.air files

[RAFAIR100]

There have been a couple of attempts to 'demystify' .air files.     Could someone who knows what they're about be persuaded to produce a comprehensive 'idiot's guide'.    I know that there would be a lot of work involved, but it would sure be a lot of help for the rest of us.

[Milton]

First, let me say that I am not an aeronautics engineer, nor an expert of flight modeling.

[Felix/FFDS]

But, as one finds out, there are different rules applicable for whether the air file is started on a full moon Tuesday, on the second full moon of a month, and even whether it is developed in north or south of the Equator!

[RAFAIR100]

Thank you for your most helpful review.     As a former test pilot with over 8000 hours in over 180 types, I do know a little about aerodynamics.      My problem with FS - and in particular with .air files - is that there are a great many non-standard aerodynamic parameters in these files.       Your note may well point the way to a first faltering step.      Thank you for taking the trouble.

[Milton]

RAFAIR,

Since you have a background in these things, you might enjoy taking on Jerry Beckwith's Workbook approach (requires MS Excel).

The benefit is that you enter data using terms more familiar/standard, and get to see results in tables, graphs, etc and it generates the .air and cfg files for you.

You can check it out here: http://www.mudpond.us/

[RAFAIR100]

Thanks yet again