Tutorial
In this short tutorial we want to fly from Naples / Itali (LIRN) to Calvi / France (LFKC). This is a short trip from Italy to the island of Corsica of about 300nm.
1. Make sure you run FGFS with the webserver enabled
Enable the webserver BEFORE you start FGFS by using this parameter: --httpd=xxxx xxxx is the port to be used, e.g. 80
2. Enter a Flightplan from LIRN to LFKC
Enter a flight plan in FGFS that will bring you from LIRN to LFKC. If you're done save it somewhere. You may use the flightplan in this project: LIRN-LFKC-Tut.fgfp
3. Start the fuel planner tool
If you are using the monolithic html file from the root folder (a320fuelcalc.html) just copy it somewhere local onto your computer or somewhere where you can reach it. If you want to use it with your mobile you should place it on a (local) webserver. If you won't use the monolithic variant you have to copy all the files from the src folder. In that case start the fuelcalc_src.html. By default it is using the default values from inita320.js. You should adapt the fuelcalc_src.html if you want to use another set of values - and of course you should have a init containing them.
4. Check if you are using the correct values
The first box in the tool shows you which set of parameters you are using. If you want to expand the "ACFT PERF & DATA" page to check it deeper or adapt some of the values.
5. Import your route
You don't have to import any route. You can enter all the necessary data manually. But by importing a route the tool is providing you with some more information such as METAR data and a map with your planned and flown route. If you won't import a route skip this point. Click "Open file" on the "RTE FILE IMPORT" page to choose the route to import. As mentioned above this should be the route file you already entered in FGFS. After importing you can check if you choosed the right one and you can see the distance. The distance is also directly written to the "FLT/FUEL PLANNING" page.
6. Connect to FGFS
This point is also not mandatory. If you're not connected to FGFS you can't send your parameters to the simulator and you won't see you're current position on the map. If you want to connect FGFS check the IP and Port number and hit CONNECT FGFS on the "CONNECT FGFS" page.
7. Payload
Now the todays payload is going to be entered on the "PAYLOAD" page. Enter some values or hit the random button. When done you may transfer the current weights to FGFS by clicking "SEND TO FGFS".
8. Flightplanning
On the "FLT / FUEL PLANNING" page you have to enter some information for the fuel calculation. If you haven't imported a route you have also to enter the distance. Enter a proper cruise altitude (e.g. 28000 for the flight today) and check the other values for your fuel planning (or keep it as it is). Tip: Check the flight profil on the "RTE & PROFILE" page to see if your cruise altitude is ok.
9. Refueling
On the "FUEL CALC" page you can check your fuel planning and compartments. If you agree with them proceed to the "REFUELING" page. Click on "SEND TO FGFS" to transfer the fuel weights to FGFS.
10. You're done!
Now the fuel planning part is done. Keep the tool opened to see your current position in the map. I added this feature for longer flights, then i can check on my mobile where I am and can return to the computer on the right time. You can also find a proper waypoint to begin your descent - click on it on any map, diagram or table to highlight it.
