FSiPanel-2020-MSFS-User-Manual
FSiPanel-2020-MSFS-User-Manual
User manual
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ___________________________________________________________ 5
2 Changelog _____________________________________________________________ 9
3 Installation ___________________________________________________________ 10
10 Troubleshooting _____________________________________________________ 34
FSiPanel has been designed to help flight simulator enthusiasts to train IFR approaches on their
favorite airplane the same way as airline pilots do.
Being an airline pilot for more than 20 years and a real flight simulator enthusiast, I always found
very frustrating not to be able to train efficiently on my flight simulator complex aircraft.
Every time you want to practice an approach on a different runway, you need a lot of time to set
up all the parameters before you can actually fly your approach.
FSiPanel will save you this time, the software will help you set up your approach within a few
seconds at any airport in Prepar3D database.
I strongly advise you to carefully read this user manual before using the software. This will
prevent wrong configuration so you can optimize your training and maximize your user
experience
To download latest installer in the future, please login to the customer area
https://www.fsipanel.com/userarea.php
or login to the FSiPanel shop to retrieve your license and latest installer.
My account – FSiPanel
Please also join our social media and user forum to get the latest information and to request
support. Forum Password is “OuterMarker”
Forum : https://www.fsipanel.com/forum
FSiPanel 2020 for MSFS is compatible with all aircraft available in MSFS Premium version.
This software is designed for serious flight simulator enthusiasts wanting to practice approaches
and different other scenarios exactly like the pros but without losing precious time.
The software falls under entertainment category and cannot be used for commercial training.
A special license and agreement shall be obtained for commercial use, this agreement must also
be obtained with the addon developer.
1.2.1 Airliners
Aircraft Remarks
Boeing 787 Note 1
Boeing 747 Note 1
Airbus A320 NEO Note 1, Note 2
1.2.2 Jets
Aircraft
Cessna Citation CJ4
Cessna Citation Longitude
1.2.3 Turboprops
Aircraft
Taher TBM930
Beechcraft King Air 350i
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
1.2.4 Propellers
Aircraft
Pitts Special S2S
Cirrus SR22
Cub Crafter X Cub
Diamond DA40 TDI
Diamond DA40 NG
Diamond DA62
Diamond DV20
Extra 330 LT
Flight Design CTSL
Icon A5
JMB VL3
Note 2: Make sure FCU Speed and heading are in selected mode
Jets https://youtu.be/pkk5UjmjunI
Turboprops https://youtu.be/oa-FTEFZ4jU
Antivirus:
- It is highly recommended to deactivate your antivirus and to create an exception for
FSiPanel 2020 directory before installing the software to avoid any false positive
detection. All the files have been tested with VirusTotal.com, feel free to transmit any
FSiPanel file to your antivirus provider should it be detected as a Virus
Note: During the installation process and during the first run of the software, FSiPanel will
check if your system meets the requirements and help you install missing software if
so required.
3.2.1 Installer
To install FSiPanel, simply run the installer and follow the instructions.
FSiPanel can be installed in your Program files directory or at any other location.
It is recommended to run the installer as administrator.
On the first run of FSiPanel, you will be asked to register the software.
Please make sure to copy-paste the license received by email to avoid any typing error.
Click on Activate to check your license validity.
FSiPanel will send you a validation code to your registered email, should you have changed your
email, please contact [email protected] to update our license database or visit the shop to
update your account information.
When clicking continue, FSiPanel will check your system requirements and install Simconnect
Service pack 2 if not already detected on your system.
Note: Example : the airport elevation is 499ft and your setting is 2000ft, the aircraft will be
positioned on downwind at 2500ft which is 2000ft above airport elevation.
FSiPanel runs with the default Microsoft stock airports database. If you have custom sceneries
installed on your computer, it is recommended to update your airport database so that airports
runways match between the simulator and FSiPanel.
Note: This process will take a few minutes and relies on the excellent MakeRwys software
from Pete Dowson.
This tab is used in case of problems to help finding the possible issue.
You can check here your license, registered email and subscription status if applicable
Unregister this PC will allow you to enter a new license code should you update from a 1 month
license to a full license for example.
The procedure to position your aircraft is slightly different from Airliners, Jets and Propellers.
In order for you to have an easy start with FSiPanel 2020, I have created short tutorial videos
showing you the procedure to fly a quick short final approach at your preferred airport.
Please make sure to check these videos (links at the end of the chapter) to have an easy start.
Once the aircraft is loaded in the simulator, make sure of the following:
- Engines are running
- IRS are aligned
- Load your aircraft as desired (Pax, fuel, cargo)
- Switch Flight director ON
Enter your desired airport ICAO code ex: KJFK for New York JFK airport.
Once an airport is found, you can see the following information
Once the aircraft is stable, you will receive a message on MSFS 2020 screen to take control,
hold your brakes for three seconds to take control and fly your approach !
Note: Please do not touch any control during FSiPanel work. You can monitor the progress
by looking at messages sent by FSiPanel directly in your simulator. Same place as
ATC message.
Jets https://youtu.be/pkk5UjmjunI
Turboprops https://youtu.be/oa-FTEFZ4jU
Click on Select Airport or actual ICAO code if an airport has already been selected either by
yourself or automatically as the closest available airport.
Click on Search to let FSiPanel select an airport and a runway for you.
If a runway meeting your criteria is found, the main panel will come into view with the selected
airport and runway.
You can use the quick fix buttons on the main screen or the custom options by pressing on
select fix button (this button will be visible only if an airport and a runway have been selected)
FSiPanel will use default parameters taken from your setup page as initial values. To change
any of this value, click on the corresponding text: Example, click on X = 3 NM to enter your
desired distance.
If you change your final distance (Y = 8NM in the above illustration) FSiPanel will compute your
new ideal altitude automatically, you can off course if desired change it to your need.
FSiPanel will use default parameters taken from your setup page as initial values. To change
any of this value, click on the corresponding text: Example, click on X = 3 NM to enter your
desired distance.
Altitude is computed as follow:
- Airport elevation + desired default downwind altitude.
- In the illustration above, airport elevation is 50ft and default downwind altitude is 2000ft
AGL, so FSiPanel will use 50 + 2000 = 2050 and round it up to the next compatible
autopilot value (2100ft in this example)
- This altitude can be changed by clicking on “Alt = 2100ft”
If you change your final distance (X = 8NM in the above illustration) FSiPanel will compute your
new ideal altitude automatically, you can off course if desired change it to your need.
FSiPanel comes with an outdated STAR database, if you want to use the latest star routes,
please update your database with Navigraph or NavData, both are compatible with FSiPanel.
As you can see on the illustration above, FSiPanel comes with the following options:
- Heading (This will be the heading from previous fix to the selected one)
- Altitude (Restricted altitude if any or 10000ft as default)
- Offset (5NM as default, you will be 5NM short of the waypoint)
For a tutorial of the above waypoint creation, please check the YouTube video below:
https://youtu.be/FVwYvc0ReGo
To select a Pilot’s waypoint, make sure to select first the airport and the runway, click on Select
FIX and then Select WP.
Pilot’s waypoint can be exported as .FSP file by clicking on the export button, you can share this
waypoint with your friends or the community.
After having selected a waypoint, the export button is displayed on the screen
To import a pilot’s waypoint file (.FSP), drag and drop it on the main FSiPanel window (Where
the runway and the quick position fixes are shown)
Aircraft will be positioned on final at the desired altitude in a clean configuration, allowing you to
practise high altitude air work if needed.
Note: Please make sure your aircraft weight is within limits for the desired altitude or the
positioning will fail. An aircraft at maximum take off weight cannot climb directly to its
service ceiling altitude..
You can control some of the simulator features from FSiPanel Sim Controls menu.
Any active mode will be displayed in green
In the above illustration, simulator is on pause and simulation rate is set to normal speed (1x)
On this panel, you can immediately change aircraft Altitude, heading and speed by using the
provided function, please note that this will affect your aircraft, use with caution only if required.
For example you would like to quickly climb to 20’000ft, make sure speed is good and then
select 20000ft with Pause mode ON. In the simulator, set your autopilot modes as required and
release pause to take controls.
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Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement, please, do not install, copy, or
use the Product.
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