Introduction to the Falcon 7X in Aerosim

Welcome to this comprehensive beginner’s guide for flying the Dassault Falcon 7X in Aerosim. The Falcon 7X is a tri-engine business jet renowned for its advanced fly-by-wire technology, efficient long-range performance, and exceptional cabin comfort. Whether you are a virtual aviation enthusiast looking to expand your fleet or a professional pilot transitioning to simulation, mastering the Falcon 7X in Aerosim offers an authentic and rewarding experience. In this guide, we will cover everything from pre-flight setup through landing, with practical tips to help you fly confidently from the first departure.

Understanding the Dassault Falcon 7X

The Dassault Falcon 7X first flew in 2005 and quickly became a benchmark in the business jet sector. It has a range of over 5,000 nautical miles, a cruising speed of Mach 0.90, and a service ceiling of 51,000 feet. The aircraft features Dassault’s triple‑fly‑by‑wire system, which provides smoother handling and enhanced safety margins. For simulator pilots, understanding the Falcon 7X’s capabilities is essential to leveraging its full potential in Aerosim.

Key specifications include a maximum takeoff weight of 69,000 lb, three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A engines, and a Honeywell Primus Epic EASy II avionics suite. The flight deck uses four large, multi‑function displays with a cursor control device, making system interaction intuitive once you know the layout.

Learn more about the real Falcon 7X on Dassault’s official site.

Getting Started with Aerosim

Launch Aerosim and select the Falcon 7X from the aircraft menu. Upon loading, you will see the virtual cockpit with the characteristic four‑screen avionics. To ensure a smooth start, adjust your pilot view for proper panel visibility—zoom and position your seat so that the primary instrument cluster and center pedestal are clearly seen.

Next, configure the flight plan. Although the Falcon 7X supports complex route planning, beginners should start with a simple direct‑to destination. Enter the departure and arrival airports using the Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU) located in the center console. Aerosim’s built‑in flight planner can also generate a basic route; accept it and verify waypoints on the navigation display.

Before moving to the pre‑flight checklist, ensure that the electrical bus is powered—set the battery switch to ON and, if external power is available, connect it. The EASy II avionics will automatically cycle through a self‑test. Wait for the engine indications to appear on the primary engine display.

Pre‑Flight Checks

A disciplined pre‑flight routine prevents surprises during critical phases. Work through the following checks deliberately:

  • Fuel system: Verify fuel quantity on the synoptic page. Ensure the fuel pumps are ON and the crossfeed valves are set correctly. The Falcon 7X uses three wing tanks; confirm the amount is sufficient for your planned flight plus reserves.
  • Engine oil and hydraulic pressures: Check that oil temperatures and pressures are within normal ranges. The hydraulic system should read between 2,800 and 3,000 psi.
  • Switches and circuit breakers: Confirm all circuit breakers are pushed in. Set the landing gear lever to DOWN (gear will remain pinned until weight‑off‑wheels logic arms retraction).
  • Flaps and trim: Set flaps to 10° (takeoff setting) and trim for nose‑up, typically around 4 units of elevator trim. The rudder trim should be zero.

Engine Start and Taxi

With pre‑flight complete, start the engines. The Falcon 7X engines are started sequentially from left to right. Turn the ignition switch ON, then open the start lever for engine 1. Monitor the N2 gauge; once it stabilizes at idle, move the fuel lever to idle. Repeat for engines 2 and 3. After all engines are running, check generator loads and anti‑ice systems as needed.

Release the parking brake and begin to taxi. The nose‑wheel steering is controlled by the rudder pedals. Use differential thrust to assist turning at low speeds. Keep the speed below 20 knots on taxiways and slow to 10 knots for sharp turns. The Falcon 7X has a substantial fuselage length, so give yourself extra clearance on tight corners.

Cockpit Overview and Avionics

The EASy II cockpit is intuitive but requires orientation. The primary flight display (PFD) in front of the pilot shows attitude, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, and heading. The navigation display (ND) below shows the flight plan, terrain, and weather. The engine and crew alerting system (E‑CAS) display central warnings and cautions. On the center pedestal, the MCDU is the primary interface for flight planning and performance calculations.

Take time to explore the Systems Synoptic pages. Using the cursor control device, you can cycle through fuel, electrical, hydraulic, and environmental control synoptics. Understanding these pages helps you monitor aircraft condition without distractions.

Read about the Honeywell Primus Epic EASy II system.

Takeoff Procedures

Position the aircraft on the runway centerline. Ensure the flight director is set to TO (takeoff) mode and the autopilot is OFF. Advance the throttles smoothly to 40% N1, then press the TO/GA button to engage automatic thrust takeoff mode. The engines will spool to a pre‑computed N1 target.

Monitor airspeed. At VR (rotation speed, typically around 120 knots for a typical load), gently pull back on the sidestick to raise the nose to about 10°. The fly‑by‑wire system will help maintain pitch attitude. Once positively airborne, retract the landing gear. At 400 feet AGL, reduce pitch to 5° and accelerate. Retract flaps after accelerating past V2+20 knots.

Maintain your climb speed of 250 knots below 10,000 feet, then accelerate to 300 knots and select climb power at the appropriate reduction altitude. Engage the autopilot once you have stabilized—typically above 1,000 feet AGL for most operators.

In‑Flight Navigation and Control

During cruise, rely on the autopilot to manage altitude, heading, and speed. The Falcon 7X’s autopilot has five modes: NAV (follows flight plan), HDG (heading hold), ALT (altitude hold), VS (vertical speed hold), and IAS (airspeed hold). Select the appropriate mode using the mode control panel above the glareshield.

Monitor fuel consumption using the synoptic page. The Falcon 7X can achieve impressive fuel efficiency due to its advanced wing design and engine management. At typical cruise altitudes of FL400 to FL490, the aircraft will indicate a true airspeed of approximately Mach 0.85. Adjust power to maintain the planned Mach number.

Practice making small heading and altitude changes manually using the sidestick. The fly‑by‑wire system provides excellent stability, but you should be comfortable with disengaging the autopilot and returning to manual control, especially during turbulence or approach.

Systems Monitoring

Make periodic checks of engine parameters (e.g., EGT, N1, N2, oil pressure) and cabin pressurization. The cabin altitude should remain below 8,000 feet. If pressurization is not functioning, an ECAM caution will appear—ensure the outflow valve is not stuck open and that both packs are operating. In Aerosim, air conditioning failures can be simulated; practice reacting to them without panicking.

Descent and Approach Planning

Begin descent approximately 80–100 nautical miles from your destination. Use the MCDU to load the arrival procedure (STAR and approach). Aerosim’s navigation database includes most published procedures. Program the transition and verify the approach path on the ND.

Reduce the speed to 280 knots during descent. Extend the landing gear only after slowing below 200 knots. The Falcon 7X has an automatic landing gear extension protection that will sound if you exceed gear‑extension speed. Use the speed brake as needed to maintain descent rate, but retract it before 1,000 feet AGL.

Approach Modes

For a standard ILS approach, select LOC (localizer) and then GS (glideslope) on the autopilot. The aircraft will intercept and follow the beam. Automatic landings are possible with the Falcon 7X (CAT IIIB certification in the real aircraft), but most beginners should disengage autopilot around 200 feet and land manually. In Aerosim, practice both auto‑land and manual approaches to build proficiency.

Landing the Falcon 7X

Configure the aircraft for landing by setting flaps to 30° or full (40°). The target approach speed is VREF plus 5 knots (typically around 115 knots for a light landing weight). Use the autothrottle if enabled, or manage thrust manually. Maintain a steady three‑degree glide path.

At the runway threshold, reduce power smoothly and initiate the flare. The Falcon 7X has a relatively flat pitch attitude during flare—raise the nose gently until the main gear touches down. Do not force the nose down; let the aerodynamic braking reduce the nose‑wheel touchdown naturally. After all three wheels are on the ground, apply brakes gradually. Engage reverse thrust only after the nose wheel is down (lift dump is automatic on landing).

Once slowed to taxi speed, stow the flaps and disengage reverse thrust. Vacate the runway and follow the taxi path to parking.

Post‑Flight Procedures

Set the parking brake. Shut down engines by moving the fuel levers to OFF, allow engines to spool down, then turn the ignition OFF. Cycle the battery switch to OFF after ensuring all electrical loads are removed. In Aerosim, you can also save a replay of your flight for later analysis.

Review your flight performance data: fuel burn, altitude deviations, and landing quality. Many simulation platforms provide a flight log that shows touchdown vertical speed. Aim for less than 200 feet per minute.

Advanced Techniques for Beginners

Once you have mastered the basics, try these to refine your skills:

  • Fly the entire flight with failures – simulate an engine failure after V1, a hydraulic leak, or an alternator failure. The Falcon 7X’s triple‑redundant systems give you plenty of options.
  • Practice steep approaches – some airports (e.g., London City) require a 5.5° glide path. Learn to manage energy carefully.
  • Use the weather radar – the EASy II system integrates weather data; learn to interpret returns for storm avoidance.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Beginner pilots often fall into a few traps:

  • Forgetting the trim check – the Falcon 7X is sensitive to out‑of‑trim conditions; always verify trim before takeoff and during landing.
  • Over‑reliance on autopilot – while the autopilot is excellent, you must retain manual handling skills. Spend at least half your flight time hand‑flying.
  • Incorrect flap scheduling – extending flaps beyond VFE can cause structural failure in the simulator. Respect placard speeds.
  • Neglecting pre‑flight fuel planning – start short flights but always calculate required fuel with reserves.

External Resources for Further Learning

To deepen your understanding, explore these links:

Final Tips for New Falcon 7X Pilots

The transition from a conventional jet to a fly‑by‑wire aircraft like the Falcon 7X can be challenging, but the rewards are immense. Start with short flights—maybe a 30‑minute hop—and gradually increase complexity. Use the manual and online resources whenever you encounter a new system. Keep a notebook to track the aircraft’s nuances. Most importantly, enjoy the process. The Falcon 7X in Aerosim remains one of the most capable and immersive business jet simulations available.

Happy flying, and may your skies always be clear!