Dear IPACS Development Team,
First, I would like to express my appreciation for the incredible work you have done with the physically simulated pushback system in Aerofly FS. The realism of the tug’s physics and the immersion of the driver camera are outstanding features that set this simulator apart.
However, I would like to propose a "quality of life" evolution for this system to better reflect real-world cockpit operations. Currently, the manual control of the tug (using throttle and rudder inputs) requires the pilot to act as both the flight crew and the ground equipment operator simultaneously.
The Proposal: Automated Ground Crew Assistance
I am suggesting an optional, more automated pushback solution similar to the one found in GSX (Ground Services X). Instead of the pilot steering and powering the tug, the system would allow us to:
- Select a pre-defined path: Choosing "Nose Left" or "Nose Right" toward the nearest taxiway.
- Delegate the maneuver: The ground crew handles the steering and power automatically based on the selected exit.
- Focus on the Cockpit: This allows the pilot to dedicate their attention to what they do best: performing engine starts and completing pre-flight checklists without the risk of mishaps or "forcing" the throttle while looking outside.
In the real world, the pushback is a coordinated effort where the pilot remains "in the loop" but is not physically steering the tug. An automated option would bridge the gap between Aerofly's high-fidelity physics and a more natural operational workflow.
I have attached a screenshot of how this is implemented in GSX to illustrate the simplicity of the selection menu.
Thank you for your time and for your continuous dedication to making Aerofly FS a top-tier simulation experience. I look forward to hearing the community's and the team's thoughts on this!
