(CONTINUED FROM PART I)
C) Starting the Engines
This is the third step in the overall paradigm of most payware addons. Again, the details of how to start the engines on a specific aircraft will be different, but the fact virtual pilots always do this after the FMC has been programmed and they have been pushed back is universal across all realistic addons because this is the proper sequence of events in real life departures.
D) Taxiing to the Runway / Performing Last Minute Procedures
This includes setting proper flap positions, strength of the engines (N1; TO/GA), setting the MCP (Autopilot, ALT, SPD settings, etc).
E) Takeoff
The most common event associated with aviation. It includes charging up the engines, barreling down the runway, lifting off, putting the gears up and climbing to cruise altitude. It can also encompass things like setting the autopilot and monitoring the plane as it continues climbs, turn, etc.
F) Cruise Altitude (En Route)
For modern airliners this means the virtual pilot can either sit back and enjoy the view as the autopilot does the work, or they might have to be more engaged like with jets who do not have autothrottle controls, so the pilot must make sure the plane doesn't overspeed (go to fast), or stall (not enough speed) at certain altitudes and angles.
G) Descent and Landing
Self-Explanatory... But just as important as the other phases of flight. Not only do landing procedures differ from aircraft to aircraft, but it also depends on the type of landing. For instance, a ILS Category III landing is a fully automated landing vs. a regular ILS approach where the pilot takes control of the aircraft around 500 AGL and brings the plane in for the final touch down themselves.
H) Taxiing to Gate and Shutdown
The very end of the flight. The pilot has arrived safely at their destination with all passengers and aircraft intact. Now, they just have to roll up to the gate and shut the plane down to a Cold & Dark state (if they want).
Now, the whole process might seem overwhelming to the uninitiated, but if you look at it the way I have broken it down... You will see not only is it very simple at its core, but it is also the base model almost every single realistic addons is built around. This is because these addons are supposed to simulate the proper sequence of events real life pilots and aircraft go through in normal operations.
In other words, instead of focusing on the minute details that can drive a beginning virtual pilot crazy like the differences between how to program various FMCs, they should take a step back and look at the big picture and realize what looks overwhelming is in fact very simple when put into the context of a universal work flow common to the more realistic payware addons that try and replicate a real world work flow as their main goal.
In closing, I hope virtual pilots take the time to realize that what might seem daunting and "just not fun" at first isn't really that hard once they realize there is a certain way to approach the more realistic addons because of how they are designed to simulate real life.
