GPS 500

[Kevin Davis 1347751]

Hi fellow Simmers,

I'm just getting started with route planning, and I want to figure out how to put a route that I file with Vatsim into the GPS 500 of my default Cessna 172. Can I use a site that can export routes as .pln files and then load that into FSX? I'd like to be able to follow the route I filed with ATC using the GPS. I'm thinking about trying out Plan-G.

Thanks!

[Wygene Chong 1089621]

Hi Kevin,

 

vRoute is an excellent program that can produce flight plan files for FSX/FS9, as well as vPilot, SB and FSInn.

 

http://www.vroute.net/

 

The route database is maintained voluntarily by the vRoute community and is generally of high quality. The program also has an events calendar, a booking function and shows who is online.

[Don Desfosse]

Hello, Kevin. I agree with the suggestion to use vRoute. Also, if you haven't yet, you should update your default GPS; a lot has changed in the 10 years since FSX was released!

 

A fellow VATSIM pilot, Herve' Sors, has created and maintains web pages and databases containing updated Navaids and Fixes for FS9, FSX and P3D. Each link (one for Navaids, one for Fixes) includes an installer that makes life easy! These files will enable pilots who utilize their default MSFS or P3D GPS the ability to recognize the current Navaids and Fixes in their GPS. Pilots can then fly waypoint to waypoint via their default GPS, enabling them to fly RNAV Procedures. The files may be found here:

 

Fixes: http://www.aero.sors.fr/navint.html

Navaids: http://aero.sors.fr/navaids3.html

 

They are donationware, as described on Herve's home page http://aero.sors.fr

 

With these updates, it is possible to fly the RNAV DPs (and STARs as well) by using the GPS. AND.... once you have an updated GPS database, you may be able to eliminate a lot of the fast and furious waypoint plugging by exporting your route from vRoute to FSX format, and then loading (Flight > Plan > Load) to FSX. Go to http://www.vroute.net for vroute. The free vroute standard version is all that you need to gain this functionality for most major airports; there is a premium version available for very short money if you prefer access to all airports as well as the features that are included in the premium version.

 

That's how I do it when using aircraft that utilize the default GPS (updated fixes and navaids plus vroute premium). Remember, this gives you all you need for lateral guidance only; you must plan and execute your vertical climb and descent profiles.

 

There are likely many other methods to do it. There is a freeware FMC out there called vasFMC that some folks use. There are probably others out there too. The freeware FMCs out there may rely on default (or updated) nav data from your default GPS, or may rely on payware Navigraph data (although I personally believe this data is actually pretty cheap, but cheap/expensive is different for everyone....). There may even be some payware FMCs too. You could do a forum or Google (or equivalent) search to learn more about those options if you were interested.