The most realistic procedure for the start of a flight is to position your aircraft at the terminal gate. You can do this quickly and easily by using the SLEW mode of MSFS. Press the "Y" key to enter slew mode. You can use your joystick/yoke to control the position of your aircraft.

Once located at the gate, set the time of day to 5 minutes prior to the departure time listed for this flight on the schedule. Set the transponder to the assigned code, set NAV radios, configure aircraft for takeoff. Once the aircraft is prepared for takeoff, simulate the pushback by entering slew mode (if the aircraft lurches forward or backward, use your trim control to neutralize this effect). Once in slew mode, pull back on your joystick/yoke to move the aircraft backward. Turn the nose to the left or right to position yourself for taxi. Exit slew mode by again pressing the "Y" key. Taxi to the assigned departure runway. Follow the safe taxi speeds listed in the POH for the aircraft you are piloting.

Hold short of the runway and apply the parking brake. Run through the following pre-takeoff checklist:

• Parking Brake Set
• Transponder Set
• Flaps Set For Takeoff
• NAV Radios Set
• Autopilot On (Press the "Z" key)
• Release Parking Brake

Once this checklist is complete, call tower for clearance and follow instructions.

Once 1,000 ft. above the airport elevation, engage the autopilot (set for assigned altitude and heading). You will use the altitude and heading hold modes of the MSFS autopilot, or use the FPAP mode if flying a Flight Shop ATC Adventure flight plan. Follow the climb procedures listed in the POH. Once cleared to climb to your cruising altitude, perform the following checklist:

• Gear Retracted
• Flaps Retracted
• Autopilot Set and Functioning

Level off at your assigned altitude. Cruise according to your flight plan or ATC instructions using the altitude and heading hold functions of the MSFS autopilot for control. Do not manually fly the aircraft during the cruise phase of flight. You should control the aircraft by entering new headings and altitudes directly into the autopilot. If you are using a Flight Shop ATC Adventure flight plan the FPAP mode of Flight Shop will automatically comply with ATC instructions.

When cleared to descend, follow ATC instructions. Enter the new assigned altitude into the autopilot (include new heading if one is assigned). This will instruct your aircraft to begin a descent (and turn if programmed). Be sure to control your airspeed by reducing the throttle according the the aircraft's POH. Maintain control via autopilot into the arrival airport vicinity.

Continue to use the autopilot for control of the aircraft. Enter new altitudes and headings as required. Again, the FPAP function will automatically comply with ATC instructions if using a Flight Shop ATC Adventure flight plan.

Transition from autopilot to manual flight no sooner than 10 miles from your arrival airport and no later than a base or final leg 5 miles from the runway threshold. FPAP will automatically disengage when turning base to final. You can continue to use the altitude hold function until established on the ILS.

Configure the aircraft for landing according to the POH. When on 3 to 5 mile final, perform the following checklist:

• Flaps Set
• Gear Down
• Airspeed Correct (according the aircraft's POH)

Land and Taxi the Terminal. At the gate, configure the aircraft as follows:

• Parking Brake Set
• Flaps Up
• Spoilers Retracted
• Lights/Strobes Off

Once this checklist is complete, shut the engines down and log your flight time.

It is suggested that WestWind Pilots conduct their operations at Normal or 1x simulation rate. However when engaged on long Oceanic or Trans-Continental flights, pilots may use a higher simulation rate.

Any time spent at a higher Simulation Rate may only be logged at Real Time. (That is to say, if you spend 1 hour flying a 2x Simulation Speed, you may log 1 hour only.)

Pilots are encouraged to fly at the normal Simulation Rate as this will help keep your flights as realistic as they possibly can be.

Questions? Contact Sean McConnell , Chief Administration Officer using the forum or the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page.