OK, let me try to do it from memory, please confirm if that works:
Taking off from an untowered airport:
1. contact FSS (with PF3 3.2.0 this defaults to 122.0 if the airport does not have one configured, this will change to 122.2 with the next release to avoid conflicts with Active Sky), using the hotkey 0.
2. after a pause they will say "Go ahead", press 0 again to request an IFR clearance
3. with hotkey 7 you can ask for airport advisories (including altimeter setting), but they will refer you to the Unicom or Multicom frequency (which your VCP mode 2 will automatically dial), or just manually tune to Unicom or Multicom.
4. press hotkey 6 before entering the runway (after checking for other aircraft, they do not talk yet at uncontrolled airports in PF3, but this is on the wishlist)
5. press hotkey 8 to announce departing the area
6. manually tune to Departure frequency (I don't remember if there is a way to let your VCP do this), check in using hotkey 0, and from here on proceed as usual
Alternatively:
1. Just take off from the airport, pretending you own :)
2. manually tune to Departure frequency and use hotkey 0 to check in.
I have had success with this, too, so many thanks indeed.
I did find some small differences in the procedure and on the basis I didn't miss something (entirely possible as I am still learning) I will repeat your list with adjustments to items 2, 3 & 6 so that anybody else following this thread can benefit from it:
Taking off from an untowered airport:
1. contact FSS (with PF3 3.2.0 this defaults to 122.0 if the airport does not have one configured, this will change to 122.2 with the next release to avoid conflicts with Active Sky), using the hotkey 0.
2. after a pause they will say "Go ahead", and you request an IFR clearance
3. with hotkey 7 you can ask for airport advisories (including altimeter setting), then manually tune to Unicom or Multicom.
4. press hotkey 6 before entering the runway (after checking for other aircraft, they do not talk yet at uncontrolled airports in PF3, but this is on the wishlist)
5. press hotkey 8 to announce departing the area
6. manually tune to Departure frequency, check in using hotkey 0, and from here on proceed as usual
Best regards,
John