How to - SimBrief Integration

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The TriStar features an integrated SimBrief Navigation Tool, designed to streamline route management while preserving the authentic behaviour of the aircraft’s Inertial Navigation System (INS). Unlike modern flight management systems, the TriStar’s INS is limited to 9 waypoints at a time. To bridge this limitation while maintaining realism, the Navigation Tool introduces a batch loading system, allowing full SimBrief flight plans to be used seamlessly without altering the original INS logic.

(Click to enlarge image)

This system enables pilots to import complete routes directly from SimBrief, with the Navigation Tool intelligently managing waypoint loading in the background. From the cockpit perspective, the experience remains true to the real aircraft, while significantly reducing workload for longer routes.

Automatic Batch Loading Procedure (Default Mode)

When the user presses SEND TO INS from the PFB , the system performs the following steps:

1. All incoming waypoints are collected and stored in a local variable (the complete imported route list).
2. The first 9 waypoints are automatically loaded into the INS (positions INS 1 through INS 9).
3. During flight, the system continuously monitors aircraft progress:
   • When the aircraft passes or sequences waypoint 9 (or the next waypoint is manually selected),
   • The INS automatically cycles back from waypoint 9 to waypoint 1.
   • At that exact moment, the next batch of 9 waypoints (10–18, then 19–27, etc.) is loaded into the INS.
4. This process repeats transparently until all imported waypoints have been used.

Note: You must follow the INS alignment process properly in order to use the imported waypoints

From the pilot’s perspective:

• The INS always displays only 9 waypoints — exactly as in the real aircraft.
• Waypoint identifiers/names match exactly those imported (e.g., SKBO, BOG01, SB15, etc.).
• No manual waypoint insertion is required during normal cruise in automatic mode.
• Batch transitions are automatic and no action is needed by the pilot.
• For now, the map only displays the route using the active INS waypoints, so seeing an “incomplete” route line is expected. The line will continue to update as additional batches of waypoints are processed.

Important note: Pilots retain full ability to manually modify, insert, or delete waypoints at any time using the standard INS procedures (numeric keypad, position selector, etc.).

Manual Batch Selection (Batch Selector) - Feature Coming Soon

If you wish to manually choose which group of waypoints is currently loaded into the INS:

1. Locate the BATCH selector on the NAV TOOL interface
2. Select the desired batch number:
   • Batch 1 → waypoints 1–9
   • Batch 2 → waypoints 10–18
   • Batch 3 → waypoints 19–27
   • and so on
3. The INS will immediately update to display the selected batch of 9 waypoints.

This manual control is particularly useful when:

• wanting to go direct to a distant waypoint in the flight plan.
• Reviewing or editing a specific batch without waiting for automatic cycling.
• Reloading an earlier batch in case of an error or change in routing.

Waypoint Naming and Display

• The INS always shows only 9 positions (INS1 to INS9).
• The waypoint names/identifiers displayed in the INS are identical to those imported from SimBrief (e.g., BOG, MDE, CLO, SKRG, etc.).
• Latitude and longitude are presented in the standard INS format (N/S ddmm.m – E/W dddmm.m).

Summary of Key Benefits

• Maintains full realism of the original INS panel (maximum 9 visible waypoints).
• Supports very long flight plans without constant manual intervention.
• Provides automatic, fluid transitions between batches during cruise.
• Offers complete manual override via the Batch Selector when needed.
• Fully compatible with standard manual INS modifications at any time.

Operational recommendation: Use automatic batch loading for most long-haul flights. Switch to manual Batch Selector only when you need to jump sections, preview data, or make targeted adjustments.

For more information on other Navigation methods, please refer to How to - GPS Navigation (INS + GPS) & How to - INS Setup, Operation & Procedures