OnCourse Software

Hello,

1) I read the PFE manual and found out that despite the length of the manual, PFE is fairly easy to get started with. Having said that, I have not actually flown with PFE yet. My first IFR flight is going to be from L12 to KSNA ILS approach runway 19R. Default FSX can't seem to get me there as filed without vectoring me... One of the reasons I purchased PFE. Anyway, without the PFE program running on the computer I am typing this, my basic question is a general overview question.

I want to depart L12 via a configured DP within PFE. That will take me to the PDZ VOR, which I will need to fly to intercept the ILS 19R at KSNA. Will I need request runway 19R for PFE to allow the ILS approach? When will PFE realize that I am not flying a VOR approach from PDZ, but would rather like the ILS approach? Default FS always screwed up this approach by not allowing me to select the ILS approach, and it rejected my waypoints and routed me to a VOR past the PDZ VOR impractical for intercepting the ILS.

I have more questions about this, but I do not have my PFE/FSX computer running. If anyone can get me started with how to fly this approach I can figure out the smaller details while flying, so long as PFE will get me there correctly.

2) I also want to fly a GPS RNAV DP out of KRIF to a RNAV approach at U14 runway 35 (see http://skyvector.com/files/tpp/1409/pdf/09496R35.PDF for the RNAV approach). My question is that normal ATC resumes when reaching the specified DP altitude. The departure course ends at the DTA VOR/fix, which happens to be the IAF start of the RNAV approach to U14. I may already have reached the DP altitude that signals PFE to resume ATC altitude changes and control, before having reached the finish of the DP at the DTA VOR. What will PFE do if I reach the specified altitude before reaching the end of the DP, which is the same fix as the start of the STAR RNAV approach (there is not time to change my altitude or direction here or my approach will get screwed up, plus terrain concerns)? What do I have to do to fly this approach/departure?

Thanks!

Erik

You really need to study the PFE manual with regard to DP's/STAR's as there are many ways to achieve what you want. Remember you do NOT have to add a procedure to the flight plan but the DP will end at your first waypoint, unless otherwise specified and the STAR will begin at you last waypoint, unless otherwise specified.

dmarch wrote:

You really need to study the PFE manual with regard to DP's/STAR's as there are many ways to achieve what you want. Remember you do NOT have to add a procedure to the flight plan but the DP will end at your first waypoint, unless otherwise specified and the STAR will begin at you last waypoint, unless otherwise specified.

Okay. I was trying to avoid an hour flight and setting it up incorrectly only to not have PFE perform the procedure correctly. I did read the manual, at 100 pages it is easy to forget details.

Thanks,
Erik

Quote:

I did read the manual, at 100 pages it is easy to forget details.

I know, I forget exact details all the time and I wrote it!

dmarch wrote:

Quote:

I did read the manual, at 100 pages it is easy to forget details.

I know, I forget exact details all the time and I wrote it!

Yes! I was wondering about that. I used to program VB 6 (nothing close to the level PFE is). Quite an undertaking, well-coded and documented and the learning curve is not as steep as it seems. Regarding my question I think you have answered it and I'll learn the rest as I go along.

Thanks,
Erik