I just muddled through my first Radar Contact flight. I had several problems, but the first was trying to adjust my sound levels. I'm flying the PMDG 737/900NGX. Finally got the voice volume turned up so I could hear it, but had difficulty in understanding it. I saw where they had text for hard of hearing and checked the block. There was limited text, but nothing for items such as altimeter settings. The worst was trying to understand the transponder codes. I didn't get a "Radar Contact" until I was at my first waypoint. I guess checking the IFR training block saved me from my flight being cancelled. Is there something more to do to have more text displayed? Thanks, Mike

at this point, i can't think of anything.

 

if you have the option to auto respond, uncheck that. also, instead of choosing the ack and contact option when told to do something, you can ask for a repeat of what was said

 

if you give the comms to the co-pilot, don't. that way you can ask for a repeat

 

jd

You can also space out the phrases by adjusting the slider to the right on voices tabs if that improves comprehension.

 

I feed my pc audio out to an equalized amplifier connected to a headset to boost the high frequencies and overall volume. That also lets me crank up the amp speaker set when I am alone in the house and enables my hearing aid use.

 

Note: Most audio headphones today boost base, not at all what I need. By locating them off the center of my ear that boosts highs as well if you can wear them that way.

 

See also if your sound card offers a band separated equalizer in its driver.

 

In each voice tab there is a speaker icon you can click for a sample. You can also enable only the voices clearest for you to under stand.

Hi JD,

 

I realize I need to spend time in the manual, and I promise I will. However, after reading your above reply regarding unchecking Auto Reply, I'm wodering where that option is? I don't want anything done automatically. I want control over it. Also, this business of turning the com and the PLANE(!) over to the copilot really bothers me. It went so good yesterday, I figured I would try another flight before hitting the tutorials. I filed for departure from an uncontrolled field; got my clearance from flight service and figured I was good to go. It seems like there is a fair delay for the next step to come up. Anyway, I did my push back and the next thing I know the co-pilot is talking to the pilot (I thought that was me) and the pilot, or maybe it was the copilot, announces they are pushing back. I try to stop it (maybe 6 would have stopped it), and the next thing I know I'm backed onto the grass. Thank goodness the grass is pretty fim in FSX. Anyway, how does this happen? I never hit CtrlShift K or M. I don't want these guys ever flying my airplane! Since it was a nice day, I took off anyways, but couldn't figure out how to get the clearance again from Center. Live is good - All these FSX add ons just keep your brain moving. It's good to be a student again. Mike

 

Hi Ron,

 

Appreciate your answer. I wondered what those sliders were for. I'll play with it tomorrow. Mike

You are out of sequence in your work flow. Please go through or just read the tutorials and all should become clear.

 

Center does not give clearance. Ground does at a towered airport or if an at an uncontrolled field RC simulates a phone call via FSS or Flight Information Center to request and get clearance. In this latter case you have ten minutes to activate your plan in the air with Center.

 

I don't use the copilot but it is recommended you do not let the copilot control the aircraft until on your way after take-off. RC does not let the copilot control the final stages of approach.

ronzi,

 

Page 122 of the rcv48.pdf reflects one can receive their clearance from FSS or from the Center upon initial contact. I had not read that until after reading your above comments. I do know that at many uncontrolled fields it can be difficult to contact FSS especially during night time hours. Many times I have filed an IFR flight plan with the FSS and they will give you the freq for a local approach/departure control or Center so you can receive your clearance from them after take off. Of course, we're assuming it's VFR. It used to work pretty smooth. Mike

Take a look at the RC Controller page before you start RC and see what frequencies/functions are available.

 

I stand corrected then on air CD. I'm not sure if RC detects visibility and recognizes IFR or VFR conditions. RC's controllers work 24/7 :)

 

I always chose FSS for small aircraft departing an uncontrolled airport as within the first ten minutes of take-off I'm too busy to deal with CD in the air.

Ron,

 

That's when a real copilot comes in handy. Otherwise, I deleted him from my rc options. Mike