How to Plan a Flight

[2fst4u]

I really want to fly FSX as realisticaly as possible but i cant find any resources on PROPERLY planning a flight from point A to point B. If I use a 'standard route clearance' chart, it tells me the waypoints and airways. But if I want to fly out of an airport, i use an SID right? SIDs and standard route clearances dont line up and im left either not being on the airway, or having to track back towards the planned route. AND EVEN THEN... when i get near the airport of arrival, the STAR doesnt line up with the standard route clearance. I would have to leave the planned route to get onto the STAR. Can someone help me with planning a flight for a 737 from Auckland to Wellington? what charts to use, exactly where to turn off certain legs of the flight? any help would be much appreciated.

OH and btw, im sure there are alot of like-minded people out there wanting to know this stuff

[benwynn]

Gidday There,

What Aircraft are you using? I find it very difficult to simulate correct Jet procedures in the default FS aircraft, that do not have the correct equipment particularly the FMC.

Anyways, when im flying, I have a pretty basic planning system.

Firstly, I plan the route I'll be flying. AAWN1 or whatever it may be. In this case, it would be DCT AA H384 NP Y738 WN DCT.

If the flight was going to be an online one, I would then calculate my Fuel, and then my payload to enter and confirm the correct weights in the FMC.

If it was offline, in addition to this, I would have to find the correct SID/STAR to use.

In the case of NZAA-NZWN, using 05R, the HD5 SID is used. Usually cancelled by ATC before you reach HD. For 23L, OT5 is used. Both of these departures are usually Jet departures.

Southern flight, Even Flight Level.

For your NZWN arrival, you could fly one of many RNAV approaches, an ILS approach, VOR approach or weather permitting a Visual approach.

Hopefully that helps you out a little bit, at least to get you started.

[Timmo]

Take a look at the tutorials on the Arnzx site- They should be helpful
http://arnz.invisionplus.net/?mforum=arnz&showforum=18
There are also a couple of FSX missions available including a IFR approach into Wellington
Part of the problem is the deafult ATC which does really follow the published arrival/departure procedures most of the time. For the most realism, just ignore it

[2fst4u]

yea. im using default 737. dont quite have the money for payware.

i had a look at those but the decent planning is kinda confusing. also, when would RNAV be used and when would ILS be used?

Thanks for the replies aswell

[benwynn]

An RNAV arrival always leeds onto another approach, whether it be a VOR/NDB/ILS or Visual Approach. RNAV basically just leeds you on the correct track to then fly a certain approach.

[captainherc]

Hi. I too fly jets IFR and do not some of which do not have working FMC equipment. I use this http://files.vas-project.org/file.php?id=1 It is very handy indeed. It lets you enter yourcomplete flight including initial sids. Then enroute you can alter plan to suit ATC or STARS that are required. Also lets you carry out holding pattens. If you need any more details please send me a PM or email me from my profile.. Haveing a real life Instrument rating helps me and I am willing to help if I can.
Cheers,
Adrian.

[2fst4u]

wow, that looks like a pretty powerful program. Im keen to use it but I cant find out how to add SIDs and STARs. Can you give me a quick rundown? It knows what NZAA is but when i click SID it says "No SID procedures found" and the SID STAR maker has absolutely no idea what NZAA is. posting in here would probably be good because this program definatly needs to be advertised to the rest of the community.

[captainherc]

Hi. SIDS and Stars need to be made if not already installed. The system mainly has European ones installed. When you download it it also loads a SID STAR maker. With a bit of playing around and reading the manual NZ ones can be made. On a SID STAR you can also manually enter the way pionts from the charts. I usually enter my FP and then after ATC has advised of clearance I enter the SID STAR as per their instruction. This can easily be done in flight as well. Email me if you also want help on navigation or any other matters.
Cheers Adrian.

[cowpatz]

QUOTE (benwynn @ Jul 24 2009, 03:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

An RNAV approach always leeds onto another approach, whether it be a VOR/NDB/ILS or Visual Approach. RNAV basically just leeds you on the correct track to then fly a certain approach.

Ben I think you mean an RNAV arrival (as in STAR). An RNAV approach is exactly that...an instrument approach.

[benwynn]

Correct, thanks for picking that up.

[2fst4u]

thanks for the help guys. i'll try and put it all to use now