How Serious?

[Airchile]

Hi,

I was just wondering how serious and involved you all would be in flying trans oceanic flights?
Meaning to what level of planning and realsim you really go into compared to a real pilot?

Honestly in 3 flights I did, I planned one for almost an hour just what is done in ITVV Virgin 747 DVD.
Plotting charts, to performance calculations, Alternate diversions planning, departure briefing etc etc.
Even in flight, completely mindful about possible problems, review of Non normals for just in case,
complete approach briefing etc. As real as "I" can...

The other 2 was not much.

Other side, One could just get off in 10 minutes aswell just by punching a few waypoints in FMC till dest and use LNAV/VNAV till t/d.
Use a bit higher altitude and sleep for 6-7 hours. Get back to pc dial down the altitude at T/D, use an ILS runway and land.

Just want to know how you conduct your flights and you may also discuss what accessories you use to make it more real.

Thought this is an interesting subject to discuss.

Thanks and Rgds
Airchile

[1691]

I plan each flight about 1 hour before. That includes weather planning as well as the route and fuel/weight burn ratios. Then I pretty much am around for the duration of the flight, keeping up with step climbs and fuel scheduling, especially on the 742.

[mlegein]

My preflights take about 45 minutes. I use mostly FSBuild 2.3.1 for planning and ASX for weather. I started looking at vroute.info as well.
Both Virgin DVD's (742 and 744) are excellent.

Please put your full name and pilot number in your signature, and your location in your profile.

[esurfman]

If you whant real serious, fly Vatsim. This will force you to do it like you did it the first time but also how to plot and fly NAT tracks across the big pond. This will also give you a reason to use the SELCAL letters being given with each aircraft. You also need to have the time for a 8-9 hour real time flight plus prep time I would say it depends on each pilot.

[Brogs]

I make sure I,m upto date with the Airac, Routeplanner for the Route,then about 45-50 Mins on pre-flight in the Cockpit, 2000 AGL , CMD Button engaged, also LNAV and VNAV, then regular checks thereafter until about 100 nm from TOD, then all the Landing Preps then handball in from 1000agl, if I want to fly hands on all the way I set up a Beaver or Douglas DC3 on a short Route about 200 + NM