New pilot, question: pausing

[ScottVal]

Hello-
I am a new pilot with PilotEdge, and I have a question:
Pausing: if I pause my sim in the middle of a flight, what happens? Is it acceptable to do this?

Thanks for your help.
-Scott

[wmburns]

Here's another thread in the same vein.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3464&hilit=pausing

Note Keith's response about options in a real plane and pausing.

Here's another thread that may also help.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2343&p=14473&hilit=pausing#p14473

Remember we are all here to learn so don't get too worried about mistakes. From my own part, I have to admit to often times learning more from my mistakes than the flights were everything goes perfect.

Welcome aboard.

[Marcus Becker]

If you have to pause, please let ATC know that you're doing it so we can prepare. If we can't allow it for flow or sequencing, we'll let you know.

[ScottVal]

Thanks, this clarifies things very well. No pausing! Well maybe in certain rare circumstances, and let the controller know.
-Scott

[Geoff]

I hope it's okay to revive a somewhat dated thread. I have a related question. I don't anticipate ever pausing simply because I've made a piloting error. But what if the family needs me downstairs, or (blush) I need to use the restroom mid-flight? The latter seems to be a more frequent concern for me these days! Today I was flying offline, and I paused a couple times mid-flight to use the restroom; it made me wonder what I would do if I had the same problem on PE.

On a related note: what do real pilots use for a lavatory in general aviation aircraft, anyway? Carry a portable head?

[Nelson L.]

I would just tell the controller and ask if its ok to be afk for a few minutes (assuming your in cruise) - otherwise, he/she might ask you to pause and disconnect, disconnect and then reconnect (maybe in cruise/climb), or just pause and stay connected. If your on a STAR or an approach, you can man up and wait If you've just taken off, well, thats the reason I go to the restroom before every single flight (I think I went twice before the I10 ). Key point is to tell the controller something, otherwise the controller might have you call a number once on the ground (or it could be Keith who's controlling, in which case you won't need a number once he's done with you...). On the topic of real-world GA - I'm going to guess its part of the preflight to go to the restroom (assuming you don't have a co-pilot and a luxury twin-engine aircraft).

[gavink42]

On a related note: what do real pilots use for a lavatory in general aviation aircraft, anyway? Carry a portable head?

Yeah... there are various commercial solutions for that. http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/safety ... other.html

But, in real life I simply plan stops that are within the bladder endurance of myself and pax. It helps if everyone uses the facilities before departure, and sips instead of gulps their drinks while airborne.

If things become urgent during a flight, a request to ATC to divert "due to passenger comfort" generally works very well!

- Gavin

[Nelson L.]

http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/safety ... other.html

Um..... I wonder if the flight schools teach you how to use those.

[gavink42]

Nope! And frankly, I couldn't imagine even trying to use one of those things! Been flying since 1987, and that situation never came up!

[Geoff]

Brr! Those portable things look nasty.

OK, I'll say something to the controller if I need to visit the loo. I'd rather say something 'in character" than "AFK," though. Maybe "visiting the restroom in the first-class cabin of my surprisingly spacious Piper Archer 2."

This never was an issue thirty years ago. Sigh.