MCP Question

[clive6354]

Hi

When I commence the Before Start Checklist the FO checks the MCP and pause

MCP………………………………………… V2.0/HDG 7/ALT 9900 (in green)

What is the FO waiting for in order to continue?

Clive Alexander

[Matthew King]

Good question, Clive

For the Copilot to continue to the next checklist item when calling "MCP", the following conditions must exist:

1. The IAS must be set to the value indicated in the FMC
2. The Heading must be set higher than 0
3. The Altitude must be set higher than 0
4. Both Flight Directors must be on.

To override, just hold the ctrl key.

[clive6354]

What is V2.0 ( I expect the answer will be so obvious)

MCP………………………………………… V2.0/HDG 7

I am reading the manual and asking questions that not clear about and as I use the software.  I am finding the program more user friendly than FS2CREW.  I was very dissapointed in the FS2CREW for  FSLABS A320 

Is there any possibility of producing a YOUTUBE  video as a tutorial for FSFO

[Matthew King]

That's exactly why I wrote FSFO, Clive. I wanted a copilot that didn't follow a strict script or precise speech. I wanted something easy to use. The YouTube video is a good idea. I'll try to get to it but I'm working on an update for FSFO 737 first. Once I get that done, I'll make a quick youtube video!

[clive6354]

Thanks for the reply. You have missed my first question what is V2.0 as in MCP………………………………………… V2.0/

[Matthew King]

Clive,

MCP......V2 (the value set via your FMC), HDG (This is the initial Heading entered into the MCP), ALT (This is the initial Altitude entered into the MCP); In real-world operations, the Copilot would actually read the values before proceeding to the next call, which is why they appear on the checklist list that way. In FSFO, the HDG, ALT, and IAS MCP settings cannot equal 0; plus, both Flight Directors must be on. Satisfy all of those, and the Copilot will move to the next call. NOTE: there was a bug in V1.3 where the Flight Directors were not being read as both on...corrected in V1.4, which will be available via SIMMARKET soon.

[clive6354]

Thanks for the reply, explained much more.


I am a little slow at times (getting old..ha..ha) I like to know what every stage is doing and why. I am familiar with the 737 systems and procedures but at times I get bogged down in the detail.

I look forward to the video tutorial

[Matthew King]

Clive. This weekend I will get to the video. I’m the video I will explain exactly what the copilot is doing. In short, he’s following the flows recommended by Boeing. I’ll make sure I detail it in the video

[clive6354]

Hi Matthew

How is the video tutorial progressing?

I have used FSFO, very impressed. I wish to make an observation and request a modification and in so doing enquire if my suggestion is feasible.
The software places a First Officer in the cockpit in order to relieve the workload of a single FS captain. The software does the job as intended, however, if the FS user (captain) was not aware of what the First Officer was doing the actions of the First Officer would be meaningless as the FS user could sit back and watch as switches and knobs are adjusted. Would it be possible to add audio and have the First Officer announce every switch and knob that he operates (maybe an option to have the audio description on or off) Although this would not be realistic, having an audio description as switches and knobs where operated would be a good training facility

Clive

[Matthew King]

Hey Clive,

Thanks for the suggestion; please keep them coming! So, I honestly thought about doing what you suggest; however, in my research, I discovered the copilot and pilot have little, to no, interaction when each is going through thier respective flows. In fact, during the pre-flight flow, one pilot is not even in the cockpit; they typically do their workarounds at this point. I wanted to keep the program as realistic as possible; so, I decided to prevent the copilot from announcing his actions during flows. Maybe I can add them as an available option. Let me look at that and get back with you....

[clive6354]

Hi Matthew

Yes, you are correct, being realistic, however, if it was possible to add audio and have the audio as an option it would be an excellent training utility, theory and practical. There are many YOUTUBE videos showing how the start-up procedure and flows are carried out but to have audio capability in a working program would be so useful to many users whilst learning

[Matthew King]

I'll add the audio option; it will be available in 30 days.

[clive6354]

How is the video tutorial progressing?

[Matthew King]

Slowly bud! I have so much going on right now; there's simply not enough time in a day . I will get this done though.