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Here's a utility that's been out there for awhile and still stands up as a very useful tool. Checklist Manager from the folks at Sceneries Effects and Adventures (SEA) is an extremely handy tool for those of you who wish to fly your sim "by the book", or rather, in this case, "by the checklist". Pilot's live by the almighty checklist. Sim pilots...well, maybe not as much, but if you're in it for the realism, this is a logical step in the right direction!
Checklist Manager is a utility that enables you to actually use the checklist in a comfortable, unobtrusive way. I think for most of the simmers out there, getting in the aircraft with the engines running, sitting on the runway ready to go, is probably more the rule than the exception. It's easy, that's probably why. The idea of going through the checklist from a cold and dark start-up to shut-down is probably a little daunting for some, especially when flying the
Checklist Manager is a utility that enables you to actually use the checklist in a comfortable, unobtrusive way. I think for most of the simmers out there, getting in the aircraft with the engines running, sitting on the runway ready to go, is probably more the rule than the exception. It's easy, that's probably why. The idea of going through the checklist from a cold and dark start-up to shut-down is probably a little daunting for some, especially when flying the
larger aircraft. But that's what checklists were developed for. To make the procedures of flying your aircraft safely and correctly easy to follow and implement. Within MSFS, you are able to use the checklists provided for default aircraft, and at times, if provided, those for add on models as well, from the Kneepad (F10). Not bad, but a bit cumbersome, since the Kneepad window will not resize any smaller, you have to move it around out of the way as you go through the various procedures. Not really that big of a deal. There are loads of checklists out there, most in .pdf format for just about any aircraft imaginable, and you can go ahead and print these up and have hard copy of the checklist. All well and good, but the developers at SEA thought that they could make your sim life even easier, by coming up with the Checklist Manager.
How to install/start Checklist Manager - The executable file installs_clm.exe must to be installed in the ‘Flight Simulator 9’ directory. After payment you’ll receive a new file named clm_activator.exe that you have to install in the ‘Flight Simulator 9’ directory as well. Once you've got her all installed, the only thing left to do is start the sim. When you choose one of the CLM flights, instead of the customary windows that you're used to seeing coming up, you'll get some "last minute" instructions on how to utilize CLM. A very good reminder to the two keys that you will be using to navigate through the checklist. There are graphics as to the keys that are used, and it really is assimple as that! You're ready to fly "by the list".
The aircraft covered by CLM are many, with more aircraft checklists being added:
The aircraft covered by CLM are many, with more aircraft checklists being added:
To start using CLM, you need to go to the Select A Flight section of MSFS 2004, and find the flights for CheckList Manager (image at left). My first flight with the utility was with the Baron 58. A quick note here...whatever aircraft you choose out of the CLM list, the default Baron 58 will load at a default airport. I believe this is due to programming limitations. It does necessitate a few extra steps before you're on your way.
Once you choose your aircraft and everything loads, you'll find yourself in the default Baron 58, looking out at some rather pretty fireworks, sort of like a big welcome to you! OK, so, you're in the Baron 58, but you chose Dreamfleet's 727 Checklist. You'll need to go to the menu and select your 727 and load it. So now you've got the right aircraft, but you're not at the starting point that you wish to be at, but at the "default start point" for CLM. Once again, go to the menu, select Flight Plan, and plan your flight at this point. As I reread this, it sounds as if it may be a lot to do, but in reality it is quite simple and quick, or as quick as you can file a flight plan or go to any airport.
When using Checklist Manager, there are no voice commands used, but rather a scrolling text that can be dragged and dropped anywhere on your screen. It's very much like the scrolling ATC messages that you see.
Once you choose your aircraft and everything loads, you'll find yourself in the default Baron 58, looking out at some rather pretty fireworks, sort of like a big welcome to you! OK, so, you're in the Baron 58, but you chose Dreamfleet's 727 Checklist. You'll need to go to the menu and select your 727 and load it. So now you've got the right aircraft, but you're not at the starting point that you wish to be at, but at the "default start point" for CLM. Once again, go to the menu, select Flight Plan, and plan your flight at this point. As I reread this, it sounds as if it may be a lot to do, but in reality it is quite simple and quick, or as quick as you can file a flight plan or go to any airport.
When using Checklist Manager, there are no voice commands used, but rather a scrolling text that can be dragged and dropped anywhere on your screen. It's very much like the scrolling ATC messages that you see.
If you're going to use a checklist, it is assumed that you're going to start from a cold and dark configuration. This may be a new concept for some new simmers (or for that matter, perhaps some veteran simmers as well!), and this entails visiting places that you may not have truly explored yet, like the pedestal or the overhead panel. Fear not! CLM utilizes some symbols that are really easy to recognize, to guide you as to where to look to perform the required task from the checklist. OK, I'm going to clue you in here...you have the option of skipping ahead on the checklist, by pressing one of the two keys that are used. I didn't want to tell you right off, I just wanted to scare you! I'll tell you honestly though, after a couple of flights with a couple of different aircraft, the procedures went really fast! I was surprised! I was once again made aware of just how much there is to do in the front seat! Depending on the aircraft, it could be a little overwhelming. Remember, you're doing the jobs of 2 or 3 at times, again depending on the aircraft.
I utilized CLM with the Flight1 model of the ATR 72-500, which is a very advanced model and one of the finest around. CLM made me feel smart! LOL! After not having flown this particular model for some time, I needed to brush up on the procedures for a review of FS2Crew, which is another extremely handy, yet challenging utility. Flying the ATR 72-500 by the correct procedures is a handful, but with the combination of these two utilities, I felt like an airline pilot! Well, sort of! ;-)
I utilized CLM with the Flight1 model of the ATR 72-500, which is a very advanced model and one of the finest around. CLM made me feel smart! LOL! After not having flown this particular model for some time, I needed to brush up on the procedures for a review of FS2Crew, which is another extremely handy, yet challenging utility. Flying the ATR 72-500 by the correct procedures is a handful, but with the combination of these two utilities, I felt like an airline pilot! Well, sort of! ;-)
There were a couple of small hinks along the path of procedures while flying the Baron, but on most occasions, everything worked as it should, providing an excellent way to feel as if you're doing it for real. It very well may have been my system burping or something! I encountered no problems while flying the ATR72-500, which is a blessing! I didn't need anything going wrong while flying that bird! Overall, I was impressed with its functionality and performance. Updates are posted to their site with any new aircraft being added. All you have to do is email them and let them verify that you are a CLM customer, and they will square you away.
From start up to shut down, everything is covered. Even the cruise procedures. Didn't think there was anything to do but "cruise", eh? The smallest of items in the procedure lists are covered. I'm not even going to attempt to list just what they are, for each aircraft is different, so just take a look at a checklist for one of the aircraft covered, and there you go! That's what it does! Using CLM will make your flight a bit busier, as it will give you something TO DO while you're flying along. Unless I'm reviewing a particular aircraft model, where starting from cold and dark and all other procedures leading up to and including shut down need to be covered, I'm guilty of just jumping into a "hot" or running aircraft and zipping off into the wild blue! I think most of us do just that. Yet, firing up from the start is quite, how shall I say, entertaining. Simulation means that you're supposed to be simulating flying an aircraft, so why not do it the right way, by the "Checklist"!
So here's the part where I tell you who I think would benefit from the product reviewed, and in the case of Checklist Manager, everyone would benefit. Especially newcomers to the hobby of flight simulation. You might as well start off on the right foot, and not learn any "bad habits" that may put your virtual passengers at risk!
For more information on this handy little utility, or to contact them to place a request for a particular aircraft to be included in the list of available aircraft, visit SEA Development at www.seadevelopment.com.
From start up to shut down, everything is covered. Even the cruise procedures. Didn't think there was anything to do but "cruise", eh? The smallest of items in the procedure lists are covered. I'm not even going to attempt to list just what they are, for each aircraft is different, so just take a look at a checklist for one of the aircraft covered, and there you go! That's what it does! Using CLM will make your flight a bit busier, as it will give you something TO DO while you're flying along. Unless I'm reviewing a particular aircraft model, where starting from cold and dark and all other procedures leading up to and including shut down need to be covered, I'm guilty of just jumping into a "hot" or running aircraft and zipping off into the wild blue! I think most of us do just that. Yet, firing up from the start is quite, how shall I say, entertaining. Simulation means that you're supposed to be simulating flying an aircraft, so why not do it the right way, by the "Checklist"!
So here's the part where I tell you who I think would benefit from the product reviewed, and in the case of Checklist Manager, everyone would benefit. Especially newcomers to the hobby of flight simulation. You might as well start off on the right foot, and not learn any "bad habits" that may put your virtual passengers at risk!
For more information on this handy little utility, or to contact them to place a request for a particular aircraft to be included in the list of available aircraft, visit SEA Development at www.seadevelopment.com.
SEA Development's Checklist Manager
Reviewed by Farmboyzim
Reviewed by Farmboyzim