X-Plane help!!!

[denhamjosh18]

I was just wondering if there was anybody who has X-plane, and would like to lend some help on the x737 as it would be greatly apprieciated

Thanks

[HappyPass]

I don't have X-Plane, but know a thing or two 'bout 'em fancy -800...
Do you need help about how to fire it up, how to to program the flight computer, how to use the flight controls just to fly it by hand or something else?
Just state your problem and I'll see what I can do.
Adrian Owen

Edit: btw, it seems that the beast has a comprehensive manual and two tutorials (step-by-step with photos) that you can download from the x737project site.
I think that if you're serious about that simulation thing you should take some time to read about the basics at least. It pays off, I warrant you...

[Lurking_SLF]

I'd recommend starting here:

xplane org site

They have beginners manuals and answers to questions you never realised you had!

Darragh

[denhamjosh18]

Cheers guys

I ve already taken a peep at the manuals and they are very helpful, the thing is that i know it has stuff about the a/p but when im reading it in the manual, I sort off get some of it (or all of it) but when I come to fly, the alt hold keeps on turning its self off and then when i turn it on it sets itself to the alittude that im at at that moment

So... my question is how do you set it up properly ??

Thanks, Josh

[HappyPass]

Autopilot the easy way

In order to climb to an altitude (say 10'000 ft) you have to:
1) on the runway:
Flight Director: on
Autothrottle: on
(these are the two flip switches on the left side of the MCP)
set altitude: 10000, don't push or pull anything
manually advance throttles and release brakes (hopefully you have already configured the flaps, the autobrake in the RTO position and armed the speedbrakes )

2) at take-off
At VR (you'll have to program the fmc in order to get that, since it depends on a lot of factors, let's say around 160 kias for simplicity's sake) gently but firmly pull the control column towards you in order to reach an attitude of approx. 15 degrees nose up (you have to get there veeeeery gently: no more than 2 degrees per second).

3) in the air
hold 170 to 180 kias up to 1'000 ft, then accelerate to 250 kias by pushing the nose down (gently).
You just have to push CMD (to select an autopilot, A or B it doesn't matter) and then LVL CHG to make it climb and stabilize at 10'000 ft.

4) climbing to cruise altitude
Same drill: select with the knob (say 27'000 ft), then depress the LVL CHG button

The trick is to understand that only selecting the altitude does nothing. The autopilot has to have command (the CMD part) and to have a go! signal (the LVL CHG part).
Note that doing so you still have to manage the throttles and the heading by yourself.
The "real thing" would be to define a flight plan in the FMC and use LNAV and VNAV, but you'll have to read a good deal of stuff before doing these things...
Best regards

[denhamjosh18]

Thanks HappyPass

IT WORKKSSS i shall treasure the info for ever
once again Thank You,
Josh

[HappyPass]

I'm very happy that you managed to work it out!
I would like to suggest you to do two things

You should learn to fly it by hand, which is the most important skill in aviation, even in these times of super-duper automation.
You simply can't put a price on the thrill of maintaning proper altitude, climb rate, speed and heading while flying a complex SID in marginal weather leaving the earth behind you and piercing the clouds towards the sun.

At the same time, try to learn how the airplane works. The systems. What everything is for: starting from the items which are essential to the simulated experience (IRS, FMS, trim, lights, autopilot) and working your way up, learning the intricacies of hydraulics, electrics and fuel system.
Study the procedures: how do you take off, how many degrees of flaps in which circumstances, which speeds to maintain etc.

Be curious, don't ever be satisfied with a yes/no answer. Find the reason behind it.
And when you don't understand something and a thorough (I said thorough, don't be lazy ) search doesn't yield the desired result, always feel welcome to ask any questions.

Remember, this wonderful hobby is not only about "playing the pilot", but it is also about learnign how things work (and having a whole lotta fun in the process!).
Best regards

[denhamjosh18]

That was one of the reasons for getting X-Plane, as it is so much more realistic than fsx (i believe) its so much more satifying hearing the engines raw to life because you made them, and not because you pressed a short cut on the keyboard

and i shall have a more through look next time
Regards, Josh