Sven2157

Hello Jeffreyb22 ,

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a very complex, yet rewarding, program. As a matter of fact, the FAA has recently approved it's use as a real life learning tool.

QUICK ANSWER: Click Flight Planner from the main navagation tool bar. Select your Starting airport, Select your destination, choose which way you want to go while en route. That's it!

What does all that mean? Good question! So let's begin.....

To program a flight plan is very simple and complex at the same time. First you need to decide on which type of flight you would like to take. There are several "types" of flights you can do. The first is VFR, or Visual Flight, the second is IFR, or Instrument Flight.

VFR is basically flying and navagating by looking outside the aircraft. Using what you see on the ground for guidance.

IFR is using your gauges and radios to guide the aircraft to your desired destination. This is a really complex method of flight, because there are numerous factors that need to be decided on. These include:

1. - VOR to VOR
2. - High or Low Jetways (Victor Jetways are Low altitude and Juliet airways are High altitude)
3. - Direct Route

The latter of the three is pretty self explanitory. You are at "A" and you want to go to "B", so you go there by using a straight line (GPS helps too! ).

Jetways are virtual "Highways" in the sky. If you look at the world, and imagine that there have been two "roads" mapped out over the entire planet. The first, is the "Victor" Jetways, Victor because they all start with a "V" (roughly 10 - 23,000ft). These are low altitude "Roads" in the sky. The second are "Juliet" Jetways, Juliet because the all start with a "J", and these are the High altitude Jetways (roughly 23,000ft and above).

It does not matter which of these you choose. However, longer flights usually take the High Altitude Jetways.

The last is VOR to VOR. VOR's are Very high Frequency Omin-directional Rotating Beacons. These "radio" stations, care be picked up very far away; up to 150nm, depending on their strength. You can see VOR's at most airports; they look like a nipple for a baby's bottle on a pedistal.

There are many tutorials and training aides in the "Learning Center", within FSX, that will explain and guide you through you flying experience.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

good Luck and welcome to the wonderful world of Flying!

Sven2157