Flight Planner-Is there a better way?

[siemerh]

I am loading my start and destination airport then moving the red line on the map to other points I want to stop--if I can find them on the map.  Is there any way to type in the in between airports so they show on that right side of the planner before I load the trip>>>
Bud

[zcottovision]

I don't think it's possible to create a flightplan which involves you going to different airports as waypoints. Each flightplan has to be from Airport A to Airport B. If you want to go to Airport C, you have to go from B to C, not A to C via B.

Got all that?

[kennzaflyin]

 Here is a fun an interesting way to answer your question.  Of course this is a fun and challenging fix not suitable for all.  Those who carry thier real wings as well as virtual may or may not have tried this..  Most I have talked to has.  Unless you are flying IFR in FS02'  this will work you can plan your route, stop where you want to stop and see how accurate those boys at microsoft are (and so far so good!).  I tend to fly most of my flights real time, real weather and almost always VFR. I have purchased a few flight charts for the areas I like to fly they run about 8 bucks each,  I also put out 2 bucks for a plotter and 5 for a flight computer.  These can be obtain from aviation supplier's and even at your local airport.  Give it a try, it certainly adds more adventure and freedom to the game.     Happy Landings, and good luck.

[fisharno]

I invested in FSNavigator. (www.fsnavigator.com)

I've been using it since it first came out as freeware, and then bought the newest payware version last year.

You can plot your flightplans from airport to airport. Then, it's just a matter of loading the flightplan for that particular leg of your journey. Very user friendly. I've even built panels that use the gauge interface that's available here, to be used with FSNav.

Food for thought!  ;)

[J G Parker]

Okay, I think in Siemerh's original post he meant to say "red line on the map to other points I want to PASS" not "stop".  this is an issue I have thought about too.  I use FS Navigator, so it isn't a big issue I meet, but it is inconvenient.  What Siemerh is asking is:  In the flight planning window, one enters Departure and destination and them asks FS to Find Route if the flight isn't direct.  but if you want to input your own waypoints (say to use a STAR) you have to click the red line and drag it to the waypoint in the map view.  The problem is the map view is hard to zoom in and out and (especially) scroll and intersections particularly are hard to find and sometimes are hidden behine other markers (VORS).  It seems natural that someone could just type in the waypoints IDs in order (because he knew then in advance) and FS would then draw the route between them in the map.  But a far as I can tell there is no way.  Siemerh, I highly recommend FS Navigator, though.  It costs money (not cheap) but worth every penny.  Not only more flexible for flight planning but many other advantages too.

[fisharno]

I feel ya.

That was the main reason I went with FSNav. I just had a stinkin' hard time with the FS Map. Not at all User Friendly. I wonder if the map in FS2004 will be any easier to use?

That's our beloved M$ for you.