Questions about how to best operate FSFlyingSchool

PLOlson (7/26/2008)

I recently downloaded your demo version (a few days ago). I am having problem after problem.

The flight mode controls don't work (ctrl-shift-z can't be used because it conflicts with a command in FSX and ctrl-shift-1 doesn't work at all). As a result, I can never inform the instructor when I am advancing.

Once I do get going and the flight instructor is caught up with where I am at in flight, then I get no landing score because it says - no glideslope information, no runway alignment information, no glideslope - could not compare flare to glideslope.

Flights are not logging in the log book. I have managed to get 1 flight from a couple days ago logged in the log book, but none of my other flights are logging.

At random times at some given point on the ground (sometimes - it is random) it says "starting new flight"

PLOlson (7/26/2008)

I recently downloaded your demo version (a few days ago). I am having problem after problem.

We'll get there - there are some details we need to address.

The flight mode controls don't work (ctrl-shift-z can't be used because it conflicts with a command in FSX and ctrl-shift-1 doesn't work at all). As a result, I can never inform the instructor when I am advancing.

Make sure you get your plane set up on the runway ready to fly first in FSX. Then launch FSFS and press connect - this can make all the difference with the keys.

Also - make sure any other programs which do things with keystrokes are not running, such as Fraps, SnagIT, etc.

It is not necessary to run FSX in Windowed mode for it to work properly with FSFS.

This is explained in detail in the manual - the quick answer is, to get started, land at ILS runways with NAV1 tuned to the runway ILS and your NAV1OBS set to the exact runway heading.

Flights are not logging in the log book. I have managed to get 1 flight from a couple days ago logged in the log book, but none of my other flights are logging.

This is most likely because the flight is not ending correctly as would be the case if FSFS or FSX were quit by the pilot before a score was announced by the instructor.

At random times at some given point on the ground (sometimes - it is random) it says "starting new flight"

There are a number of possible reason for this, but the simplest way is to start FSFS clean each time you fly. Get plane ready on FSX on runway and then launch (execute) FSFS and press connect.

I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling, but that didn't change anything.

This should not be a concern.

I did make sure to download and install the file that your installation instructions said was necessary in order for this program to see FSX. It does see it, but that seems to be the only thing working correctly.

There is a lot that FSFS is already doing correctly - we are just addressing details.

I realize it is just the demo. I am flying out of O'Hare during the times I am attempting to use the program.

The demo is the full program with a geographical restriction to the Chicago area. Hundreds of pilots are enjoying it - we are just addressing details of your experience.

I don't know if it is me and what I'm doing or if there is some other issue going on. I think the concept of the program is great, but my lack of success in using the demo version doesn't entice me to purchase the program.

Don't buy unless you enjoy the demo!

Any guidance you can provide would be appreciated.

We'll do our best.

As an update - it looks like the flight instructor wasn't getting my advance messages because I was in full-screen mode on FSX. When I changed to window mode, the ctrl-shift-1 seems to function. Game design?

It is not necessary to run FSX in Windowed mode for it to work properly with FSFS. Please see the notes I made above.

Let us all know how you get on.

PLOlson (7/27/2008)

Well, thanks for all the input and patience. I watched your video demo on the ILS approach and was able to figure out what steps I was missing that caused the lack of landing information for feedback. Now I just have to figure out where those same controls are in other planes w00t

Yes - that's right - just like a real pilot, ya gotta know where the stuff is!

I am still having to run FSX in windowed mode in order to get the advance and back commands to register, but that isn't a major issue. The flight instructor simply doesn't get the message if I am in full screen mode (alt-enter for full screen mode).

Have you tried the alternate keys? Ctrl Shift 1 etc as described in the manual? Are you setting up FSX first with the plane on the runway ready before you even start (launch) FSFS? That is your best shot.

Do have a problem with the sound now that I can't figure out. Testing the instructor talking the FSX turned off the instructor sounds clear as a bell. Once FSX is running and I connect FSFlyingSchool, the instructor sounds like they have a bad radio connection with me. Doesn't seem to matter which instructor and it seems to be only when connected. Any ideas? I am not having sound issues with any other programs or games on my computer. Sound setup on computer is standard 2 speaker.

If the volume level inside FSFS is not set to 'normal' then the sound can sometimes be distorted - is yours normal? Do you have anything unusual relating to sound such as WinAMP or USB headphones or a special sound card?

Take a look around the forum - there is quite a lot on here about sound.

Anyway, I'll keep fiddling around with it and hope to soon be flying in areas other than Chicago & Greenbay Smile

We hope we can get you all set so we can officially welcome you to the crew!

PLOlson (7/28/2008)

I don't launch FSFS until I have the plane ready to go. I have tried both the key command and alternate key command. It simply doesn't recognize the command if I am not in windowed mode.

This is most unusual.

I don't have anything special sound-wise. Today it seems to be working fine and I haven't done anything different.

Great! Please Let us know how this continues...