Osaka airports

Osaka Japan, the second biggest city in Japan and the hub city for the Kansai region. There are two airports just like Tokyo (Haneda and Narita).

Two airports

Osaka International Airport (ICAO: RIOO, IATA: ITM) Itami airport situated just 13km north west of the city center.

Kansai International Airport (ICAO: RJBB, IATA:KIX) situated in an artificial island 34km south west of the center and runways open 24 hours.

 

 

Mainly because of the old Itami Osaka International Airport location so close to the urban area and noise problem, on the other hand Itami is more competitive for business customers from Tokyo (competition with JR Bullet train service - Shinkansen), Itami is still so popular for the most of domestic flights and new Kansai International Airport is not as successful as first thought.

For the best solution, however, the worst for the domestic Tokyo (Haneda) - Osaka (Itami), the usage of Kansai International Airport for both International and Cargo flights will be the key for the future of Osaka area. To give the new airport any chance, it is far too important to bring domestic connecting flights from Osaka Int'l airport to Kansai Int'l airport.

Jeju Air and Jin Air - Korean LOCs

Partly (25%) owned by Jeju Provincial Government - Jeju island Korea, this new LOC (Low Cost Carrier) is very interesting business model in the Far-East aviation industry. Jeju island has been developed mainly its tourism industry and today more tourists prefer to fly economic, in other words, the cheaper option attracts more tourists in general. Jeju air owns mainly small airliners such as Bombardier Dash 8 (de Havilland Canada) turboprop airliners and Boeing B737-800.

As high speed railways network is expected to be installed between major cities throughout Asia soon or later, aviation industry is in need of maintaining customers. Jeju Air is one example and another is Jin Air.

Jin Air is a subsidiary owned by Korean Air. Why the Korean national flag - Korean Air entered into the LOC is because there are three main reasons (in my opinion)

1: KTX (Korea Train Express) - TGV (France) bullet train which was expected to steal customers.

2: New airlines were expected to be LOCs such as Jeju Air (as mentioned before) and Hansung Airlines based in Chungcheong.

3: Any huge national flag aviation giants are in need of connecting passengers for their main long haul routes which generally LOCs cannot deal as it is rare for LOCs to have bigger airliners. Under the massive competition from LOCs, even bigger airlines are in need of adjusting to low fare.

This whole of the battles in the Korean market will be soon brought to other Asian nations. Japan or China should deregulate the market more flexibly, otherwise neither customers nor the airlines will not be able to get the benefit as long as the entire airlines and the authority are afraid of possible changes (even the results of the deregulation will be positive to all).

PS: ANA (All Nippon Airways) plans to install own LOC.

FSX on new 13-inch Aluminum Macbook

New Macbook has been released. Unlike previous white Macbook, new Macbook looks similar to Macbook Air, aluminum body. The price from 1.299USD (2.0GHz) and 1.599USD (2.4GHz) Intel Core 2 Duo CPU with 2GB memory and Geforce 9400 M.

More expensive than previous white Macbook not much difference in terms of CPU but the GPU is what makes new version expensive. Nvidia Geforce 9400M G is what makes Macbook (not only Macbook Pro) a huge graffic advantage as well as the capability of HD video.

IF anybody willing to play FSX on this Macbook, from what I can understand all specs about this new Macbook, I would strongly suggest upgrading memory to 4GB for 150USD extra as FSX is very much graffic demanding soft.

Already cnet has previewed how Apple Macbook (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M) performs and the result is promising, although I doubt very much without upgrading to 4GM memory and installing Windows XP just for playing FSX with integrated mobile graffic card might not be reasonable but the only about capability is enough for basic fsx playing.

New Macbook Pro has 2 GPUs (Geforce 9400M and 9600GT) without any doubt, its a fsx playable machine.

FSX flying online

FSX - Flight Simulator X, users can fly online together with pilots around the world directly connecting to one of many servers via multi-players module already equipped in the game.

OR VATSIM (Visual Air Traffic Flight Simulation Network)

There are something users should follow just not to annoy other players and fly just like in the real world with navigation as all airplanes should follow the ATC navigation flying on route. SID (Standard Instrument Departure) or STAR and Aeronautical Charts.

Some useful sites

Route Finger (free)

What all you need is to type the departure and the destination airport codes and the result page tells you the route for any flight which you can use the WP (Way Point) for setting up the FMC (Flight Management Computer) - note: this site provides WP NOT for real flight (limited to online flight only). If you seek for real aviation world, read the chapter "AeroPlanner"

squawkbox (free)

Communication program for online pilots which is designed for online chat tool - very important for communicating with the ATC.

AeroPlanner (recommended payment service)

Online Flight Planning site which can be used free for EAA members. This site is basically for professional pilots, but also for some advanced FSX pilots.

The following video is the perfect tutorial of SID and STAR

Boeing B747-800 Intercontinental

Boeing B747-800 is the extended version of B747-400 with longer body with the passenger capacity between B777 and A380, Lufthansa has already ordered B747-800 just to take cover different demands, but for now B747-800 will be more often used for freighter (B747-8F) as the delay and cancellation of A380 caused this.

B747-800 will be the longest commercial airliner (240 ft or 76.4m) than the current longest A340. Unlike A340, B747-800 will be not only the longest airliner but more fuel efficient airliner than B747-400.

Although Boeing Yellowstone project Y3 new generation high capacity long range airliner is unknown. The demand for long range airliner will be questioned as the world economy struggles. It is the only question of the replacement of the current B747-400 is about to retire soon, so maybe the announcement of Y3 new airliner will be too late. Also the biggest problem will be more likely the choice of jet engine GEnx (the same as B787) will be the only engine supplier for 10 years, this will leave British Airways or Qantas the current No.1 B747-400 user impossible without Rolls-Royce Trent engines.

My personal verdict: B747-800 will be VERY popular but only limited to the best freighter choice. Would like rather choosing A380 for the high passenger capacity or B787 and B777 for the medium capacity, not sure any reason to go for B747-800 as the world airlines fear the greatest difficulty for even more tough competitions.

B747-800

How to make FSX video for Youtube

Many FSX fans make many fsx videos just like myself, I would like to suggest for anybody interested in making fsx video.

What do you need?

1: Flight Simulator X (game soft). It is a MUST requirement.

2: Video capture software: FSX itself has photo capture feature integrated, but for making video, video capture soft is required.

GameCam (payware or freeware), payware covers sound, but if you plan to make a video without original sound but with other music file, freeware version is just perfect. From my personal experience, GameCam running on Windows Vista with DX10 not working properly (should be fixed), otherwise it is just too good.

Fraps is DX / OPEN GL "screen" capture soft. It can capture practically anything running on the PC screen. It is also free but I have no idea how to capture sound.

3: Windows Movie Maker: video editor, adding information and music. It is inevitable for the edit purpose alone.

For Windows XP: Windows Movie Maker 2.1 Download site

For Windows Vista: Windows Movie Maker 2.6 for Vista

The difference between XP and Vista version is HD support which is very little to do with game capture.

ADVICE:

When you make any video for YouTube in particular, the best quality of Video can be watched on YouTube site is 3.0mb/s DVD quality. YouTube prefers 4:3 video.

There are many Tutorial videos on Video Capture software or Windows Movie Maker on YouTube.

LOC (Low Cost Carrier)

LOC (Low Cost Carrier) or budget airline has been the key success in the free aviation market. Airlines which fly as low cost as they can manage, in order to make profits. Today even big International airlines try to have own LOC, some reasons should be addressed.

1: short haul flight, city hopper,  are not necessary to pay expensive ticket specially tourists. No need for meal nor drink as Catering service costs airlines.

2: long haul, tourist routes which are not necessary in need of business class. Because long haul flights depend on business passengers in most of cases, this is the reason, even long haul flights might also be operated by LOC.

3: ticketing and ground workers: ticketing is normally via web, as passengers can buy tickets at home, this reduces the system cost and ground staff work force.

"generally" LOCs use smaller planes and not many different types of airliners for the maintenance and pilot cost. Airbus A320, A330, Boeing B737 and also Embraer E-jets. Bombardier CRJ. More smaller airliners will be the main force for the LOCs to make more profits mainly because smaller airliner with high average passengers per flight.

Airbus A350 XWB

Airbus A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body) is still under development and will be due to appear in the market after 2013. For the fear of Boeing 787 which has received many orders so far, Airbus's answer is A350 XWB.

Still under development, so we will not see the final model for this project, but it does seem like Airbus A350 will have 3 models.

A350-800, 900 and 1000, all of them are long range (15,000km), wide body, 2 engines just like B787, B777 and A330 and the new version will use carbon fibre for reducing the body weight, still capable of carrying passengers over 300 to 400 seats. For me this new airliner will be more for the same category as B777 as long as the passengers capacity is bigger than B787, so also possible to replace B747-400 and surely will end A340.

Tiger Airways

Tiger Airways is probably the most suited for short-medium range LOC (Low Cost Carrier) which was created by Singapore Airlines based in Singapore Changi Airport just like the mother company.

Most of national flag airlines today face the competition specially in Western nations, however Asia is still not completely open market for aviation. Tiger Airways management is similar to European budget airlines which have been successful in Europe.

Currently all of Tiger Airways fleet which is dominated by Airbus A320-200, if they will ever expand medium range (like destinations to Japan) then will be more likely use A330, both are cheap for operating and the fly-by-wire system makes easier for pilots.

How does this Low cost carrier work, despite the mother company Singapore Airlines also flight to similar destinations? For instance, Tiger Airways fly to Melbourne, not to Sydney. This is the way not to fly the same destinations but Singapore - Melbourne was previously dominated by Qantas. So that the creation of any LOC under bigger airlines works. There are many airports in Japan, but only just a few big ones currently used, even the capacity is not that huge. Smaller regional airports will invite LOCs such as Tiger Airways.

Boeing B777

Boeing 777 is a long haul airliner with 2 engines entered into the market for the replacement of old DC10 in 1995, as MD10, A330 or A340 were about to challenge the Boeing dominance.

Passenger capacity between 300 seats (777-200) to around 400 plus (777-300) with the range between 10,000km and 15.000km, huge 2 hyper turbo fan engines, B777 is also the replacement for B747-400.

The only set back is its price, A330 can carry about 280-330 passengers for the price around 140-150M USD, B777 costs 180M (B777-200) to 250M (777-300ER), this is the reason whenever you fly on A330, it is more likely budget airliner (although the comfort of A330 is as good as B777), of course B777 range is much longer and the cruising speed is faster (A330 mach 0.83 and B777 mach0.85).

Despite some delay, Boeing will soon start selling B787 which will challenge A330 current dominance in the low cost airliners. B777 will probably maintain an alternative choice between B787 and B747-800.

For FSX: there are plenty of payware add-ons or you can get B777-220, -300 for free from POSKY.

B777 construction

Airbus A340

Airbus A340 is a 4-engines long range airliner based on Airbus A330, the main difference is the numbers of engines A330 (2 engines) and A340 (4 engines) and the body is longer and the bigger wings with the passenger capacity of around 260 seats (A340-200), 300 seats (A340-300) and over 320 - 380 seats (A340-500 and -600) - all based on 3 classes.

This airliner's biggest asset is the range from 7,500nm (close to 14,000km) to 9,000nm (over 16,000km). However, there are two major set backs regarding to A340 series. First, it is slow (cruising speed at 0.82-83 mach - other airliners around A340 can fly 0.85 mach). Another negative aspect is the kill off, fuel consumption is too bad.

A340 series are close to Boeing B777, both introduced in 1993, sales result is quite obvious that Boeing has sold more B777 than Airbus has sold A340. (however Airbus A330 series have been more success). A340-600 is currently the longest commercial airliner, until Boeing B747-800 will be launched.

Boeing B787 will be soon sold, Airbus A350 will be finally introduced and that will end the A340 short life.

For FSX

CLS (Commercial Level Simulations) sells A340-500, A340-600 payware add-ons CLS home page.

Free add-ons A340-200, -300 provided by POSKY

A340-600

Airbus A330

Airbus A330 is the first 2 engine, medium to long range airliner built for replacement of B767, DC10, MD11 in 1994. Equipped with Fly-by-wire, Airbus airliners are easy to fly. 4 engines version of A330 series is A340 with extended range and mainly used for long haul flights.

Range between 10,000km to 12,500km with the passenger capacity from 250 seats (A330-200) to 330 seats (A330-300), ideal for medium range low cost budget airlines as the price listed A330-200 for around 180M USD, A330-300 for 200m USD.

This well built and well sold airliner A330's current rival is B777 which is slightly bigger in terms of passenger capacity. Boeing replacement for B767, B787 dreamliner which will bring more operation profits per flight (as 30% energy efficient B787) than A330.

Airbus initially planned to extend A330 family with improved engine, however new design is also needed for the newer generation. A350 series are currently under development. We will see A330 series mainly in budget low cost airliners.

For FSX

Airbus Series vol.2 (Wilco payware)

POSKY (freeware)

Bombardier CRJ - Canadian Regional Jet

CRJ (Canadian Regional Jet) was first introduced in early '90 with CRJ100 and 200, since then Bombardier has been leading the regional jet market with Embraer.

CRJ700, 900 and 1000 series are the right small sides, passenger capacity between 70 and 100 with the range around 3,000km, just a few years before the introduction of Embraer E-jets. Bombardier claims their latest CRJ1000 is more profitable than E-jets, although the CRJ series not as new as E-jets. Bombardier CSeries are much bigger and probably in the same market with Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.

We will have to wait and see how Bombardier NextGen CRJ 700, 900 and 1000 will do against the Embraer E-Jets and of course, MRJ - Mitsubishi Regional Jet is reported to challenge the big 2 regional jets companies in US/Canada market.

For FSX: FSX CRJ700 autoland tutorial

POSKY the best FSX freeware add-ons

Project Open Sky (or POSKY) is the most well known and the best freeware add-ons for FSX airplanes. There are decent payware around but POSKY is free to use, free to enjoy more than default FSX airplanes.

POSKY download

Airbus A330-200, 300

Airbus A340-200,300

Boeing 737-600,700,800,900,BBJ

Boeing 747SP, -100,200,300,400

Boeing 757-200,300

Boeing 767-200.300,400

Boeing 777-200,300

Bombardier CRJ-200,700,900

Embraer ERJ-135,140,145, Legacy 600

 

Personally I like B777., I will start playing and making some videos with POSKY.

Airbus A320 Fly by Wire

Narrow body short - medium range and the 2nd most sold airplanes all the time, the main competitor of Boeing 737, Airbus A320 series are modern high tech airliner and commonly used for European airliners. Just like Boeing B737-800, A320 (or longer body A321) now considered as the 1st generation of modern airliners, as Bombardier C Series are ready to challenge in the same category (100-200 seats with the range of around 3,000nmi or 5,500km A318, A319, A320 and A321).

Unlike B737 series, Airbus introduced Fly-by-wire, a total automatic airplane controlling system. Unfortunately not all pilots could have understood the system properly in case of accidents (or just human mistakes should be blamed, not the system itself).

Just like Boeing Yellow Project, Airbus will be soon in need of developing new generation of airliner similar sides to A320 family with more energy efficient engine, design and better comfort.

For FSX: FSX default A321 autopilot guide

FSX default A321 ILS autoland complete autopilot guide

Flight Simulator X has several aircrafts and one of them is Airbus A321. In this tutorial, how to manage autopilot and ILS autoland for beginners.

First of all, understanding the cockpit for the default FSX A321.

AP: Autopilot button - press the button for activation

APP: approach button - press this when the aircraft reaches within ILS signal (green line on the GPS)

ALT: altitude - press the button in order to set the altitude according to the flight plan

ATHR: Auto throttle button - after activation, press the button below SPD to adjust the speed

CRS: Course setting - very important for the ILS autoland

FD: Flight Director - the switch to activate all other features

ILS: ILS button - press this to activate ILS autoland

LOC: Localizer. In this default A321, press LOC to use one of two navigation systems

NAV/GSP: NAV is for ILS approach (autoland), GSP is for flight planner

Before flying, you can set the flight plan (like the route you would like to fly - this is the route exactly the aircraft flies when you press the GPS button). Try to modify the flight plan to line up to the runway you would like to autoland - straight in.

1. try to know the information about the runway you would like to ILS autoland - knowing this, the runway should be equipped ANY KIND of ILS facilities (yes default FSX aircrafts with ILS module can manage autoland EVERYWHERE as long as the runway supports ILS). Copy the "ILS frequency" and "Course".

2. Play FSX and SHIFT key + 2 is the radio. Set up both NAV1 and NAV2 the same as the ILS frequency of the runway.

3. Set CRS - course

4. Fly to the destination with GPS navigation (in order to do so, you need to set up the number 1 mentioned before and GPS navigation mode on the cockpit. Aircraft autopilots, but please remember, you need to descend the aircraft by yourself (or ATC tells you the right altitude).

5. When the aircraft approaches within the ILS green signal on the GPS screen (Shift key + 3), make sure the aircraft is flying in the right altitude - VERY IMPORTANT - you need to fly about 2600-2800ft above the runway, otherwise the aircraft NEVER CATCHES the ILS signal.

Lufthansa SAS merge? It seems like Yes

Lufthansa of Germany has started new merge discussion with Scandinavian Airlines mainly because SAS has been performing badly. If that will happen (very likely more than just code share agreement), Lufthansa will have very strong connections to Scandinavian nations (SAS based in Copenhagen Denmark, Oslo Norway and Stockholm Sweden.

Now it is very difficult for middle sides airlines to maintain profitability. What "national flags" can do is to build the strongest possible network. Between hub airports to smaller airports with regional jets (around 100 seats) more frequently and between the hub airport to other region/continent profitable destinations or tourism/business demand routes. Unfortunately, from smaller airports passengers can always fly to much bigger hub airports such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London or Paris and then fly to NYC than transit doing the transit in Copenhagen.

European airlines will be 3 giants: Air France/KLM, British Airways and Lufthansa/SAS. Code share flights between airlines no longer work fine and the industry itself should try to reduce the cost to win strong competitions from budget airlines.

Emirates the most ambitious airliner

Emirates based in Dubai International Airport, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a completely new but expanding massively in the International aviation industry. Today, Dubai seeks for both tourism and business center in the middle east.

One of the massive operation should be the purchases of nearly 60 A380 each of airplane costs USD 300 million. There should be too many regional destinations to maintain the huge capacity of superjumbo.

Emirates operate flights from Dubai to Kansai International airport (Osaka) and Chubu Int'l airport (Nagoya) but not to Tokyo. Any airliners such as Emirates "might" be interested in low budget domestic connecting flights from those 2 less congested airports in Japan.

Emirates Airline

Airbus A380

Airbus A380-800 is today's biggest passenger aircraft which can curry passengers around 550 and max 850 (more likely between 550-600). 300million USD double decker airplane challenges B747 - already quite old even -400 series. Despite expensive unit cost, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qantas (as well as European airliners) have ordered this superjumbo.

Flight range is over 800nm (15.000km), so this A380 should be used in most of major airlines with stable network between hub airports mainly - like Singapore airlines, Emirates or Qantas which have several domestic or strong regional network, between Europe and Middle-east or Asia, A380 needs as many connecting passengers from rural airports to the hub airport.

There should be some negatives about A380 that if any case of lower demand for the airlines occur just like bad economy, even A380 can carry many passengers per fuel consumption, using A380 will make airlines hard to get passengers and cannot cancel connecting Air-network than, for instance, B787. Longer runway and special terminal gates should also be installed. B747-8F will make A380 less chance of successful in the freighter market, but B747-800 commercial airliner will be hard to beat A380. We also have to wait and see how much the price of B747-800 will be like.

FSX A380 downloads (payware)

AFS-design Airbus A380 -v2

Wilco Publising Airbus A380v2

A380-800 construction

Frequent Flyer Program (FFP)

The cost of traveling by air has been reduced dramatically mainly due to authorities around the world have been removing regulations, encouraging airliners to win the competition. Low budget airliners have been gaining the market share specially tourism destinations. Big airliners now form mainly 3 code share syndicates, trying to encourage passengers to use the same group of airliners or airlines network worldwide.

Frequent Flyer Program (FFP) provides what low budget airlines cannot afford, high quality customer service, giving mileage points not only by flying but as well as using certain hotel chains or rent-a-car services. Even the points can be gathered on the ground or by purchasing with credit card.

SkyTeam, Aeroflot, AeroMexico, Air France KLM, Alitalia, China Southern, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta, Korean Air, North West Airlines

Star Alliance, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana airlines, Austrian, bmi, Egypt Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airlines, Spanair, Swiss International airlines, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish airlines,  United airlines, US Airways

oneworld, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair,  Iberia, JAL Japan Airlines, LAN, MALEV Hungarian Airlines,  Qantas, Royal Jordarian

Three biggest syndicates of the world (not all major airlines) participate 3 biggest frequent flyer programs. Code share flight is mainly due to less competition and maintain the profitability. Improved customer service such as late reservation or luggage allowance according to the member status.

Flying with major airlines with frequent flyer program gives passengers the perfect motivation to fly more.

Folding@home

As the most of Flight Simulator fans have very powerful GPU or even game console such as PS3, I would like to promote Folding@home probably many people already knew about this Stanford University research program which does try to discover how protein works to related diseases.

Poll Number 1 - regional jet

"Which regional jet (small airplane) will be successful in near the future?" 14 voters

Embraer E-jets - 11votes

MRJ - Mitsubishi Regional Jet - 5 votes

Bombardier CSeries - 4 votes

Sukhoi Superjet - 3 votes

ARJ21 - 2 votes

Thank you for all participated to the poll. We will see how all new generation regional jets will manage successful (or not as successful as others) in near the future. (poll taken on this site between August 27 and September 3 2008)

FSX Add-ons and useful online flight sites

FSX, FS2004 Aircraft, Textures, Scenery Add-ons

fsdownload (freeware)

http://www.fsdownload.com/

Project Open Sky or POSKY (freeware - highly recommended)

http://www.projectopensky.com/

Simviation (free and payware)

http://simviation.com/menu.html

Wilco Publishing (payware aircraft)

http://www.wilcopub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home

PMDG (payware aircraft)

http://www.precisionmanuals.com/index_css.html

Online flight useful sites (reality flight)

VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network)

http://www.vatsim.net/

Flight Aware (online flight tracking)

http://flightaware.com/

Aero Planner (flight planner, professional use - pay service)

http://www.aeroplanner.com/

I will update this list with more details

Boeing B787 dreamliner

Boeing B787 is the replacement for B767, made with high tech, specially good fuel efficiency and it is known as Y2 - Boeing Yellowstone project. With the passenger capacities between 220 seats to 300 seats and flight range between 15.700km (787-8) and 16.300km (787-9), B787 will be suitable for long range international flights (or high demand domestic flights) will strongly challenge in the same market with B777, Airbus A330, A340, long range high passenger capacity just below the B747-400, B747-800 or Airbus A380.

Boeing 787 uses carbon fibre and high tech cockpit and all passenger windows are equipped with LED blinders. B787 dreamliner official product information, and the all new look cockpit which is developed from B777, will be much closer to military fighter rather than commercial airliner.

Airbus has announced to build Airbus A350 series basically re-developed version of A330 series, but Boeing B 787 is completely new airplane with higher fuel efficiency about 20% by both new engine and new aerodynamic wings and body.

The price is between 150M (787-8) to 180M (787-9), too good to beat the A330, A340 and also seriously challenge the fellow Boeing B777, because of that.

Boeing Yellowstone Project

Boeing is ready to build new generation of commercial jets, known as Y1, Y2, Y3 (Y stands for Yellowstone Project) which is more energy efficient, high tech airplanes.

Y1: is the replacement for the best seller B737 series (short of medium range around 100-200 seats airplanes), and there have been some rumors about MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet) will be involved with the development. It is true that MRJ will use B787 (Y2) high tech cockpit panels.

Y2: is the replacement for B767 or B777 medium range, long haul commercial airplanes and already called B787 dreamliner. As all other Yellowstone Project passenger airplanes, B787 will be more cost efficient replacement of the major long haul flights.

Y3: is the A380 or B747 replacement with a huge passenger capacity and long haul airplanes. Carrying many passengers in any high demand long haul flights. Y3 will be more like double deck B747, but we do not about it yet.

Boeing B737

Boeing 737 is without any doubt one of the most important commercial airliners in the entire aviation history (along with B747). For short - medium range or lower passenger destinations (still very popular for city hoppers - business and tourism passengers). Since the first B737 -100 (DC9 time), mainly due to the increase of market demand, the latest 737-900ER which carries more than 200 passengers, but still B737-800 (around 180 passenger capacity and the range around 3000nm) is the most popular choice from the world airlines after 4 decades!!

Similar airplanes: MD90, A320

Smaller but still capable of replacement: Embraer E-Jets , Bombardier CSeries

Currently planned new generation model: Boeing Y1

FSX B737-800 Amsterdam - Paris

Kunpeng Airlines - challenge for Chinese budget airlines

Kunpeng Airlines is based in Xian (China) owned by Shenzhen Airlines and Mesa Air Group (charter airlines). What really interesting about this low budget domestic airlines.

100 ARJ21 airplanes ordered by Kunpeng Airlines alone, this tells exactly how the airlines will start massive domestic airlines in China. Embraer E-Jets also sold in Chinese market. There have been more demands for smaller airplanes mainly due to less air travelers, however, as the railways network is still not complete, airlines should have great success due to the increase of business demand. Jet fuel price in China is under control, this leaves Mitsubishi Regional Jet less successful as the price for the plane is far too expensive for more comfort and fuel efficiency which cannot be better than cheaper airplanes for the same seat capacity.

More frequent air travelers will make business easier and economical without less need for using private business planes and more domestic needs of local airlines will leave more people can easily travel overseas. The competition for Chinese domestic airlines and aviation business.

FSX default B737-800 ILS autoland tutorial

Flight Simulator X, some default planes have ILS receiver and CRS, APP buttons, Bombardier Learjet 45, CRJ700, B737-800, A321 and B747 for instance can manage autoland. Not exactly how in reality ILS approach should work, but it is possible for those default airplanes to manage landing automatically as long as any runways supporting ILS signal.

How to set things up? exactly the same procedures I noted about FSX ILS Autoland Tutorial CRJ 700

1: set the right flight plan before taking off, set the final approach straight into the runway. Note the ILS signal (and set the right frequency by Shift + 2) and the CRS (course - written under the ILS frequency on the map).

2: Just like all other planes, default FSX planes do not show the localizer. How do you know when the plane is ready for the final approach? by checking on the GPS screen. (shift + 3).

3: this is how many people cannot manage the plane landing automatically: flying over the runway. This is because plane was far too high when the final approach is about to taking place. Set the WP right on the edge of ILS signal (on the GPS screen, should be written green lines). Check the altitude on the flight plan, try to flight "BELOW". When the plane is ready for the final approach, switch off the ALT HOLD, switch from GPS to NAV. Try not to forget to switch off the auto throttle. Turn off the autopilot (default Z key).

FSX default B737-800 ILS autoland tutorial

Alitalia arrivederci!!

The world 19th biggest airline with series of both financial and structure problems the company has provided, despite almost 10 years since the beginning of privatization the company has never managed to get it on track. Finally, Alitalia declared bankrupt. "false privatization" as 49% shares held by the Italian government, 49% by workers and the rest 2% held by KLM-Air France, seriously not as privatized as other airlines.

I remember, it was year 2000, when Alitalia was in talk with a possible merger with KLM (Royal Dutch airlines). Alitalia ground staff worker's union and politics refused the plan to go ahead. In recent years, Alitalia could not borrow enough money to buy new airplanes to replace old ones (from my knowledge, Alitalia has too many old type MD-82 and only new ones are A321).

There are many reasons for this sad result, but I doubt only budget airlines should be blamed. The day for mismanagement finally has to pay the prize.

COP14 will take on the aviation emission

COP14 is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change known as the Kyoto protocol.  In this year meeting in Poznan, Poland, emission from aviation industries will be discussed. There are two solutions for reducing the aviation emission.

First is to create bigger airplanes such as Airbus 380, however not all airlines can afford it or no demand for it.

Second option is to improve the ratio of Embarkation. More than 60% is normally believed to be profitable (depending on routes and airlines), by using smaller airplane such as Regional Jet certainly will improve the operating cost and profitability. For instance, airlines currently using Boeing 737 or Airbus 320 series, it can also be replaced by smaller airplanes.

In any cases, it will be soon the world most successful airplane Boeing 737 will be about to be replaced, more marketing chance will be ahead.

ARJ21 by AVIC - Aviation Industries of China

ARJ21 is a regional jet will be soon sold to Chinese airliners. Passenger Capacity is around 80, flight range is between 2.200km and 3.700km made for regional flights.

Embraer E-Jets already sold to Chinese airliners, how ARJ21 will be successful? The answer is the price. Without considering Embraer 3 decades of successful leading regional jet market both reliability and maintenance service, ARJ21's price is listed about 20% lower than the same sides of Embraer E-Jets or Sukhoi Superjet. Chinese market is expected quicker growth despite recent concern. Domestic flights will be the next stage for business and transportation demand from the Chinese market. Besides, aviation market is often influenced by politics. There are quite some pro-China nations around the world, mainly providing them resources, those nations are either poor or managing difficult relations with western nations, otherwise I do not believe this ARJ21 will be easily seen in western nations even the price is cheap.

Embraer E Jets

Embraer E-Jets direct rival of Bombardier CSeries and CRJ. Passenger capacity between 75 ERJ170-100 and 120 ERJ190-200 slightly smaller than Boeing B737 or Airbus A320 but about the same capacity as Bombardier CRJ. Embraer has been sharing the regional jet market with Bombardier. Bombardier CSeries offer bigger passenger capacity model, but Embraer E-Jets have been sold worldwide (very important aspect for aviation makers).

Mitsubishi Regional Jet and Sukhoi Superjet seem like those newer planes made to compete with Embraer E-Jets. MRJ is more for fuel efficiency, Sukhoi Superjet is more for the price. Embraer E-Jets offer somewhere between targeted by new comers.

In any case, Embraer E-Jets are well sold, very popular commercial airplanes today. How Bombardier's CSeries will manage which is very interesting.

Embraer 175

PMDG 747-400X on Windows Vista

PMDG is one of the best add-on payware companies for FSX or FS9. PMDG 747-400X is a product for FSX add-on. Basically as I use Windows Vista 32bit and DX10. When I first tried this product, with the same modification not only the product did not work well, together with DX10 and GameCam V2.1, FSX was shut down.

For my FSX PC, it was impossible to run DX10 and PMDG payware. I am not sure what exactly went wrong but mainly due to Windows Vista OS, PMDG 747-400X program, GameCam or DX10... I shut down DX10 and lower the graffic modification a bit, then the PMDG program worked fine.

I strongly recommend for Windows Vista users to lower the FSX configurations as much as it should be for running the PMDG 747-400X, otherwise the FSX is NOT working.

Now its time to know how to fly this very nice PMDG 747-400 on FSX.

FSX PMDG long haul flight from Amsterdam to Tokyo Narita

Airliners.net

Airliners.net is the most well-known commercial airplane photos and news site mainly too many photos.  I am not plane spotter (more tech, commercial airplane savvy) but the site is really full of airline maniacs and the news posted there is very quick.

FSX ILS Autoland Tutorial CRJ700

There have been quite many questions "How to autoland CRJ?". There are some YouTube videos about ILS autoland, however nothing about CRJ or A321 (both default airplanes).

For managing perfect ILS autoland you need the following:

1. Land on any airport which actually supports ILS landing (autoland, in case bad weather) - very important as the most of airports which do not have the ILS facility. This can be checked on the flight plan.

2. Set the right flight plan before flying!! Even without any proper flight plan, ILS autoland can be managed via ATC (air traffic control), but then you need to change the ILS frequency as often as the ATC tells you which runway to land, often it can be visual land. Any runway with ILS facility is available, you can find the green line.

3. Master GPS autopilot!! There are two modes, GPS and NAV (mainly ILS based autopilot). When the switch is on GPS, the plane flies exactly as the flight plan. When NAV mode is on, plane is practically manual, unless the plane catches ILS signal (ONLY INSIDE the GREEN ILS line on the flight plan).

4. Flight navigation log tells exactly which ALT the plane should be, in order to receives the ILS signal. Fly the plan right until the plane hits the green ILS line on the GPS screen AND ALT also should be the right ALT (otherwise the plane might fly over) - normally 2.800 ft above the runway, ILS signal can be caught. Be ready to set the right ALT.

5. When ILS signal is caught (can be seen on the GPS screen), APP (Approach) switch should be ON (except default B747 - APP should NOT be switched on).

As long as you set up the right ILS frequency (Shift 2) and CRS (should be somewhere - B747 is on the PDF screen), following the GPS autopilot mode on the right flight plan and the right ATL for the landing, its hard to miss the ILS autoland.

Any question is welcome, please ask me here or on my YouTube channel.

Also

Default A321 ILS autoland complete autopilot guide

Tutorial CRJ 700 ILS Autoland

Sukhoi Superjet 100

Russian Aviation giant Sukhoi has launched new regional jet to the market Sukhoi Superjet 100 Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) is between 53 seats RRJ-60 (two class configuration) and 98 seats RRJ-100 (one configuration) with the range around 1600-2400NM enough for both regional and short range flight.

The biggest asset is its price. The catalogue price of $27.8 Million, around 20% cheaper than relative regional jets such as Embraer E-jets series or CRJ (I believe Bombardier C-Series no longer regional jet). The only problem (or rather problems) should be the maintenance network, operating difficulty (as new airplane) and very much to do with politics regarding to Russia especially in Europe. In any case, we welcome this brand new regional jet.

Sukhoi Superjet 100

Bombardier C Series

Bombardier is a Canadian heavy industry corporation which is also known for smaller commercial airplane maker. Already learjet (business jet) and CRJ (Canadian Regional Jet) 700 or 900 (1000 basically based on 900) series very popular demand from the market.

Bombardier brand new CSeries is the new and bigger airplane (slightly smaller than Boeing 737 and A320. 100 or 149 seats, range between 2.200NM and 2.950NM almost middle range, competing with the ERJ 190.

This brand new airplane will challenge seriously B737 and A320 as the fuel efficiency and currently the most popular commercial airlines demand. A little bigger than CRJ, so this is NOT regional jet (the price is almost double than smaller CRJ).

New generation of turbo-fan engine is supplied by Pratt & Whitney

Embraer E-Jets and Boeing 737 or Airbus 320 series are main rivals at the moment.

Bombardier CSeries

Aviation fuel surcharge does not have the limit

ANA announced today about new fuel surcharge from October (to December), long haul flights will be once again charged due to higher fuel price. What really annoys every travelers should be the difference between the ticket price and the surcharge which will be possibly more surcharge than the air fare.

Flights from Tokyo to Europe or to US, new fuel surcharge will be "held" (as they claim the charge should go more) somewhere below 40.000 Yen / single (but for the high fuel price, ANA claims 44.000 Yen / single should be the right charge). The cheapest RETURN fare is sold for 53.000 (excl tax), this means that the fuel surcharge will be much expensive than actual ticket price, totally ridiculous.

Aviation industry brings not only businessmen but also too many tourists. This whole silly price war on international crude oil markets has caused not only poor people in need of riots, but it is so obvious that aviation logistics will be massively damaged. Less demand of tourism will cause many people jobless, it is only the matter of time.

AirAsia X

Malaysia Kuala Lumpur based budget airlines, which is a part of Malaysia Airlines, plans to fly to Japan. Haneda (Tokyo), Narita (Tokyo Int'l), Sapporo, Ibaraki, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka or Saga possible destinations. Already flying to Gold Coast (AUS) and in 2009 to London (Stansted) by using A340-300 or A330-300.

There have been several plans for cheaper airlines in Asia. Flying to Japan, especially to cities with lower demand but huge capacity such as Osaka or Nagoya (unlike Narita or Haneda always too busy). It is very interesting to see how cheap airlines will manage their business.

Anyway here is the link

http://www.airasia.com/

Smaller regional airplanes should replace bigger Boeing 737

High fuel price is damaging everything, but when it comes to airlines, high fuel price is a massive blow. Many regional routes or between smaller airports have been considered the first to be gone. If more fuel efficient and smaller airplanes will be used, such as CRJ 700 or 900 series or later MRJ, even the installation of new planes will cost the airliners but smaller and fuel efficient airplanes will be the key for all airliners.

MRJ - Mitsubishi Regional Jet

MRJ - Mitsubishi Regional Jet is a latest project for a Japanese heavily industry giant Mitsubish corp, currently involved with the Boeing 787 wing. MRJ will be the first commercial passenger airplane since NAMC YS-11 model. MRJ 70, 90 and 100 (seats) with the range of around 3,000nm with the sales target set at 300 MRJs with the advice of Boeing (although Mitsubish is believed to be in talks with Boeing over Yellowstone project Y- 1 (new version of B737 class - narrow body and short range 100-200 seats).

Bombardier CRJ and Embraer E-Jets are two market leading regional jet makers. Just like CRJ and E-Jets, MRJ offers between 70-100 seats. The difference will be the energy efficiency (according to Mitsubishi 30% better fuel efficiency than the "current" model - sounds like CRJ but not sure which current model), although the price of MRJ will not be as cheap as the current model.

The price for the airplanes, politics and running cost friendly. The cockpit will be similar to B777 - 787 high tech for the regional jet and Toyota is already involving this project. The first commercial flight will be planned for 2013 by ANA (only one airliner has already pre-ordered 15 MRJs and 10 as options). The demand for the regional jet market will be expected to increase, so there will be much chance for new markers.

MRJ rivals Embraer E jets, Bombardier CSeries, CRJ

MRJ official site

MRJ

Pratt & Whitney new economical jet engines

Pratt & Whitney (United Technologies group company), which also provides jet engines to both military and commercial aircrafts, is under development of new regional aircraft MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet) and Bombardier CSeries. Pratt & Whitney is already providing engines for CRJ (Canadian Regional Jet) and basically still not as well known as Rolls Royce or GE for the passenger aircraft business.

Next 20 years, around 5000 regional jets are expected to be on demand (according to Mitsubishi) currently dominated by just a few smaller aircraft makers (Airbus and Boeing seem not entering into the market yet).

Smaller and cost efficient as well as economical passenger aircrafts are needed and Pratt & Whitney seems leading the market - regional jet engine supplier (of course bigger commercial airplanes as well).

Flight Simulator X (FSX)

Microsoft's Flight Simulator X (well known as FSX) is the latest flight simulator available to Windows PC.

Even the latest high performance PC cannot play smoothly, it is extremely spec demanding flight simulator. Even it is been sold since end 2006, this game has been still quite popular. I recently started to play this game whenever I feel bored (and yes, as all modern passenger airplane, no need to stay behind the PC screen as long as autopilot is on).

Sitka approach FSX

fsxTakasito YouTube channel (mainly fsx)

YouTube user id Ramasurinen aka Lotus Films makes very impressive Videos. If you would like to check out, that's the best FSX films on YouTube as far as I know.