Mark, Michael

As I indicated earlier, it seems that CS chose to model the Advanced version of the -200. So since I wanted to use the heavier version and the CS ACE, I decided to keep the original CS files, but modified the aircraft.cfg file as suggested by Mark. However Michael’s comments on engine settings, speeds and FPMs were still very useful, and I performed the flight successfully. Now, the aircraft climbed as it was supposed to.  It took me just under 20 minutes to reach FL310 from the time I started the takeoff roll.

As Michael suggested, I did the flight in clear weather. There was not as much variation in speed (in cruise) as when I was in real weather, but it still varied more than it does in other aircraft. This may have to do with a lack of precise control in my joystick throttle paddle, and the fact that those old jet engines were slow to react to any change in throttle input.

Mark, I do have a question on EPR and N1 values. Prior to making the change you suggested, the EPR could go as high as 2.3. Now I notice that with the new value, the maximum EPR I can reach, with throttles to the wall and N1 at 100%, is 1.98. Is that normal? I also noticed that after a few minutes, the EPR went down to 1.82, while N1 was still at 100%, and the throttle still all the way forward. Why the change? Is it Pt2 that goes up or Pt7 that goes down?

I also have a question on the EPR gauge. The manual explains that the Engine Pressure Ratio Setting Knob (13-15) sets “the reference index and the digital indicator to the preselected EPR value when the knob is pulled out to the manual position”. It also explains what it does if the button is pushed into the automatic mode. First of all, when I push on it, it always stays in manual mode; possibly the automatic function was not modelled? More importantly, when setting it manually to some value, I see the bug moves up to that value and the value is also shown digitally. Is that only to act as a reminder of some value we want to reach, or does it actually limit the EPR to the value selected?

Now all I need to do is to practice, practice, practice, particularly the takeoff and initial climb, so that my vertical path will somehow resemble the prescribed speed and climb rate numbers! In particular, I have trouble when switching from manual  control to the autopilot: as soon as I activate the AP, the aircraft pitches down into a descent! Not a good deal!

Thanks to both of you for all the help.