User manual

XCSoar User Manual
Using XCSoar with a flight simulator
A good way to learn how to use XCSoar is to connect the Pocket
PC device to a PC running a flight simulator that can output NMEA
sentences to the serial port. Suitable simulators include Condor
and X-Plane.
The benefit of this form of training is that XCSoar can be used in
FLY mode, so it behaves exactly as if you were really flying, and
you can get a good feel for how the program works while you are
flying the simulator.
1.9 Using XCSoar safely
The use of an interactive system like XCSoar in flight carries with
it certain risks due to the potential distraction of the pilot from
maintaining situational awareness and eyes outside the cockpit.
The philosophy guiding the design and development of the soft-
ware is to try to reduce this distraction by minimising the need for
user interactions as much as possible, and by presenting informa-
tion in a clear fashion able to be interpreted in a glance.
Pilots using XCSoar must take responsibility for using the system
safely. Good practice in the use of XCSoar includes:
• Becoming familiar with the system thoroughly through train-
ing on the ground.
• Performing clearing turns before interacting with XCSoar in
flight in order to ensure there is no collision risk with other
traffic.
• Setting up the system to take advantage of automatic func-
tions and input events so that user interactions can be min-
imised. If you find yourself mechanically performing cer-
tain interactions frequently, ask yourself (or other XCSoar
users) if the software can be made to do these interactions
for you.
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