So you've spent time planning your perfect flight route, but now you're staring at that FMC screen wondering how to get your flight plan into the system? Yeah, I've been there too. That moment when you realize your beautifully crafted .fms file isn't automatically showing up in the Flight Management Computer (FMC) can be frustrating. Let me walk you through exactly how to upload flight factor plan to fmc without the headache.
Why FlightFactor Aircraft Handle FMC Differently
FlightFactor's Boeing models (like the 757, 767, and 777) are incredible simulations, but boy can they be particular about file formats and locations. Unlike some simpler add-ons, FlightFactor products don't automatically detect flight plans unless you follow their specific protocols.
I remember my first attempt flying the 767 from KLAX to KJFK. I'd created the flight plan in SimBrief, exported it, and assumed it would magically appear. Spoiler: it didn't. That confusion led me down a rabbit hole of forums and trial-and-error that I'll save you from today.
Supported File Formats for FlightFactor Aircraft
| File Type | Compatibility | Preferred For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| .fms | All FlightFactor models | Standard X-Plane format | Requires correct folder placement |
| .flp | Only specific models | Third-party tools | Limited waypoint decoding |
| Company Routes | 757/767/777 | Complex routes | Special formatting needed |
Honestly, I avoid .flp files whenever possible after losing SID/STAR data during a busy approach into EGLL. That was... stressful. Stick with .fms unless you're forced otherwise.
Step-by-Step: Uploading Flight Plans to FMC
Let's get practical. Here's exactly how to flight factor plan upload fmc using the most reliable method:
Preparing Your Flight Plan File
- Generate your route using tools like SimBrief, SkyVector, or Little Navmap
- Export as .fms format (never use .pln or others)
- Naming matters: Avoid special characters - I use "KLAXKJFK01.fms" format
Fun fact: FlightFactor aircraft can be picky about uppercase/lowercase. I once spent 20 minutes debugging why "klaxtpa.fms" wouldn't load when "KLAXTPA.fms" worked perfectly.
File Placement - Where Things Hide
This is where most people mess up. FlightFactor looks in very specific folders:
(X-Plane's main directory)
Not finding it? Try:
(For older installations)
On Mac systems, right-click X-Plane.app and select "Show Package Contents" to access these folders. Took me three system reinstalls to figure that one out.
Loading into FMC
- Power up your aircraft's avionics
- On the FMC, select INIT REF page
- Press LSK next to ROUTE (usually bottom left)
- Enter your filename exactly as saved in the scratchpad (e.g., KLAXKJFK01)
- Press LSK next to LOAD ROUTE
Company Routes - The Pro Method
For frequent flyers, Company Routes save tons of time. Here's how to create them:
Contents:
ORIGIN/DEST
FLIGHT NUMBER
ROUTE TEXT
// Example:
LAX/JFK
UA501
KLAX SADDE6 SADDE DCT JACKE DCT PGS DCT J221 JFK
Save these in:
(e.g., X-Plane/Aircraft/FlightFactor/767/data/companyroutes)
Now access them via FMC:
- Go to RTE page
- Enter departure/destination airports
- Press LSK next to COMPANY ROUTE
- Select your saved route from the list
I create company routes for all my regular routes - shaves 10 minutes off prep time per flight.
Advanced Techniques and Troubleshooting
SID/STAR Not Showing Up?
Common causes when uploading flight factor plan to fmc:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Navigation data mismatch | Ensure SimBrief and X-Plane use same AIRAC cycle |
| Runway assignment missing | Add departure runway to flight plan file |
| Procedure formatting | Verify SID/STAR codes match FMC database |
Last month, I had a STAR disappear because SimBrief used "DESAS" instead of the FMC's "DESAS1" designation. Always cross-check procedures.
Fix Corrupted Flight Plans
If loading flight plan to fmc flight factor fails, inspect your .fms file:
3 version
1
1 LAX 34.4266 -118.0556
11 DESAS 35.000000 -118.000000
...
1 JFK 40.6398 -73.7789
// Ensure coordinates match your scenery
Use free tools like FMS2Text to diagnose formatting errors. Saved me when my custom waypoints broke a transatlantic route.
FlightFactor Specific Tips by Model
| Aircraft | Special Considerations | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| 757 v2 | Requires .fms file extension | Supports full company routes |
| 767 Professional | Needs runway in flight plan | Handles complex SIDs/STARs |
| 777 Worldliner | Sensitive to uppercase | CoRoute format different |
The 777's implementation feels half-baked compared to the 757 if I'm honest. Loading flight factor plan to fmc in the 777 sometimes requires manual route validation even after import.
Essential Tools for Flight Planning
- SimBrief (free) - My go-to for IFR planning
- Little Navmap (free) - Best for VFR and custom waypoints
- Navigraph (paid) - Worth it for current AIRAC data
- FMS File Manager (free) - Organizes messy FMS folders
After trying them all, I've settled on SimBrief for airline routes and Little Navmap for bush flying. The combo covers 99% of my upload flight factor plan to fmc needs.
FAQs: Uploading Flight Factor Plan to FMC
Why won't my flight plan appear in the FMC?
Check three things: 1) Correct Output/FMS plans folder 2) No special characters in filename 3) .fms extension not hidden by your OS. Windows often hides extensions making "plan.fms.txt" look correct when it's not.
How long should loading take?
Instantaneously if done correctly. If it takes more than 5 seconds, you've probably entered the wrong filename or path. Abort and retry.
Can I edit the flight plan after uploading?
Absolutely. Use the RTE page to modify waypoints or the DEP/ARR page for procedures. Just remember to execute changes!
Why do my cruise altitudes reset?
FlightFactor FMCs don't import altitude constraints. Manually set cruise altitude on VNAV page after upload flight factor plan to fmc.
Do I need to reload after changing files?
Yes - the FMC doesn't dynamically update. You must reload the route after modifying .fms files.
Pro Tips from My Logbook
I've developed a habit of saving backup copies of critical flight plans. Nothing worse than realizing mid-Atlantic your custom route file corrupted. Trust me, maintaining an organized FMS plans folder pays off during unexpected route diversions.
The trickiest part? Sometimes it just doesn't work. When that happens:
1) Verify file encoding is ANSI or UTF-8 without BOM
2) Check for invisible characters (use text editor like Notepad++)
3) Reduce route complexity - build it manually then save as new file
There's a certain satisfaction when you finally master uploading flight factor plan to fmc. Suddenly that intimidating FMC becomes your best navigation tool. Safe flights!
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