FSX-MS Waypoints on FSX maps/IFR flying

[jcpg 1]

Hi Simmers,

 

Just to find out if possible (a) why are there so many waypoints on FSX maps that if you try to use them on your flight plan you get a message

 

like, 'not in database', and your database has been updated?  Especialy the ones closest to airports.  Sometimes you run out of  waypoints 

 

close to airports. 

 

b)   Also, having started to fly  IFR recently, the ATC will give you sometimes a  runway to land that is not the one you had on the flight plan? 

 

Does this mean that you have to quickly change your FMC legs to accommodate the new ILS  value, the approach waypoints and of course the

 

runway number?  If you change it too late, you will have to go around and not be able to stick to your final approach plan or in a worst scenario

 

loose it... 

 

 Or how does it work on the approach if on a IFR flight?   Anyone for some help?  Sorry, I'm just trying to do it right !!!

 

Thanks a million in advance.

 

JCPG

 

 

 

[PIC007 82]

Just to find out if possible (a) why are there so many waypoints on FSX maps that if you try to use them on your flight plan you get a message like, 'not in database', and your database has been updated?  Especialy the ones closest to airports.  Sometimes you run out of  waypoints

 

FSX database is 7 years old and never changes. The FMC uses more current data and reflects recent data, including name changes, runway ID, frequencies, etc. One way to simplify things is to file a flight plan VOR to VOR instead of "High or Low altitude'. The 5 letter designators are intersections and reporting points, useless in FS.  This is assuming you are creating your FP in FSX and not another planner.

 

 

  Also, having started to fly  IFR recently, the ATC will give you sometimes a  runway to land that is not the one you had on the flight plan? Does this mean that you have to quickly change your FMC legs to accommodate the new ILS  value, the approach waypoints and of course the runway number?  If you change it too late, you will have to go around and not be able to stick to your final approach plan or in a worst scenario loose it..

 

You should check the weather at your destination prior to departing to get the wind direction, as runway use is determined by that. You should also check the weather while enroute for updates and check ATIS if available around 80-100 miles out then make any adjustments needed for landing. There was a major magnetic shift a few years ago and a lot of runways were changed 10 degrees, for example RWY 09 is now RWY 10....same runway just different heading so keep that in mind. FSX will show the old number, the FMC will usually show the new one.

[scott967 62]

In FSX there are two different sets of waypoints -- enroute and terminal.  The enroute ones are shown on the map in magenta and the terminal ones are blue.  For flight planning purposes I suppose the enroute ones are what is used in the built-in  planner.  You could manually use the blue ones to create ad-hoc STAR or SID, or even create your own in the flight planner. 

 

As far as arrival, it's up to ATC to determine runway in use at a controlled airport and of course that can change at any time.  I have a pilot friend and company SOP was to put a DISCO in the FMC flight plan and they weren't allowed to remove it until given arrival instructions by ATC.   Of course it's easier with 2-person pit, single fliers need to be nimble with that Garmin.

 

scott s.

.

[Mike777 163]

 

 

Hi Simmers,

Just to find out if possible (a) why are there so many waypoints on FSX maps that if you try to use them on your flight plan you get a message
like, 'not in database', and your database has been updated?

 

Hi, jcpg,

 

If I understand you correctly, you are taking waypoints from the FSX map and trying to insert them in an addon's FMC or similar flight planner.  As PIC007 said, the database in FSX is very old and many waypoints (not to mention approach and departure procedures) have been added and subtracted since then.  But at least some addon aircraft can create their own FSX flight plans.  So if you use up-to-date data for the flight plan, but also save it as an FSX flight plan (in addition to saving it in the format of your addon), then you can still use FSX ATC.   Many addon flight planning programs, which have current databases, also can save the flight plan as an FSX plan.   Note that to have up-to-date data corresponding to real world, you need to use pay services such as Navigraph or one offered by Aerosoft, I believe Nav Data Pro, to keep your aircraft and flight planning software up to date.

 

A good source for real world, current flight plans for US and some non-US airports is flightaware.com.  Also has current departure, arrival and final approach charts for U.S. airports (but note PIC007's point that runways and runway numbers can change.  KORD is a good example, w/ several new runways and runway renamings since FSX came out.  This can be fixed by getting an up-to-date AFCAD or scenery.). 

 

Hope this is helpful rather than more confusing!

 

Mike

[kama2004 74]

Simbrief web site has navdata that are not current but not too old either. You can create a flight plan there using waypoint that are not present in fsx or Prepar3d database then export as a fsx flight plan. This makes recent waypoint available in the standar GPS.

 

You can also pay for a Navigraph update within Simbrief to be current.

[jcpg 1]

Hi there,

 

Just to thank Jay, scott s., Mike and Pierre for your info and explanations. It really helps me to fly better. 

 

Much appreciated.

 

JCPG