Simviation Forums

I am getting a kick out of taking AF1 around the world for the President's official business but I was wondering if there was a way to get some aircraft to escort the plane at all times...like they would always turn and keep distance and altitude with me?

For example, I would love to see one or two AI F-15's following the 747 for its flight over the Atlantic and through Europe as I head for Baghdad (top secret morale visit for the troops ).

I'm new here so forgive me...I tried searching and didn't see anything concerning this.

I was referred to this so my question may be answered:

http://www.simviation.com/fs2004misc4.htm

Anyone used this that could tell me if I can fly anywhere I want and that F-14 will follow or does it just stay on a predetermined flight plan course and follows as long as I'm exactly on my own flight path?

Welcome to SimV TwoLow

Anyone that could tell me if I can fly anywhere I want and that F-14 will follow or does it just stay on a predetermined flight plan course and follows as long as I'm exactly on my own flight path?

Rather hoping you might be able to tell us after giving it a go....

I got the escorts thing working. In fact, I made a new .bgl AI traffic file just for the Air Force 1 flights and edit it tailored for my trip before loading up FS.

I have two F-15's leave for my destination (30 seconds apart) about a minute or two after I take off at a speed of 250 knots and 30,000 feet. I keep AF1 at about 225 knots till the lead F-15 catches up and overtakes me then I increase to match speed. It ends up a F-15 is about a 1/4 mile in front and the other 1/4 mile behind for the flight.

After what i read here and at some AF1 fact websites I learned that the second AF1 aircraft, used as a backup if the main one breaks down mid trip, always tags along and lands at a nearby airport (but not the one your flying to for security reasons) so I program that plane to take off just before I do and have it land at a nearby airport.

In my test flight I flew from Andrews AFB to Robins AFB (where I live down here in Georgia) and had the backup AF1 land at Macon Regional just north of Robins. The flight went perfect. me and the two Eagles are parked at Robins now and the backup is parked at Macon waiting for me to plug our next trip into TTools  :)

Once I get a decent AI C141 or C5 I will program them as well for my presidential trip (they tag along carrying the motorcade vehicles and 2 Marine 1 helos(one as backup for the other ))

I'm geeking out  ;D

TwoLow

You might find

Thanks I will try that as editing the TTools for the extensive changes every trip is getting old. Another small annoyance is ATC notifying me of traffic alert every ten minutes because two F-15's are following me closely  ::)  Gets old telling them 'yes I see the F-15 already! Its supposed to be there!'

BTW, I noticed that Fort Hood is not in FS2004 and I was going to fly the squadron there so Prezzie could go to his ranch. I guess I need to search for a AFCAD for Fort Hood if it's out there.

TwoLow,

For editing and creating AI traffic files I use something called "AITrafficMover (version 2 beta)".  It is an interface for TTools... and it simplifies everything greatly.  I always found working direct in TTools about like taking a calculus exam  ;).  AITM is very intuitive to use.  A quick Google should find it.

I'll post the URL for the website when I get a chance to find it.

best,

.....................john

I've done so much editing in TTools that I pretty much have it down but it can be a headache if I forget one little thing. I have tried a few traffic programs but they have made it harder than simply inputting the code. I will try whats been suggested here for sure.

Right now after we all land, I go into TTools and set up the next leg of the AI trip resetting the 'from' airport to the one we just landed at and then go back to the game and select time and just jump it a minute into the future which makes FS load the new traffic file.

I do wish I knew of a easy way to package this out for others to enjoy but there isn't any easy way to use it. For all the headaches and trial and error it was finally nice to sit back last night and enjoy a flight just the way I envisioned it.

BTW, the F-15's landed just before i did and I did have a last second wave off so I didn't crush him on the runway  :)  I didn't mind as I could enjoy the scenery in my real life town as I did a circle.

BTW, I noticed that Fort Hood is not in FS2004 and I was going to fly the squadron there so Prezzie could go to his ranch. I guess I need to search for a AFCAD for Fort Hood if it's out there.

Ft Hood is there, the main field is Gray AAF (KGRK) and there is also the main Heliport (KHLR). But why would you want those anyway? BTW, Gray is now the regional airport for the area as a combined military and civilian field (east side is civilian), and Killeen airport has closed down.

Ken

PS. If your talking about trips to Crawford Ranch, they land at KCNW north of Waco, I have an AFCAD for it if you want.

PS. If your talking about trips to Crawford Ranch, they land at KCNW north of Waco, I have an AFCAD for it if you want.

AF1 lands there or Marine One lands there? I'm guessing you mean AF1 as I had assumed M1 lands at the ranch itself.

I read somewhere he landed at Hood but I guess I may have misunderstood.

Yes, if you would email me the AFCAD that would be great!  twolow@cox.net

Let me know if you got the mail OK.

Ken

bump

Thanks, I couldnt find this thread...

Dave

no problem  ;)