Navigating Scotland ‘How To’ Plan (free downloads) for JF Hawk T1 - real Hawk pilot

[@rutchiemctavish]

The effort and detail that has gone into this video is so impressive. Thank you very much!

[@cgaviator]

You’re welcome, and thank you for commenting 👍🏻

[@josefwitt9772]

Cooked up a flightplan tonight per your examples that a friend and I will fly tomorrow. Basic plan made on skyvector and navlog hacked out in a text file. A bit lightweight and simplified plan out in the desert, Edwards AFB up Death Valley to a VOR and into NAS Fallon. Once we get the basics down we'll refine our handling of airspace, tighter timing, fuel, etc.

[@cgaviator]

Awesome! Hope it goes well 👍🏻

[@barriedrew]

Excellent video Chris. Thanks for taking the time to produce these videos for those more interested in military flying as opposed to airliners.

[@cgaviator]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad it’s useful 👍🏻

[@josefwitt9772]

Another great video. Flight planning and execution like this are well over my head, but this is a great deep dive and very informative. If I distill a few simple principles and apply them to my flying in MSFS and DCS I'll improve. Anything worth doing is worth doing right.

[@cgaviator]

Thanks, glad it’s useful

[@rexjaneway186]

This is exactly what I wanted to see, many thanks Chris.

[@cgaviator]

Glad to hear it! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@stringbeanmuldoon5590]

Lots of useful information in the video and the links. Thanks for all the effort that has gone into providing these excellent tutorials.

[@cgaviator]

No worries at all, glad they’re useful 👍🏻

[@Stonky356]

I’ve been looking forward to this one and I’m not disappointed. Thanks for putting it up. Wow, there’s a lot to take in but it’ll be fun to unpick it all so I can understand it.

[@cgaviator]

Condensing years of nav planning practice into 15 minutes! 😅

[@boggy8557]

Brilliant video! Exactly what I was looking for. Looking forward to see the actual flight.

[@cgaviator]

Check my channel for the scotland flight, and thanks

[@oisinkenny1]

I have been watching some of your videos, you do a fantastic job.

[@cgaviator]

Thank you, that’s very kind to say

[@oisinkenny1]

@@cgaviator the knowledge, skill and confidence that you have is impressive. Are you a former RAF pilot?

[@cgaviator]

@@oisinkenny1 indeed 👍🏻

[@calummacfarlane8476]

Thanks so much for these videos in Scotland! Brilliant.

[@cgaviator]

No trouble, thanks for commenting

[@Lynxsh14d]

Excellent video!! Have to watch it again to remember all the rules of thumb😏. Thank you for your time making this👍

[@cgaviator]

You’re welcome!

[@neilstocker6097]

Excellent instructions! Thank you so much for sharing your passion!

[@cgaviator]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@dodge_walks]

Great video. Amazing attention to detail. Thanks :)

[@cgaviator]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@iainbradford4254]

Awesome work! Up to the usual standards :-)

[@cgaviator]

Thanks! I was wondering if it would be interesting enough. And my maths in public let me down ocassionally! Lol!

[@iainbradford4254]

@@cgaviator It's great, I liked it and some fuel/time/distance kneeboard cards took me right back. I'll be trying this out and planning it just for old times sake :-)

[@rxspect3663]

hey! can you make a video flying the typhoon?

[@cgaviator]

I’m waiting on the DCS Typhoon to be honest. Perhaps I’ll look into it, but my current hangar of aircraft are keeping me very busy!

[@michahund4879]

@@cgaviator yep msfs2020 typhoon is not that great

[@torquesplitcallnr5128]

Great video Chris. One point don’t I remember that for Safety Altitude over high ground (above 3000ft I think) you should add 2000ft to highest point and not the standard 1000ft that you applied?

[@cgaviator]

You’re absolutely right! Unless the ground elevation is below 3000ft and a man made object pushes above 3000ft in which case I believe (it’s been a while) you still only add 1000ft. I can’t remember if that was the case here.

[@DigitalDaysh]

Loving the channel 👍

[@cgaviator]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@angelfernandez5989]

Hi Chris. Very interesting video!. I have a question: How do you get the track in red? Is there a way to connect MSFS with memory-map?

[@cgaviator]

Not that I’ve found. You can use the downloads in the description to load the GPS route. The red line is a simple drawing tool for reference.

[@PebelWasTaken]

Why do you need to go at an even altitude when traveling north west?

[@cgaviator]

Regulation when flying IFR. 180-359° = even. It’s called hemispheric altitudes and it ensures a bit more procedural separation from aircraft travelling similar direction. If someone was flying reciprocal heading to me, they’d be at 210 or 230.

[@njcr4688]

Have you done or can you do a video on how to use memory map and create the brilliant and detailed routes you fly around. An idiot's guide if you like for people like me. Thanks

[@cgaviator]

Drag and dropping the route using the considerations included here is pretty much it. The functionality of memory map is very limited for time calculations so I’m not sure it’s even worth a video. I’ll see what I can do

[@njcr4688]

I use sky vector but it doesn't put the times on the map. It creates a list of directions and times which gets a bit hard to read when there's a lot of waypoints. But still managed a 120 mile route and 3 seconds late at last waypoint thanks to your videos. Thanks

[@cgaviator]

@@njcr4688 that’s what memory map does I’m afraid, I have to manually calculate and add the times 😬

[@njcr4688]

Ok. I understand. Maths....urgh🤣. I will have to do some more prep work and create a clearer kneeboard than sky vector. Make it quicker and easier to read. Thanks for the replies👍

[@edwinkorteweg3612]

Good evening Chris. I dove into the FRC's, because although Rules of Thumb are a must while flying, I like to use Planning Data when preparing/planning. The Planning and Recovery Data however are available for DI 0, 5, 10 and 15. I can't seem to figure out what "DI" stands for. Could you enlighten me?

[@cgaviator]

DI = Drag Index. I can’t remember what each one is. But the more external loads you carry, the higher the index. In essence, more drag = more fuel required

[@edwinkorteweg3612]

@@cgaviator Ahh … yup … makes sense. It’s probably in the manual. Pylon configurations etc. Thanks for that. And I am of course also making notes of your Rules of Thumb. 👍🏻✋🏻

[@edwinkorteweg3612]

Tried to look it up but the Drag Index for different external stores configs is nowhere to be found.

[@cgaviator]

@@edwinkorteweg3612 yeah, I couldn’t find it either. Just apply some common sense vs what stores you’re carrying. Pylons maybe DI5. Gun or smoke pod perhaps 10. External fuel tanks maybe 15. Only guesses I’m afraid.

[@edwinkorteweg3612]

@@cgaviator I'll try it out. Thanks. By the way ... Since you like flying over Scotland .. Check out Oban Airport (EGEO). There are two MSFS addons for it. One of them is for free, but looks actually nicer. It has a very nice bridge very nearby that just calls for flying underneath! The area is beautiful as well. Well I won't bother you any further. Have a good evening.

[@johnedward6667]

Sir, thank you so much. I have a question. I am a virtual airbus pilot, but I am also a big of this plane because of you :).In a short time, I am planning to buy a new flight stick. Would you recommend me to buy an airbus replica flight stick or warthog or virpil style flight stick to fly both planes? I am not sure which one to buy to get a good experience while flying both planes.

[@cgaviator]

I’m biased, I’d go replica military any day. I use the Warthog for airliners and it works just fine. It’s also a lot more versatile for how you want to mount it: side stick, centre stick, extensions etc. But it depends what you fly more of i guess

[@NodingoCGY]

Hi Chris, fantastic video tutorial. I was wondering, for the bearings and timings, do you take into account the wind speeds, directions and altitude etc? Or use more rules of thumb when flying to adjust accordingly? Cheers.

[@cgaviator]

sorry for the late reply, I've been away for a while! absolutely take into account the wind. the plan won't include wind as it may have been planned the day prior. Wind is updated whilst airborne using rules of thumb. If it's a particularly strong headwind then the pilot may pre plan a route cut short prior to take off.

[@NodingoCGY]

@@cgaviator Thanks for your response Chris. I know you made this video a few years ago. What would be your recommendation now for VFR nav planning? I see you have mentioned AMPA military software previously, do you have a link to this? Iv recently started flying in VR so also looking for something I can refer to in the headset. I have found little nav map VR panel which allows additional pdfs etc to be displayed on a board in the display.

[@cgaviator]

@@NodingoCGY sadly AMPA isn’t publicly available. Little nav map is decent and free

[@NodingoCGY]

@@cgaviator Little nav map seems limited to one altitude on a flight plan unfortunately rather than allowing a cruise altitude and then a low level route.

[@Retset]

Many thanks for this excellent reference video. Unfortunately, I won't be using MSFS for a bit as I'm playing a lot of games that demand a reasonably current driver. On 470.x and above, I get random stutters followed by CTD. Never happens on 457.30 but then I can't play a load of other stuff. Very frustrating and I hope the next sim update sorts it. That said, I practiced 'your' military circuits in the Hawk this morning for 30 mins till it crashed (the PC that is!) but there is no point in me doing long trips.

[@cgaviator]

Real shame that. Luckily my sim is doing ok but it does freeze occasionally. Think that’s more the 3rd party apps I’m using.

[@Andrei5656]

Thank you :)

[@goalski134]

forgive my ignorance but have you used little nav map to plan this?

[@cgaviator]

Sorry if I didn’t mention it specifically, but no, I used memory map

[@goalski134]

@@cgaviator thanks for this, i will need to look into it!

[@cgaviator]

@@goalski134 it’s ok, but not great for fast jet planning

[@goalski134]

@@cgaviator what else do you recommend?

[@cgaviator]

@@goalski134 unless you have a copy of the AMPA military software then there’s nothing really good. Little Nav Map is good for producing flight plans based on basic nav, but doesn’t have the contours of the VFR charts which is so important for her flying.

[@nova_viper4985]

Could I ask exactly what is that software u are using to plan on the detailed map, i would love to properly do this and test my geography and maths skills, I can sought of tell tht this is an ordinance survey map but it also includes air traffic overlay and ils, would live to know cuz I can't find it for the life of me

[@cgaviator]

Memory Map with a 1:250k VFR chart 👍🏻

[@nova_viper4985]

@cgaviator thx alot man, means alot, and also can I just say congrats on getting through to fast jet pilot, I'm currently working my way to it, applying for apprenticeships everywhere, calling up raf etc, once I've done my apprenticeship at 19 I will apply for raf and try make it through, I'm not sure if it's a relevant time to ask but can I ask, do u go into a centrifuge for gloc training and also, is it possible for u to make a video or include in a video you outlining the details on hoe to become fast jet pilot and the process u must take to get there cuz there isn't much info tht I can find and I'm very passionate into trying my best into doing it, ofc I've got many careers to fall back on as it is no guarantee with the competition nowadays and the problem with the engines, sorry for inconveniencing u tho mate, but I am very interested in the career path

[@cgaviator]

@@nova_viper4985 no inconvenience at all, thanks for reaching out. Good idea on doing a video though. I’ll have a serious think about it. Yeah, centrifuge is part of it all. Can’t remember if you go twice, with the second time once you’re accepted onto fast jet stream. Always put an application in regardless of competition. I figured I didn’t stand much chance but there’s only one thing certain, you won’t get a yes if you don’t apply! 😅 Good luck with it! And you don’t need apprenticeships to join, A level, yes, but just show you’re keen and a team player! Doesn’t hurt to get an AFCO interview now though. They’ll soon point you in the right direction 👍🏻

[@nova_viper4985]

@cgaviator thx so much for the advice, I'm definitely going to apply regardless, I've met countless vets from all service backgrounds giving me advice on joining and encouraging it but telling me I have to prove I want it the most, to hear it from a current fast jet pilot is very encouraging. I will still go on to pursue an apprenticeship as engineeribg is something I do enjoy (+money 😉). But woth the apprenticeship it will be comforting to know tht i can try my hardest to get that position knowing tht I have a successful platform to fall back on if I fail. As they say, plan to fail or fail to plan. Much love tho ❤️ loving the detailed videos and keep up the great work, in service and on KZbin.

[@edwinkorteweg3612]

Hello Chris. Did a little brush up on the Hawk and finally got around to actually using .fpl files in MSFS. So I wanted to download your flightplans, but they seem to be off-line? I get a 404 message on the download page. Are they still available?

[@cgaviator]

Think that may be the top link on the downloads page. If you scroll down you should still be able to find and download the flight plans. Let me know if you still have issues. Thanks for letting me know

[@edwinkorteweg3612]

Yup! Found it. Thanks.

[@Gio-737]

Hi, amazing videos. I tried to download the memory map + route and VFR charts on your first link but it is broken... Any help with that? thanks a lot and keep up the good work!

[@cgaviator]

Have you tried visiting the website, looks like it works on here: www.cgaviator.co.uk/downloads/

[@cgaviator]

Let me know if that doesn’t work and I’ll figure it out. Thanks for letting me know

[@Gio-737]

@@cgaviatorHi, thanks a lot for your reply! I had visited this page but unless I didn’t look properly, I don’t find the VFR chart or the program that you used to have this amazing planning, could you please help me with that? Thank you!

[@cgaviator]

@@Gio-737 ah, if it’s not in the zip file I’ll take a look but it won’t be before the weekend im afraid. Sorry about that

[@kennethholden9830]

the video is great

[@cgaviator]

Thank you, appreciate it 👍🏻