system in the 742 is modeled, including the dual rudder systems for example. This add-on is by far the most complex I have seen in any FS9 add-on to date, and it does require a lot of reading (no CTRL-E to start engines - that will not work).At the same time, it is quite rewarding to spend the time and learn how the detailed systems work. For example, you control your own fuel loading (again, can't use the FS9 fuel loader) and you do have to jettison fuel as you will have problems landing if you're too heavy because you miscomputed the fuel you were going to use. This is probably the most challenging plane to fly and operate that I own - it flies very well, but you really need to know how to run it. If you are the FMC type, this may not be for you, but in my opinion, if you spend the time to watch the videos and study the tutorials and manuals, you'll greatly enjoy this product and the fly by wire stuff, while it has its place, will sound rather flat and unchallenging.It took me a week to learn how to land this thing correctly. I can only recommend it, but the learning curve is steep, and if you're used to the glass cockpits and point and click flying, you're in for a heck of a surprise.Cheers,

Do it. It's destined to be a classic, and it raises the bar very very high...billg

The main point I want to get out of the RFP-747-200 is the fact that the complex aircraft systems are modeled (like you menioned). It will give me a better understanding and appreciation of all factors (or most of them) that it takes to get large jet aircraft, started, fueled with weight considerations, balancing fuel appropriately among its tanks, on and on and on. Those things are facinating. Even if I only correctly make one trans Atlantic flight, for example, during my ownership of this plane, at that point, I will have a much more thorough knowledgebase about large jet aircraft. My father was a aircraft maintenance and jet engine mechanic in the airforce, so he had plenty of experience working on C-5s, C-141s, KC-135s, and even worked on civilian 707s and early 747s that used to transport airforce families from base to base (Mildenhall England to McGuire NJ) back in the 70s. He said he would be happy to sit down with me to go over the basic inner workings of the 747-200. The documentation that the RFP program provides by way of download is thorough and excellent. Anyway, thanks for your input.Robb

Is European Air Charter an airline? I guess there are no regulations telling airlines that they must fit a FMC. Can you think of other airliners or perhaps cargo jets that are just fitted with old 1975 equipment on their 747s?Thanks for any reply.Robb

I don't want to repeat what has been said above but it will be difficult. If you are a keen flyer who does not mind reading a manual and wish to discover what those wonderful "whales" of the past were all about, if you are willing to face a heavy workload at some critical flight phases, the 742 RFP is your plane. The absence of FMC is a blessing, the CIVA INS recommended above are excellent, the realism of this sim has no equivalent on the market today, I hate to say "it is the best FS9 addon" because this is necessarily subjective, yet I fly PMDG 737 and PSS A320, but I gladly return often and instinctively to the 742 (for other personal reasons as well...). There is much more than a FMC to feed to fly from A to B... and if the three letters INS scare you off, the standard GPS works perfectly well including with the A/P. All systems are reproduced with care and accuracy and do require hard work to get it off the ground. This plane needs passion not a mere interest.Their forum is the best managed FS forum there is, if you have a problem and seek help, you will get it within a few hours (sometimes minutes) from at least three or four members of the development team, you will not be left out in the dark by these guys. The same applies to the CIVA INS forum, the two developers will support you without fail.Go for it, and you will love it.

hmmm, good question. First, yes, I think European Air Charters is an airline. Well, charter service, but hey....I think that most of the 742 cargo's prolly have the old stuff. And some of the less profitable carriers maybe? Do you need the new stuff if you're flying this? I don't think so. But if you really want to know, ask Ralph at the panelshop.com. He knows everything. And he's eager to share...hmmmm, back to line one...

I don't believe there are rules regarding outfitting older aircraft with an FMC. After all, the basic navigation equipment is still there and you can always navigate VOR to VOR or use the INS. I DO believe that some countries MAY have regulations regarding TCAS and that some older 741. 742 and 743 's have TCAS installed. I also believe that many older generation aircraft have GPS installed as an adjunct to navigation. Look at airliners.net and you will see all kinds of requipped cockpits and all kinds of old-standard cockpits .. You don't need modern avionics (except maybe TCAS) to be airworthy.With the RFP 742, you have two INS systems from which to choose ... and the learning curve that goes along with them. You can use the MSFS GPS, or you can simply navigate the old fashioned way using VOR and NDBs. I use Alain Capt's very neat ACS-GPS which fits very nicely in the cockpit and looks like some photos on Airliners.net. I also use Lee Hetherington's awesome TCAS on the whale. Another choice is the Ariane TCAS II, also VERY nice.Of course, you can use the Reality Xp Garmin 530 or the Apollo GPS.Bottom line: you can't go wrong with the RFP 742 and you can "roll your own" for your favorite navigation desires!!!!!

Actually European Aircharter 747-236's do have a partial FMC. BAW fitted a 767 system into their 747-236's and these were left in the aircraft when sold to European.

jThe RFP 747 is FANTASTIC! Get ready to study the manuals though.

Thanks guys for your replies! Robb