Hot Start Challenger 650 - 1 - Preparation and Power Up

Hot Start Challenger 650 tutorial series, Part One.
Flying from Montreal CYUL to Glasgow EGPF, in this video we’ll be meeting Jenny at the FBO, powering up the aircraft, loading some fuel and having a look at some familiar features.
Errors, Omissions, Clarifications:-
The fine print:
It shouldn't need to be said, but please remember these videos are for recreational simulation and entertainment purposes, not real world flight instruction.
Unlike other videos on the channel, I have been given free access to the Hot Start Challenger 650 as a result of extensive participation in the beta program. My videos are not intended to be an outright promotion of the product, but rather as informative tutorials. No payment has been received for the creation of this content. Thanks to Sašo Kiselkov and Goran Matovina for inviting me to the program and for being so receptive to feedback.
The flight routing:
CYUL 24L CYUL1 DCT RABIK Q951 DANOL N923A ELSIR/M080F380 50N050W 51N040W 52N030W 52N020W XETBO/N0447F390 DCT ROTEV/N0424F250 P600 BLACA BLACA ILS 23 EGPF
Help and support: forums.x-pilot.com/forums/for...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:15 The FBO
3:25 Door operation and walkaround
7:54 Initial power up
16:10 Fuel Calculations / Avionics
19:55 Wing tanks / Avionics
24:42Tail and aux tanks / Avionics

[@Ayeshteni]

This product has set the bar exceedingly high. Any Third Party after this with the audacity to call their product 'Study Level' will be judged against this product.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

It certainly raises the bar for sure. I’m hoping other developers see it as motivation to enhance their own products too. There are a lot of excellent, fun products out there for X-Plane already, so image if one or two of those had some Challenger style enhancements.

[@madflyer1093]

I'm hoping this fixes the xplane market. Lots of add-ons that charge study level prices while delivering buggy unfinished products. Then charge the same price again for v2.

[@0321Sjoerd]

I know how time-consuming it can be to make videos, so I just want you to know: it’s much appreciated that you put in the time and effort to supply us with these fantastic explanation videos! Thank you very much! Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Yes the videos can be time consuming, but the state saving system on the 650 makes it fairly easy to make content for. I really enjoyed the Saab 340A videos you did a few years ago, they really showed off the aircraft well. I hope to have quite a bit of 650 content coming up.

[@0321Sjoerd]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations Looking forward to the 650 content! And thank you very much for the compliment on the Saab videos!

[@mdaydj]

OMG Graham, that's next level simming !! And I know you said you're not selling it but cmon !!! How can I not buy this beauty ? Thanks so much for your amazing Tutorials. Nobody does it better !

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the nice feedback - yes I do find it an enjoyable and immersive product, and it seems to really push the boundaries of what we thought simulation was capable of.

[@Aleksandar6ix]

You're the best teacher! Just listening to you, I remember everything.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks, I try to make the kind of videos I’d like to watch, so I’m glad to hear the tutorial format works for you Aleksandar.

[@bluesong54]

Thank goodness, a video that isn't a stream, thank you and anxiously awaiting more :)

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Jack. Yes the streams are not so useful for tutorials, and the chat engagement can be quite distracting. There will be a lot of tutorial content for this aircraft.

[@scottsinclair2201]

I have been watching your videos and drooling over all the goodies in this plane! So, today, I stopped drooling and pulled the plug. You are such a good instructor, love your calm voice and strong system background. Guess I will be watching more of your videos!! Thanks so much!!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the nice feedback Scott - I hope you enjoy the Challenger as much as I do! I'm hoping to make some more 650 content over the winter too.

[@frysimulation]

Looking into purchasing this aircraft and discovered your channel. Your explanations are great and thanks for sharing

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks again!

[@79Niall]

Thanks Graeme, when you're involved in beta testing then the product is worth buying. You're an asset to the community.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for your nice feedback Niall, I enjoy sharing my love of aviation with others through the tutorials, so I’m very happy to be able to make content for this jet.

[@andresm968]

Thank you for your video!!!! I really was waiting for you to release this series

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks - yes it’s nice to see the Challenger “out in the wild” now with lots of people enjoying it.

[@06L]

You worked on this Challenger 650, it is for me the highest criterion of realism that one can wish from an addon. Thank you!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the kind feedback. Yes the developers invited me to test the product about 9 months ago, and it’s great to see everybody able to enjoy it now too.

[@TheClumsyGeekGaming]

Great tips. Thank you for the details and constant support in the discord / forums. Definitely one of the good guys!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for your kind feedback. Supporting the product on release week has been a real highlight for me - there were a lot of frequently asked questions, but all of the testers really enjoyed seeing the Challenger finally be let out of her cage so everybody could enjoy her.

[@jetnoise6053]

Graeme: Thank you very much for starting this tutorial series on the CL-650. As always, your videos are HIGHLY appreciated. (aka JetNoise ;-) )

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Oliver, glad you enjoyed the video and hope the Challenger experience is as satisfying for you as it is for me.

[@jetnoise6053]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations I am still learning the bits and pieces of this airplane,but with your help, no biggy 😁

[@danielhenri9058]

Dear Graham, I had the strong expectation that, some day, you will offer a tutorial for this plane to us, with all your pedagogical talent. And you did it. Thank you so much and, by the way, I wish you a very happy new year. Daniel.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Daniel, Happy New Year, and thanks for the nice feedback. There will eventually be a full tutorial series for the Challenger, the depth of systems and state saving makes it an easy aircraft to make content for.

[@77flyer]

Wow so happy to see ur tutorials for this aircraft!! I just got it and for sure I need to understand how everything works! Thanks for all u do!!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks, the tutorial series will be a complete look at the aircraft operation, with additional videos detailing systems, procedures or particular airports. There's a lot of variety possible with the Challenger.

[@MaxRank]

Been waiting for these detailed looks at this bird. Your tutorials are easily the best on the tube.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for your kind feedback. There’s much more to come with the Challenger!

[@MaxRank]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations I have a solid base understanding of the 650, but from experience I know your tutorials will provide a few aha moments without doubt. Looking forward to the series.

[@terryt5512]

Superb and informative tutorial. One can't go wrong with one who is not only a highly experienced pilot but is also of the beta testers of this aircraft! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge; I can't wait until the next part.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Terry, I was very happy to be involved in the test program for this aircraft, and I’m glad to be able to share content with it now.

[@Virtual-CPT]

Excellent video, Graeme. As always, I learned a lot from you. Looking forward to the next one 🙂

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Marco, hopefully the first of many videos for the Challenger.

[@chrispatton7215]

Wow. You are awesome! Might have to pull the trigger on the challenger 650 knowing I have an excellent reference source (no pressure of course). Study level aircraft are my favorite. Call me strange but I like reading through the ops manuals. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Chris, that's not strange at all! I love learning about new aircraft though simulation. It's always rewarding when a sim model does something the real thing does, and conversely disappointing when it doesn't. Shouldn't be too long to wait for the next video.

[@kodywillnauer9422]

Great video. Learned a lot. At first I thought the sticker price was asking more than I was expecting. But I see clearly there is density and thoroughness that justify its asking price. Not necessarily going to be a purchase soon for me, but I do enjoy seeing others demonstrate and enjoy it.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Kody, yes it is an expensive product, so hopefully the videos will help you decide if it’s the right product for you. Even if it isn’t something you’re keen to buy, I hope there will be some interest in the operation videos that will follow the startup tutorials.

[@ccacrislan]

Excellent tutorial, I learned a couple of tricks I didn’t know about this fantastic simulation, thanks. This is by far the most complete Simulation of any airplane out there at the moment, I love it. Amazing how detailed it is…

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Cristian, yes I think so too, it's the very best example of flight simulation innovation.

[@DonNesqobar]

Great Content. Love to see a passionated professional. Thanks as usual

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the nice feedback Robert.

[@morid1n]

More like this please. And more tips and tricks such as the EICAS location and APU reset stuff. 🖖🏻

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

More content for the Challenger 650 will follow!

[@JanWS]

Yes!!! Another Reflected video. Wish I could like it more than once… Looking forward to the next video in the series

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Jan, one like is enough ;-) hope to have the next video out before next weekend, with a lot more content planned.

[@JanWS]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations I'm a little bit on the fence buying this gorgeous bird due to the price but especially the complexity...I do like flipping switches though... 😆 Your videos are stellar, informative and extremely educational. They certainly help me make a decision. ...which you also did on the TBM 900, also from HotStart. That one currently one of my favorite planes to fly, with almost 130 sim hours in that one.

[@sajeelAkhtar07]

Hi! Hope you are well and back to flying, I have been couple of weeks out also flying. As always, amazing content you upload. Maybe I will try this product but at the meantime I will join you on the tutorial courses, there is always some good things to learn from you that apply to the aircraft I fly.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Sajeel, yes getting a bit busier for real flying now so it's harder to find time for KZbin.

[@optiled]

Thanks for this tutorial! Looking forward for the next

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Next part of the flight tutorial should be out before the weekend.

[@Gilles45]

I was waiting for this Graeme... tx very, very much!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

You’re welcome!

[@BryanDelMonte]

Wow... amazing sim. Gonna have to buy it. I love flying DDEN's Challenger 300... and this looks pretty amazing.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Yes I had the XP10 version of the DDEN Challenger, it was good fun and nicely modelled. This simulation is on another level though. The comments from real Challenger pilots has been universally positive so far.

[@josdenis3684]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial. So helpful!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Jos, this first video looks at the bits the FO doesn’t help out with. Next video will show the rest of the cockpit prep, finishing getting the aircraft ready to go.

[@andyholmes9485]

As usual, superb Graeme.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the nice feedback Andy.

[@MoisesSimana]

Thank You. This plane is a game changer.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

I totally agree. I’ve flown it without getting bored for months and months - it’s satisfying and detailed. For me it feels like it captures the experience of being a real business jet pilot.

[@RussRamz]

This is a fantastic simulation. Just a few points as I watch this: The DC Power receptacle is for APU starting only. You need AC power to energize the battery chargers. There is no way to charge batteries on DC external power. The AC/DC Utility Switch should be pressed out during start-up. Look forward to climbing around the aft equipment bay for my pre-flight! :-) Hope to see that update soon.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks. Yes I was mistaken about the DC power receptacle. The specific SOPs shown have the AC/DC util switch being pressed out (on) during the flight compartment checklist, which will follow in the next video.

[@Alexe-1707]

Thank you, thank you, thank you Graeme!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

You’re welcome Jeff. She’s a fine aircraft.

[@CMBelite-FR]

Thanks for the tutorial, hope to see mores :)

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

You’re welcome. Yes there’s lots more to come with the Challenger.

[@paeduuka64]

Thanks!!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

You're welcome. There should be more Challenger content coming soon.

[@djhaik]

Perfect!! More please :) :)

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

More will be coming soon!

[@helmutklein6177]

The DC external power connection is NOT to charge the APU battery, it's to start the APU when the battery is flat and to power the battery bus. Each of the two batteries has a dedicated battery charger which is AC powered.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks, yes that makes sense. We saw a lot of people running both AC and DC GPUs in the early days of the Hot Start release! Since this video was recorded there has been a lot of improvements to the Challenger too, for example the main battery disconnect in the forward bay is now simulated.

[@irk72ag]

Wow!!!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks. It's a very nice simulation.

[@somewaresim]

Great video Graham. Do you know how to return to walkaround mode from one of the other X-Plane views (e.g. from free camera). The only way I've found is to use the Challenger menu to sit in pilot seat and then leave the seat. I wondered if there was a keyboard shortcut?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Sorry for the delay replying, I don't know about free camera but usually pressing the same external view button again will return the camera to the previous position. However like you I tend to end up back in the seat, then slew the view to the outside!

[@cudso]

Hi many thanks for the tutorial. Can I just ask how you managed to get the refuel in Kg / liter, i have changed it in the airframe manager to KG but the ground services re fuel truck is still showing Lbs/gal. Many thanks

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the question, and sorry for the delay replying. The units used by the refueller are region specific. You’ll get litres in Europe and Gallons in the US, regardless of what the airframe is set to. This ties in with real life - when metric aircraft visit the US they still work in metric, but fuel uplift is in gallons.

[@ericmartrenchard214]

Thank you very much/ (french) merci :) Eric

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

You're welcome!

[@VirtualAviationAviator]

I'd have a hellava time learning to fly this beautiful aircraft without your tutorials. 1st things first. How did you create a keyboard shortcut that allows for multiple POP-out windows? I seem to get conflicts when trying to setup a shortcut on a single key. TIA. (maybe you can point me in the right direction)

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks Frank, sorry for the late response - hope you've found the keybinding by now, but it's in the root of the CL650 keys, "Toggle all panel popups". That key will hide all current popups, and bring them back again.

[@edsnyder406]

I’m having a problem with the FMS. When I enter my origin airport the system crashes. Can you help please? Thanks, Ed Snyder

[@bubblehead78]

Great video. BTW, what are you using for camera control? I've not had any luck with X-Camera so far. I like whatever you are using.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks John, sorry for the late response - I just use the stock X-Plane camera controls. I've got quick looks set up for numpad keys - Views\Quick Look\Go to save 3-D cockpit location. I use a Ctrl+numpad key to save a quick look position, and the numpad key by itself to go to it. Gives me 10 preset views to select quickly.

[@bubblehead78]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations Brilliant! Thank for reply.

[@petesachs1276]

That’s great but you did not do the power on checklist. Where are you test the anti-skid the duct mon, hydraulic pumps, so you can open up the nose gear doors. And set the parking brake after the anti-skid test but pretty cool I love the simulator.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

That's all in video 2 - cockpit checks! This was simply the initial power up ;-)

[@exiletsj2570]

I promised myself no more big investments in xplane, until we get some more solid info on its future. This incredible package has made me totally reconsider this.

[@0321Sjoerd]

The update to XP12 will be free with this add-on. It’s well worth the money!

[@bluesong54]

For those of us that want our AIRCRAFT simulated, and only secondarily the scenery :) XP is still the best thing out there, and this plane is the best of the best!!

[@sluflyer06]

There's been considerable information on XP12 dropped already, what kind of info are you looking for?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

It’s always good to be cautious when a new sim version is planned, but the information directly from the developer, as other have commented, is that this aircraft will be updated to operate in X-Plane 12 for no additional cost. Indeed the devs can’t wait to see their aircraft running in the X-Plane 12 environment.

[@exiletsj2570]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulationsI’m aware of the free update. I trust Laminar to probably get xp12 right, however I’m a believe it when I see it guy, when it comes to these things. Features like UX design and performance, are also a huge consideration for me. Anyway, I just finished my first flight with the challenger - it’s the best sim experience I’ve had hands down. I cannot recommend it enough.

[@myronshairfollicles8964]

I keep starting in the flight deck

[@goral222]

Graeme did You planning a Felis 747-200 descend and landing tutorial ?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Yes, I will finish that series when I get a chance. Felis is working on the correcting the landing behaviour again so when that is done I’ll make some time to get the approach and landing video done.

[@Gilles45]

Found the answer myself... 😎

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Sorry for missing the question! Glad you found the answer :-)

[@wingsleveladventures]

What was your GPU at the time of filming this?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

GTX1060 6GB running at 1920x1080. I'm now on a GTX 3070Ti and 4K.

[@PKerusso]

How did you get the pop ups to disappear and reappear in unison?

[@ogaibo1316]

There is a "toggle 2d popups" or something like that assignable in the menu.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the question Peter, as Ogo Ibo mentioned there is a bindable command for it - I use the space bar.

[@Gilles45]

I only hope there is a simplified flow to bypass all the tests and checks, just like you flew the Q400 with Amy without using the checklist.

[@bluesong54]

Once you work through and understand the full procedures a bit you will yourself see how to simplify the flow, I know I have...

[@sluflyer06]

You can create saved states, such as before taxi or on runway, etc, you get there plane where you want it and then state save it. You of course can skip the tests an checks yourself and just pay attention to the actions that actually have to be done, that is up to you and nothing will stop you from doing that right now.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

I’ve been considering showing a simplified flow in a later video to help people get up and running quickly, but as others have mentioned you only need to do it once then you can save the state. The quick turnaround checklist can then be used each time and is really pretty useful to get going quickly.

[@ericminvielle624]

What exactly is the ADG for? very very good video

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Air Driven Generator. Provides AC power in the event of a total loss of AC generation. Similar to a ram air turbine.

[@ericminvielle624]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations Thank you very much. As you know well, I ask you again to understand the bleed air stage 14TH and 10TH ?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

14th stage is for anti-ice equipment. 10th stage is pressurisation and air conditioning. It's a bit unusual having them split, but allows APU for pressurisation while engines can run wing anti-ice, which is not possible with aircraft like the A320.

[@ericminvielle624]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations ah yes ! ok thank's.

[@myronshairfollicles8964]

My fbo won’t load a plz help

[@xdiver01]

Dear friends, please, where are the wipers sws? Thnx.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

The real Challenger 650 does not have wipers, so the model doesn't have them either. If you look on a CRJ-200 (or a Challenger 850, which is a CRJ-200) you'll see wipers, but not on a 604/605/650.

[@kantaittk1187]

I can fly the 650 inverted and in barral loops like a F15. How that model realistic as all ?!

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

In fact, it's not really that unrealistic from an aerodynamics perspective. The aerodynamics don't change, all that matters is control authority, wing loading and thrust to weight ratio. In fact, the CF34 engines on the Challenger are a version of the TF34 fitted to the A10! Yes, there are structural limitations that could be exceeded, but that's not flight dynamics modelling. (Although a barrel roll is a low positive G manoeuvre, and several airliners have actually been rolled, like the 707 and Concorde).

[@helmutklein6177]

Is the MDC also available?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

The MDC is modelled in the 3D cockpit, but is not functional in the simulator.

[@davidwilliams1825]

Is there a shorter procedure to start the engines?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

It's like most other sim airplanes, start the APU, establish bleed pressure, start the engines. If you want a quicker "by the book" method, I'd suggest skipping the first flight of the day checks, shown with the little sun icon on the checklists. Alternatively, do the preparation checks once then save a state - you can then reload that ready for engine start whenever you want.

[@davidwilliams1825]

Thanks for your time my friend :)@@ReflectedRealitySimulations

[@ericminvielle624]

and firex monitor ? thank's.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

The Firex monitors checks the continuity of the engine and APU fire extinguishing system squibs. Basically ensuring the fire extinguish system will operate if required.

[@ericminvielle624]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations Ok thank's and the APR ?

[@JZainbear]

Doe's this all work in VR?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

I believe the cockpit stuff works in VR as you would expect. Walkaround and FBO I think have limits, but I don't have any VR hardware.

[@expataviator7107]

Is still take your advice even if you’d been paid for it !

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I hope you’ll enjoy the upcoming Challenger content, there should be quite a few videos.

[@Malloriak]

How can i defuel plane?

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Sorry for the delay replying. Defuel is not currently possible with the simulation.

[@Malloriak]

@@ReflectedRealitySimulations fuelling plane is really hard... i have calculated fuel via simbrief with lbs/kgs but fuelling via truck with gallons ant needed to stop in time....

[@jgardner7726]

is this really worth 115 dollars

[@bluesong54]

Absolutely, loving it!!

[@sluflyer06]

If people are buying INI for $100 or PMDG or FF, then by their standards this would be worth much more than $115, so yes.

[@ReflectedRealitySimulations]

Thanks for the question. You’ve seen some community responses in the comments. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than other X-Plane aircraft, but I genuinely believe this product has the depth of systems and variety of operational uses that you’ll find it better value for money than some other, cheaper aircraft. It will be updated for X-Plane 12 for no cost, and there will also be a Medevac version at some point.