Does everyone use TOPCAT?

[Captain Kevin 586]

I'm not sure how valid. On the NGX they are often close, but on heavier aircraft they can be quite far apart.

Also depends on how heavier the heavier aircraft is. There was a video of a KLM Boeing 747-400 taking off out of St. Maarten where the Captain said the V1 and VR speeds were the same for that flight since that plane was fairly light.

[Boeing or not going 578]

I use Topcat in conjustion with FsBuild for fuel planning and the take off performance data. I have edited the default figures in Topcat and get very accurate numbers with the FMC. The FMC does a great job but these programs add a lot more to the whole planning phase which i really enjoy.

 

Can you share your topcat edits?

[zmak 331]

Interesting thread. there is roughly 2 types of pilot in FSX, the impatient who just want to be airborne planning with just the basics and will taxi at 22knts but are able to complete several flights in a day .

 

And then you have the top cat pilots. After 12 months on the NGX Im ready for next level and top cat.

[Adam Reed 29]

I've never used TOPCAT, but recently been looking into getting it, however i think i will wait for PFPX, which looks fantastic!

[g_precentralis 191]

Interesting thread. there is roughly 2 types of pilot in FSX, the impatient who just want to be airborne planning with just the basics and will taxi at 22knts but are able to complete several flights in a day .

 

And then you have the top cat pilots. After 12 months on the NGX Im ready for next level and top cat.

Lol, just ridiculous statement. You sound just like that silly laundry detergent adverts.

[Muley 3]

Interesting thread. there is roughly 2 types of pilot in FSX, the impatient who just want to be airborne planning with just the basics and will taxi at 22knts but are able to complete several flights in a day .

 

And then you have the top cat pilots. After 12 months on the NGX Im ready for next level and top cat.

 

Yep I agree but I'm both of those pilots. When I fly a good sim like PMDG stuff most of my enjoyment comes from the planning and then the execution of all that. I also like to fly like a mad man every now and then simply because I can. Topcat is a great tool and it really does enhance my time in the sim without a doubt.

[Captain Kevin 586]

Interesting thread. there is roughly 2 types of pilot in FSX, the impatient who just want to be airborne planning with just the basics and will taxi at 22knts but are able to complete several flights in a day .

 

And then you have the top cat pilots. After 12 months on the NGX Im ready for next level and top cat.

Well, I guess it's a good thing I don't use FSX then because I don't do either of the above.

[Muley 3]

 

Well, I guess it's a good thing I don't use FSX then because I don't do either of the above.

 

Yeah phew! Good job.

[ESzczesniak 128]

I've never used TOPCAT, but recently been looking into getting it, however i think i will wait for PFPX, which looks fantastic!

 

PFPX does look fantastic, but it won't replace the functionality of TOPCAT. It is only a route/fuel planner and takeoff deratings will still require TOPCAT.

[JRBarrett 3,070]

 

PFPX does look fantastic, but it won't replace the functionality of TOPCAT. It is only a route/fuel planner and takeoff deratings will still require TOPCAT.

 

It's my impression from reading various posts on their forum, that if you already own a registered copy of Topcat, that its functionality will be integrated into PFPX and available along with the route and fuel planning functions.

[Adam Reed 29]

It's my impression from reading various posts on their forum, that if you already own a registered copy of Topcat, that its functionality will be integrated into PFPX and available along with the route and fuel planning functions.

 

That is the impression i had.

[mosteen 111]

That is correct, data from TopCat will populate relevant fields in PFPX

[Muley 3]

That's great news.PFPX looks like a great tool.

[Boeing or not going 578]

I personally don't derate takeoffs unless I am really light and the runway is very long. I never liked the idea of derated takeoffs, I think it's pushing the limits and too dangerous.

 

Well, I guess it's a good thing I don't use FSX then because I don't do either of the above.

 

Well good for you? Then what are you still doing in this thread? After your first post answering the question you should have left.

[mosteen 111]

I personally don't derate takeoffs unless I am really light and the runway is very long. I never liked the idea of derated takeoffs, I think it's pushing the limits and too dangerous.

 

With TopCat and correct weather, and the SOP from the operator you simulate you remove the guesswork / danger. All tubelinerops in reallife use derate/flex and it is not dangerous, but you need proper calculations, wich TopCat provides.