🛫 Long Range Training
“Crossing oceans the MockingBird Air way.”
✈️ Module 1 – What is Long Range Flying?
Long-haul flights are a key part of MockingBird Air’s global operations, connecting major hubs like Frankfurt (FRA) or Berlin (BER) with cities across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
Long-range flights typically:
Last more than 6 hours
Involve crossing multiple FIRs, time zones, and possibly oceans
Require detailed planning, fuel calculation, and increased situational awareness
MockingBird Air serves long-haul routes with aircraft such as:
🛫 Airbus A339, A359, A388
🛫 Boeing B77W, B789, B78X
🌐 Module 2 – Route Planning and Fuel Considerations
For long-haul flights, route planning is more complex and critical.
At MockingBird Air, we consider:
✅ Great Circle Routes and airway structures
✅ ETOPS planning (for twin-engine aircraft)
✅ Fuel calculation, including:
Trip Fuel
Contingency
Alternate Fuel
Final Reserve
Taxi Fuel
Extra (if required)
Payload vs. Range: Sometimes you must reduce passengers or cargo to carry enough fuel for very long sectors.
🕒 Module 3 – Time Zones and Flight Time Management
MockingBird Air operates worldwide – so pilots must be comfortable operating in Zulu Time (UTC).
Tips for managing time on long flights:
🕒 Know your local vs. Zulu times
🛫 Stay alert during departure, TOC (Top of Climb)
⏳ Monitor fuel and systems during cruise
🛬 Prepare early for TOD (Top of Descent)
Fatigue is a real issue, even in simulation. Take breaks when possible and stay hydrated!
📡 Module 4 – Oceanic Procedures & NAT Tracks
🗺️ The North Atlantic Organized Track System (NAT-OTS)
When flying between Europe and North America (e.g., FRA–JFK, BER–ORD), you may enter the NAT HLA (High Level Airspace). This airspace is not covered by radar, so aircraft fly on structured tracks that change daily based on winds and traffic.
These are the NAT Tracks, published twice daily (Eastbound and Westbound).
They include:
✅ Track letter (e.g., Track A)
✅ Entry/exit points
✅ Assigned FL and Mach
✅ Expected time of validity
MockingBird Air pilots should:
📋 File NAT Tracks when applicable (especially FRA/BER to ORD, JFK, etc.)
🔗 Use SimBrief or similar tools to get the current valid track
🧭 Fly exact Mach numbers and flight levels – deviations are not allowed unless in emergency
📝 If CPDLC is unavailable, report position at every 10° of longitude
⏫ Module 5 – Step Climb Management
Step climbs are essential to improve fuel efficiency over long-haul flights.
At high weights after departure, your aircraft may not reach the optimal cruise level.
As fuel burns, you get lighter and can:
✅ Climb to higher altitudes (e.g., FL330 → FL370 → FL390)
✅ Use step climb guidance from your FMS
✅ Inform ATC or simulate an ATC request before climbing
MockingBird Air SOPs encourage realistic cruise profiles – we recommend checking for optimal climb steps in your flight planning tool.
🧊 Module 6 – Weather and Diversions
Long flights = more weather variability. Be prepared for:
🌪️ Jetstreams
🌩️ Thunderstorms over continents and oceans
💨 Turbulence in tropopause regions
🧊 Icing over polar areas
You should always review:
📄 METARs and TAFs for departure, arrival, alternates
🗺️ Winds aloft charts
🛬 ETOPS Alternates – for engine-out situations on twinjets
🛢️ Adjust fuel load if extreme weather is expected en route
🛬 Module 7 – Arrival Considerations for Long-Haul Operations
After 10+ hours, your situational awareness may be low – time to refocus!
At MockingBird Air, the following is good practice:
🧭 Program STAR and Approach early – even before TOD
🛬 Review airport charts and weather
📣 Brief your alternate plan in case of missed approach
📡 Re-tune NAV radios and update FMC as needed
🛩️ Practice stabilized approaches – especially in challenging conditions
👥 Module 8 – Shared Long-Haul Experience
Long-haul routes are ideal for Shared Cockpit flying within MockingBird Air.
Why?
✅ Shared workload (especially useful over oceans)
✅ Realistic crew coordination
✅ Built-in rest periods – one flies, one monitors
✅ Great opportunity to train junior pilots in long-haul procedures
💬 Use MockingBird Air SOPs to stay coordinated – they cover flows, briefings, and decision-making during flight.
📚 Final Note
Long-range flying at MockingBird Air is more than just getting from A to B – it’s about simulating a complete airline experience, with proper planning, professionalism, and global reach.
Whether it’s Frankfurt to Singapore, Munich to Cape Town, or Berlin to Chicago, you’re part of a world-class virtual crew.
Let’s bring the world to you. 🌍💙