This reminds me of a more general question: in FSX you can't contact airport ATC until way too close, to get assigned runway (or can you?). Hence I completely either abandon use of STAR, ignore FSX ATC, or try a mad scramble to program it in and invariably end up sailing two thousand feet directly over the runway, with the kids in the tower waving at me as I pass by.

Since I am utterly antisocial, are there any tips other than VATSIM and the like for doing approaches better?

 

There are several ATC addons available for FSX. While not perfect, they're a massive improvement over the default ATC. Radar Contact comes to mind. There are several others as well. VoxATC, PRO-ATC...etc.

 

Click this link to find them: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=FSX+ATC+addon

 

 

I've never used them. I almost got Radar Contact, but then decided to just use VATSIM. I don't know your familiarity/experience level, but just knowing the ATC-Pilot lingo made it really easy. I found myself not even thinking about it.

 

I get the "anti-social" part, but the controllers aren't exactly the chatty bunch (unless you've been enjoying a few "beverages", the night is slow, and your in a long cruise  :He He:  ). And if it's busy, forget about talking. It's basically spit out your requests as fast as possible and hope you can write fast enough, or memorize well enough, to be able to comply.

 

And if you're worried your "lingo" skills aren't up to par, there's actually several websites (VATSIM comes to mind) where you can brush up and/or learn. And even if you don't know what to do in the heat of the moment, ATC will almost always take a minute to help you out. It's a fun learning experience on both sides of the mic and everyone I've been in contact with has always been extremely helpful and more than willing to take a minute to explain something.

 

 

Outside of those add-ons and flying online, I just ignore the default ATC. I use it for taxi instructions only. After wheels-up, when they ask me to contact departure, I just say "OK, will do", then change the frequency and ignore it til I'm on the ground again.

Don't know why the forum has deleted the attachments but here is the Q400 checklist again.

 

Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 Checklist Simplified.pdf

Nicely done!

 

Would really like to have your checklist for the JS41 if you still have it linked somewhere.

 

Thank you for your generous work.

 

Sorry Nathan but I can't find that checklist any more...

Precious Toby!  Thank you very much!!!

 

I am enjoying this aircraft SO MUCH, and your checklist will help a LOT!

 

Have a Superb 2014!!!!

 

P.S.:  In my endless quest for the "Perfect" FDE, I am now on IL2 BOS... ( DCS was a great sim too, but go tired of having nothing to do with it appart from circuits in the p51d, uh-1h and Mi-8 :-/ ) I look forward for checklists from you for the BOS Hangar ;-)
 

This is %100 me cheers pal