Airbus A330 Flaps

FSX autoland and autopilot FAQ

I have been receiving too many questions (and sorry not have answered all) about FSX "autopilot" and "autoland" on default game setting (without any add-on).

Q: Does FSX give any possibility of autopilot and autoland features without add-on?

A: Basically, it is not 100% autoland nor autoland as long as there is NO FMC (Flight Management Computer), thus technically it is NOT autopilot/autoland. HOWEVER, any default plane with GPS can fly exactly on the flight plan which you can set before or even during your flight session. Many people have questioned about this have forgotten the fact, FSX is a flight simulator GAME.

Q: I have watched other "autoland" videos on YouTube and those do not work for my FSX.

A: Yes I also have watched and examined each instructions and unfortunately some of those are based on the min requirement to install an add-on in order to manage autoland. My instructions (B737, A321) are based on DEFAULT version (without any add-on). I believe my instructions IS THE ONLY WAY to manage a fsx DEFAULT planes autoland or autopilot. Basically ILS landing = instrument landing does only indicate the location of the runway which in reality never lands any plane automatically but in FSX yes it does!!

Any more questions regarding to FSX autoland or autopilot on DEFAULT setting (in case you need to use any add-on, I can not answer any question), please let me know! (so we can find it out).

AirwaySim is a web game for flight management sim

Not flight simulator but airliner management sim game based on web (no need to buy a software), AirwaySim. Free demo version is a good way to know this management game and the full version costs about less than 1USD/day.

Airliner fsxtakasito has joined this game (demo version) and will start reporting about the game if only I will like it.

Trans States Airlines (US Airways Express) ordered more than 100 MRJs

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the maker of Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) have announced that they have received 100+ orders for the MRJ from Trans States Airlines (US Airways Express). It is the first order since ANA (All Nippon Airways (only 25 orders).

It is believed that more than 300 orders for the MRJ is required for making it profitable.

Is Flight Simulator X the last Microsoft flight sim software?

Microsoft Flight Simulator which was born 3 years before the first Windows launched, is expected to face the tough decision not to sell new version of this well made software. At least that is exactly how Microsoft is trying.

Here is the petition to support for Microsoft's Flight Simulator Franchise.

http://www.supportflightsim.com/

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