SPA ACARS Project

OK...so I happened to find that FSACARS has been updated . It remains free to use, and there is a reasonably priced economics module that I will look into as well.

I will be examining this latest addition and will post an update when if/when it can be configured for SPA.

- John

From the FSACARS Developer:


About fsACARS

I've been developing custom ACARS programs for myself and friends for more than 15 years. In that time our VAs have amassed more than 20,000 flight reports. In 2014 the software was completely revamped, and fsACARS is the result: a stable, easy-to-setup, easy-to-use software solution with a clean interface. Enjoy!

<br /><br /><!-- editby --><br /><br /><em>edited by: jer029, Aug 10, 2015 - 09:30 AM</em><!-- end editby -->

So...I've checked out the FSAcars and Econ options. Unfortunately the FSACARS program doesn't offer things we record with our current ACARS. This includes route and cruise altitude. Even the vital flight number is missed, but I added it in the comments area in my test.

While we could do it that way, and even add the missing fields separated by a char like '%', I'm not sure we gain anything with this except an easier install.

The Econ package I received is a good initial start that I'm thinking to adding to the fspassengers page. I would create a FSP subcontract company page where users would fly regular SPA routes and log their pireps as usual, but could also add their flight to the FSP page that would track their 'subcontract' company and profitability compared to the companies of other FSP users.

This would add some additional fun for those with FSP while flying and recording their normal SPA flights.

I also spent considerable time looking at kACARS program. Unfortunately this and many other addons were designed to work with phpvms - the management system (like operating system of Windows or Apple, but for websites) that many other VAs use. They use a bid system for flights, etc. and don't offer the flight selection flexibility we offer here at SPA - including the wonderful Bush Ops created by Yoland and the RTMM flights. Also, we can move SPA to any current management system that is currently supported, where the others are locked into the phpvm system.

Finally, I'm working on writing my own ACARS program tailored for SPA (sometimes you just have to do it yourself) - but that is really a ways off yet.

Feel free to share your thoughts and wishes to make SPA better for your personal use than it already is.

The project has begun

Just a simple form at this point...and a test of the ability to pull data from FSX (Simulator type, FSUIPC version and local date and time you set your simulator to).

I will continue until I hit an unsurpassable road block or I cross the finish line

<img src="images/SPA ACARS.jpg" />

Update:

My SPA ACARS Project is coming along nicely (although currently only set for FSX).

The program now will pull the flight plan and aircraft data from FSX when the "FS Flight Plan" button is pushed, and the flight sim time is added on program startup.

<img src="images/SPAACARS2.jpg" />

Now can track flight changes. Now time to put all the other needed information in.

<img src="images/SPAACARS3.jpg" />