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Everything posted by Andrew Heath
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I think you nailed it.
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Because you can set them in PMDG doesn't mean they are supported in P3D. I think they are there for ascetically purposes in the case of PMDG. Perhaps someday we could integrate directly with PMDG and avoid P3D altogether.
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They support these ranges? Since when?
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@Marc D. https://forums.poscon.net/clubs/3-france-division/ @Sergio M. https://forums.poscon.net/clubs/22-colombia-division/
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Drones are coming after the new year at the earliest.
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Earlier this year, we created an MVP (or Minimum Viable Product) list of features that need to be completed before our first public release. Since defining these specific objectives, our development team has been laser focused and, as a result, we have made tremendous strides in POSCON's technological development. In June 2019, we attended FSExpo where I was interviewed by Callum Martin from FSElite and we revealed our roadmap to release announcement. This announcement had a significant impact on our development team because it assigned a series of deadlines as to when the MVP objectives need to be completed by. Here are some additional interviews I took part in during FSxpo: Flight Simulation Addon Developers Panel Ground_Point_Niner Interview Lets first talk about the voice client, since voice quality seems to be the hottest topic in network development spheres. The truth is, we have only pushed one or two revisions to our voice code since my last update in April 2019. The reason for the lack of updates is not because we have given up working on it, but because we are done. The POSCON voice system was one of the very first projects we worked on and because of that, it has been stable and ready to be released for the past 6 months. We have an update to the voice infrastructure planned before public release, but the update is not a no-go item and can be delayed if it were to prevent our release. The current features of our voice communication system include: Low latency. Realistic VHF distortion. Line-of-sight simulation including both curvature of the earth and terrain modelling. Blocking simulation. The ability to add custom transmitter locations for ATC through our website. Full integration into all of our clients. Second, lets talk about the server... and the first word that comes to my mind is "wow". The server update rate (15 Hz) is absolutely phenomenal and extremely smooth. I find myself bugging our testers to join me in VFR group flights constantly because the update rate makes these types of flights extremely enjoyable. If you haven't seen some of our demos, you can can view them on our YouTube channel. Other than the update rate though, the server has had a lot of work performed on it. Here is brief summary of recent changes: The server can now determine what FIR and sector an airplane is in by analyzing known lateral and vertical airspace stratum. Below are two images showing our custom Discord bot reporting: The active aircraft on the server, shown with their Mode-S hexadecimal readouts (first column), The FIRs the aircraft are currently in (AOR column); and, What FIRs the aircraft are in the vicinity of (APD column). We have also extended this capability to sector level granularity. The image below shows what sector the aircraft is currently in and also what sector the aircraft is projected to be in the next 180 seconds based on the current aircraft trajectory. Why on earth is this important? Well this core functionality can be used for many different applications such as ATC scheduling, traffic management, auto-handoffs, auto squawk code assignments, and auto "contact me" messages... just to name a few. Speaking about auto-squawk code assignments, the server can already do this! When you file an IFR flight plan on POSCON, regardless of whether ATC is online or offline, the server automatically sends you a squawk code assignment. This is important so that your flight plan and target are properly correlated because on POSCON, your callsign is not tied to your actual connection. Another recent update to our server is that ghost mode has been re-enabled. Earlier this year we disabled our ghost mode code while we worked on other aspects of the server because the feature was interfering with our testing. I am pleased to announce that we have finished those peripheral updates and have re-enabled ghost mode. Ghost mode allows members to remain connected and enjoy the server, while not being a bother to other users. While on the topic of ghost mode, we recently added runway definitions and buffer zones to the server so that when an aircraft spawns to a runway, instead of interfering with traffic, they are automatically ghosted. This server functionality can also later be used for Runway Safety Area (RSA) alerts in the Radar Client. In addition to automatically ghosting for spawning on a runway, the server will also automatically ghost aircraft that slew or that connect in the vicinity of another aircraft (e.g. at the same gate as someone already connected). In regards to server infrastructure, we are utilizing the Google Cloud Platform. Some features of our server infrastructure include: Automatic server selection and negotiation. Memory-only flight servers (no need to read from disk). Multi-gigabit network uplinks per server. RAM-based databases for our core services. Next, lets discuss the pilot clients. Like the voice system, most of the work on these clients has been finished for a few months. Right now, our main focus is sorting through bugs and working on the Pilot Client Web UI, which I will discuss later in this post. The X-Plane Pilot Client was recently updated with better model matching logic. The new logic closely emulates the logic that most people are already familiar with on other networks. In addition to this new logic, we also added a new ground clamping algorithm. As a pilot approaches or departs from the ground, the client will now evaluate the terrain underneath the aircraft and intelligently chose from one of two methods to display an aircraft in your sim. This will prevent models from making unrealistic movements during the takeoff or landing phase of flight. I have personally tested this extensively and I can tell you, it works very well when you are flying with people using different sims and/or terrain meshes. As with all things pilot client related, we will ensure feature parity, so the FSX/P3D client will soon have the same features that have been added to the X-Plane client. Since FSExpo, the website (we call "HQ" or Headquarters) continues to be updated to the new design. We currently have a fully functional ICAO 2012 flight plan form with an integrated tutorial for users who are not completely familiar with how to fill out the form. Some additional features of the HQ include: The ability to view your profile, statistics, and change account preferences. View training documentation and modules. Submit support requests. View upcoming events and bookings. Browse available Discord servers. Schedule ATC sessions. Submit airline and aircraft ICAO codes to be approved for inclusion in the global database. If you were at FSExpo, you will be familiar with our Live Map which consists of a globe, continents, and FIR boundaries. Currently it displays airspace and aircraft with the ability to view activity in a 3D perspective. We have included a live weather radar on this map as well that covers most major areas around the world. By clicking on an aircraft on the map, a sidebar appears which displays some basic flight data and a series of options to choose from including: "Leave Feedback" "Report Issue" - in other networks, this is the same as the "Wallop" command. "Message" - this is restricted to Moderators only. Because our map is derived from OpenStreetMap, users are able to update their home airport and make it as detailed as they want. Here is EHAM: The Pilot Client Web UI, which is part of HQ, is coming along nicely. The Web UI is already capable of: Changing VHF radio frequencies in your sim. Changing squawk code, transponder mode, and identing. Changing the active radio transmitter and receiver in your sim. Requesting and displaying weather reports (METARs, TAFs, etc.). Changing your connection mode (ghost or live). Disconnecting from the network. Sending PIREPs to the server. Communicating with Moderators. We are currently working on implementing CPDLC via the Web UI. This will be the only way users are able to use text to communicate with ATC. Last but not least, lets discuss the Radar Client. Development on this software is coming along nicely as well. One of the unique things about our Radar Client is the way you log in and choose what position you are going to control. The first step is to pick the authority in which you desire to work in. In this case "FAA", which is the USA. Then pick the enroute facility. In this case "ZNY", which is New York ARTCC. Then pick the sub-facility. In this case "N90", which is New York TRACON (Apporach/Departure). Then pick the sub-facility area. In this case "JFK", which is of course Kennedy International Airport. Then pick the sector or position. In this case "2G", which is a sector of the Kennedy Area. Pick the configuration. In this case I picked "Default". After clicking "Login", the server automatically downloads all the proper sector and voice communication data. Why is this important? It makes the setup process extremely seamless. With our software, all a user needs to worry about is basic preference settings. Right now, the login menu exists in the Radar Client itself, but eventually we will move it, along with a lot of other things, to the Launcher Client software which will automatically download and keep POSCON files up-to-date. Another feature of the Radar Client worth discussing is our VSCS (Voice Switching and Control System). The VSCS panel data is automatically populated from the server based on the position you select at login. No extra configuration is required other than selecting which transmitters you want to activate. In the example below, we have set up a single frequency with multiple transmitter locations. I have activated the transmitter located at Matawan (MAT), New Jersey and I am transmitting on 125.325. I am also monitoring Guard on both VHF and UHF frequencies. The Radar Client also gives the user the ability to change the rate at which targets update. This is important because different air traffic control positions use different types of radars that update at different rates. We wanted to give the user the ability to control this variable. Here is an image from our WX and ALTIM SET panels. These can be setup using the "WR" and "QD" commands respectively. Well, that about sums up our technical development progress. I am sure I left out some points but there is just so much to cover! I want to stress the point that we have accomplished the majority of this work in just over a year. Imagine where we will be at next year. I also want to take this opportunity and remind everyone to follow us on our Twitch channel! You can expect that to become active in the VERY near future!
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@Kobi L. Btw, Of Monsters and Men rock!
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Autobrake and Reversers
Andrew Heath replied to Joshua Akehurst's question in The Everyday Aviation FAQ
Yes. -
What is the issue? Can you elaborate?
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@Teodor T.
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Have you ever approached an airport too high or too fast and as a result you had to dive bomb the runway in order to land? Have you ever landed halfway down the runway in an attempt to squeak out that perfect landing rate? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, then you are the victim of an unstablized approach and in the POSCON world, you lose points for that type of flying. One of the biggest operational challenges for a virtual pilot is how to successfully accomplish a stabilized approach in the simulator. In fact, flying stabilized approaches in the flight simulator is difficult for even the most experienced real world pilots because of the inherent limitations of flight simulators such the limited FOV (field of view) compared to the real world. In this post, I am going to attempt to tackle the reasons why stabilized approaches are such a challenge and offer some techniques on how to ensure your approaches remain stabilized. For our example scenarios, we are going to John Wayne - Orange County Airport located in Santa Ana, California (KSNA). This airport has two parallel runways: Runway 20R/2L - this is the larger of the two runways at 5,701 x 150 feet with all of it available for landing. Runway 20L/2R - this is the smaller of the two runways at 2,887 x 75 feet with all of it available for landing. Runways 20L and 20R from X-Plane 11: This is an old real world photo when the runways were previously named 19L and 19R. Not sure if you noticed, but there are two very important differences between the two photos other than the runway naming. The first difference is that in the X-Plane photo, the runway touchdown zone markings extend the entire length of the runway which gives the flight simulator pilot a false sense of where the touchdown zone is located. In the real world photo, there are only three touchdown zone markings (not including the threshold markings). Each touchdown zone marking indicates 500 feet. You might ask, why are there only three in the real world? For that, lets define the term "touchdown zone". Touchdown zone = the first 3,000 feet of a runway or first third, whichever is less. In the case of KSNA, that means the touchdown zone is defined as the first 1,900 feet (5,701 divided by 3). So at KSNA, the runway painters only painted 3 markings to indicate the touchdown zone (3 x 500 = 1,500). Anything more than that would give the pilot incorrect information. The second major difference between the two photos is the fact that the X-Plane runway is simply too long. You can tell this because of the location of the third touchdown zone marking in relation to the taxiway. In the real world photo, the taxiway is located in the same position as the third marking, but in the X-Plane photo, the taxiway is located in the same position as the fourth marking. These types of scenery inaccuracies present a significant challenge to flight simulator pilots because landing in the touchdown zone is a requirement of every landing and the expected outcome of flying a stabilized approach. If you estimate that you will NOT land in the touchdown zone, a go-around MUST be initiated. POSCON will automatically deduct points from your score if you fail to land within the touchdown zone because it is indicative of an unsafe landing. We now know what the touchdown zone is and why it is important, but to achieve a safe landing in the touchdown zone, it first starts with a stabilized approach. Significant speed and configuration changes during an approach can complicate aircraft control, increase the difficulty of evaluating an approach as it progresses, and complicate the decision at the decision point (i.e., DA, DDA, DH, MDA). Assess the probable success of an approach before reaching the decision point by determining the requirements for a stabilized approach have been met and maintained. Normal bracketing is defined as small corrections in airspeed, rates of descent, and variations from lateral and vertical path. Normal bracketing is a part of any instrument or visual approach procedure. Frequent or sustained variations are not normal bracketing excursions and are not acceptable. POSCON will automatically deduct points from your score if you fail to conduct a stabilized approach; however, you will only be charged points if the approach results in a landing. If you realize you are unstable and go-around without touching down, no points will be deducted. Let's review the criteria the POSCON grades on: Stabilized Approach Requirements On any approach, the following is required: Below 2,000 feet above field level, do not descend at a rate greater than 2,000 FPM for more than a few seconds. Below 1,000 feet above field level, or inside the FAF, do not descend at a rate greater than 1,000 FPM for more than a few seconds. EXCEPTION: At special airports such as Lukla (VNLK), Telluride (KTEX), Aspen (KASE), Paro Bhutan (VQPR), etc. OR if you are simulating an emergency, you can "dispute" the point deduction in order to be exempt from the above criteria. We also are considering exempting certain aircraft types as well such as general aviation. At 1,000 feet above field level: You must be in a landing configuration (gear down and final landing flaps), no exceptions. On the proper flight path. At stabilized thrust (spooled). Minimum speed: target speed minus 5 knots. Maximum speed: target speed plus 10 knots. EXCEPTION: In VMC, the requirements at 1,000 feet can be delayed until 500 feet above field elevation, except landing configuration. These requirements must be maintained throughout the rest of the approach for it to be considered a stabilized approach. If the stabilized approach requirements cannot be satisfied by the minimum stabilized approach heights or maintained throughout the rest of the approach, then you must execute a go-around. The decision to go around is not an indication of poor performance, but rather good judgement. Main Causes of Unstabilized Approaches Visual approaches. Poor descent and speed planning from cruise. Unreasonable ATC speed or altitude restrictions. Techniques to Flying a Stabilized Approach Here are some tips on how to achieve a stabilized approach: Stabilized approaches start with good descent and speed planning. The total flying distance required for a normal descent to landing can be calculated by factoring 3 miles per 1,000 feet or 1 mile per 300 feet (3 to 1 ratio). Sometimes, however, a 3 to 1 ratio cannot be maintained due to high tailwinds, engine anti-ice activation, or ATC assigned speed restrictions. If you are flying jet aircraft, make sure you are not afraid to use speed brakes when necessary as they are a very effective tool to "go down and slow down" simultaneously. If you are in variable pitch prop aircraft, you can push the prop lever full forward which will use the blade of the prop to help slow the aircraft. The best way to slow an aircraft in the descent is to level. It is not always possible, but when it is, it is good practice to build in a few extra miles prior to a speed restriction to level just to make sure you can achieve the desired speed. If the act of leveling gets you off your desired descent path (i.e. too high), you can always add flaps to maintain a high descent rate while maintaining a slow speed. Speed brakes can also help, but avoid using speed brakes below 180 KIAS. Extending your gear is your trump card... play it when necessary. The gear is the biggest drag device you have on your aircraft. If the choice is between going around and dumping the gear early, the gear is always the best option. 1,000 feet is just a minimum. You should target 1,500 feet to ensure you are stable by 1,000 feet. In general, plan to be stabilized on all approaches by 1,000 feet above field level in both IMC and VMC. Use electronic guidance when available. This does NOT mean you need to request to fly the instrument approach, you can simply tune and backup your visual approach using an ILS or RNAV for the vertical guidance that these approaches provide. A good technique on visual approaches is to intercept the vertical path, even if not established on the lateral guidance. If ATC assigns you an altitude or speed restriction you are unable to maintain, then simply say "unable". Know how to properly manipulate the the mode control panel (MCP) or guidance panel (GP) on your aircraft. Knowing what the different modes do will help you make good decisions during the descent phase. Also, it is important to understand how each mode interacts with your auto-throttle system. The last thing you want is the auto-throttles to increase power when you are not ready for them to do so. Here is an example of what to do when you recognize early that a 3 to 1 ratio descent path is not going to work: Okay, now lets say you have tried ALL of the above and you are out of options, what now? Do you have to go-around? There is one more option... increase the flying distance to the runway. You can do this a number of different ways, but it depends on how far away you are from the runway. Early recognition of being unstable: If you realize early that you are going too high and/or fast on approach, you can ask ATC for "vectors for descent". 99% of the time ATC will be happy to accommodate this request because they rather give you a chance to make a stabilized approach than have to deal with your go-around. Late recognition of being unstable: If you realize that you are going to be high and/or fast and you are on final approach, then things become a little bit more complicated. With the exception of the C172-type aircraft and their ability to forward slip, the only option is an S-turn... yeah, that thing from the private pilot training. If you are flying into a controlled airfield, you need to request to conduct this maneuver from ATC. If you are flying into an uncontrolled field, you can simply perform this maneuver on your own. CAUTION: Some people may suggest a 360 degree turn for stabilization on final as it is common practice at uncontrolled fields. I personally do not recommend this maneuver as it can lead to bad things if aircraft are behind you. If you feel that the S-turn technique will not work, it is better to just level at pattern altitude, fly upwind and then re-enter the traffic pattern. The S-Turn Technique The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, thus if you want to increase the distance to a runway (i.e. the time to descend and slow), you need to add a bend in your flight path. In order to do this, first make sure you are above 1,000 feet above field level and in VMC. If not, you need to go around and try the approach again. If you are, I recommend the following technique: Turn 30-45 degrees off course. Maintain throttles to idle. If you are too high: pitch for maximum vertical descent rate based on height above field level (e.g. do not exceed 2,000 FPM below 2,000 feet AFL or 1,000 FPM below 1,000 AFL). If you are too fast: pitch for desired airspeed. Evaluate your glide path using visual or electronic means. When you feel comfortable with the stability of your approach, turn back towards the airfield and intercept the straight-in final. CAUTION: Do not let the maneuver deviate more than 1 mile from the straight-in lateral track, otherwise you might as well go around and re-enter the pattern.
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@Udo K.
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We aren't combining divisions like that.
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@Veselko
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@Kyryll K.
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@Daniel W. Your name is indicated as "Daniel W." and I am seeing you in HQ, which means you're all set. You will NOT be able to log into our main HQ site because it is still in beta, but I assure you your account is formatted the way it should be!
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@Michael McConnell Try going to https://www.poscon.net and signing up with the same email you used in this forum initially. You will get a error "email already in use" but that should be okay. Then log out of everything and try again Let me know if this doesn't work.
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Idea ; 2 systems connecting all pilots
Andrew Heath replied to feike manting (1016429)'s topic in General Discussion
It is probably an idea we need to consider from day one, we are discussing it internally. -
Possible Ctaf/unicom freq
Andrew Heath replied to feike manting (1016429)'s topic in General Discussion
@Andrew https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCXFLEs2Upw2QCwUAfFIAw -
@Andrew Is that a written policy, or just something that as been unofficially adapted?
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We have no documentation on this - reference the EuroScope website/forums for more information.
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FSExpo 2019 Announcement - Roadmap to Release
Andrew Heath replied to Andrew Heath's topic in General Discussion
Currently, we are in closed beta only and you must be invited in order to join the closed beta. We currently have a massive backlog for that. Our "invite-only" open beta starts in Q4 2019 - check the forum post here for more details: -
untilIf you are a pilot, RSVP if you plan to fly through my airspace! Covering: All New York Center sectors including unstaffed New York Approach and Philadelphia Approach sectors. No oceanic service provided. Available Frequencies: 125.325 - Primary frequency No secondary frequencies. Limitations: Radio transmitters only on the ground at JFK, LGA, TEB, ISP, ABE, EWR.
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@Andrea Mazzoni You are in HQ as well
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untilIf you are a pilot, RSVP if you plan to fly through my airspace! Covering: All New York Center sectors including unstaffed New York Approach sectors. Philadelphia services provided. No oceanic service provided. Available Frequencies: 125.325 - Primary frequency Limitations: None.