Online Russian Aircraft Lesson

[SeanTK]

Online Russian Aircraft Training Event

May 3rd, 2014 at 1400 (NZ time)

Subject: Project Tupolev Tu-154B-2 for FSX.

If you have ever wanted to learn how to set up and fly Project Tupolev's Tu-154B-2, and either didn't know where to start, or have been struggling, this may interest you.

I am planning on providing a roughly 2.5 - 3 hour (but really who knows....) training session on the FSX Tu-154B-2 aircraft, which will include coverage of the following topics:


1. In the Deep End: Soviet aviation in FS and a very brief history of the Tu-154 aircraft.

2. Installation and FS Setup: A look at what to download, where to download it, and how to get your system setup for your first Tu-154 flight.

3. Flight Planning: A necessity with this addon prior to even starting FSX, you'll find out what you need to do to prepare for your flight before you even start the simulator.

4. A Fresh Seat: You'll find out what to do when you find yourself seated at the controls while in-game for the first time. This lesson includes setting up your controls using PT's joystick setup utility.

5. Walk-Around: A full tour of the outside and inside of the aircraft, including all 2D panels and virtual cockpit stations. Prior to fidgeting with the buttons, we'll look at what is where, identify the shortcut keys, and focus on what areas of the flight deck you will use most often.

6. Engineering: Your first experience with the aircraft's systems. From here, you learn how to start up the aircraft's engines for the first time through interaction with the electrical, APU, hydraulic, and fuel controls.

7. Up Front: Your engines will be started at this point, so we'll explore what it takes to set up the avionics on the main and overhead panels of the aircraft.

8. Yet More Preparation: A discussion on what to expect during your first phases of flight from taxi to climb-out.

9. And...Action: The startup concludes as we taxi out and prepare for our first takeoff roll and short trip in the Tu-154. A refresher on key areas of concern and preparation for a short trip to a neighboring airport.

10. Climbing: Take-off and climb to altitude for a short trip to a neighboring field. Here, you'll discover how the aircraft feels in flight, practice using the autopilot, and set up your flight instruments to track an NDB and VOR signal.

11. Cruise: Mostly a discussion on little quirks to consider while flying, including realigning the navigation system, more experimentation with the autopilot, and what to expect upon landing.

12. Landing: Your first (hopefully successful) landing in the Tu-154B-2. We'll talk about engine parameters, what to expect from the view outside, and landing technique as you skim the surface of the runway.

13. Arrival: Landing and post landing review, how to clean the aircraft up to taxi to the gate/ramp.

14. Debrief: Concluding your flight - A review of key aspects to consider while handling the aircraft, a discussion on what should be practiced and focused on, and an overall summary of the above.


I'm still narrowing down further details, but please let me know if you think you'll attend. Assuming that we get a couple of people who are interested, I'll post further details approx 4-5 days ahead of the event on what to do to prepare for the course. You'll be expected to have the aircraft downloaded and installed in FSX by that time, along with a couple of freeware airports (yet to be determined precisely, but I have a couple of ideas) that will be flown between on your first route.

Requirements:
FSX:Acceleration
Teamspeak for voice communication
Project Tupolev Tu-154B-2 version 1.2.1 for FSX (freeware)
Freeware Scenery (TBD)
Joystick controls capable of throttle, rudder, elevator, aileron, and elevator trim input. Also strongly suggest controls with a "coolie hat" switch for panning in the VC. I personally use a Saitek Pro-Flight system which consists of yoke, throttles (three levers) and rudder pedals.
Ability to listen to and comprehend English (American English for what it's worth).
Basic familiarity with standard principles of flight and navigation, to include tracking NDBs and VORs.


NOT required:
Ability to understand Russian in any capacity (though it's obviously helpful, but I don't know any).
Money


DISCLAIMER:

This semi-formal lesson is not intended to replicate or replace any simulated or real-world training scenarios and is not a substitute for any other aviation-related educational courses and materials. This course serves as an unofficial supplement to existing support provided by Project Tupolev, and is not endorsed by them or any other entity. This is a free lesson done in the spirit of enjoying this aviation-related hobby.
While I believe I know enough about the Tu-154 to help English-speaking simulation users get started with it, I do not consider myself to be an "expert" with this or any other flight simulator addon or aspect of aviation. I'm simply passing on what I know so far as an enthusiast.

This course and associated narrative in any medium before, during, and after the event is not an endorsement of nor is produced to provide commentary associated with the Russian government, its people, culture, or any other aspects related to politics, government, culture, and/or society globally. This course is simply designed to focus on a unique flight simulator addon, not the politics of Russia or any other country, nation, region, society, entity, or individual. As such, the discussion of politics, governments, or other issues that are not associated with flight simulation is not condoned in correspondence related to this event. The lesson organizer (SeanTK) does not and will not provide their thoughts (opinion/stance, etc) on those aspects outlined previously, which fall outside of the usage of this aircraft addon for Flight Simulator X in correspondence related to this lesson.

The lesson organizer (SeanTK) is under no obligation to hold this lesson, and reserves the right to cancel the lesson at any time before or during the event for any reason, and is under no obligation to provide replacement and/or additional lessons.



Attendees:

If you believe that you can attend this event, please let me know in a response to this forum post. If there are no committed participants signed-up prior to the Thursday immediately before the event (May 1st), the event will be cancelled. Also, please see the note about potential cancellations and lack of obligation above in the disclaimer (and please read the disclaimer fully).
Attendees can expect to receive further information related to what server to connect to, and any other details that may be applicable within 4-5 days prior to the event. Those details will be posted in this thread.

Any/all cancellation and/or other event status notices will be posted in this thread.


Thanks,

SeanTK

[tomkilpatrick]

Great job! I might find myself hopping along. Big ups for going out of your way to help

[Splitpin]

Спасибо! Seanski

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (Splitpin @ Apr 18 2014,8:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Спасибо! Seanski

Wanaka 1998 , Vodka at 0700 and three off them drinking it before pouring the last couple of oz's into the Mig15s tanks ... well almost.

[SeanTK]

Just a quick note to say that in the weeks following this event, I'll also provide a class on the Tu-144D for FSX, as well as a shorter class on the MiG-21MF for FSX. Further details on those will be posted next month.

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (SeanTK @ Apr 19 2014,6:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just a quick note to say that in the weeks following this event, I'll also provide a class on the Tu-144D for FSX, as well as a shorter class on the MiG-21MF for FSX. Further details on those will be posted next month.

And for the ones who may need a lesson , watch the documentary and historical what to do when things break down.

[deeknow]

Sounds wicked Sean, sadly I cannae make it on the 3rd as running a half marathon in Rotorua. I know, priorities right
Wonder if there'd be any way to record the audio from the Teamspeak chat during the session, would make an excellent resource for those of us who can't make it

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (deeknow @ Apr 19 2014,8:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wonder if there'd be any way to record the audio from the Teamspeak chat during the session, would make an excellent resource for those of us who can't make it

It can record , this is one area I have not played with, on the norm every conversation direct and private, maybe a home video recording would be the best ?

[SeanTK]

Is anyone planning on attending this?

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (SeanTK @ May 2 2014,11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is anyone planning on attending this?

Geez I get the MP running, I think I'm going to be a little busy, Rick wants to try out his upgraded hang glider, it a weather thing and see how we go.

[SeanTK]

Looking at my schedule for the weekend, I'm actually going to postpone this one.

The May 17th lesson on the Tu-144 will still be on, and I'll follow that with Lesson 1 on the 154 late in the month.

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (SeanTK @ May 2 2014,12:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The May 17th lesson on the Tu-144 will still be on.

Ill be in for that one for sure, couple week to plan time to suit