7 hours ago, Noel said:

Mine is scripted from start to finish because I know which runway default ATC will send me to for arrival and departure for that matter. 

My flights usually also are scripted. I've been flightsimming since the eighties but never felt the need for charts. I sometimes searched for them on the internet (I mainly fly in Europe so a search was needed...) but it was cumbersome and not worth the trouble imho. It wasn't until the Fenix A320 that I started a Navigraph subscription (including charts) just because the EFB had a great option for them and I liked the added realism and immersion. I loved looking at the charts, checking things, being well prepared for what was coming, getting additional information from them, etc. Do I actually NEED them as in 'they are mandatory'? No. Not at all. Just like you I could simply fly using the information that gets loaded into the MCDU/FMS/G3000/whatever. But it's just more realistic and it's fun.

Only recently, after the newest release of Navigraph 8, I started to use the app (via a webbrowser btw, not the actual app) because it makes it very easy to select a proper approach AND because it shows all relevant charts automatically once you load a SimBrief plan. Very convenient. However, also this isn't mandatory and I could do without it, specially since I use FSHud which automatically  selects a proper approach for me.

I have to add though that also recently, now I am mainly flying planes that use the updated G3000, I hardly check the charts anymore... The G3000 lets you preview charts on the map (not actual charts with all relevant information but the routes) and it shows all constraints... It also let's you zoom into the airports very closely. I notice I hardly check the charts anymore: I do sometimes use the Navigraph app to check what approach is the best (if I don't like FSHud's proposal) and I sometimes check charts to easily find the ILS freq when needed or the airport altitude. Little things like that.

As it is now I am actually thinking about stopping my subscription after one year... (I bought a one year sub because it was cheaper). However, I do like having the Navigraph navdate (because it works seamlessly with SimBrief!) and so the charts only cost me some 50 bucks extra so... I am still in doubt.

In short: charts add immersion and they can be fun but do I actually absolutely need them? No.

BTW I'd never buy that Aivlasoft EFB because if I am going to use charts I like to use realistic ones that also come with the information which Aivlasoft doesn't offer. That app is too basic for me.

2 hours ago, tup61 said:

 

BTW I'd never buy that Aivlasoft EFB because if I am going to use charts I like to use realistic ones that also come with the information which Aivlasoft doesn't offer. That app is too basic for me.

Tell me exactly what you be missing from Avliasoft EFB, and I mean exactly?

Interesting, albeit quite repetitive discussion. 🙂

On a side note I'd like to say that I wonder why some people write Avliasoft all the time when it is Aivlasoft in reality. The software looks powerful and visually good but I prefer the Jeppesen charts in Navigraph. All a matter of personal preferences, I suppose.

1 hour ago, Bobsk8 said:

Tell me exactly what you be missing from Avliasoft EFB, and I mean exactly?

Well, for starters:

  

12 hours ago, C2615 said:

Apparently no one is reading the airport briefing under 10-1.....

It'll tell you all kinds of important information like which runway to use, what SID/STAR is expected in given time period, should you use NADP1 or NADP2, what direction of pushback you should heading, what taxi route to use if you have oversize wingspan, how long before dep should you call of clearance, what kinds of bird or strange wind effect to be expect near the airport etc etc......

You start this discussion about Navigraph versus Aivlasoft EFB everytime someone brings up the subject of charts and so I know it's no use trying to convince you of the supremacy of Navigraph... 😉 But seriously, it's not my intention at all to convince you of anything: I am very happy you love Aivlasoft EFB and I do wish I loved it just as much as you do! For me it's not really suited though. Although I do look at it about once every year or so LOL I did cancel my Navigraph subscription this morning (after posted what I posted earlier on) because I am not sure if I like spending 100 bucks on it year after year after year. And I actually did look at Aivlasoft EFB again this morning but couldn't find any screenshots of SID- and STAR-charts...? Only very minimal approach charts... But anyway, never mind, when my Navigraph subscription actually ends I will see how well I can do without it and if I really miss something I will reconsider all options again. 😉

Edited February 27, 20233 yr by tup61

6 minutes ago, tup61 said:

Well, for starters:

  

You start this discussion about Navigraph versus Aivlasoft EFB everytime someone brings up the subject of charts and so I know it's no use trying to convince you of the supremacy of Navigraph... 😉 But seriously, it's not my intention at all to convince you of anything: I am very happy you love Aivlasoft EFB and I do wish I loved it just as much as you do! For me it's not really suited though. Although I do look at it about once every year or so LOL I did cancel my Navigraph subscription this morning (after posted what I posted earlier on) because I am not sure if I like spending 100 bucks on it year after year after year. And I actually did look at Aivlasoft EFB again this morning but couldn't find any screenshots of SID- and STAR-charts...? Only very minimal approach charts... But anyway, never mind, when my Navigraph subscription actually ends I will see how well I can do without it and if I really miss something I will reconsider all options again. 😉

Everything you mentioned in the quote you posted is there either in Avliasoft EFB or in Simbrief when you make the flight plan. I spent about $60 seven years ago for Avliasoft EFB, so in that time I saved about $450....Oh well. 

4 minutes ago, Bobsk8 said:

Everything you mentioned in the quote you posted is there either in Avliasoft EFB or in Simbrief when you make the flight plan. I spent about $60 seven years ago for Avliasoft EFB, so in that time I saved about $450....Oh well. 

I hear you. I have to add I myself never read the 10.1 briefing LOL

In time I will have another look at Aivlasoft EFB. I'll see if I can find some info about for instance SID and STAR charts.

BTW do you use any 3rd party navdata (like Navigraph)? Or just the default MSFS navdata? With default navdata the sims won't always play nice with Simbrief afaik. Although I have to add that even Navigraph charts doesn't always play nice with the sim: every now and then I can't find procedures that Simbrief (or the ingame planner) offer. The advantage of Aivlasoft EFB probably also is that it is 100% compatible with what the sim offers.

11 minutes ago, Bobsk8 said:

Avliasoft EFB

Aivlasoft.

I might create a funny Ceterum Censeo signature from this. 🙂

Just now, tup61 said:

I hear you. I have to add I myself never read the 10.1 briefing LOL

In time I will have another look at Aivlasoft EFB. I'll see if I can find some info about for instance SID and STAR charts.

BTW do you use any 3rd party navdata (like Navigraph)? Or just the default MSFS navdata? With default navdata the sims won't always play nice with Simbrief afaik. Although I have to add that even Navigraph charts doesn't always play nice with the sim: every now and then I can't find procedures that Simbrief (or the ingame planner) offer. The advantage of Aivlasoft EFB probably also is that it is 100% compatible with what the sim offers.

The way Sids and Stars are in Avliasoft, makes it much simpler than trying to figure it out with charts. You bring up the departure or arrival page, it shows the weather there with the prevailing winds. That lets you pick the runway, you click on the runway and it shows all the Sids or Stars along with transistions and Vias. It even tells you which are suitable for gthe direction you want to go to or are coming from. Each time you click on one, it instantly shows the map of where you will be flying. 

Here is the map of my approach to Salt Lake City that I am headed for. You will also see that the terrain around the airport is clearly shown.  

2 minutes ago, Bobsk8 said:

Here is the map of my approach to Salt Lake City that I am headed for. You will also see that the terrain around the airport is clearly shown. 

Thanks for the info, Bob! So yes, I see how it works now: there are no real separate charts for SIDs or STARs but you see them on the map immediately. I think I will give that 30 day demo a try when my Navigraph sub ends. Paying once and then be done with it sounds appealing.

Oh, and what navdata do you use, if I may ask? (And sorry, Noel, for hijacking this topic LOL)

That is pretty slick Bob--it may be sort of a compromise between no charts, and Jeppeson and the price is very right for sure.  I think it may let me trial it again as the prior try was in a different OS install this way i can see if it's something I will be looking at.  As tup61 says it's something he found himself not using so much and it's clearly because the information needed to do the route is available elsewhere ultimately, in the G3000 or in the CDUs I'm using.  

11 minutes ago, tup61 said:

Thanks for the info, Bob! So yes, I see how it works now: there are no real separate charts for SIDs or STARs but you see them on the map immediately. I think I will give that 30 day demo a try when my Navigraph sub ends. Paying once and then be done with it sounds appealing.

Oh, and what navdata do you use, if I may ask? (And sorry, Noel, for hijacking this topic LOL)

I use the Navigraph Data only, I think it is $25 a year. You can also use the aerosoft data. Some users just get Navigraph subscription once or twice a year, and then cancel the subscription so it works out to $9 for each update, but for $25, I think it is worth it to get it every month. That sub also updates Simbrief too, plus the 737, Fenix, etc..... 

Edited February 27, 20233 yr by Bobsk8

45 minutes ago, Bobsk8 said:

Some users just get Navigraph subscription once or twice a year, and then cancel the subscription so it works out to $9 for each update, but for $25, I think it is worth it to get it every month.

I did once a year updates in P3D.  Does anyone know how much change happens on a monthly basis?  Seems pretty modest but I don't reall know.  I did the annual this time.

15 hours ago, Noel said:

 Mine is scripted from start to finish

Get off script, learn how to read charts, and I'll guarantee you: your simming experience will improve drastically. 

I use Aivlasoft EFB and have a sub to Nav data only. I did it for the year and canceled, Ill renew again when the year is up most likely. It's done a great job so far and I'm not shilling out so much yearly. Everything seems pretty scripted in MSFS if you ask me. P2ATC can make it a bit less so by having it randomly assign sids/stars but I don't think it will change those midflight due to weather or wind shifts. So were all doing a bit of role play in that regard. 

1 hour ago, Lotharen said:

I use Aivlasoft EFB and have a sub to Nav data only. I did it for the year and canceled, Ill renew again when the year is up most likely. It's done a great job so far and I'm not shilling out so much yearly. Everything seems pretty scripted in MSFS if you ask me. P2ATC can make it a bit less so by having it randomly assign sids/stars but I don't think it will change those midflight due to weather or wind shifts. So were all doing a bit of role play in that regard. 

I usually take off without an arrival or approach defined. However, even when I do define them, I can have them changed by P2ATC on its own, randomly.or due to weather. Just make sure that you don't have the option to force pilot's selection enabled in the configurations (can't remember the exact option name). I think some of the non-changing could be due to whether the weather in the sim has really changed.

I have Aivlasoft EFB2 as well as Navigraph. For most of the time, I think Navigraph is easier to use and I like the detail shown on the charts.

However, when using a plane without an FMS or a GPS interface, I use Aivlasoft as it can download the flight plan into the behind the scenes default GPS. I do like the simplicity of the interface, and might just want a bit more of the information that charts provide, but I generally think very highly of it.

Edited February 27, 20233 yr by mmcmah