How to Fly the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 in FSX: A Complete Guide
How to Fly the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 in FSX: A Complete Guide
If you are looking for a realistic and challenging turboprop simulation for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, you should definitely check out the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400. This add-on is a highly detailed and accurate rendition of the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, a twin-engine regional airliner that can carry up to 78 passengers and cruise at speeds of up to 360 knots.
fsx majestic software dash 8 q400
The Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 features a custom flight dynamics engine that simulates the aerodynamics and performance of the real aircraft, including the effects of wind, icing, propeller discing and auto rotation. It also has a fully functional weather radar that can display the actual FSX weather conditions and provide terrain mapping and ground clutter simulation. The add-on also includes a sophisticated Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) that can detect and warn you of nearby traffic, both AI and online.
One of the most impressive features of the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 is the dual Flight Management System (FMS) that simulates the Universal 1E FMS used in the real aircraft. The FMS can perform navigation in three dimensions (LNAV+VNAV), RNP-based navigation and fuel and performance management. You can also use the up-to-date navigation database provided by Navigraph (subject to additional charges) to access the latest procedures and waypoints.
The Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 also has a realistic sound system that uses custom DSP effects to reproduce the propeller sounds correctly. The sound system is also 3D-enabled for both external and internal sounds, including the switches and controls sounds as well as the cockpit environment sounds.
In this guide, we will show you how to fly the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 in FSX, from cold and dark start to landing and shutdown. We will cover the basic procedures and tips for operating this complex and rewarding aircraft.
Cold and Dark Start
The first step to fly the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 is to set up the aircraft in a cold and dark state. This means that all the systems are turned off and you have to power up and configure everything manually. To do this, you can use the Load Manager tool that comes with the add-on. You can access it from the FSX menu under Add-ons > MJC8Q400 > Load Manager.
The Load Manager allows you to set up various parameters for your flight, such as fuel load, payload, flight number, departure and destination airports, etc. You can also select your preferred livery from a list of 19 high resolution liveries included in the add-on. Once you have set up everything, click on Save & Exit.
Now you can load up the aircraft in FSX. Make sure you select a gate or ramp parking spot suitable for the size of the aircraft. Once you are in the cockpit, you will see that everything is dark and quiet. To start powering up the aircraft, follow these steps:
Turn on the battery switch on the overhead panel.
Turn on the external power switch on the overhead panel if available.
Turn on both DC service buses on the overhead panel.
Turn on both AC service buses on the overhead panel.
Turn on both avionics master switches on the glareshield panel.
Turn on both EFIS control panels on the glareshield panel.
Turn on both display source selectors on the glareshield panel.
Turn on both display brightness knobs on the glareshield panel.
Turn on both PFDs and NDs on the main instrument panel.
Turn on both EICAS displays on the main instrument panel.
Turn on both standby instruments on the main instrument panel.
Turn on both audio control panels on the pedestal.
Turn on both radios on the pedestal.
Turn on both transponders on the pedestal.
You should now have some basic power and displays working in your cockpit. The next step is to align
Turn on both IRS mode selectors on the overhead panel to NAV.
Wait for the IRS alignment to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on your location. You can check the progress on the EICAS display.
When the alignment is complete, you will see a green ALIGN light on both IRS mode selectors and a green ON DC light on the IRS display unit on the pedestal.
Enter your current position and flight plan into the FMS using the control display unit (CDU) on the pedestal. You can use the FSX flight planner to create your flight plan and load it into the FMS using the FPLN RECALL function.
Verify and activate your flight plan on the CDU. You can also enter your performance data, such as cruise altitude, speed, fuel and weight.
Check that your navigation source is set to FMS1 or FMS2 on both display source selectors on the glareshield panel.
Check that your navigation mode is set to FMS on both EFIS control panels on the glareshield panel.
You should now have your IRS and FMS ready for your flight. The next step is to start up the engines and configure the aircraft for taxi.
Engine Start and Taxi
To start up the engines and taxi to the runway, follow these steps:
Request pushback and clearance from ATC if available.
Set the parking brake on the pedestal.
Turn on both fuel pumps on the overhead panel.
Turn on both engine start selectors on the overhead panel to START & FEATHER.
Turn on both engine ignition switches on the overhead panel to NORM.
Turn off both condition levers on the pedestal to FUEL OFF.
When you are ready to start engine 2 (right engine), turn on the starter switch for engine 2 on the overhead panel.
Monitor the engine parameters on the EICAS display. When the NG (gas generator speed) reaches 12%, move the condition lever for engine 2 to START FEATHER.
When the NG reaches 52%, move the condition lever for engine 2 to MAX.
When the engine start is complete, you will hear a chime and see a green STARTER OFF light on the overhead panel. Turn off the starter switch for engine 2.
Repeat steps 7 to 10 for engine 1 (left engine).
When both engines are running, turn off both engine ignition switches on the overhead panel.
Turn off external power if used and disconnect it using Shift+J.
Turn off battery switch on the overhead panel.
Turn on both generators on the overhead panel.
Turn on both bleed air switches on the overhead panel.
Turn on both air conditioning packs on the overhead panel.
Turn on both hydraulic pumps on the overhead panel.
Turn off both DC service buses and AC service buses on
Adjust your pitch and power to maintain a climb speed of V2+20 knots until you reach the acceleration altitude (usually 3000 feet AGL).
At the acceleration altitude, reduce your pitch and power to accelerate to 210 knots. Retract the propeller levers to 900 RPM using the propeller levers on the pedestal.
When you reach 210 knots, engage the IAS mode on the autopilot using the IAS button on the glareshield panel. The autopilot will adjust the pitch and power to maintain 210 knots.
Continue climbing to your cruise altitude following the FMS flight plan and ATC instructions.
You should now be in a stable climb with the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400. The next step is to cruise and descend to your destination.
Cruise and Descent
To cruise and descend with the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400, follow these steps:
When you reach your cruise altitude, adjust your power levers to set your desired cruise power setting. You can use the PMU on the pedestal to select a power mode, such as MCR (maximum continuous rating) or ECO (economy).
Monitor your fuel and performance on the EICAS display. You can also use the FMS CDU to check your fuel prediction and time en route.
Enjoy the view from your cockpit or switch to an external view using S or A keys.
When you are about 80 nautical miles from your destination, start planning your descent. Check the weather and ATIS at your destination airport using the radios on the pedestal.
Select a suitable arrival procedure and runway for your landing using the FMS CDU. You can also use the FSX flight planner or ATC to select an approach.
Enter your landing data, such as landing weight, flaps setting, runway condition and wind direction and speed into the FMS CDU. The FMS will calculate your landing reference speeds (VREF) and display them on the PFD.
Initiate your descent using the VNAV mode on the autopilot using the VNAV button on the glareshield panel. The autopilot will follow the FMS vertical profile and adjust the pitch and power to maintain a constant descent rate.
Reduce your speed to 240 knots or less when passing 10,000 feet AGL. Turn on
Reduce your speed to 200 knots or less when passing the transition altitude (usually 18,000 feet in the US). Set your altimeter to the local barometric pressure using the altimeter setting knob on the main instrument panel.
Continue your descent following the FMS flight plan and ATC instructions. Adjust your power levers to control your speed and descent rate.
When you are about 30 nautical miles from your destination, start configuring the aircraft for landing. Extend the propeller levers to 1200 RPM using the propeller levers on the pedestal.
When you are about 15 nautical miles from your destination, extend the flaps to 5 degrees using the flap lever on the pedestal. Reduce your speed to 180 knots or less.
When you are about 10 nautical miles from your destination, extend the flaps to 10 degrees using the flap lever on the pedestal. Reduce your speed to 170 knots or less.
When you are about 5 nautical miles from your destination, extend the flaps to 15 degrees using the flap lever on the pedestal. Reduce your speed to 160 knots or less.
You should now be ready to land with the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400. The next step is to perform the final approach and landing.
Final Approach and Landing
To perform the final approach and landing with the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400, follow these steps:
When you are established on the final approach course, request landing clearance from ATC if available.
Set your desired landing power setting on the PMU on the pedestal.
Extend the landing gear using the gear lever on the pedestal. Check that three green lights indicate that the gear is down and locked.
Extend the flaps to 35 degrees using the flap lever on the pedestal. Reduce your speed to VREF+5 knots or less.
Disengage the autopilot using the AP button on the glareshield panel when you are confident that you can land manually.
Maintain a stable approach with a descent rate of about 700 feet per minute and a pitch attitude of about 5 degrees nose up. Use small corrections of pitch and power to control your speed and glide path.
Aim for a touchdown point about one-third of the way down
Conclusion
The Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 is a highly realistic and complex add-on for FSX that simulates the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprop regional airliner. It features a custom flight dynamics engine, a weather radar, a TCAS, a dual FMS, a realistic sound system and many other advanced features. It also comes with 19 high resolution liveries and an up-to-date navigation database.
In this guide, we have shown you how to fly the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400 in FSX, from cold and dark start to landing and shutdown. We have covered the basic procedures and tips for operating this challenging and rewarding aircraft. We hope that you have enjoyed this guide and learned something new.
If you want to learn more about the Majestic Software Dash 8 Q400, you can visit their website at http://majesticsoftware.com/mjc8q400/ or check out their user manual and tutorial videos. You can also join their online community and share your experiences with other pilots.
Thank you for reading and happy flying! b99f773239
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