A Flight Sim Enthusiast's Notebook
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X-Plane 12.4.0 Official Version Release
According to the X-Plane 12.4.0 Release Notes, the official version of X-Plane 12.4.0 has finally been released. I upgraded immediately to give it a test and didn’t find any issues, so everyone can use it with confidence.
Additionally, I remembered I have a 15-inch Lepow Portable Monitor Z1 that I haven’t used in a long time. I decided to use it as a secondary screen, so I set it up.
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A Comprehensive Research Report on Global Aeronautical Information Publication (eAIP) Copyright Systems and Open Data Policies
Regarding this rather gray topic, I asked Google Gemini to conduct a deep investigation, and I feel it is quite a valuable reference.
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1. Introduction: The Misconception of "Openness" in Aeronautical Information and the Legal Reality
1.1 Raising the Issue
With the acceleration of digitalization, many countries worldwide have made their Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) freely available via the internet. This status quo has created a widespread illusion among users that "aeronautical information is a public product with no copyright restrictions." However, as evidenced by your concern regarding the question "How exactly does eAIP copyright work?", the actual legal situation is extremely complex. "Gratis" (free of charge) and "Libre" (freedom to use) are two legally distinct concepts, a distinction particularly pronounced in the field of aviation data. -
Recent Activity Updates
Entering 2026, I still spend some spare time on flight simulation and aviation photography. It’s just that I won’t write in such detail; I’ll just keep a running log here.
1 Upgraded X-Plane 12.4.0 to beta4 for a test. It feels quite normal, didn’t encounter any bugs, so everyone can use it with confidence.
2 New discoveries with miniCOCKPIT “It would be great if miniCOCKPIT could be used on aircraft other than the A330.” With this thought in mind, I tried it with a C172, and surprisingly, some functions work. It was a real surprise. For example, the landing lights, strobe lights, and the Autopilot’s Altitude/Vertical Speed/Heading/Speed are quite useful. So, I’ve been doing more flights in the Cessna just to enjoy the scenery.
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X-Plane 12.4.0beta Released
The beta version of X-Plane 12.4.0 was officially released before the end of the year, and of course, I upgraded immediately to test it. But first, let me copy down the introduction from the official Laminar Research website.
“Development of X-Plane 12.4.0 has been a long journey, bringing some fundamental improvements to the engine. I am naming this version C-Check, as it best summarizes the work we have done. We replaced core components of the simulator, improved systems, and addressed numerous bug reports. X-Plane 12.4.0 is not about adding flashy new features, but about preparing for the future and refining existing functionality.”
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First Look at the New miniCOCKPIT Product: miniOVHD
miniCOCKPIT’s latest product, the miniOVHD, was released this month, so I ordered one immediately. It finally arrived today, so let’s unbox it, set it up, and test it out.
The miniOVHD box
The compact miniOVHD
The official website provides detailed setup instructions. The specific steps are: 1 Connect the miniOVHD to the miniCFU
2 Firmware update. On Mac, execute miniCOCKPIT Firmware 20251113 Uploader.app
3 Install the X-Plane plugin. Extract miniCOCKPIT MAC DLS.zip into the resources/plugins directory
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Reflections on the Rules of the 2025 Haidian District Student Simulated Flight Competition: Key Points for Mastering Cessna 172 Operations to Competition Level
I happened to see the “Notice on Holding the 2025 Haidian District Primary and Secondary School Student Simulation Flying Competition.” As a flight simulation player, I immediately checked out Attachment 2: 2025 Haidian District Primary and Secondary School Student Simulation Flying Competition Rules.pdf. My first impression was: This isn’t a “children’s game”; it’s clearly a training syllabus prepared for “little student pilots.”
So, I had ChatGPT study these rules and write a blog post to share with fellow players. My requirements for ChatGPT were: Focus on the Cessna C172 operational requirements in the rules; break down the scoring points item by item; provide feasible training methods in X-Plane; and briefly discuss the broader trends and thoughts inspired by such competitions.
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New Features in X-Plane 12.3.0
Overview
Weather is critical to safety in aviation.
In X-Plane 12.3.0, the weather system has been elevated to new heights. This update brings one of the most anticipated features: a brand-new, fully simulated Weather Radar. Combined with the Synthetic Vision on the X1000, flying is safer, more immersive, and more realistic than ever before.
In addition, the Airbus A330-300 has been fully overhauled. Every subsystem has been re-polished to make the flight experience smoother and more precise.
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Review of the E6-B Flight Computer
It's a typhoon day, I'm at home with nothing to do, so I took out my flight computer E6-B, which I haven't used in years, to brush up on it.
I couldn't remember how to use many of the functions, so I organized them on a Google spreadsheet to see if it would be easier to understand.
Function Calculation Content Outer Scale Outer Arrow/Mark Disc Arrow Inner Scale/Disc Scale 1 TimeRelationship between Speed, Flight Time, and Distance Distance 564nm - RATE points to outer scale Speed 125kt Time 4.5h 2 Fuel Consumption Fuel Amount 64gal - RATE points to outer scale Fuel Consumption Rate 8.4gal/h Flight Time 7h37m 3 Climb Rate Climb Rate 450ft/min - RATE points to outer scale Speed 90kt Climb Height per NM 300ft 4 Unit ConversionUnit Conversion NM - SM - KM - NAUT
STAT
KM- Nautical Miles 10
Statute Miles 11.5
Kilometers 18.55 Unit Conversion US Gal - Imp Gal - U.S. GAL
IMP. GAL- US Gallons 20
Imperial Gallons 16.66 Unit Conversion Weight - VolumeFuel Weight 192lbs FUEL LBS. U.S. GAL US Gallons 32 7 Oil Weight 90lbs OIL LBS. U.S. GAL US Gallons 12 8 Unit Conversion Lbs - KG 2000lbs LBS KG 901kg 9 Unit Conversion Liters - Gallons 50 Liters LITERS U.S. GAL 13.2 Gallons 10 Unit Conversion Feet - Meters 985ft FT METERS 300m 11 Unit Conversion TAS of Mach 1 TAS 660kt - PRESSURE ALTITUDE points to MACH NO INDEX, e.g. 15°C 1 Mach, fixed at10 12 Airspeed Correction Calculate TAS/Density Altitude based on IAS/Air Temp/Pressure Altitude
(Altimeter pressure setting adjusted to 29.92)TAS 183kt - Right side AIR TEMPERATURE -15°C
Right side PRESSURE ALTITUDE 10K
DENSITY ALTITUDE 15KIAS 145kt 13 Altitude Correction Calculate Field True Altitude MSL
※When outside air temperature is lower than standard atmospheric temperature (15.0°C), the altitude indicated will be higher than actual altitude
1. Adjust pressure setting to 29.92 to get Pressure Altitude (QNE)
2. Adjust pressure setting to Station QNH to get Corrected Altitude
3. Corrected Altitude - Field Elevation = AGL Uncorrected Height Diff
4. MSL = AGL Corrected Height Diff + Field ElevationAGL Corrected Height Diff 6600ft - Left side AIR TEMPERATURE -19°C
Left side PRESSURE ALTITUDE 10KAGL Uncorrected Height Diff 7000ft 14 Track Correction Track Correction Calculation
1. Calculate Drift Angle based on flown NM and current deviation distance
2. Calculate Drift Correction Angle based on remaining distance NM and current deviation distance
3. Total Correction = Drift Angle + Drift Correction Angle = 3.8 + 2.4 = 6.2°1 Deviation Distance 8nm
2 Deviation Distance 8nm- 1 RATE points to Drift Angle 3.8
2 RATE points to Drift Correction Angle 2.41 Flown NM 125
2 Remaining Distance NM 235 -
X-Plane 12.2.1 Release Notes
X-Plane 12.2.1 was released this week, so here is a brief translation of the release notes.
New Features
Airport Added custom airport: Zermatt Helipad (LSEZ) Updated versions of our “Gateway Airports” Added many library objects for airport designers: • Fire truck • Cherry Picker • Construction vehicles • Police SUV • Grass Runway markings • Compass Roses • Colored polygons • Hangars and tool sheds • Class F Jet Bridge • New Apron lighting • Movable helicopter platforms • Sloped roofs • Added weather effects to all flat roofs
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Testing X-Plane 12.2.0 beta
X-Plane 12.2.0 beta is out, so I immediately upgraded to test it. I found that the cockpit instruments are much easier to read, and the rendering speed has improved, so I am extremely satisfied with the overall performance boost.
What’s new in X-Plane 12.2.0? X-Plane 12.2.0 Release Notes
Below is an excerpt from the official website introduction.
We strive to make X-Plane more immersive, realistic, and visually stunning with every update, but this update truly hits the mark. X-Plane 12.2.0 represents twelve months of meticulous improvements to cloud rendering, lighting, environmental effects, and graphics performance. If you’re interested in better cockpit lighting, improved sky colors, or our revamped cloud system, read on.
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miniEFIS Unboxing and Setup
The miniEFIS arrived two months ago, but I’ve been too busy with work to find time to install it.
Finally, in February, I was able to unbox it.Following the official website’s miniEFIS setup article, I connected the miniEFIS to the miniFCU. <img src=https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0834/0547/2063/files/faq-efis-setup-1.jpg?v=1728917854>
<img src=https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0834/0547/2063/files/faq-efis-setup-2.jpg?v=1730173404>
<img src=https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0834/0547/2063/files/faq-efis-setup-3.jpg?v=1730183821>
<img src=https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0834/0547/2063/files/faq-efis-setup-7.jpg?v=1725720622>
Next, I downloaded the latest firmware
miniCOCKPIT-Firmware-Uploader-MAC-1.0.2-20241117.zipand ran it.
I could see various lights flashing.
After a while, I could see the display indicating the firmware upload was successful.
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Visit the Royal Air Force Museum London
The Royal Air Force Museum London, located in the Hendon area in the north of London, is a renowned museum showcasing the history of the Royal Air Force and the development of aviation. There are 6 main exhibition halls, each displaying exhibits with different themes, comprehensively covering the history, technology, and achievements of the Royal Air Force.
Hall 1: RAF Stories - The First 100 Years
Theme: The Centenary History of the Royal Air Force • The development journey from the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) to the Royal Air Force (RAF). • Focuses on key missions and turning points during WWI, WWII, and the post-Cold War era. • Exhibits include uniforms, medals, historical documents, and multimedia materials.
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Visiting Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Museum is located in Surrey, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of London. It showcases many classic aircraft, including the Concorde (visitors can enter the cabin). This site features the remains of the world’s first dedicated motor racing circuit and is also one of the birthplaces of British aviation and automotive engineering.
I made a special trip this time to see the Concorde here. Take the train from London Waterloo station to Weybridge, then a taxi ride of about 10 minutes will get you to Brooklands Museum.
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China NavData Updated to 2025 Nr.01
China Charts updated to 2025 Nr.01 (2501221600). Welcome to use.
Thanks to a reminder from a netizen, I realized that eaipchina is open to the public for free, and the format has been updated quite a bit. I spent the weekend updating the PDFs from the website.
Part 1 General (GEN) <a href=/x-plane10/view.php?file=doc/GEN.pdf> GEN 0.1 Preface GEN 0.2 AIP Amendment Record GEN 0.3 AIP Supplements and AIC Records GEN 0.4 AIP Checklist GEN 0.5 AIP Manual Amendment Record GEN 0.6 Part 1 Contents GEN 1.1 Responsible Authorities GEN 1.2 Entry, Transit and Departure of Aircraft GEN 1.3 Entry, Transit and Departure of Passengers and Crew GEN 1.4 Entry, Transit and Departure of Cargo GEN 1.5 Aircraft Instruments, Equipment and Flight Documents GEN 1.6 Summary of National Regulations and International Agreements/Conventions GEN 1.7 Differences from ICAO Standards, Recommended Practices and Procedures GEN 2.1 Measurement Systems, Aircraft Markings and Public Holidays GEN 2.2 Abbreviations Used in AIP Products GEN 2.3 Chart Symbols GEN 2.4 Place Name Codes GEN 2.5 Table of Radio Navigation Facilities GEN 2.6 Table of Conversion of Measurement Units GEN 2.7 Sunrise/Sunset Tables GEN 3.1 AIS Services GEN 3.2 Charts GEN 3.3 Air Traffic Services GEN 3.4 Communication Services GEN 3.5 Meteorological Services GEN 3.6 Search and Rescue GEN 4.1 Aerodrome/Heliport Charges GEN 4.2 Air Navigation Services Charges
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X-Plane Official User Manual
<a href="https://www.x-plane.com/support/manuals/" target="_blank">User Manuals</a> X-Plane 12 Quick Start Manual Online Version <a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/desktop/">English Version</a> X-Plane 11 Quick Start Manual PDF <a href="https://www.x-plane.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Manual_XPlane11_de_web.pdf?v=2024-02-09">German Version</a> <a href="https://www.x-plane.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Manual_XPlane11_fr_web.pdf?v=2024-02-09">French Version</a> <a href="https://www.x-plane.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Manual_XPlane11_sp_web.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Spanish Version</a> <a href="https://www.x-plane.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/XPlane11_QuickStart_japanese.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Japanese Version</a> <a href="https://www.x-plane.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Manual_X-Plane11_Chinese.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Chinese Version</a> Navigation/Autopilot Operation Manual <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/S-TEC_Autopilot_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">S-TEC 55 manual</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/G430_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">X-Plane G430 manual</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/G530_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">X-Plane G530 manual</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/G1000_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">X-Plane G1000 manual</a> (PDF) <a href="https://www.x-plane.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/X-Plane11_G1000_Manual_Chinese.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Chinese Version</a></li> <li><a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/FMS_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">X-Plane FMS manual</a> (PDF) <a href="https://www.x-plane.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/X-Plane11_FMS_Manual_Chinese.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Chinese Version</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/Airbus_MCDU_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Airbus MCDU manual</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/Citation_FMS_Manual.pdf">Cessna Citation X Honeywell FMS manual</a> (PDF)</li> Pilot Operating Handbooks <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/A330_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Airbus A330-300 POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/Baron_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Beechcraft Baron 58 POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/C90B_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Beechcraft King Air C90B POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/737_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Boeing 737-8000 POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="http://x-plane.com/manuals/B747_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Boeing 747-400 POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/C172_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Cessna 172 SP POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://x-plane.com/manuals/Citation_X_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Cessna Citation X POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/Cirrus_SR22_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Cirrus SR 22 POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/SF50_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Cirrus Vision SF50 POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/Lancair_Evo_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Lancair Evolution POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/MD-82_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">McDonnell Douglas MD-82 POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/PA18_Super_Cub_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Piper PA-18 Super Cub POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/R22_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Robinson R22 Beta II POH</a> (PDF)</li> <li><a href="https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/RV-10_Pilot_Operating_Manual.pdf?v=2024-02-09">Van's Aircraft RV-10 POH</a> (PDF)</li> -
X-Plane ATC System Manual-6
Special Takeoff Situations
X-Plane offers several special takeoff situations that do not directly correspond to the real world, such as Air Start and Runway Start. In reality, you would not enter an aircraft already parked on an active Runway, so in the eyes of Air Traffic Control (ATC), these flights are already considered in operation.
For a Runway Start, if the airport has a Tower controller, you will be handed off to the Tower, since under normal circumstances, an aircraft cannot be stopped on an active Runway without permission from the Tower. In this situation, you are considered cleared for takeoff, even though this is an unscheduled flight. Since a flight plan cannot be entered in the main menu, this status is logical: you are already on the Runway, so you must be cleared for takeoff, but ATC does not know your Route.
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X-Plane ATC System Manual-5
A Typical Planned Flight
Vancouver Intl Delivery, N750XP, request IFR clearance to Whitehorse Erik Nielsen Intl. The flight plan has been filed via the ATC dialogue function, flying from Vancouver International Airport to Whitehorse Erik Nielsen International Airport, following a series of waypoints. The simulator assumes the Clearance Delivery controller has the routing form, so the pilot does not need to repeat the routing information at this stage; this is purely to confirm the filed flight plan.
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X-Plane ATC System Manual-4
VFR Flight
If you do not wish to formally follow a flight plan and be fully controlled, you can still use ATC services. You can request a VFR departure instead of filing a plan. Once you are out of the immediate vicinity of the airport, you are free to choose any route you decide.
If you take off from a fully controlled airport, when you are handed over to the Center controller, you will automatically receive Flight Following service (also known as a Traffic Service), otherwise it is up to you to contact them and request it.
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X-Plane ATC System Manual-3
SIDs/STARs
Support for SID/STAR procedures has been added starting with X-Plane 12.2.0. These are published Arrival and Departure routes covering many airports worldwide. The purpose is to reduce radio communication and reduce the workload for controllers and pilots by using common, known routes that do not require vectors for every turn. These procedures cover the basics of the route, but may also specify minimum or maximum speeds and altitudes, turn directions, and more. Once you are told which procedure to use, you should fly that procedure accurately, requiring little further instruction.
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X-Plane ATC System Manual-2
Main ATC Window
General Functions
The main ATC window contains three tabs, the most commonly used being the first: the Communications tab. This tab is divided into two areas:- Upper area: Displays a scrollable message history, allowing you to view previous messages.
- Lower area: Displays a list of requests or replies relevant to the current situation.
You can use the splitter bar to adjust the size ratio of the two areas. Note that the request list may contain more items than the visible area, so you will need to scroll to see all options. Typically, the most relevant requests appear at the top of the list.