We have all sort of pilots flying in Infinite Flight. We have real world A350/787 pilots all the way to people who flyt paper airplanes. One of the hardest things when developing software is how to bridge that learning gap without taking away the functionality/realism that the group is looking for.
The first part of my idea is the addition of a checkbox to the settings → general page that allows users to turn this functionality on and off. This way those who are serious flyers can disable it while those new to the sim can use it.
Learning Mode
This enables messages to appear on your screen at various stages of flight with tips.
The second part of my enhancement is to display messages at the top of the display when certain conditions are met. The message would remain on the screen until the condition is no longer met. The message would be a separate line below the existing navigation/ATC message bar.
This gets the pilot used to changing cameras to become aware of their surroundings.
Strobes and Landing Lights should be off while taxiing
Strobes or Landing Lights on + Plane is in motion + Not on a runway
Re-enforces proper lights behavior
Ensure taxi ground speed is below 35kts
Plane is in motion + Plane is not on a runway
Teaches proper taxi speed
Please turn on strobes and landing lights when on or crossing a runway
Plane is on a runway + Strobes or Landing Lights are off
Enforces proper lights behavior
Max airspeed below 10,000’ is 250kts
Plane is in the air + Below 10,000
Kind reminder of speed restrictions
Landing Lights should be turned off above 10,000’
Plane is in the air + Above 10,000’
Re-enforces proper lights behavior
Please do not leave device unattended until cruising altitude is reached
Plane in the air + VS is positive + ALT is set
Encourages attention during critical phases of flight
Final Thoughts
In the future FDS may choose to use the same functionality for airplane specific tutorials if they want. Flaps, etc. For now its a starting point. The goal is to provide new pilots with reminders for some of the non-plane specific secondary systems. My whole thinking was to help fill the educational gap and allow a method to grow the functionality with the least impact to code structure.
Ok I see. I was just thinking that if it were in its own game mode, then it could be more “obvious” to new pilots. (Sorry don’t know any other words that’s why I put it in quotes.)
Seems understandable, but sometimes people like me forget to turn off the setting. Even after I receive the message. Or adjusted the scenery. <Meaning I forget to revert if I don’t like…
This is actually not a bad idea. It could give noobs a way to learn the basics before playing. I think this would cut down the amount of trolling on TS1. You got my vote!
Many times when I prepare for take off to my given destination, I usually leave my auto pilot to do the rest until it reaches cruising altitude. When I came back yesterday for about 4 mins I realized I just happened to get 9 violations, because my speed was at 340 knots when it was supposed to be at 320 knots. Silly mistake!
