GSX Boarding Method¶

This method can only be used with MSFS simulation and SimBrief Options.** It doesn't matter if your aircraft is initially fully loaded or empty in terms of weight. FDR will not control the aircraft's weight during the boarding phase. When you choose the boarding option with the GSX method and start boarding, it begins when GSX, a third-party program, sends the first passengers to the aircraft. Boarding is complete when the signal indicating completion is sent by GSX. the things that need to be known for the use of GSX, along with points to consider and some suggested solutions, as follows:

• (a) Although GSX is a program that significantly enhances visual enjoyment, it is filled with issues. These include some chronic problems in the MSFS environment that have not yet been resolved, as well as frequent errors due to GSX's internal coding. It often sends faulty pulses to programs like FDR, which aim to work in coordination with it. Unlike FDR, GSX actively intervenes with the aircraft, causing various problems.

• (b) Except in emergency situations, FDR never intervenes with aircraft software from the outside. It only passively reads data from the aircraft and analyzes it within the conditions defined for it. GSX, on the other hand, frequently intervenes with aircraft. For example, it can open and close the aircraft doors or change the aircraft's weight (payload). It can intervene with aircraft at unexpected times, causing confusion for FDR. Although measures have been taken against this, there is still the possibility of many issues being caused by GSX.

• (c) When boarding is initiated, FDR first establishes contact with GSX and queries the "boarding state." For FDR to start its own boarding process, GSX must not have been called to perform boarding.

• (d) Therefore, if you are going to use the GSX Boarding method during the flight, initiate FDR boarding first and then request boarding from GSX, just as with the "Dynamic Boarding" method. Of course, ensure that GSX has connected with SimBrief and retrieved your plan (there should be a green "SimBrief Ok" indication at the bottom of the GSX menu).

• (e) If, for any reason, FDR does not start your flight with GSX Boarding, do not hesitate to use the "Couatl Restart" or "Restart Position" options to restart or reset GSX.

• (f) While boarding, GSX sends some signals to FDR. These include the number of passengers sent to the aircraft, the percentage of cargo sent to the aircraft, the boarding state, and the deboarding state signals. Therefore, as with the Dynamic Boarding method, deboarding can also be done using this method.

• (g) During boarding and deboarding, the current weight of the aircraft is not important for FDR. FDR only communicates with GSX and monitors the signals mentioned above. It has been observed that GSX frequently sends signals indicating completion of the process without fully loading or completing the loading just before it is full. As with Dynamic Boarding and as shown in the image below, if FDR receives signals from GSX indicating that it has exceeded 90% of the total payload specified in the SimBrief Plan, it will open a button in the "Systems" and "FDR Tools" menus to assist you in reaching the Boarding Completed status.

(h) While FDR does not monitor the weight of the aircraft during boarding and deboarding and relies only on numbers and signals sent by GSX, it will start monitoring the actual weight of the aircraft from the moment pushback/engine start phase begins. If GSX or you cannot find a way to bring the aircraft close to at least 90% of the planned takeoff weight in SimBrief after boarding is completed, FDR will disqualify your flight.

(i) It is not fully known which aircraft GSX can adjust the weight for and which ones it cannot. For instance, when you command GSX for a PMDG B738 aircraft, it opens PMDG's CDU and adjusts the aircraft weight instantly to match the SimBrief planned weight. It does the reverse when unloading. However, it cannot change the weight of some aircraft at all. Therefore, it's important to know the compatibility level of the aircraft you're using with GSX. If necessary, after boarding, you may need to manually adjust the aircraft weight to match the weight specified in SimBrief. Hence, do not forget to check the payload button and indicator on the FDR main screen after boarding!

The payload details of the aircraft can be viewed after boarding is completed.

(j) At the departure airport, GSX may not provide you with this service. Therefore, if you use the Dynamic Boarding method, or conversely, if you use GSX for boarding at your departure airport and GSX does not provide you with deboarding options at your destination, you can switch from the GSX method to the Dynamic method, or vice versa. For this purpose, a button is defined in the "FDR Tools" menu, and if the appropriate conditions are met, FDR will open this button for you.

(k) As mentioned earlier, GSX can exhibit unexpected behaviors that may cause disruptions in FDR's intended workflow system. Therefore, there may be confusion or similar situations in announcements. Even though coding has been done to address possible scenarios, remember that unexpected situations may still arise.