romeomike77

Thanks for info, guys :)Ryan McLeod

I have relatively little experience with flightsim aircraft of this detail level, as a result I find myself falling behind the airplane in some high-workload phases of flight. I know this will improve with practice, but it got me thinking about the division of tasks in the cockpit.Would the real-life pilots care to share how the tasks are shared during the different phases of flight? Does it vary by aircraft, or is it fairly standard (barring unique aircraft requirements)? I've watched pilots in a B1900 before (love the open cockpit door!) and noticed things like switching which pilot has their hand on the throttles at various phases (V1 I assume, and maybe runway in sight on the approach?) What about actually manipulating gear and flaps? Does the pilot flying make the calls, and the other actually makes the changes? I'd appreciate any input you guys have.Have a great day!Ryan McLeod

Well, I LOVE this aircraft. It's the first in-depth aircraft I've purchased for FSX, and I have no regrets. Absolutely fantastic!While I've had versions of flight simulator my whole life, I've really never put serious time into learning any one aircraft. I see that changing with the MD-11. :)I've run through the two tutorials, and have even managed to build a couple of my own flightplans and have flown them fully automated. I've read through the manuals, although obviously haven't absorbed everything and will have to go back as I get more experience. After an unexpected autopilot disconnect, and a very unfortunate attempt at hand-flying the aircraft, I've decided I need to spend some time learning to actually fly the thing. :)My question is to the experienced pilots here is: how would you set up the FMS for pattern work? What sort of automation (if any) would you use while trying to learn to hand-fly the aircraft? And, is leaving the automation off at all realistic? I realize a real pilot would have to be able to cope without the automation, but would it be something they do on a regular day-to-day basis, or only something they do in the sim in preparation for an emergency?Thanks for your help guys,Ryan