PM Sounds calls ToD in 50 miles at incorrect distance

[Ray Proudfoot]

>Hi Ray

And Happy new Year to everyone.

I can make a note to look at it, but I personally never have used this audio reference. I am pretty sure if there is a problem with it, it will be hardcoded and not a user definable option.

Regards
Jonathan Richardson
Project Magneta

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks and a Happy 2009 to you and all the PM Team.

I suspect you're right. No matter. I can always disable the wav file. If Enrico is ever at a loose end then it's a 2 minute job for him.

[Ray Proudfoot]

I could be way off base here ray, but perhaps is there any chance your using an FAF 10DME from the airport, and your software is taking reference for the TOD that is to the location to the airport (50 Miles) and not the length of all your flight legs?

Maybe it's just a thought. if you had an FAF set, try a leg without it.

Trev

Thanks Trevor but I get this even before I have entered the FAF. As Jonathan suggests it's probably hard-coded and Enrico's arithmetical skills were slightly below par that day.

[JonathanRichardson]

Half the things in pmSounds are user requests, someone probably asked for 60nm I doubt it would be coming from Enrico or I.... will look into it, although I think there are some bigger fish to fry right now so no promises - you sure it even exists on a 737?

Regards
Jonathan Richardson
Project Magenta

[Ray Proudfoot]

Requesting ToD in 50 at 60DME? Hmmm, how strange. No matter. I've lived with it for a few years now so I can manage a few more.

I haven't a clue if it's enunciated in the real 737. I'm just a humble sim one.

Agreed there are bigger fish to fry.

[JonathanRichardson]

Hi Ray

We will certainly look into it, plus a few other minor list things, but main focus this year is some other stuff we want to refine. I really have no idea where this sound call comes from, I have a vague memory that it is for the chime sound in a 747 / 777. I honestly can't remember without digging deeper. Someone no doubt will 'chime' in here with the answer to that.

Regards
Jonathan Richardson
Project Magenta

[Jackpilot]

Ray

Just record yourself a new wave saying "Top of descent in SIXTY miles" and solve your problem!!

[Michael Carter]

I have to ask this just to satisfy my curiosity.

At what altitude are you and at what rate of descent does the aircraft use to start the descent at only 60 miles out for the STAR? Are you flying Low-Altitude routes on some legs?

I ask because most descents I make are from 80 to 100 miles out depending upon cruise altitude, STAR, and altitude for the IAF.

I'm using a three-to-one rule, and the rate of descent for this formula for the 727 is 2500FPM at idle descent with no level-off on the way down to either the STAR or IAF altitude.

Unless of course I'm going to Paris.

[Jackpilot]

Mike

The FMC computes a TOD point (which is roughly where you are used to put it with the 3/1 rule ie:80 odd miles out) ) But the aircraft warns you 50 miles before arriving at that TOD point.

I have the FMC but I do not use automated Nav, the 3/1 is perfectly OK.

[Michael Carter]

I can't believe I didn't get this until you explained it like that. Duh...

I feel like Homer Simpson at the airport lounge.

I'm just not used to the airplane telling me I have things to do. I have to do the planning and make my own (calculated) mental call-outs.

[Jackpilot]

This is what flying is all about...I'm 100% with you on that one.