Updates for obsolete approach data??

[cardinalbrian]

I'm not sure where to post this.  But..  Does anyone know the how/what/why of discussing with Microsoft to update some of the "real world" attributes of FSX??  It struck me with the changes to IFR approaches and the disappearance of LOMs and NDBs at some of my favorites practice sites.  Now the approaches in the FSX Garmins for many of the Washington, DC area airports are well distanced from reality.  Back in the olden days MS used to provide occasional facilty file updates for freq changes and runways, but that seems to have fallen away with the emphasis on fantasy flight.  And, of course, they never supported approaches except with the few paper examples that came in the box.  I wouldn't expect a 28 day cycle, but might it be possible to generate an occasional update to match the changes taking place in the real world for NAV features?  

[Brett_Henderson]

FSX GPS approaches would be a problem.. I "think" those are kinda coded into the GPS gauge. I don't think it's like real GPS where you can just update the data-base.

As for other approaches... no problem, just use current approach plates. If an NDB is no longer active, just don't tune it in.. and if Nav-Aid needs added or modified, that can be done with most aiport/scenery editors.

Now.. if really have to use the GPS for approaches .. you can take the time to make baby flight plans availing all the fixes... and of course the current GPS approach on your knee to suppliment it.

[cardinalbrian]

Brett,

Thanks for the reply.  But I don't like the idea of practicing obsolete/inapplicable approaches when I might actually fly the real approaches - I think there's an inherent danger of an inadvertent inappropriate response in the real world.  MS used to provide updates to the facility files, albeit that was a much simpler task in simpler times.  With the changes and modifications to the GPS system becoming pretty regular, it would be clever if MS could work out some way to provide somekind of fix.  At less cost than a Garmin subscription.  Or, failing that, at least allow you to update your FSX with the Garmin subscription you're paying for your 430 or 530!!  I know it's a long shot, but I haven't seen anybody pushing for a solution to this, and I think the FSX user community should at least beg for an avionicsly appropriate one.

[Fr. Bill]

No FS version was ever intended to be used for anything other than entertainment...

...because of that, the data used has been limited to a "snapshot" of how the world's nav data was as of a specific date.

Also, because the nav data is not stored in any form of "updatable table" it cannot be updated.  The source data used is scattered among many compiled (.BGL) files in the sim's folders, mostly segmented into "Regions" so that the sim never has to load any more data than is required immediately.

Aside from which, since MS eliminated the entire ACES staff, there's no one left to "update" anything, even if it were possible.

[Brett_Henderson]

No FS version was ever intended to be used for anything other than entertainment...

FS9 has been in use on PCATD setups for years (I set one up myself)..

And FSX is currently being installed on one of these..
at another club I've frequented..

http://www.flypfc.com/pcatds/cat%20iv/CAT%20IV.html

[Fr. Bill]

No FS version was ever intended to be used for anything other than entertainment...

FS9 has been in use on PCATD setups for years (I set one up myself)..

And FSX is currently being installed on one of these..
at another club I've frequented..

http://www.flypfc.com/pcatds/cat%20iv/CAT%20IV.html

[color=#000000]
Obviously some folks do use it for "training."

I never said it could not be used for training, only that MS/ACES never intended it to be used for anything other than entertainment.

I don't invest too much meaning into the fact that MS insists on referring to FS as a "Game" because I know that is strictly a "legal fiction" to keep them out of the crosshairs of potential litigation...

[Brett_Henderson]

[vgbaron]

Seems like apples and oranges here. Yes, FS can be used for IFR training to teach the procedures, etc. but OTOH the freq and approaches used might NOT be current.

I doubt any training facility would treat FS as an accurate representation of RW facilities.

Teaching a scan, the way the instruments behave and so on - it's great for that.

[Brett_Henderson]

Seems like apples and oranges here. Yes, FS can be used for IFR training to teach the procedures, etc. but OTOH the freq and approaches used might NOT be current.

I doubt any training facility would treat FS as an accurate representation of RW facilities.

Teaching a scan, the way the instruments behave and so on - it's great for that.

As far as learning how to track a radial, or follow an approach plate.. or execute different hold entries... or practice compass turms.. or transistioning to a missed approach.. or just about any of it.. including instrument navigation..

[Al_Fallujah]

There are also published books recommended by many in the profession on how to properly use MS Flight Sim as a Training Aid.


Off topic.. do we have members of the Catholic Hierarchy in this thread?

"A priest (Fr Bill?) and a Cardinal (cardinalbrian) walk into a forum...."

[cardinalbrian]

Ok, I guess I rang the wrong bell.  I KNOW all of the MS FSes are viewed as "games".  But back in the early days (remember loading FS from floppies??) MS did update the facility files.  And I realize they might not have developed the Garmins in the game to be updateable.  And I know Aces has gone away...  PHT's egress may or may not have been a harbinger.  And I foresee the possiblity that the next FS is XBOX oriented..  THAT said, is there any possibility of the user community (which clearly has some very heavy aptitudes) managing the feat of developing addons that would track closer to the realworld line???

Brian

[Fr. Bill]

[quote]

[Plugpennyshadow]

Somebody upstream here asked for recommend for a book that gives one good training advice.

"Microsoft Flight Simulator X for Pilots:  Real World Training"

by Jeff Van West and Kevin Lane-Cummings.

Ive been sim training with it for couple weeks now.  Has missions you can download from their publisher for free.  Dont know why they weren't included with book on cd, but there you go.  Also gives you a .gov address where can get updated approach plates with current freqs, procedures, missed approach stuff and the like.  Its the same site that real pilots visit.

The book is a no-bs approach to the sim.  And its starts you out with baby steps and steps you up to the big marathon.  The assumption is that you are using this book as you are taking flight school from the start.

Hope it helps.

[cardinalbrian]

Fr. Bill,

Well, that wasn't what I was hoping for.  But it's the expected answer.  Sounds like another example of appliqued development instead of wasting time on infra structure until you're coded into a corner.

Might as well be flying XFighters at Endor...

Brian