Firstly, congratulations on a truly unique, immersive FS product. I tried the demo and purchased within minutes - I'm already at that stage where I can't imagine flying in FS without one of the FSFS Intructors aboard!

I've just had 2 problems with my first couple of flights;-

1). I am flying the RealAir SF260 in FSX. There is no FSFS aircraft file for this, so I used the assumed values as they seemed spot on for the aircraft. (speeds, flaps, retractable gear, etc). The problem I'm having is that everytime I take off and retract the gear, the Instructor is calling out "you'll want to lower the gear if you're planning on landing".  The first thing I checked is that I am definately in take-off flight phase of FSFS, when this happens. I complete taxiing, hit CTRL+SHIFT+1 and get the "Ok, you're finished taxiing and ready for take-off" audible call.

Is the problem to do with my user aircraft file for the SF260 or if not any other pointers?

2). On the visual approaches, does FSFS take into account the aircraft flying a proper approach to the airflield.  (ie... entering downwind, turing base, etc).  The reason I ask is that I was approachingmy airfield at heading 270, but my desired runway was 09 (so with a bearing of 090 degrees).  As I approached the runway, the instructor wanted me to descend way too early.  I was on downwind but he seemed to think I was approaching the threshold directly to land.   He was not satisfied until I was at 300' AGL on downwind !!  (my virtual passengers will not be flying with me again!!!).  He slackened off a bit on base and then was fine on finals.   Is the program purely looking at height from the threshold as you approach it (from any direction), or did something just go wrong in this case ?    My OBS was correctly set yo 090 for the runway, no ILS was set up, etc.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Aside from these two first try hiccups, I found the program great fun and it is one of those add-ons that just adds a magical something to the immersion and realism of flying in FSX.

Cheers,

David.

Durham, England

Thank you for your kind thoughts on my final post on this forum. Here is my last helpful post for all people. For you, I have made an exception to this. I'll just say this:

Here is how to create your own aircraft.fsu files: To be less technical as I normally am , I would suggest reading the following 5 pages in FSFlyingSchool 2009 Manual: p.g. 6, 14, 33, 34, 35. You Can locate that by going into C:\Program Files\FSFlyingSchool\FSFlyingSchoolManual.pdf  Also: to create NonILS Files:

Here is how it is done; however, this is to each his development and personal use. What works for one may not work for the other. C:\Programs\FSFlyingSchool\NonILS

Open the folder: 1. select one of the files and copy and paste it into your MyDocuments folder Or keep it the FSFlyingSchool Program Folder:

2. Place your aircraft at the airport on the runway you want. Engies off.

3. put the Flight Sim in slew mode.

4. select [Shift+Z] to display the Lat & Lon red line information bar across the top of you FS screen.

5. Save the file by pressing the Semicolon key ";". Name the file the airport you are at.

6. In your My Documents folder under the FlightSimulator or FSX Folder you will find your save airport file under the name of the file you created. it is the Notepad file type.

7. next take the information from the file such as Latitude & Longitude Example: 5,51,N22° 12.42', W159° 26.99',3,PRINCEVILLE.NI01 As you can see in reference to page 28 in the FSFlyingSchool Manual. You will see a description of what eash number means.

e.g., the 1st number is the runway number, the next one is the heading of the runway number, then the Latitude of the runway then the Longitude of the runway. the next one is the GS (Glide Slope), after that one is the Name of the airport, Then you will see the ICAO of the airport as shown in the example above or within page 28 of the FSFS Manual.

Once you have found all of this, remember the file you copied into the MyDocuments folder or the FSFlyingSchool Program Folder form the NonILS folder. Under This file you will see the same Information I just displayed above in number 7 Excluding the RWY #. Right Click on that saved NonILS file and select rename file. Enter the data fron your save flight file about your airports information Such information as the Latitude and Longitude. Remember to keep the commas in there as above in numer 7. My file above is different from what you will create. My file may not work for you but it is just an example of as to how to do it. It shows you what it looks like. Please Read page 28 again and make sure you see the same information on your new file creation as the above example or in the example in the Manual. Once you arefinishedd creating the new file, place it back into the FSFlyingSchool NonILS Folder. Should you have any More questions, or need some simple screen shots on how to do it, I'd be more than happy to help you.

I hope this will help? It saves us a long winded conversation for you to sit and ponder over this one. Reading the FSFS2009 Manual.pdf is much more informative.

Regards,

CaptGarrick.

You can also email me at : garrick.pattenden@gmail.com

I am available mostly during the evening -5 hours GMT time. Right now it is 10:42 a.m. EST. Eastern Standard Time.

I hope this helps?

Best Regards, Garrick Pattenden
Founder / CEO
Canadian Aviation Software
FSFlyingSchool PRO 2013 FSX, FS2004
Windows 7 x64 Home Premium.

I guess my only confusion is that I thoughy FSFS2009 version automatically configures itself for a visual approach into any airfield (without the need to set up the manual nonILS files anymore?   ..... but I may have misunderstood that!

Thanks again,

David.

Durham, England

Hi David,

Quite the contrary, FSFS does pick up on the NonILS aproaches automaticaly, but some airports might need some personal touches in regards to the airport the person uses; also, to make it more user friendly to your own liking. There are posts within this forum on this subject which I suggest that you read them. Look under the Competitions forum also. There is much information available here. Use this forum as much as you can to learn about things that just might help you down the road some time. Even the older posting are very interesting.

Good luck with your Flying skills etc.

With Respect.

Regards,

Garrick.

Best Regards, Garrick Pattenden
Founder / CEO
Canadian Aviation Software
FSFlyingSchool PRO 2013 FSX, FS2004
Windows 7 x64 Home Premium.

I have just tried setting up my first user file, using your instructions - all went very well, but I have ran out of time to be able to fly and test the viz approach !

Look forward to trying it out tomorrow and once again, appreciate the help!

David.

Durham, England

David Rogers (5/5/2009)

---

Gotcha - thanks Garrick.

I have just tried setting up my first user file, using your instructions - all went very well, but I have ran out of time to be able to fly and test the viz approach !

Look forward to trying it out tomorrow and once again, appreciate the help!

Hello David,

That's great to hear that you have created your first user file and that you will be testing that out. You are always very welcome.

Happy Flying,

Cheers,

Garrick.

Best Regards, Garrick Pattenden
Founder / CEO
Canadian Aviation Software
FSFlyingSchool PRO 2013 FSX, FS2004
Windows 7 x64 Home Premium.

Just to give you a heads up, please click on this link: http://www.fsflyingschool.com/forum/FindPost3909.aspx

This will give you an idea of my intentions are here on the forum. Revised and updated via link above.

Regards,

CaptGarrick.

Best Regards, Garrick Pattenden
Founder / CEO
Canadian Aviation Software
FSFlyingSchool PRO 2013 FSX, FS2004
Windows 7 x64 Home Premium.