Learning NGX fmc and systems/startup these days, various tutorials, pdf's, etc, but I'm still confused about navigation.

 

Is it mandatory to use SIDs and STARs? Or I can enter a simple VOR to VOR flight plan?

I'm also asking this because I don't know what ATC addon to use with SID and STAR flightplan. I have PFE and RC4, and I know the complications with SIDs and STARs.

 

If I look some SIDs and STARs plates, how I choose departure SID? I pick one that I like the most how it will connect me to the first waypoint?

 

Can I enter departure runway when taxing (after atc instructions)?

 

That's it for now, I guess.

 

Thanks!

Look at the weather report for destination to guess the likely runway based on wind direction, then setup STARS for that runway ... SimPlates will cover good information about common STARS route, but I believe real world will depend entirely on ATC ... don't recall if the NGX FMC supports programming of alternate STARS?  So STARS is more a "like to" not a "will do".  Also important to set Transition.

 

Make sure the FMC is up to date with latest (NaviGraph, NavDataPro) cyclic.

 

I doubt any commercial 737 will fly direct ... if you get a chance listen to Airline Pilot Guy Jeff N. (he has a YouTube channel) ... he's a real world 777 captain and provides lots of great information about how it's done real world.

 

Cheers, Rob.

Look at the weather report for destination to guess the likely runway based on wind direction, then setup STARS for that runway ... SimPlates will cover good information about common STARS route, but I believe real world will depend entirely on ATC ... don't recall if the NGX FMC supports programming of alternate STARS?  So STARS is more a "like to" not a "will do".  Also important to set Transition.

 

Make sure the FMC is up to date with latest (NaviGraph, NavDataPro) cyclic.

 

I doubt any commercial 737 will fly direct ... if you get a chance listen to Airline Pilot Guy Jeff N. (he has a YouTube channel) ... he's a real world 777 captain and provides lots of great information about how it's done real world.

 

Cheers, Rob.

 

Thanks for explaining Rob.

 

I know that the departing runway will be used according to the wind. But when you have 2 parallel runways in use, like on EDDM and bunch of USA airports, how I could know ATC will pick L or R runway for takeoff or landing? Huge difference only because of an ILS.

 

Why I need to update to the latest AIRAC cycle? Just to make sure the plates are the latest, that's all? I don't care really if the plates are from 2008, since I really don't know the difference from 2008 and 2015.

 

Thank you for recommending Jeff N channel. I will try to find some related stuff for navigation he posted.

Thanks for explaining Rob.

 

I know that the departing runway will be used according to the wind. But when you have 2 parallel runways in use, like on EDDM and bunch of USA airports, how I could know ATC will pick L or R runway for takeoff or landing? Huge difference only because of an ILS.

 

Why I need to update to the latest AIRAC cycle? Just to make sure the plates are the latest, that's all? I don't care really if the plates are from 2008, since I really don't know the difference from 2008 and 2015.

 

Thank you for recommending Jeff N channel. I will try to find some related stuff for navigation he posted.

 

If you are trying to fly real flight plans it is essential that you keep your AIRAC cycles up to date because the waypoints and VOR stations that make up SIDS/STARS are constantly changing.   What was there last cycle might no longer be there and if you are using Flight planning software you are not going to get an accurate route based on real flight plans.

 

As for parallel runways; it is my experience in FSX/P3D that only one runway is being used for landings and departures at a time unless you are using some kind of super AI traffic program like Ultimate Traffic 2.   I use VoxATC and I know it only uses one runway for landings and departures which is of course unrealistic.    

 

It is my understanding and experience from listening in on LiveATC.net that in the real world, they use the runway closest to the terminals for departures and the other parallel runway for arrivals.

As Rob said SIDs and STARs are all about ATC flow control.When flying real world, you can pretty much guess which SID you may end up flying based on your route of flight. You may file a SID but never get that specific one due to the needs of ATC. You may not even fly the filed flight plan in reality. In my ops, we load a estimated SID, STAR and approach to get an idea of flight and arrival time. I've been in scenarios in which all of the SIDS have high obstacle climb gradients and there is only one that I can meet engine out. At this point I file that SID and notify ATC if I'm given a SID other than what I filed. Unless you have been to an airport multiple times, it's a guess at the STAR you may be assigned. Some airports may have preferred routes and departures depending on its traffic level. As far as FSX goes, fly what you like. SIDs and STARs can be a pain in the butt at times because they may take you away from your desired direction and STARs sometimes have the habit of descending you early and slowing you down.  

If you're flying offline - just pick a SID that connects to your next fix (typically a VOR)

 

Yeah VOR to VOR works but typical routes are made of airways (usually two VORs)... V is below FL180 and J Jet routes are above ... Check out www.skyvector.com and look at low and hi altitude enroute charts

Thanks guys for clarifying.

 

 

 

As for parallel runways; it is my experience in FSX/P3D that only one runway is being used for landings and departures at a time unless you are using some kind of super AI traffic program like Ultimate Traffic 2.

 

Yep, I'm currently using UT2.

 

But now I must check out PFE or RC4 for SIDs and STARs feature, how does it work.