On Line question

[gilbates]

How do i find out which runways are currently active for inbound and outbound traffic at airports before i go on-line

I would like to be able to plan my route with Sids and stars before going on-line but need to no which runway to plan them to and from

i have looked on Si but cant find anything there

Is there a way ?

[zcottovision]

If you click on an Airport in SI, it should give you the ATIS that the controller has uploaded. Usually something like the name of the controller, the runways in use, and maybe the QNH.

If this doesn't get you the info, just connect to your server, and ask the controller in a private message which runways are in use, and then put those into your flight plan.

Or, if there's no controller, the choice of runway is yours!

[Scottler]

Mike-

All real world airline flights are flown with an IFR plan anyway, regardless of weather, so you should be vectored in by flying IFR.

[gilbates]

I got ya Scott , thanks for that , but whats the point of stars then if your gona be Vectored by ATC anyway

knowing the approach  Rnwy appropriate Star before you set out would hopefully lessen the chances of your F/P being changed nearer the Airport , which in turn makes the job of getting your plane down that much easier ,

i hate having my plan changed , it throws me right out , i get a nice thing going as i`m descending , calling the way , then ATC Vector me off and all of a sudden there giving me waypoints i`v never heard of  , and all hell brakes out as i type , and fumble and swear , hit the wrong buttons ..... and so on , heheh , oh yes i`m good alright ( not )

I just wanted to know the approach rnwy before i started  get it set up nice and early and accurate and bring it in with my palms unsweaty and heart rate within acceptable limits

[OTTOL]

The runway in use does NOT affect the STAR, in most cases. The direction that the AREA is approached from, will determine which star is used. The runway in use MAY affect crossing restrictions. IE: On the Fowee5 STAR at KMIA, Junur
int. is crossed at 16,000' when landing east, and 10,000' when landing west. We generally try to pickup the ATIS around 200-220 miles from the airport and start the descent around 100-130 miles. This means in an airliner, you generally have about 10minutes to set up for whatever approach is in use. On a side note, I have had the runway in use changed as many as THREE times from TOD to final (appx. 20-30 minutes time).  :)     Pat

[gilbates]

Thanks OTTOL , i`m doing my best to learn , honest , excuse my ignorance please

So if i where to approach EGLL ( Heathrow ) from for example the East both 27L and R would have the same Star , which means i would fly the same approach for both ( navaid points ) but ATC would Vector me nearer the airport to the appropriate landing Rnwy

Jeez if this is right it means i`m learning  ;D

[OTTOL]

I've been flying airplanes for 22years, and there's still not a day that goes by that I don't learn something. Don't ever be ashamed to ask any question, that IS how you learn!  I'm going to work now, so I won't be able to access the EGLL plates until about 2230, your time. I should be able to confirm what your saying then.  

[Nexus]

A quick scan of the STARs in one of my payware aircrafts reveals that these are the Transitions of the Stars offered for EGLL

BIG
BNN
LAM
OCK
HON
KENET
NIGIT

Now, according to the FMC, all these STARS are good for EVERY runway at Heathrow (05, 09R/L, 27R/L)
So in this case the BIG1E STAR (for example) can be used for approaches to 27L or 09R. So no need to change the STAR if the controller gives you another runway while descending.

Of course, there are airports that have STARs specified for just that runway...like my favourite ESGG rwy 21 STAR; RISMA1F, that's just some 1000 feet above my house

[OTTOL]

Sorry it took me so long! Heathrow has Five basic STAR's (Lambourne, Biggin, Ockham and Bovingdon), with a BUNCH of different transitions. I would use the Ockham(OCK3B,OCK1C,OCK1E) if I was coming from the direction of Southhampton or LandsEnd. In fact Southampton is one of the VORs on this arrival!

So if i where to approach EGLL ( Heathrow ) from for example the East both 27L and R would have the same Star , which means i would fly the same approach for both ( navaid points ) but ATC would Vector me nearer the airport to the appropriate landing Rnwy

Correct , but not complete.  :)  9R & 9L would ALSO use the same STAR. If I WAS coming from the EAST, let's say Middelburg, I might be assigned the Lambourne3A(LAM 3A)STAR. Once I departed the Lambourne VOR I would begin to receive vectors from approach. Now, this is where the wind direction would come into play!  Obviously, if from the EAST(wind direction that is)-9L/R, and if from the WEST-27L/R!  When Hyperion gets to work tommorrow or anyone else who cares to step in, can answer this!.........I'm not sure, but I don't think the computer will use the SIDs/STARS. At least the standard FS program. Somebody tell ME. I think Scott is correct, you will just receive vectors. Of course, if you tune the ATIS well in advance, you should be able to determine the runway in use, and form a game plan early!
And as much as I would like to on frequent occasions Nexus, I have to refrain from jumping down the controllers throats! Besides something like a runway change would really be out of the controllers hands. Any number of factors would affect this:Wind change w/cold front passage, or associated with convective weather, disabled aircraft on the runway, timed closure ie:noise abatement. Besides, besides,  :D I've heard these gruff old guys on the radio when they snap at controllers, they really sound like idiots, and all of that ranting and raving takes up "air" time that everyone else needs!  Pat

[gilbates]

Thanks all of you guys for your replys , i thought that it seemed a bit easy when i typed this

So if i where to approach EGLL ( Heathrow ) from for example the East both 27L and R would have the same Star , which means i would fly the same approach for both ( navaid points ) but ATC would Vector me nearer the airport to the appropriate landing Rnwy

it made sense to me ...... but , it wasent right , damn and i thought i was a quick learner

i think i need to do some more reading on sids and stars to fully appreciate how to make the most out of them

[Nexus]

You're right OTTOL, the FS2002 alone ignores the SIDs and STARs and just vectors you to the active runway.
If you want to fly realistic with the jets, then FS2002 is far away from the "as close as it gets" reputation  

I won't buy that concept at all untill the FMC and IRS are  found in the default  Boeings!

[Skotguard]

 How can I refuel my aircraft once at the appropriate place at the airport of my choice?????

I mean, I see where to place the plane but which procedure or which keys (wel, HOW) am I supposed to proceed to refuelling before taking off again??

Thanx.
Phil

[OTTOL]

Phil, you might want to try starting your own post, re:your question. I'm not trying to be callous, just saying you would get more exposure. Perhaps a title like "need help refueling a/c".  ;)

Pat

[Skotguard]

I know Pat  ;), just that there are some questions that I would ask and that FS2002 lessons don't answer. I just size the opportunity of the others asking about things I also wonder.  ::)

Anyway, I'm sorry...

Phil

PS: the topic being about On Line question, I'd just like to know if they are other people who get trouble getting connected w/ squawkbox??? Thanx to you all!! LOOL

[Scottler]

Skotguard, no worries.  You'll definitely get an answer to most of your F$ issues here at SimV.  I think what OTTOL was trying to say is that you'll get an answer faster if you start your own topic.  People who know how to refuel, but don't fly online might not see your question here.