The biggest issue I see is the ATC not being optimized for simulation use. Having to request specific Ground Handling services through ATC is not realistic, but probably impossible when you have dozens of other (AI or other users) planes on the same frequency. I really hope Asobo fix that for future versions. There are other small details that I can point out, such as what seems like aircraft doors opening before the jetway connects, or vehicles getting in the way of aircraft pushing back. 

Does anyone know if airstairs can be called for remote stands? 

Dunno about the stairs. Incidentally, airstairs are the ones built into the aeroplane, you mean mobile steps. But yes, I noticed the ATC ground handling and thought that was a bit cack, but, it is a reasonably okay compromise in my opinion and I think only nerds are really going to get their knickers in a twist over it. I reckon they'll patch it to change it anyway.

Generally speaking, you don't tend to actually call for steps. It's more often than not up to the ground handlers to make that assumption since they are specific to a few things including fueling, wind warnings, cleaning etc. Usually the only times ATC get involved in ground ops is when we hear them issue a clearance, or if there is a non-standard push, or if you are towing something and have to talk to the ground frequency for moving an aeroplane around.

Other than this, for ground ops it's probably only when you have some kind of row with them over something that you'd ever talk to them concerning ground handling matters. It's almost all done following standard procedures with little to no need for communication until its time to push, 🤣

Edited July 30, 20205 yr by Chock

Ground vehicles yielding to moving aircraft would be a great advancement, in my opinion.  I get tired of the ground control telling me to stop for other traffic just so a ground vehicle can go wherever it's going.

44 minutes ago, stans said:

Ground vehicles yielding to moving aircraft would be a great advancement, in my opinion.  I get tired of the ground control telling me to stop for other traffic just so a ground vehicle can go wherever it's going.

It does that? That's actually the complete opposite of how it really works.

In fact if you cut up an aeroplane in your ground vehicle on the airport in real life and an airfield ops person sees you, they come after you in a big 4x4 marked up like a cop car, then pull you over, and unless you have a really good explanation for why you did that, you can expect to have your driver's permit taken off you on the spot. This means someone has to come and get the vehicle you were driving and you either have to be picked up, or walk since you cannot drive on the airfield without your drivers permit. Then you get a dressing down, sometimes they'll insist you go out with a driving trainer for a refresher, and then you have to go over to airfield ops after all that so you can get your driving permit back.

So apart from the safety aspect, all the above is another reason why everyone really looks where they are going when driving about on an airport, because if you get your pass taken off you for a day or two, not only does it limit the tasks you can do, you also have the p*** taken out of you mercilessly by many of your work colleagues.

I've only ever had it happen once, when I twatted one of those red and white water-filled plastic barriers you get at building sites abnd road works, with the wellwork cargo trailer I was towing, which I absent-mindedly forgot was much wider than the LD8 trailers I'd previously been towing around for the past few hours whilst loading up an Etihad jet. The temporary barriers which my trailer clanged into, were marking the edge of stand 66 at EGCC whilst it was being resurfaced. Literally all I had to do was stop and kick the plastic barrier back into line and no harm done, but because there was an airfield ops car right behind me when it occurred, that was it lol. The worst thing is, a colleague had done exactly the same thing, in the same place, the day before me. Pretty much anyone who drives on an airfield has probably had this sort of thing occur once or twice and usually there is no harm done, but they are strict about it so that people take driving on the airfield seriously and always let aircraft go first.

Edited July 31, 20205 yr by Chock

23 hours ago, Chock said:

It does that? That's actually the complete opposite of how it really works.

Yes, in FSX, ground vehicles always have the right of way.

10 minutes ago, stans said:

Yes, in FSX, ground vehicles always have the right of way.

In fairness, I think Lockheed Martin had a stab at correcting this in P3D V5. If you watch my youtube review of that, you do actually see a truck stop and wait for my B-17 Flying Fortress to taxi out of the way.

13 minutes ago, Chock said:

In fairness, I think Lockheed Martin had a stab at correcting this in P3D V5. If you watch my youtube review of that, you do actually see a truck stop and wait for my B-17 Flying Fortress to taxi out of the way.

Glad they at least tried to improve ground ops.

What about an OPS Frequency for that? Thats what we use in real life...

That would be amazing. But since I feel getting the r/w data for them might be even more difficult, just some "simulated" ops channel would certainly do for me, even without the correct freq. Something like an option to 'contact LFPO ops' and do a few things from there. Just not that ATC option, as it's really the least realistic one.

Ground handling could have a few upgrades. On 18th we can talk more freely about this. Bus if you have seen some public videos, I think some kind of better pushback system could fit better than the old FSX pushback style. 

the shift+p for pushback works in the new sim, you dont have to go through the atc menu

 

Fine, does it take you onto the taxiway centerline in any way or just anywhere else, like in FSX?

There is airstairs that will connect to your plane. I've done a few flights to airports that don't have gates. There's also a passenger bus lurking but no option to summon it.

 

Do we know if ground handling will have the right ground handler at handcrafted airports? Like Gategourmet, LSG Sky Chefs and stuff..

Edited August 4, 20205 yr by schneper32

40 minutes ago, schneper32 said:

Do we know if ground handling will have the right ground handler at handcrafted airports? Like Gategourmet, LSG Sky Chefs and stuff..

Based on this video I would say no, just generic