Can someone help me out? I'm new to such realistic Aircrafts as the PMDG 737-800NGX and I'm getting stuck on entering flightplans from route-generator websites and a couple of programs I tried, into the FMC.

 

I'm following the instruction from tutorial one, but then with a different route. Let me give a couple of examples.

 

1) EHEH to ESGG: RKN UL980 OSN UM170 LBE UP615 EKERN UM852 BAK

I choose the RKN SID and a runway, then go to the VIA/TO page and enter the rest of the string. VIA UL980 TO OSN, VIA UM170 TO LBE, etc.

But with the last entry of this string, BAK, I get a message 'invalid' when I try to enter it in the TO-collom.

 

2) EHAM to ESSA: GRONY UN873 JUIST UP729 DOSUR P729 TALSA Z702 DEKIK N851 TRS

With this one I cant find a SID chart for GRONY, or can find anything that could refer to GRONY in the SID-list of the FMC.

 

3) EHAM to ESSA: NDIK N873 GRONY UN873 ARS UY36 ELTOK ELTOK2J

ARS in not recognized by the FMC as a valid entry.

 

And pretty much every flightplan, from any site or program has an error, like the above. Could someone have a look at it and explain what goes wrong?

 

Thanks

Check the site you used to generate the route and see if it's using the current AIRAC database (Cycle 1206). Also, if you yourself don't have the current database in the NGX, it could cause this problem. What could be happeneing is that it doesn't recognize those waypoints on the airway because of a change in the navigation system on either end. Also, Navigraph doesn't always have every SID correct (in relation to problem #2). It could infact be a NavData problem but you have to take that up with Navigraph.

 

I'll try it on my setup in a second and get back to you.

 

EDIT: Okay, I see problems #1 and 3 but if I look up the two VOR's in the FMS, they're in there. My guess is that they aren't linked to that airway in the database because I get get them to come up if I do DIRECT.

Ok, so the problems is in the codes. That's a big help already, then I know its not because of something I'm doing wrong.

So basicly, I have to check which database my aircraft is using, and the site, or the program I use.

 

Thanks mate, I'm gonna have a look at that. :)

I choose the RKN SID and a runway, then go to the VIA/TO page and enter the rest of the string. VIA UL980 TO OSN, VIA UM170 TO LBE, etc.

 

You can enter this faster: just make sure that first waypoint connected with airway and fill only airway column: UL980, UM170...

At the end enter last waypoint into TO line.

 

VOR are also updated with new AIRAC cycle.

@rsvit -Thanks for the tip. :D

 

I've been trying to find where to see which database is used by the FMC, but I havent been able to find it. Can someone tell me which database is used? The OP program of my PMDG version is 549849 (U10.8A)

And if anyone can advise me on a flight/route planner that uses the same database would be a real bonus. :)

On that same page saying what OP program is in use. Above that it should say a cycle. Currently it's Cycle 1206 current from May31 to June27. Alternatively, go into your Microsoft Flight Simulator X/PMDG/NavData folder and open Cycle info. It will have the same infomation in that file.

 

Both FlightSim Commander and FSBuild (I personally use FSBuild) use current cycles also from Navigraph (and probabaly Aerosoft when they go live). I find the fuel load from FSB to be pretty accurate too; within 500kg. RouteFinder is also web based and free to use if you want to go that route.

Thanks, rgamurot. I see in my FMC that mine is still AIRAC-1108, can you please tell me how or where to update that? With googling I only find outdated posts about it.

 

Never mind that last question, I found it already. :)

Routefinder allows you to select the airac cycle it will use, so you can ensure the route matches the data revision you have installed. That way even if your navdata is long out of date you can still get a route that works.

@kevinh -Thanks, that's a very helpful advise.

 

I must say, I find this forum to be very friendly and helpful. When I first saw this aircraft in my sim, I thought I was in over my head, but you guys really helped to get going, thanks again! :D

Another question, though.

If I make a mistake when programming the route page, or for whatever reason decide to choose another flight, how can I delete, or change entries in the route page?

I tried selecting delete and entering it in the field I want to delete, but that gives me a 'invalid entry' message. Also trying to clear the field doesnt work.

On ground simply re-enter origin airport on RTE page.

@rsvit -Thanks, mate! :D

 

I got my FMC updated to AIRAC 1206 now, the route planner is also set to AIRAC 1206 and the first route I enter, there's already an error.

 

This is the route: EHEH SID VELNI Y869 SUMOP L179 OSN R15 LBE P615 EKERN M852 BAK STAR ESGG

I've been looking in the FMC as well as on charts, but I cant find a STAR for BAK to ESSG.

 

How do I solve this?

Demious - I'm no expert, but have a go with MAKU1S (page 3 of the STARs for ESGG arrivals). Makes a perfect approach in from BACKA (BAK) assuming you're looking for a Rwy 21 landing.

 

Paul Scholey

Keep in mind that you can always omit the STAR in the FMS and just take vectors.

I noticed that you tend to fly from EHAM. EHAM is my base-port too as I fly for Transavia-virtual. The tip I can give you is to familiarize yourself with the SID and STAR procedures of EHAM. GRONY for example is a waypoint on the ANDIK SIDS out of EHAM. Knowing such things really helps a lot when selecting the proper SIDs and STARs.

 

Good luck!

 

Daniel W.