Thank you: I joined PE a couple of days ago in an attempt to do some IR training (real-world pilot, working on instrument rating). This is really, really good in that controllers have been realistic (match real-world experience in terms of procedures and language). The high fidelity of the radio transmissions is eerie - a little too much "in your head", when real-world communications come in with a much more narrow bandwidth. Either way, so far PE seems quite promising.
Troubles: I have problems with X-Plane 10 crashing, presumably because my 2012 MBP can't keep up with the resolution of the 30" display. Funny how it crashes mostly in bad weather (clouds). Yes, I'm playing with the settings.
In any case, what is the protocol for when the sim breaks down?
Yesterday it crashed after I was cleared for an approach. I tried to set up again, move to the approximate position I was at during the approach, but then my carefully programmed flight plan in the 430 was gone, frequencies had to be recovered from my scratch pad, and so on. So, I gave up.
Is it acceptable to re-join, in the air?
(I don't want to imagine what would happen if a controller looses a target suddenly.)
Protocol for sim crashes?
Re: Protocol for sim crashes?
if it's immediate (within 2-3 minutes) just reconnect and advise. There may be some clerical things but other than that it's not a problem.
if it's longer than that, you may consider connecting on a ramp or in a VFR airspace, then call and coordinate with ATC what to do next; either a) pick up IFR from your present position or b) teleport over to where you last were.
if it's longer than that, you may consider connecting on a ramp or in a VFR airspace, then call and coordinate with ATC what to do next; either a) pick up IFR from your present position or b) teleport over to where you last were.