StanP

744: OPT level based on GW / Cost index MAX level based on GW 777 OPT level based on GW / Cost index MAX level based on GW / Cost Index RECMD level based on GW / Cost Index and winds aloft Or I am getting this wrong?

Noted! Although a part of me wants to trust the planning software, since the FMC does not use winds in neighbouring levels to define the "recommended" altitude, like the 777 does. Noted, thanks guys.

Very interesting! I thought the FMC worked a la Triple Seven, taking winds into account in the equation. But now that you mention it, the triple seven works exactly the same, + the recommended FL which does what I am looking for! So very well then, I'll make sure to follow PFPX from now, with "Lowest Fuel" Optimisation selected. Thanks guys!

Oh yes indeed. Missed that part! I will give a shot right away. Thanks a million. Hey Andy, Sure I get the point. But in the end, winds for PFPX and the FMC are coming from the same source, and I tend to trust the FMC more than anything else. Agreed, very good suggestion! Trying it right away.

Yes, a stiff 19 knots breeze, and nothing moving... anyway, details 1) ok.. interesting. I'll try again without it. 2) That's what I am saying.. there's quite a bit of difference between the initial pfpx proposed altitude and the calculated optimal altitude by the FMC.. I tend to believe the FMC more, but then that would mean PFPX does not cut it anymore ;) Yes indeed, for step climbs, I always go with the FMC, but 2000 feet difference between the PFPX plan and the optimal alt by the FMC concerns me.. I.e. I could have started cruising at FL310 and then step climb at 330. Alright. I think I have those, I'll check again. Of course! ZFW the same, and gross weight is the same :-) Thanks guys!

Hey folks, Like everybody else, I have been enjoying my flying with the Queen since day 1 :-) I just have a few things which bother me (and I hope you can help me on this) 1) Idle taxi: After applying breakaway power, I find myself obliged to keep my engines at around 29-30% N1 to keep the plane moving (not even at MTOW).. I remember Mr Randazzo mentioning something about some magic being done in P3D to help with that? I re-installed the lua Friction module in FSUIPC, but it does not seem to help. Should I remove it? Everybody else is having no problem with idle taxi speeds? 2) PFPX profile: I am struggling as well with the planning in PFPX.. The flight I am doing right now had FL330 as an initial FL in PFPX and FL350 planned as a step.. I jump in the plane, FL304 as OPT initial level and no step planned from FL330 to FL350... Fuel wise, I almost spot on so can't complain. I load the winds in the FMC, etc etc.. can't really see what's wrong. If somebody has a profile they could share that has been spot on, altitude planning wise, would be grateful. 3) Hydraulics: with hydraulics off, elevator and ailerons are down, but for some reasons, the rudder does not move with the wind. Is that normal? That's all I have!