This is a description of an FSCOM 2004 flight from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt (Germany) with a B-737 400 using speech recognition. To communicate without speech recognition you can use mainly 3 keys but 7 keys at total are supported.
The flight has been planned and created in FSCOM. The Copilot sets all frequencies and the heading and altitude on the autopilot. Checklists and communication with controllers are we doing ourselves.
When Flight Simulator starts, the necessary module, which connects you with the controllers is loaded automatically. So when Fight Simulator 2004 ist launched simply select the flight “Düsseldorf to Frankfurt/M” out of the tab “FSCOM 2004 Flights”.
In the background you can hear the stewardesses giving instructions to the passengers. We use this time to configure the cockpit. Our copilot sets the ATIS frequency to get latest weather information. The clearance frequency will be set by him right after that. It's time now to ask the controller for start-up clearance. If using speech recognition you should deactivate the pilot's voice with “CTLR+V” so that he won't start to repeat everything you say.
When using Speech recognition one of the most important things is to keep your callsign in mind. If you contact a controller without telling him your ID, he won't be able to give you any instructions.
Good morning clearance delivery, Lufthansa
1425 at the terminal, IFR with information Bravo, requesting startup.
Startup is approved! Are you ready to copy?
Roger, go ahead!
Cleared to destination Airport via B E T Z 2 L, after takeoff fly runway heading and climb to 5000,
expect level change on route, follow route as filed. Transponder to 3524, depature frequency is 121.05.
You should note all necessary settings communicated by the controller if your copilot isn't setting frequencies and is serving the autopilot because you won't be able to tune as fast as the controller speaks. How evr, the two most important values are the initial altitude after takeoff (5000 here) and the transponder frequency (3524).
Roger, fly runway heading, climb to 5000, squawk 3524, Lufthansa 1425
Readback is correct! Contact ground on 119.15.
Roger 119.15. Good day.
The frequencies are again adjusted by the copilot. Before starting the engines you have to go through the before startup checklist together with your copilot.
Startup checklist please...
(Copilot) Doors? (You) Closed!
Beacon? Is on!
Nav lights? On!
Fuel? Loaded!
Atis? Received!
Altimeter? Set and checked!
Magnetic compass? Checked!
Radio Altimeter? Checked zero!
Navigation radios? Set!
Elevator trim? Set green!
Flaps? All up!
Autopilot? Off!
Autothrottle? Off!
Seat note sign? On!
No smoking sign? On!
Startup checklist complete!
All things have been done. Ready to start the engines!.
The copilot sets the ground frequency. So we can contact for taxi clearance to the runway and for an eventually pushback from the ramp.
Good morning ground control, Lufthansa 1425,
requesting taxi.
Lufthansa 1425, taxi via Mike and Charly to
holding position runway 25 left. When on position, contact tower on 125.75.
Roger, taxiing to holding position runway 25
left, Lufthansa 1425.
the taxi checklist follows…
OK, the Taxi checklist please...
Fuel? Checked!
Taxi clearance? Received!
Engines? Stable!
Flaps? Set to takeoff position!
Parking brakes? Released!
Taxi checklist complete!
Now taxi to the assigned runway. You should go through the takeoff checklist while taxiing to the runway to not cause an unnecessary traffic jump.
Takoff checklist...
Flaps? Checked!
Flight controls? Checked!
Takeoff data? Checked and set!
Beacons? Set for departure!
Takeoff checklist complete!
Short before arriving at the holding position of the assigned runway, the ground controller will ask you to contact the tower on the frequency communicated. You confirm and follow the instructions…
Lufthansa 1425, contact tower on 125.75.
Roger 125.75, by.
Don't forget to inform the crew!
Tower, Lufthansa 1425, on holding position runway 23 left, ready for takeoff requesting streight out.
With a bit of luck you get your takeoff clearance immediately if not you have to wait for a while on your position because there is a plane landing or taking off it can also be that you get the clearance to line up but don't get a final takeoff clearance.
Lining up…
Lufthansa 1425, line up runway 23 left.
Roger lining up runway 23 left, Lufthansa 1425.
After a few seconds you get the takeoff clearance…
Lufthansa 1425, winds 12 at 5, fly runway heading to 1500, cleared for takeoff runway 23 left, good flight.
Roger cleared for takeoff 23 left, Lufthansa 1425, good day.
Push the thrust control forward and off you go. The copilot announces at a specific speed V1, and then VR then you should pull up the aircraft. Short after, tower instructs you to change to departure frequency . You confirm as usual and follow the instructions…
Lufthansa 1425, contact departure on 125.65
Roger 125.65, good day.
The frequency has been set by the copilot.
Departure, Lufthansa 1425, on runway heading.
Now the first SID waypoint will be assigned…
Lufthansa 1425, intercept the 235 radial to "Delta Yenkie", climb to 5000.
Roger heading 235, climbing to 5000.
That's the way it goes on up to the destination airport. Until you reach your destination you are going through 5 more checklists, contact a lot of controllers, set much more frequencies, and hear a lot of ATCs.