Maybe a stupid question, but......

[chacal]

Hi all,
I've been happilly flying flight simulator from Gate to gate so to speak since fs98. Trouble is, now with all these fancy addons, i've come across the FMC.

I feel that i now owe it to myself to learn how to use it.
But my question is simple. What exactly is it??

Is it mainly for navigation?
is for reference?
Does it ever affect/ govern the autopilot?

Its just the concept of it i'm struggling with. So if someone could just briefly describe what it is. ( i know thats a tough one,) I'd be very greatful.

Thanx for your time.
Stephen.

[born_2_fly]

This should answer your question  ;)

[vololiberista]

After you've read that think back to the early 60's when autoland was being developed in the UK. How with just 2 AP's the a/c could land on the centreline in zero visibilty. Ok so it took away the fun for the pilots for that landing but most importantly it gave them the opportunity to eat their sandwiches and do their crosswords!!!!!
Vololiberista

[garymbuska]

Hi all,
I've been happilly flying flight simulator from Gate to gate so to speak since fs98. Trouble is, now with all these fancy addons, i've come across the FMC.

I feel that i now owe it to myself to learn how to use it.
But my question is simple. What exactly is it??

Is it mainly for navigation?
is for reference?
Does it ever affect/ govern the autopilot?

Its just the concept of it i'm struggling with. So if someone could just briefly describe what it is. ( i know thats a tough one,) I'd be very greatful.

Thanx for your time.
Stephen.

FMC stands for Flight Management Computer

So in essance it is the autopilot. With a FMC you set up the entire flight from gate to gate including the depature runway and the destination runway so the FMC is more involved then a standard auto pilot where all you set is the speed and altitude yopu whish to fly at.
With the FMC you literally tell it everything  8)

[chacal]

Thanx for your replies. The link was useful as it explains the concept of it.
I'm just wondering though, .. if i do program a flight from start to finish, with say an ils approach onto a particular runway. Will that tally with whatever the atc is telling me to do?
Or say if i've programmed my flight to start my descent at a certain point, and the Atc doesn't happen to aggree with that? Can that happen?

You'll have to excuse me guys, or girls,... I think i've got a lot of reading to do...
I wanna do this as realistic as possible,.........erm  I think.. lol.

Thanx again.
Stephen

[vololiberista]

Unfortunately the sim ATC leaves much to be desired when it comes to realism!! They do not follow sids or stars nor give speed advisories. Although one has to say that when you are in an ATZ ATC can vector you where they want in which cas you fly through the AP. So be prepared to use the mobile FMC (between your ears)
Vololiberist

[ashaman]

Volo, really, lately you're going on an autoland fixation that is scaring me.

Calm down, amico dei VC10, and remember yourself that flight is SO much more than autolands.

[vololiberista]

Volo, really, lately you're going on an autoland fixation that is scaring me.

Calm down, amico dei VC10, and remember yourself that flight is SO much more than autolands.

Yes   But having done "real" autolands!!!! They are quite unnerving abd thrilling in as much as there is absolutely nothing to see moments before touchdown or sometimes moments after!!!!
Flight is....... Am I lost? ........ Can I get to a diversion?.... Is there enough fuel?.... Is that field down there safe to land on?    ;D    
Vololiberista

[JBaymore]

[quote]

Yes