When im flying the ngx i definitely use PFPX . but when im flying vfr with my duke i tend to use Plan-g . its an amazing application for vfr flyers 

Routes usually blatantly stolen from FlightAware.com.

 

Kyle, (BTW, Happy New Year) but you gave us the hint on skyvector.com, plus the wind vectors there-in. 

To me it is fun to plan e.g. KLM685 EHAM-MMMX and see afterwards, that the real KLM685 B744 nearly uses exactly the routes I have worked out, too. 

 

Of course the flight dispatcher programs check out sum routes and NAT changes can alter the route significantly, but well, even that we can simulate during flight arbitrarily. 

 

(Alas, also I sometimes take the long distance routes from fa, especially if there is a lack of time; and anyway the short distance routes, since big variations almost make no difference. )  

 

Have a nice time. 

Edited January 1, 201412 yr by 19AB67

This may be a stupid question (or response) but I am assuming all of you are flying on Vatsim using their ATC. At this point I only have time to fly about two-four hours a week. When I get more time I plan to join Vatsim and a virtual line but when you are just flying in FSX I enjoy using the ATC. To do this you have to use the planner in FSX.

For IFR flights I use FSCommander with info from Skyvector, Vataware, etc.

For VFR flights I use Plan G

This may be a stupid question (or response) but I am assuming all of you are flying on Vatsim using their ATC. At this point I only have time to fly about two-four hours a week. When I get more time I plan to join Vatsim and a virtual line but when you are just flying in FSX I enjoy using the ATC. To do this you have to use the planner in FSX.

 

This is why I do short flights, lasting no longer than a hour.   I don't get any time to do long flights. Sometimes I have to do quick and dirty flights, on VATSIM where I would like to do things better but, can't always. For example it would be a plus if the fuel was worked out perfectly, instead of using more than I need etc etc. This is where the extra software helps, and the route planning programs help.

 

You could just pinch the flight from Vataware, or somewhere that gives information about company routes, like a VA , You only need to put the airways into the route page in the CDU. For example GORLO UL980 REFSO Y76 KOPUL DCT, which will include every way point in the legs page.

 

You can get away with not using a flight planer, but it is just quicker with PFPX. It is more like a dispatch office.

 

In theory you don't need any extra software, flight planners, take off performers. But the software just increases speed and efficiency, in getting a realistic flight together. 

This is why I do short flights, lasting no longer than a hour. I don't get any time to do long flights. Sometimes I have to do quick and dirty flights, on VATSIM where I would like to do things better but, can't always. For example it would be a plus if the fuel was worked out perfectly, instead of using more than I need etc etc. This is where the extra software helps, and the route planning programs help.

 

You could just pinch the flight from Vataware, or somewhere that gives information about company routes, like a VA , You only need to put the airways into the route page in the CDU. For example GORLO UL980 REFSO Y76 KOPUL DCT, which will include every way point in the legs page.

 

You can get away with not using a flight planer, but it is just quicker with PFPX. It is more like a dispatch office.

 

In theory you don't need any extra software, flight planners, take off performers. But the software just increases speed and efficiency, in getting a realistic flight together.

So you don't need to be a member of a VA to be a member of Vatsim. Say I want to hop in my J41 and make a 150 NM with AS2012 weather, No Problem?

 

 

So you don't need to be a member of a VA to be a member of Vatsim. Say I want to hop in my J41 and make a 150 NM with AS2012 weather, No Problem?

 

Nope, you don't need to be a member of a VA.

Cheers  :smile:

One more question. I was looking through the Vatsim site and they said something about a "push to talk" headset. Currently the set I use has an open mike. I take it I need to get a new headset correct?

Routefinder for the routes, and SimBrief for dipatching. I'll usually tweak the routes here and there a little bit to make it different. Once I have the money I'll update my AIRAC cycle and get PFPX + TOPCAT  :lol:

Ron,

You should only get a new headset if you are unhappy with the sound qualities in either send or receive.

 

You implement push to talk through keyboard keys or using your flight stick buttons.

 

HTH

Thoriq,

 

I have PFPX/TOPCAT and ASN and find them all that I need for flying long-haul. Although they can appear rather complicated at first, with a little planning you can quickly realise what all the new terms and facilities do for you.

 

Happy flying,

 

 

Currently the set I use has an open mike. I take it I need to get a new headset correct?

 

No.  There's a function built into the pilot client that allows for the use of a software PTT key.  In squawkbox, I believe the default key is F12, but can be reassigned.  I actually deleted the keyboard key entirely and pass the command via FSUIPC directly.

Thanks guys.