CactusDx

Blais,I can only assume that, this being the first flight, any errors are overlooked.No sir, the radar contact controllers will not cut you any slack just because it's your first flight.As in the real world, once you enter the IFR system you're expected to perform within the parameters set out by 7110.65 FAA rules whether your're flying a C172 or a B747-400. The fact that you got a congratulatory message at the end of your flight was based solely upon your own expertise at handling the airplane, listening closely, and following the controllers instructions.So..."Congratulations, you've completed your radar contact adventure the way it ought to be done, no errors! You can fly in my airspace anytime, See ya next flight!" Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Better solution... stay single like me Absolutely! I have all the free time I could ever want to pursue the hobby, AND some spare cash for buying add-ons! :-lolMike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Hi Barry,Also keep in mind that not all aircraft/crew/airports meet CAT II/III requirements. The aircraft has to meet equipment requirements, the crew has to have received CAT II/III training, and lastly the ILS approach to be used must specifically state Category II / Category III approach. Any one missing element and you're back to the next higher approach (CAT II / CAT I) that you're qualified for.Also, certain MEL (Minimum Equipment List) items affect dispatch legality for CAT II/CAT III as well. The aircraft may be dispatched with a certain component inop but with a "CAT II/III Prohibited" restriction.Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Howdy Everyone,I thought I had read something a little while back that Win98se can't utilize/recognize more than 512MB of RAM memory unless you go in and edit a setting in the Windows.ini (or something like that) file?Anyone remember this and know what I need to change? I'm planning on adding some DDR RAM this week to my second PC. Currently have 256MB PC2100 DDR in there now and came across a deal locally for another 512MB PC2100 DDR for $92.00. Thanks!Mike CKPHX

I read this from your "day in the life of.." post.FWIW: PMDG is in the process of planning a product that will let you experience these kind of days.... I've always thought it would be fun to bring the "real world experience" to the PC for non-airline pilots. We may be about to do just that! If you ever need any dispatch input on such a product/item let me know, would be happy to do it! My home email is collier0590@msn.com and Michael.Collier@americawest.com at work.Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Great stuff Robert!FWIW: PMDG is in the process of planning a product that will let you experience these kind of days.... I've always thought it would be fun to bring the "real world experience" to the PC for non-airline pilots. We may be about to do just that! If you ever need any dispatch input on such a product/item let me know, would be happy to do it!Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Here's mine. Only found 6.Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

jdI think I know someone that would be willing to do it. I'll email you and let you know by the end of the day.Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about for some clouds and convective activity! :7 Give me something that truly makes me want to deviate around it! Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

ChrisQuestion 1 - Fuel will only go in the Center Tank after the wing tanks have been fueled.Question 2 - Wing tanks are always filled first. Any required fuel above the wing tank capacity will then go in the center.Question 3 - In my quick browse of the limitations in my 757 AFM I didn't see anything that specifically prohibited landing with Center Tank fuel, but I would find it highly unlikely that you would since that would require an arrival with full wing tanks, or about 30.000 lbs of fuel. There is a limitation that only allows a max of 2.000 lbs of center fuel if you have less than full wing tanks. Question 4 - Speaking directly from experience I'd say an average of about 600 lbs taxi fuel should be adequate for most normal situations.Hope that helps a bit.Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Hi Mike,Here's an excerpt from the Federal Meteorological Handbook.5.3 Wind Parameters As used in this chapter, wind is the horizontal motion of the air past a given point and includes:a. Direction. The direction, in tens of degrees, from which the wind is blowing.b. Speed. The rate, in knots, at which the wind passes a given point.c. Gusts. The description of the variability of the wind speed.d. Peak wind speed. The maximum instantaneous wind speed measured.e. Wind Shift. A change in wind direction.The full FMH may be found here:http://205.156.54.206/oso/oso1/oso12/fmh1/fmh1toc.htmHope that helps!:-waveMike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Count me in.Even if the unthinkable happens and these aircraft never materialize in flight sim form, I would not consider my money "wasted" as it will be used to preserve and maintain a piece of our aviation history. And that could never be considered a waste.Regards,Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

jd,I haven't registered as of yet but I'd like to try and fly up for it.Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Hi John, Thanks, I'll go back and look again. I did a search over at FS.com that didn't yield any results but I'll give it another shot.:-waveMike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Hi Heather,I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure the daytime runway lighting functions in concert with visibility settings. I don't believe you get daytime runway/approach lighting until you get down to One mile visibility or less. Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Howdy,Since v3 will support user provided chatter files I thought I'd start collecting a whole pile of them. Anyone have any good links for some or should I buy an aviation band radio and start recording some myself?Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Gary,There's a flight release tutorial that you should have received with your new hire package. If that doesn't explain what you need you can catch me on AOL IM under the screen name "CactusDx" after 2230Z.Also our NOTAM board on the site is a good source of assistance as well. Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

covered?yessir, sounds like all contingencies have been covered!:-waveMike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Howdy Scott,I knew about the ability to set the two destination alternates, just wasn't sure about the ability to divert without having to declare an emergency. Sounds like all the bases have been covered.:-waveMike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Could be dangerous! :7Ok, so I've been perusing the threads and I see where everyone is really interested in being able to declare an emergency and divert somewhere, which is darned useful. But, I have to wonder if there will be an option to divert without declaring an emergency?Not all diversions are emergency situations. About half to two-thirds of the diversions I've handled over the years would fall into the category of pilot discretion/precautionary diversions. Most of these types of diversions are aircraft systems related and require a return to the departure field or an enroute landing for precautionary reasons but aren't necessarily emergency situations. So, perhaps the menu system could be arranged in such a way that you could:1) Inform ATC of the need for a diversion, and then..2) ATC could perhaps query you on your intentions. Do you wish to declare an emergency at this time? Yes or No.If YES, then you'd presented with another option:3) State the nature of the emergency? Medical or MechanicalThose are about the only two reasons you'd ever have for doing an air turnback or an en route diversion under emergency conditions. Once the emergency is declared then ATC would give the appropriate handling to the specified/appropriate airport. If NO, then vectors to the appropriately selected field would commence. Even if no emergency was declared, the provision for declaring an emergency at any time should still be there should the need arise.What do you think? Or have I been spending too much time at work again! :7:-waveMike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Hi Chris,According to an old Airport/Facility Directory I have here it looks like the ATC preferred route would be a departure out of KORD over to Moline (MZV), to Lamoni (LMN), J64 to Hector (HEC) and on down for the CIVET arrival to KLAX Pref routes tend to go out the window pretty quickly when areas of airspace start experiencing what ATC likes to call "fix saturation" or if weather is dictating the use of Coded Departure Routes and Playbook Routes. Not sure about the onboard screens to monitor flight progress since I don't work for United...yet. :7Hope this helps a bit.Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td] America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

..version 3 will include your phone number..:-eekWell, ok..as long as the calls aren't coming in COLLECT!! :-lolMike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

jd,Hmm. Ok, so if I understand correctly I'd have to pause FS and toggle over to FSMeteo to check weather manually before deciding where to go. Although that's certainly a solution I was thinking more in terms of going off freq and dialing up an ATIS for my alternate without having to pause the sim. Actually, the ultimate experience (and yes, I'm very biased!) would be to have a "Dispatch Module" to add in to RC. The whole sequence of events for a hold and diversion on the real world side would be something along the line of:-Flight Enters a hold-Flight Contacts the dispatcher for burn down instructions-Dispatcher would provide the crew with a "bingo fuel" figure and provide weather updates for the alternate, or change the planned alternate and provide a fuel burn to the new alternate-If the specified minimum diversion fuel figure is reached and the flight is unable to land at the destination, THEN they contact ATC and request the diversion to the alternate. So, I guess what I was really looking for was a way to dial up a freq and go through a procedure to obtain a weather update for the alternate without having to pause. If that's not possible then toggling over to FSMeteo would certainly be an acceptable alternative. Thanks for the info!Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

t_a_h,Two phrases you'll need to become familiar with in regard to new versions of Radar Contact are:"It will be released when it's ready"and"Quality, not Calendar"also sometimes abbreviated as"Q not C"The entire Radar Contact staff are very dedicated to bring everyone the most realistic simulated Air Traffic Control experience available. They are also very conscious of functionality to ensure years of trouble free use. Pushing the envelope of realism always takes time. I'm by no means an official source of information but there are messages in various threads in this forum suggesting that version three will most likely be ready for release sometime before the end of this year. Spend some time reading up on older messages and you'll find a lot of great info on upcoming features!:-waveMike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS

Hi Guys,This is a snippet from a reply on the thread I started titled "Advisories". This reply is in regard to the way FSMeteo is handling weather conditions and how it is planned to handle them in a future upgrade...FSMeteo will store the conditions from these nearby stations in a buffer so you can query them. So, this got me to thinking that since version three will be able to support alternate airports, it may be good to be able to provide a function through RC to check weather at your alternate prior to diverting to make sure it still meets alternate minimums. It's generally not a good idea to divert only to find the weather at the alternate is in the tank once you arrive! :7Mike CollierKPHX[table border=1 bgcolor=#eeeeee][tr][td rowspan=2] http://avsim.com/flightdeck/images/Radar_small.gif[/td][td]http://www.dispatcher.org|Dispatcher' target="_blank"> America West Airlines and proud to be a Beta Tester of[link:www.jdtllc.com]Radar Contact]The premiere ATC adventure add-on for FS