Hello, I have been playing IF for about two months now, flying from one point to another with moderate success.
But, I want to improve, and I need the help of someone, because what´s been posted on the Internet isn´t very clear (to me).
I would like someone to help me with:
Ascent rate.
When and where to start my descent.
Descent rate.
Descent time.
I´ve been flying mostly the B737-70, if that´s important.
First, you will need to use waypoints so you can see time and distance to the next waypoint and final destination. See my instrument dock below.
After that it is really easy.
Let’s use 20,000 feet as an example. 20 minutes from destination, start descending at - 1000 VS. Or 10 minutes before destination you can start descending at - 2000 VS. Because ground speed slows as you descend you will always come in early and will require to level off now and then, which is what you want.
You don’t want to exceed more than 2 degrees pitch down, because the cabin crew will be working until about 10 minutes before landing.
You can use the same system between waypoints.
I fly real world flight plans, and this system has never failed me. I can recreate an actual real world Alaskan Airlines flight between Portland and Seattle right to the minute.
Here are two real world routes which are flown by Alaska Airlines on a daily basis. I applied the STARs to what I think is an easier to read format.
The blue on the right side is the KSEA to KPDX route. Climb to 20,000ft at BUWZO. After a couple minutes start descending to the indicated waypoints altitude and speeds using the time method above. The indicated waypoints are in IF, and I am pointing to where you will find them.
The route on the left side is heading north to KSEA 16R. Reach 20,000ft by COUGA. At KRIEG start descending at - 1000 VS and again use the time method between waypoints.
I think you will find this to be a really fun way to use the Sim :)
Ascent rate: 2000-4000fpm depending on weight, performance, weather and if you are in a hurry or not.
Where to start my descent: EG: from 30000ft to 3000 to match the red rectangles:
30000-3000=27000.
27000 divided by 1000=27
27x3= 81 (miles to start descending).
Descent rate: no less than 2000fpm with a speed of 280kts or lower.
Descent time: EG: substract 30000 (actual altitude)-3000 (target altitude)=27000ft.
Divide the result with the descent rate: 27000 divided by 2000= 13,5 (minutes until 3000ft).
Ascent rate:
The initial climb of the 737 is 15-18 degrees, until about 1,000-1500 feet above the runway. At that time you gradually lower your pitch to 10 degrees, retract flaps and allow your plane to increase speed to 250kts or less while below 10,000 feet. You ascent rate is whatever it is, generally between 2800-3200 VS. I should add, that as you gain speed your pitch will start decreasing as you continue to climb at 2800-3200 VS.
Where to start my descent:
Above 10.000 feet, altitude x 4 = distance needed.
Below 10.000 feet, altitude x 3 + 10 = distance needed.
Descent rate: should never be greater than - 2000 and it has absolutely nothing to do with air speed. Easiest way is to calculate it is to take your GROUND SPEED and divide it in a half. For example; GS 300kts divided by 2 = -1500VS
Descent time: Time to destination, is whatever time it takes to get there.
Or you can just do what I suggested and you will get the same results.