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Post by apophisx on Jan 16, 2010 20:54:43 GMT -5
Hi guys...since i am not so sure if i am allowed to put up links in this forum, i'll just say this: there is a nice freeware program with which it is quite easy to develop a flightplan which you can then use in your fs9 or fsx...it is called "Plan-G"...google it and you'll find it it has other features too which you might find quite interesting
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Post by Tom Goodrick on Jan 16, 2010 23:20:13 GMT -5
The one in FS9 is plenty good enough for me. It has gotten me anywhere in the world I have wanted to go.
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Post by Thomas Hawk on Jan 17, 2010 4:15:13 GMT -5
This discussion was started some time ago in another forum and Plan-G was one of many tools mentioned. I've worked with it a bit and thoroughly like the app, which augments my flight planning process. I use it external to FSX - although it is supposed to connect - and I get full use of tools that allow me to plan a flight using "charts" and understand the flight path and waypoints.
Naturally the flight planner in FS9/FSX is quite sufficient for executing a flight, but going through the motions of authentically planning a flight (without benefit of local charts) using something external to FS has advantages. Plan-G is one of several tools that get the job done. Can you get by without it, yes. Does it make life easier when you don't use GPS, yes.
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Post by Brett I. Holcomb on Jan 17, 2010 11:18:53 GMT -5
This discussion was started some time ago in another forum and Plan-G was one of many tools mentioned. I've worked with it a bit and thoroughly like the app, which augments my flight planning process. I use it external to FSX - although it is supposed to connect - and I get full use of tools that allow me to plan a flight using "charts" and understand the flight path and waypoints. Naturally the flight planner in FS9/FSX is quite sufficient for executing a flight, but going through the motions of authentically planning a flight (without benefit of local charts) using something external to FS has advantages. Plan-G is one of several tools that get the job done. Can you get by without it, yes. Does it make life easier when you don't use GPS, yes. I've used Plan-G for a number of flights (and I use other planners as I'm testing one) and found Plan-G makes a nice sectional chart replacement. On the World Rally I did not create a flight plan but flew the legs and used Plan-G as a sectional map. The designer of Plan-G says its for VFR flying, not big iron high up stuff.
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Post by Thomas Hawk on Jan 18, 2010 0:26:05 GMT -5
I would agree, Brett. I like the fact Plan-G gives a reasonable "chart" look at the flight planning process and is quite easy to use when inserting waypoints of any type. Having airport information is useful, but I wish I could get that info to print, versus forcing me to write it down before I exit the app and go fly. Since I don't couple it with FSX when flying, having all necessary prints is useful. I think the chart printing is quite sufficient. All in all, a simplistic app that is easy to use and provides augmentation to FSX flight planner. (I'm providing this type of feedback to the developer as well )
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Post by Andrew Godden on Jan 18, 2010 20:06:08 GMT -5
After having read all your comments, I have installed Plan G and have created the flight plan for all 10 Flight Legs of the GAAR 2010. I also downloaded the DEM (digital elevation model) tile for Australia. This provides great information regarding MEF and aids in selecting an appropriate cruising altitude.
The web site for the DEMs is included in the Plan G readme.txt file.
Thomas, There are three printing options and when I printed the flight plan, all runway, ILS, NAVAID, and various ATC frequencies information for the departure and arrival airport were included. Also, any VOR / NDB waypoints had the frequency listed against them. You can access the printing options by left clicking on the yellow plane in the top left corner of the application window.
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bgas004
Member
Home Airport_KGYI
Posts: 29
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Post by bgas004 on Jan 18, 2010 23:12:37 GMT -5
I've also been using it for some time now and used it as well during the World Rally. I like it a lot and I actually use it over and above FSCommander (payware). Great program
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Post by Thomas Hawk on Jan 20, 2010 14:41:49 GMT -5
There are three printing options and when I printed the flight plan, all runway, ILS, NAVAID, and various ATC frequencies information for the departure and arrival airport were included. Also, any VOR / NDB waypoints had the frequency listed against them. You can access the printing options by left clicking on the yellow plane in the top left corner of the application window. Hi Andrew, I can only ask, what version are you running? I only have the option to print Map and print Flight Plan. What is the third that I am missing? What version did you install? Mine is 0.8.0.380, which may be old...?
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Post by Andrew Godden on Jan 20, 2010 15:30:05 GMT -5
Thomas,
I have Plan-G v0.9 which was released on 12 Jan 10. As this was the first version I have used, I wasn't sure what changes had been made to previous versions.
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Post by paulv on Jan 20, 2010 21:14:14 GMT -5
Thanks apophisx, this was a great suggestion. I have been using it to plan legs 5 to 7 so far, and thoroughly enjoy it. Last night I flew leg 7 (a bit early, I know), and I was plotting my progress on a printed version based on features seen from the air. Worked like a charm. THe altitude function is not perfect, but they covered themselves appropriately by stating that it does not constitute MSAs.
Regards
Paul
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Post by cporses on Jan 22, 2010 17:59:14 GMT -5
G'day, This is my first post here. I have been flying with Bluegrass (OZ Division) for some time, but just registered on the forum for GAAR 2010. I have used many planners over the years, but had not heard of Plan-G. My current planner was Flight Sim Commander which I like very much. However, I D/L Plan-G, and flew Legs 1 & 2. I was impressed with Plan-G, really enjoy looking at the satellite photography as I know most of the places GAAR 2010 is visiting. For leg 3, I loaded FSC and Plan-G to see if they would run together. Worked flawlessly, with minimal slowdown of frame rates. All I have to do now is get the DEM tabs and I will have multiple planning options. I personally don't print anything out, I run multiple windows, clicking from one t'other as needed. P.S. Legs flown to date are only practice flights, and by looking at my times as against my targets, I need much more of it. Regards Bob (cporses)
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Post by Thomas Hawk on Jan 23, 2010 12:28:11 GMT -5
Thomas, I have Plan-G v0.9 which was released on 12 Jan 10. As this was the first version I have used, I wasn't sure what changes had been made to previous versions. Cool. Will try to update my version...
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Post by rattler1 on Jan 23, 2010 17:56:49 GMT -5
Another nice program to have is FSWidgets GMap. This little beauty links FS9 directly to Google Earth and gives you a real-time satellite picture of where you are. Wish we had it in the real world!! The drawback is it's not re-sizeable and takes up a lot of panel space, but a bit of fiddling and toggling works wonders.
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budsbud
Member
Cross winds of life
Posts: 211
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Post by budsbud on Jan 23, 2010 20:50:30 GMT -5
Since I found a lot of folks using Plan-G I loaded the thing and was pleased with the results… BUT after making a plan I do a SAVE. The plan shows up when I go back BUT it will not load. An error message says that it can not be found. Another one of my petty problems. Any suggestions on this one ??
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Post by cporses on Jan 25, 2010 0:19:31 GMT -5
Plan-G by default saves flight plans to the same location that FS9 does. I use FSX and Windows 7, but from memory it should be something like "C:/User/username/My Documents/Flight Simulator Files". If you have FS9 located in a non standard location, you may have to search for it. FS9 itself should tell you where your files are. Cheers. Cporses
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