Flight Operations Center and WideFS/FSUIPC

[Guest phenom]

Does Flight Operations Center (http://www.pcaviator.com/shop/viewAProduct.php?pid=809) work via a networked PC using WideFS and FSUIPC?

[BobP 56]

FOC is a stand alone flight planner. You use FOC to create a very accurate flight plan and can save it in both FS9 and FSX (xml) format.There is no real time connection between FOC and FS9 or FSX. You can save the flight plans via a shared drive independent of WideFS. I find the best way to use it is to create the FOC plan, then I quickly type it in FSbuild (using plan mode) to build the plan for PMDG or Feelthere or LDS etc. Bob...

[Guest phenom]

Sounds good, thanks. I have FSBuild already. How is FOC? Is it worth the money?

[BobP 56]

If you enjoy taking 10 to 20 minutes to create a flight based upon accurate winds, very accurate aircraft fuel burn and performance tables then yes. :) It is as close to a professional dispatcher program available for simmers and it does require time to learn how to use it properly. It is perfect for VA dispatchers and simmers who enjoy creating flights plans manually. It does not create flight plans automatically. I enjoy creating the route, then using the detailed printouts to monitor progress and fuel burn. Since I created each way point I am very familiar with my flight plan and en-route weather. I can usually get within 5 minutes of estimated flight time on a 3 hour flight. (no ATC, weather or malfunction delays). I have made a couple trips across the pond within minutes of planned. Fuel burn is very close. If you prefer to key in the departure and arrival, hit a key and pump out a flight plan FOC is not for you. It requires sectionals and terminal charts to plot routes that make sense. You can use FSbuild or any number of online prepared flight plans as a starting point. What you get is a very detailed and accurate flight plan on paper. I can detect changes in headwinds/tailwinds based upon differences between expected and actual fuel burn along the route. I think it is fun. :)Bob...