Now that global is around the corner, and it’s only a matter of time that we get our hands on it, I’m sure most of you are frantically planning your routes. If you joined a VA, that aspect may have been done or still in progress. This was a little something that I thought would be of great assistance. Choosing the right equipment (aircraft) for the right mission (route) is a crucial process after you have chosen your route.
I’m going to go out on the limb and assume that most of you don’t memorize the range of each aircraft. Some aircraft may be pretty self explanatory for routes that it is not able to accomplish. However, I have come up with a little something that could assist you and me to choose the right aircraft for the route(s) we are to fly.
What is it?
It’s nothing fancy or complex but rather a word and a few numbers. As you will see from the picture that I attached and a little example, you will see that a “Range” is provided. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate. This number can fluctuate based on a multitude of factors. Range is further with a tailwind, shorter with a headwind, power settings and weight just to name a few. This would be nice to see on all aircraft within IF. Given the range estimate, I can now determine one of two things 1) The route can be flown with adequate fuel on reserve, or, 2) The route may be stretching the capabilities of the aircraft. Maybe another aircraft should be chosen.
I realize the argument, “Well, I can just stop at an airport between the departure airport and arrival airport to fuel up.” True, but is that something that you absolutely want to do? Sightseeing? Yes. On a time crunch and trying to play that realism to the fullest? No. Drop in the comments any other small features like this one that you would like to see in the “Aircraft Selection Page”. Cruise speed?, max fuel quantity?
Yes. If you go into your account, you can click on “Votes” and click on where you voted. It will say “limit” on the topic where you voted. Click “Limit” and it will say remove vote.
I said this long time ago that people should not really fly 787 or A380 for short haul flights in Global unless it’s like that in real life which I never seen. Never was thinking about a way to overcome that but this looks like a good way.
Maybe on the Expert server that could be limited so you can only fly certain aircraft depending the distance of your destination. To respect the limits.
I wouldn’t go that far. I don’t want it to be a limitation but rather a number that will give those who wish to use the particular aircraft and idea of a range that they could expect for the flight.
I’d agree with this but ONLY if the range was listed in nm & km. Also if the information came directly from the manufacturers website and/or manual. Maybe put (approximately/approx) too. (Because of weather, payload, fuel, passengers, etc.
With OR without fuel burn this is an awesome idea!
Fair enough. That way it would be suitable for those who use either of the systems. In the settings there’s already a lbs/kgs selection. It wouldn’t hurt to add a nm/km selection.
