📊 Advanced Flight Planning & Performance

Course Type: Theoretical + Application
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Language: English
Applies to: All aircraft operated by MockingBird Air
Recommended for: Captains, Long-Haul Pilots, and those flying in Events or Group Flights

Introduction

Welcome to Advanced Flight Planning & Performance!
This course dives deep into performance considerations, dispatch logic, and route optimization for professional virtual airline operations. It is designed for pilots who want to simulate real-world airline dispatch practices within the MockingBird Air framework.

At MockingBird Air, we encourage realistic planning to enhance immersion and consistency across our network.

🧮 Module 1: Performance Calculations & Planning Factors

  • Takeoff and Landing Performance

    • Understand runway length, slope, wind, temperature, and elevation.

    • Use appropriate performance calculators (e.g., EFBs or SimBrief data).

    • Consider anti-ice penalties and contaminated runway adjustments.

  • Flex Temp and Derated Thrust

    • How and when to use reduced thrust takeoffs safely.

    • Understand assumed temperature methods and performance limits.

  • Weight Restrictions

    • MTOW, MLW, and Zero Fuel Weight explained.

    • Adjusting payload and fuel for performance-limited airports.

✈️ MockingBird Air aircraft often operate at busy or challenging airports. Mastering performance is essential.

🛫 Module 2: Route Planning & Airspace Awareness

  • Route Selection

    • Use official airways, direct routing, or NAT Tracks depending on region.

    • Consider military airspace, FIR boundaries, and step climbs.

    • Apply real-world routing tools such as RouteFinder or SimBrief suggestions.

  • Flight Level Selection

    • Best cruise altitude based on aircraft performance, weight, and winds.

    • Step climbs for fuel efficiency on long-range flights.

  • ATC Constraints

    • Consider published preferred routes and restricted zones (especially in Europe or the US).

    • MockingBird SOPs allow for realistic rerouting if needed.

🧭 A good plan saves time and fuel—optimize without compromising realism.

⛽ Module 3: Fuel Planning & Decision Making

  • Fuel Policy at MockingBird Air

    • Trip Fuel – based on forecast winds and weights

    • Contingency Fuel – 5% of trip or a minimum amount

    • Alternate Fuel – plus approach & missed

    • Final Reserve – 30 minutes holding fuel

    • Extra Fuel – Pilot’s discretion for weather, traffic, or operational uncertainty

  • Fuel Bias Awareness

    • Some aircraft (e.g., A330, B787) may burn more/less than planned in the sim—monitor trends.

  • Diversion Fuel

    • Always plan alternates carefully. Prioritize realistic locations with ILS, services, and capacity.

🛢️ Use SimBrief or similar tools, and always validate fuel numbers against past experience.

🌐 Module 4: Global Considerations

  • ETOPS Planning (Extended Range Operations)

    • Required when the route is more than 60 mins from a suitable airport

    • Understand diversion airports, equal time points (ETPs), and fuel policy adjustments

    • Affects many MockingBird long-haul flights (e.g., to South America, Africa, Asia)

  • NAT Tracks and Oceanic Routing

    • Use current track messages (e.g., NAT A, B, etc.)

    • Request OTS (Organized Track System) routes or random tracks depending on traffic

    • Practice position reporting and separation in non-radar areas

  • Time Zones & Airport Operations

    • Some airports have night curfews or limited opening hours (e.g., Frankfurt).

    • Time your flight to reflect realistic operation when possible.

🌍 MockingBird Air serves worldwide destinations. Global awareness enhances realism.

📘 Conclusion

You are now ready to plan flights like a real dispatcher!
This knowledge will help you execute safer, smoother, and more immersive operations—whether you’re doing a quick hop to Paris or a full transpacific crossing. 🌐✈️

For official performance limits, consult the manuals or trusted tools. And always brief smart—fly smart.

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