I have just recently purchased RC and have a couple of questions. I did a search on the forum but without luck so forgive me if they were already addressed.1. I do not fly any of the default MS aircraft (only PMDG, Level 1, flight1 etc.). On my first tutorial I used the default MS 737 only because my PMDG 737 was having issues, and the tutorial flight was flawless. I tried the same tutorial again but this time with my "re-installed" PMDG 737. All was well but when I switched the controls over to the co-pilot, he wouldn't or couldn't change directions. I had my heading and speed selected and well as AP engaged. Each time a heading change would come from RC I would wait and nothing would happen, I had to change the heading my self. My second question concerns FMS. If i program my FMS how does that effect what RC will instruct me to do? gentrrm

rc can't control a plane that doesn't have ms autopilot featuresatc governs what you do, not your fms. so if rc tells you to fly hdg 340 and climb and maintain 15000, i suggest you do that, and let your fms deal with it :-)

Welcome to RC:Aircraft that use custom autopilot/pilot interfaces can not be flown by the RC Co-pilot. The only function that will probably work is communications.FMC/FMS programming will not affect RC. It is the other way around in that with any navigation method you choose you must make aircraft navigation follow ATC commands. When taking vectors you use the MCP controls for HDG, ALT/FLCHG/ SPEED as necessary.RC and your FMC must have the same flightplan. I use FSBuild (some other planners will do this) using FSB's SID/STAR database to export the plan including SIDS and STARS to both the FMC and FS for RC use. This insures that your FMC and RC have the same waypoints. For runway specific procedures just include the common waypoints for all runways and these are usually based on departure/arrival direction. Someday when model developers provide an FMC to FS export procedure you might be able to use the FMC procedure databases to insure the FS plan and FMC database are sychronized.I use the PMDG 737NG. I do take advantage of loading a runway approach - not STAR- (right side of the DEP/ARR ARR section) from the FMC database so it shows up on the ND good for situational awareness. If you wish to use your FMC to follow the last waypoints of s STAR and navigate your own intercept and final approach without ATC control, elect to take an IAP after approach assigns your runway and starts issuing vectors. It is on the extended menus of RC. RC will then stop issuing vectors and until you are on final will not issue any commands. Until you are within thirty miles of destination be sure that RC and your FMC LEGS share the same waypoints.On your FMC CDU LEGS page know how to perform a direct-to to update the page. This allows you to keep the FMC up-to-date and on a departure modify your path from your aircraft _present position_ to the waypoint RC expects you to go direct to when told to resume your own navigation. You do not return to the original program path when enabling LNAV.Search this forum for FMC and you'll find a number of tips for manipulating it to follow ATC commands.

Hi,Many of us fly RC with the PMDG aircraft. You don't say how you create your plans but as long as you ensure the same plan goes to RC as the one you feed into the CDU you'll be fine.Once you get to 40DME from your destination you have the choice to fly RC vectors or a IAP approach. If you choose the former turn off LNav and fly the headings given. If the latter RC will clear you down to your approach altitude and headings are down to you.Cheers,

y'all are so more politically correct with the FMx :-)never had one, never used one, never needed one, never flew with one.i guess that makes me a FMx virgin :-)

LOL! If I ever get over that side of the pond again remind me to treat you to a package with a CDU. I'll make a proper pilot of you yet! ;-)Cheers,

I just posted my question below in the PMDG forum then I noticed this thread. I think some of my questions have been answered but please chime in. I have just started flying the 737NG. I'm still struggling a bit with the FMC but I'm sure I'll get it eventually. It may be my inexperience, but there seems to be some room to get a little snookered up using all these tools at my disposal.I used FSnavigator (FSN) to build a short flight plan from Portland to Seattle. I used the SIDs, STARS but I know FSN doesnt update them anymore. I then exported/imported this route to FS9, radar contact & the 737 FMC. Of course, I have updated the 737 AIRFAC file so that has the latest & greatest. But I am unsure whether this might cause any issues.After departing and being kinda confused the FMC seemed to be tracking the flight plan. Of course at some point, radar contact ATC then started providing altitudes & vectors not in alignment with the FMC. At that point I shutdown the FMC and just used the AP w/heading & altitude to approach and land at Seattle.Anyway, am I fighting a losing battle or will this all make sense after a while?

Doug,You do it exactly how I do it so naturally you're doing it correctly! :-hah The golden rule in RC - one that you will hear from Bill Stevens if you stray of the straight and narrow - is "Fly what you file"! That is certainly the case all the waay up to contacting APP. At that point you have two options - go with RC for a vectored approach or take the IAP option and fly your own approach.The fact that FSNav doesn't have an update option may mean some SIDs and STARs don't match those in your CDU with its monthly updates. That's something we all have to keep an eye on I'm afraid. If you supply an unknown waypoint into your CDU it may complain - I'm not sure. I use the Project Magenta CDU and so far in hundreds of hours of flights it hasn't been a problem.Cheers,