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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

Eurocay PMDG MD-11 Standard Operating Procedure.

Here is a short document designed to help those who fly the PMDG MD-11 on the selected Eurocay long

haul routes.

This Document will look into some of the procedures that we have devised to help users who use the

PMDG to stick to our Standard Procedures for operations in the MD-11.

Flight Planning.

For now the only route that does not have a preferred routing for the MD-11 is our JFK route. This is due

to the changes in North Atlantic Tracks (NATs) that happen daily so we cannot select a preferred route

(as it keeps on changing!). However, there are daily flights in real life, and routes can be found via

www.flightaware.com and then in the middle of the page, there is a function that can show you flights

from one airport to another by entering the departure and destination aerodromes.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

Set Up

After entering the route into the FMS, a little helpful tip (so that you dont spend ages entering the route

all again) is after entering the whole routing, select on the FMS the “REF” button and then on the

bottom right side of the display, you will see a “Save F-Plan” button, which will save the route into the

FMS and so next time you fly the MD-11 on the same route, after entering the Departure and

Destination Aerodromes on the INIT page, the FMS will ask you if you want to use the saved routing

which you would say yes to.

After entering in the route of flight lets go back and enter the levels for cruise. The MD-11 is very smart

aircraft and by entering many different Cruise levels, will calculate the optimum altitude for its weight

and speed. As the aircraft gets lighter during the flight, it will tell you when at a certain time when you

will be able to climb to the next cruise level (if set up proplerly on the MCP, it will even climb for you

automatically!) This is a procedure we expect you to use as it saves fuel.

Its now time to enter in the details from VAFS.

VAFS will show the number of passengers and also cargo expected for the flight.

The PMDG comes with a Load Manager and you should use this when loading the MD-11.

Due to the PMDG loads being very light compared to our VAFS passenger loads, use the “MD-11

Economy” tab in the load manager. This gives us nearly the right amount of passengers that VAFS says

we have onboard when we select “Full Pax”

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

The above screen is the ideal loading in the PAX and Cargo deck for the Eurocay flights. If you check in

VAFS, the loading is nearly exactly what you get above (taking the number of passengers onboard and

the cargo weight).

Also in this screen you can select the Fuel to be loaded into the MD-11 for the flight. Use this to enter

the fuel as it will automatically enter in the correct amount into each tank to balance the aircraft to its

optimum.

Fuel burn on average for the MD-11 is ~6000lbs per engine per hour. So were looking at around

18000lbs of fuel burn per hour for the MD-11 on the whole. With this in mind, plan to have at least

another hour of flying time fuel onboard after touching down at your destination.

For example, our longest route is from WSSS to Geneva, flying time is at 12 hours, so we must have at

least 13 hours of fuel onboard before departure (actually in this instant we are going to be just shy of

that figure as we are going to be at MTOW with just 229.713 fuel onboard- would prefer to have

another 5000lbs but we cannot go over the MTOW).

Also to save fuel prior to engine start, switch over power and air to the Ground Power and Air that can

be accessed via the 3rd FMS in the PMDG cockpit. This allows us to not burn any more fuel than we have

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

to. Just prior to push back, start the APU and then switch power and air over to it before disconnecting

the External sources. Please note that Ground Power has to be then selected in the overhead panel after

it is connected to receive it. Air will automatically connect. APU power and air have to also be manually

connected. After engine start though, APU power will automatically disconnect but you have to turn off

the APU bleed air.

After selecting these details, send the data to FSX (or FS9) and then in the INIT page of the FMS (second

page), enter in the TOGW as displayed in the Load Manager into the TOGW

Here is a guide from a set up for a WSSS-LSGG flight.

As you can see, in the scratch pad, I have entered in 300/320/340/360. These are entered then into the

CRZ LEVELS area to tell the FMS what levels I would like to cruise at when the aircraft is able to. Also my

alternate has been selected as Lyon. It is a suitable airport near Geneva which can handle a MD-11 and

is the preferred Alternate for MD-11 routes.

In the Lower right you can see that the CI has not been selected yet.

For Eurocay MD-11 flights, the MAX CI you can use is 150. A range between 140-150 is normal for our

flights.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

After the route is entered into the FMS, (save it if you haven’t already!) return to the INIT page, and click

the button labeled “page” with the arrow to the right above it to head to the next page to enter the

weights and details into the FMS.

Enter the TOGW from the MD-11 load manager into the FMS

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

Now change the RTE RSV/% box on the left side of the FMS to /1.0

On this Extreme range route, we are not able to have a lot of RTE RSV fuel. This is just means that we

don’t have a lot of time to hold at Geneva if we expect a delay, and require therefore to head to our

alternate at LFLL if there is going to be a long delay. We will still though land at our alternate with

30mins of fuel as the FINAL/TIME box shows in the INIT page here.

On the PROG page now, we can see that as it stands, we have a flight time of 11 hours and 59 mins to

Geneva, and expected to land with at least 10.2 lbs of fuel. That number will change as we make our

way into the air and get underway.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

Now its time to get our V Speeds for departure. We select the TO/APPR page in the FMS and then enter

details into the FMS.

As our MD-11 flies from airports that have long runways, we can actually use a de-rated takeoff. This

reduces the thrust applied to the engines on takeoff from MAX thrust, and saves fuel also as well as

engine life.

FLEX is the area we enter to de-rate our takeoffs. I have found that a figure between 42-48 is a good

figure to use. The lower the figure, the less the de-rating is. I usually choose 45.

Moving down, it will display Packs Off. This is standard for our MD-11s on takeoff so we can get the full

power to the engines on takeoff and the MD-11 automatically switches off the Packs on takeoff after N1

goes above 80%. They remain off till climb thrust comes on (which is shown here at 1513 ft.)

The next part we enter here is the flap setting we want for departure. The MD-11 has a unique flap

setting for departure called “Dial-A-Flap”. It allows many different flap settings to be set rather than

most aircraft just having set Flap figures.

Dial-A-Flap varies from 10-25 degrees. At Eurocay, we use Flap 22.0 for departures. So you need to

change that setting on the pedestal which is located beside the Flap Handle in the center pedestal.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

This is best viewed by selecting in the view “FO Pedestal” in the view selections in the Virtual cockpit. It

is a simple dial that can be rotated and to the required flap setting for takeoff. As you can see here it’s

already been selected to 22.0.

We then head back to the FMS and enter 22.0 into the FLAP section in the TO/APPR page.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

The last parts we have to enter in here before the V speeds will be created are to enter the Slope/Wind

component, and the Outside Air Temperature (OAT).

For the Slope/Wind area, I assume that the runway is level (which is probably not the case but won’t be

far off). So in here I enter.

D0.0/H2

This basically is telling the FMS that there is no down gradient and I expect there to be a headwind

component of at least 2kts in the takeoff. If the wind is stronger, you can enter a bigger value at the

wind part.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

Next enter the OAT in Celsius. That can be found on the Engine display and is showing in my page as 14C

Displayed now in the FMS is the V speeds done by the computer. You have to select them by clicking the

button just to the left of them. Also here you can see that it’s saying on Takeoff, the Stab Trim should be

set to “6.7”. This is the Trim Stab setting that needs to be applied to the vertical trim stab. You cannot

do this until the engines are started and the hydraulics are then online.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

We are now set up for departure so start the APU and lets push and start! (I will presume you know

how to start the engines by now, if not please read the PMDG manuals for that).

Departure

We are now ready for takeoff, to make sure that the aircraft is fully set for departure; this green box will

appear below the engines display to tell you that everything is set correctly for departure. If something

isn’t it will show you what is not set in white like so......

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

This is displaying to me that the Spoilers haven’t been set properly for departure, I need to arm them in

case of a RTO!

The next major thing to set up is the MCP and the auto flight! The MD-11 has an auto throttle that is on

from takeoff-till the flare in landing. You shouldn’t need to take control of the throttles at all after

applying takeoff thrust. If we check the PFD in the above picture, you can see the MCP commands

above the artificial horizon. It says at the moment that the ATS is off and also the Autopilot.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

In the above shot of the PFD enlarged, you can see the FD is setting itself up for takeoff. It also shows

the AP is Off and the ATS. We need to activate the ATS before we start our takeoff roll. We do this by

pressing the “AUTO FLIGHT” button in the middle of the MCP once. You shall then see the PFD changes.

We now see that the ATS Off box is gone and left now with just the AP OFF box at the top. This means

the Auto throttle system is armed. You will also notice above I have in magenta “NAV ARMED”. This is

achieved by pressing the NAV button on the MCP also. It is set up that after takeoff, the Flight Director

will switch over to track the NAV track which would usually be the SID. It can also be set up to fly a

certain heading after departure by selecting the heading on the MCP.

Also notice how I have a speed and altitude in magenta. These are FMS programmed speeds. Anything

that is displayed in magenta is where the computer wants to fly at and is the most efficient for the flight.

Take notice if I change the altitude (maybe cause ATC needs me to level off first due to traffic).

As you can see the altitude has been changed to 10,000ft, and the computer doesnt recognize this

altitude so its displayed white instead. Its displayed white to let the pilots know that this isnt what the

FMS has deemed a suitable altitude to be at its most efficient to travel at.

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

You will also see above the altitude now in magenta “PROF ARMED”. This is the profile that is used to

climb the aircraft. The MD-11 will climb at its most efficient when it achieves a certain speed, and then

will pitch the aircraft to maintain that speed out in the climb while having the engines at their max climb

rating. This will change if you level off before the FMS plans. So when you get re-cleared up to initial

cruise altitude, you will have to reactivate the Profile mode. This is done by clicking the PROF button

below the ALT setting in the MCP.

OK now that everything is set up for takeoff, we can begin the flight! On the runway, set the engines to

around 70% N1, make sure they are stabilized, and then apply the rest of the power. Above 80% N1, the

ATS will take over and apply the thrust. Just watch the speed build and get airborne!

Once airborne, follow the flight directors. The MD-11 will maintain a V2+10 speed till around 3000ft,

then begin to pick up speed to allow the speed tape to pass the FR (Flaps Retract) symbol on the speed

tape then up past the SR (Slats Retract) symbol. Follow your FD as long as you want before switching on

the autopilot, which is done by pressing the “AUTOFLIGHT” button in the middle of the MCP. Also

remember that once positive rate is achieved to retract the gear!

As we clean up the aircraft, disarm the spoilers, auto brake, and lastly reset the Dial-A-Flap. This is

changed back to 15 degrees for the approach. It is standard procedures in MD-11 ops that flaps 15 are

used for the approach area and then continue down into the landing flap settings of 28,35 and 50.

Once at your initial cruise altitude, you can change the altitude in the MCP to the final cruise level you

set up in the FMS before the flight. This will appear in Magenta on the PFD above the initial cruise level

which you are currently at. This means that when the MD-11 is light enough it will step climb up to the

next altitude without your input! It will also level off at the intermediate levels selected also in the FMS

at the start of the flight! It’s a great little feature to use when on the long flights!

For landings, use either 50 or 35. I use 50 just to allow the aircraft to be that little bit slower on the

touchdown. Remember to check the TO/APPR page again in the FMS to set up the approach speed by

selecting if you are going to be using flaps 35 for landing or 50.

After you are safely down and vacating the runway, turn on the APU and clean up the aircraft by

retracting Flaps and Spoilers. The APU will take a short while to start up. Once it is on however, shut

down engine number 2, to save fuel, and apply APU power and air. Engines 1+3 will still provide enough

power to taxi the aircraft into stand. When on stand, set the park brake, and continue the shut down of

engines 1 and 3.

This concludes the briefing, below you can find some checklists to help you out on your flights. So lets

go!

Good Flight Captain!

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

MD-11 Checklist.

SET UP (ENGINES OFF)

Ground Power and Air........................................................................................ON

Flight Plan............................................................................................................Checked via VAFS

FLIGHT LEVELS.....................................................................................................Set for direction of flight

(West-Even, East-Odd)

COST INDEX.........................................................................................................140-150

PMDG LOAD MANAGER......................................................................................Set Up/Sent to FS

INIT Page.............................................................................................................Copied TOGW from Load

Manager

TO Speeds

Dial-A-Flap.......................................................................................................... Set 22.0

FLEX Temp.......................................................................................................... 42-48

PACKS................................................................................................................. OFF

SLOPE/WIND...................................................................................................... D0.0/H2

(wind speed varies)

OAT (Outside Air Temp)..................................................................................... SET in Celsius

TO SPEEDS..........................................................................................................Entered.

BEFORE START

APU...................................................................................................................ON

APU Power/Air..................................................................................................ON

Ground Power/Air.............................................................................................Disconnected

Seat Belt Signs...................................................................................................ON

VAFS...................................................................................................................Ready For Engine Start

Beacon..............................................................................................................ON

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

After Start

APU Power/Air.........................................................................................................OFF

APU...........................................................................................................................OFF

Flaps..........................................................................................................................22 Set

Stab Trim..................................................................................................................Set

BEFORE TAKEOFF

ATS (Auto throttle)...................................................................................................ON (click AUTO FLIGHT

once)

Spoilers....................................................................................................................Armed

Auto Brakes..............................................................................................................RTO

Take Off Config.........................................................................................................Green Box

MCP.........................................................................................................................FMS SPEED/NAV/PROF

Armed

Anit-Ice....................................................................................................................If Required

Runway Entry

HI INT Lights............................................................................................................ON

Cabin........................................................................................................................Secure and Warned

After Takeoff

Gear.........................................................................................................................Up, No Lights

Flaps.........................................................................................................................IN

Spoiler......................................................................................................................Disarmed

Auto Brakes..............................................................................................................Off

Dial-A-Flap................................................................................................................Set 15

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

After 10,000ft

Seat Belts..................................................................................................................Auto

Altimeters.................................................................................................................Set/Cross checked

Cruise

MCP Altitude.............................................................................................................Set to final cruise level

(as in the FMS initial set up)

Before Descent

Appr Speed.................................................................................................................Set

Auto Brake..................................................................................................................Set (usually 2)

Star/Approach............................................................................................................Set/ Reviewed

Seat belts....................................................................................................................On

Landing

Landing Lights..........................................................................................................On

Gear..........................................................................................................................Down 3 Greens

Flaps......................................................................................................................... (35/50) Set

Spoiler......................................................................................................................Armed

Cabin........................................................................................................................Warned

After Landing

Flaps........................................................................................................................Retract

Spoilers...................................................................................................................Down, Disarmed

Strobe Lights (HI INT)..............................................................................................Off

APU.........................................................................................................................On

Landing Lights.........................................................................................................Off

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Eurocay MD-11 SOP

After APU is running

Engine 2................................................................................................................Shut down

APU Power/Air......................................................................................................On

On Stand/Gate

Park Brake..............................................................................................................Set

Engines 1+3............................................................................................................Shut Down

Beacon...................................................................................................................Off