SUPERCRITICAL SIMULATIONS GROUP

E-JET EVOLUTION SERIES

QUICK START GUIDE

CAUTION:
This Quick Start Guide is only intended for users of the Supercritical Simulations
Group (SSG) E-Jet Evolution Series of add-ons for X-Plane. The information
contained in this document is not suitable for any other use.
INDEX

CREDITS ...............................................................................................................2
1.0 GETTING STARTED ....................................................................................... 3
2.0 PLANNING ......................................................................................................3
3.0 FLIGHT DECK ACCESS AND PREFLIGHT ..................................................6
4.0 COCKPIT SETUP ..........................................................................................10
5.0 ENGINE START ............................................................................................26
6.0 TAXI ...............................................................................................................27
7.0 TAKEOFF AND CLIMB .................................................................................29
8.0 CRUISE .........................................................................................................33
9.0 DESCENT ......................................................................................................36
10.0 APPROACH AND LANDING ......................................................................39
11.0 TAXI, PARKING AND SHUTDOWN ...........................................................43
12.0 POST-FLIGHT ACTIVITIES ........................................................................44
13.0 DATABASE MANAGEMENT ......................................................................46
14.0 CUSTOM SLIDERS .....................................................................................47

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
CREDITS

The SSG E-Jet Evolution Series add-ons for X-Plane is produced and
copyrighted ©2016-2021 by the Supercritical Simulations Group (SSG) and
FJCC. The sound plug-in is by Dreamfoil Creations (under license). All rights are
reserved.

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
1.0 GETTING STARTED
This Quick Start Guide is intended as a way for pilots of the SSG E-Jet Evolution
Series of add-ons to “get in and fly” the aircraft in the simulator without too much
reading of manuals. This Guide is a tutorial of sorts for a representative flight in
the SSG E-Jet Evolution Series to introduce you to the operation of the aircraft
and its systems.

NOTE: Because of residual data and to avoid unpredictable results, users may
wish to reload the airplane before flight to ensure all plugin settings are reset.

2.0 PLANNING
Planning a flight for the SSG E-Jet Evolution Series can be accomplished in the
same way as a flight with any other X-Plane airliner or advanced aircraft. Virtually
all airline operations are conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
regardless of the weather. This means that some familiarity with IFR procedures
is important. However, it is possible to do this in X-Plane with a minimum of
effort, with or without involving Air Traffic Control (ATC). All that is required is to
pick a departure and arrival airport and choose a routing. There are various on-
line tools available to do this. One good option is to look for a real-world flight on
sites such as www.flightaware.com and use those flight plans to make things
easier. These days, navigation charts for most countries are available on the
Internet as well. U.S. terminal charts, for example, can be found at
www.airnav.com

A good rule of thumb is that the E170/175 consumes about 3,000 lbs of fuel per
hour (+/- 500 lbs), which should get you into the ballpark of how much fuel you
will need. Then add about 1,000 lbs to that “trip fuel” figure to avoid surprises or
to sightsee. However, the SSG E-Jet Evolution Series can calculate the fuel
required for a given flight.

NOTE: The SSG E-Jet Evolution Series has the ability to display kilos or pounds
for its various displays, but in this Guide we will use pounds.

For today’s flight, we are going to plan on flying from Seattle-Tacoma

International Airport (KSEA) in Sea-Tac, Washington to Los Angeles International
Airport (KLAX) in Los Angeles, California.

We will program the route in the FMS because the SSG E-Jet Evolution Series is
3

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
meant to be flown with the automation engaged, like the real aircraft. However, it
is important to distinguish between setting up these systems and flying the
aircraft. In other words, a route has to be programmed and the FMS set up for
the flight, but that does not mean that the pilot cannot fly the aircraft manually.
The automatic systems need to “know” where the airplane is going via what
route, the speeds to which the plane will fly, altitude restrictions, and payload.
This helps to lower the workload for the pilot and will increase situational
awareness by providing relevant data to the pilot so he/she can make sound
decisions. But each pilot (you) has the choice on how much automation is going
to be engaged on any given segment of the flight. Because this is a flight
simulator, we can operate the aircraft however we want.

Planned Route:

KSEA-KLAX
Duration: 2:40
Speed Filed: M0.76
Altitude Filed: FL350
Distance Planned: 1,001 NM
Route: SUMMA8 SUMMA JINMO Q7 AVE SADDE6

Using a site like www.skyvector.com we can pull up the aeronautical chart to

view our planned route (shown on the next page in magenta):

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
En route chart showing our planned route

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
3.0 FLIGHT DECK ACCESS AND PREFLIGHT

Our aircraft is on the ramp in KSEA with doors opened and Ground Power Unit (GPU) connected,
waiting for its crew.

A typical flight will begin as the crew reports for duty at the gate. A gate agent will
verify that the crew is correctly listed on the Dispatch Release and hand the
release to the Captain before allowing them access to the airplane. The first
crewmember to enter the flight deck will perform a Safety Check and the Power-
Up Check to prevent inadvertent system operation and/or malfunction. The other
crewmember will exit the aircraft to begin the external preflight and security
checks. When both crewmembers are back on the flight deck, the crew will
review the Release, weather along the planned route, maintenance logbook, and
conduct a crew briefing.

An important note here is that there are two basic preflights. One is for an aircraft
that is “cold and dark” where none of the systems are powered up and the
batteries are selected off, such as in a first flight of the day. The other is a
“through flight” where pilots will board an aircraft that has just arrived from a flight
(or that they have flown in themselves) and where certain systems are already
tested. To speed things up, start with the aircraft batteries on and the GPU
connected on the ramp at KSEA. The GPU connection can be found on the
6

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
“OPT” menu, as well as the option to operate the passenger and cargo doors.
Note that you can also connect/disconnect the GPU by pressing the PTT button
on the glareshield. Ensure that the GPU button says “AVAIL” and is pushed in
before continuing. After pressing the button it indicates “IN USE.” To connect the
GPU, we use the Adjustments Display located on what in the real aircraft is an
optional monitor located at the top of the window center post. The Adjustments
Display is turned on with the “OPTION SEL” knob below and to the left of the
screen with two pages available by switching the knob from “OPT 1” to “OPT 2”.

SSG E-Jet’s Adjustments Display

“Flows” are considered to be learned patterns that ensure all knobs, levers,
switches, and buttons, are in their correct position for a particular phase of flight.
Each airline will publish and teach their own standard for how the flows will be
accomplished. We have provided an example below using the E-Jet’s overhead
panel, but feel free to set up a flow that works best for you:

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
E-Jet’s overhead panel showing the flow used to check its configuration before departure

Pilots conduct their flow in the direction shown by the arrows from top to bottom
and left to right (the numbers show the order in which each section is checked)
adjusting each switch and button from memory to ensure the aircraft is ready for
flight.

While this picture is of the overhead panel, every section of the cockpit has a flow
that must be executed in a specific manner as per their airline’s policy. To make
this easier, the E-Jet’s cockpit layout has been designed in a way that most
knobs and switches will be in the 12 o'clock position or selected to AUTO. Note
that some of the items listed have more limited functionality in the SSG E-Jet
Series – still, for training and familiarization purposes it is useful to include them
because almost the entire set of aircraft panels is reproduced:

Overhead Panel:

ELECTRIC PANEL............................................SET
Ensure all switches and knobs are in Auto and the APU Gen is Pushed IN.
Battery 1 knob to on and Battery 2 in Auto.

COCKPIT LIGHTS Panel..................................AS REQUIRED

Set the lights as desired. Press the ANNUCIATORS TEST button to verify
all associated lights illuminate.
8

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Engine 1 Fire Handle.....................................STOWED

FUEL Panel....................................................SET
Ensure all knobs are in AUTO.

Passenger Sign Panel...................................SET

Fire Extinguisher Panel.................................TEST

APU Control Panel.........................................AS REQUIRED

You can start the APU but most pilots hold off on this to save fuel.

External Light Panel.....................................AS REQUIRED

Engine 2 Fire Handle....................................STOWED

HYDRAULIC Panel.........................................SET
All knobs should be in the twelve o'clock position (AUTO/ON). Most
airlines will place Hydraulic Pump 1&2 ON until both engines are running.

PRESSURIZATION Panel...............................SET

WINDSHIELD HEATING Buttons...................AUTO

ICE PROTECTION Panel...............................SET

AIR COND/PNEUMATIC Panel.......................SET

PASSENGER OXYGEN Panel.........................SET

Side Console:

Flight Deck Window....................................Closed and Locked

Oxygen Qty., Mask, Regulator and Audio Panel.......Check

Glareshield:

Glareshield Lights Control Panel................As Required

9

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
DISPLAY CONTROLLER Panel......................Set

Instrument Panel and Pedestal:

REVERSIONARY PANEL................................SET

FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS.................................SET/XCKD

Status Page..................................................CHECK
This is also a good time to set up your MAP and PLAN pages to display
the information you would like such as Airports, Vertical Profile, TCAS,
WX radar, etc.

CLOCK.........................................................SET

TRIM............................................................CHECK
Set the pitch trim to 4.0 and the center the others.

Parking Brake..............................................SET

Speed Brake Lever.......................................CLOSED

Thrust Levers...............................................IDLE
System logic will not allow you to start/stop engines unless the thrust
levers are at idle.

FLAPS Selector.............................................CHECK
Verify selection and indication are the same.

MCDU...........................................................SET UP
This is where you will install your flight plan, planned weight and balance
figures, and engine specifications.

4.0 COCKPIT SETUP

Once all the flows have been completed, we can then set up the cockpit for
departure, start the on board Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) located in the tail of the
aircraft using the switch on the overhead panel.

At this point we can take care of some administrative functions that wouldn’t
10

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
necessarily be performed by a crew on a real aircraft, but that have been
implemented in the SSG E-Jet Series to add to the immersive experience in the
simulator and allow for some flexibility in the types of operations that can be
conducted with the aircraft. These functions also can be accessed with the
Adjustments Display.

Adjustments display showing how the aircraft’s payload can be adjusted.

The Adjustments Display has several functions, but today we will simply set a
payload. We will select a 50% passenger load because this is a test flight with
very few people on board, and some extra cargo. The payload selections we
make result in an aircraft total weight that the FMS will use for its takeoff data
calculations.

Then we listen to the airport Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

broadcast on the radio to find out what are the winds, runway in use, and
altimeter setting (in real-world operations pilots often use ACARS to get the
ATIS). The winds are calm today, so we should be able to depart southward on
11

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
course using runway 16L. If necessary, we can obtain our clearance from ATC
(when using ATC in the simulator).

The next step is to prepare the FMS and load the flight plan. This can be done in
3D view, or by bringing up a separate Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU)
pop-up panel by using the “F8” key in Windows and Linux (“fn” and “F8” keys
simultaneously on a Mac). Note that the FMS pop-up can be moved by clicking
on it to move it as desired and even expanded in size by clicking and dragging its
top right corner. The Multifunction Display (MFD) can also be brought up as a
separate pop-up by using the “SHIFT and “F8” keys simultaneously in Windows
and Linux (“SHIFT” + “fn” and “F8” keys simultaneously on a Mac) and moved by
clicking its top border as well. It cannot be resized but there are hot zones in
which various MFD modes and functions can be selected directly on the pop-up.

NOTE: These clickable areas on the MCDU only work on the pop-up MCDU
rather than the ones built into the 3D cockpit. However, all of the information
displayed on the MCDU screens is the same.

12

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
The starting page of the MCDU is the radio page.

To get started, click on IDENT Line Select Key (LSK) 6R (last one on the right)
on the RADIO MCDU page. There are six line select keys on each side of the
MCDU display. They are identified from top to bottom as 1L to 6L on the left of
the screen and 1R to 6R on the right side. Note that there is a “KEYB” indicated
vertically in white on the left of the MCDU (pop-up mode). This tells you it is in
keyboard mode and you can use your computer keyboard to type in information.
To get out of this mode (to have X-Plane recognize key commands instead for
example) simply press the black button below the FPL button. You will see an
indication that you are in keyboard mode in pop-up mode.

13

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Once this is done you are presented with the IDENT page, after which you
proceed to the POS INIT page and verify the current GPS/IRS position.

14

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
After this you select the RTE page. Here is where we enter our planned route for
the flight. Note that if you select the RTE1 page you can load company route
flight plans by selecting COROUTE. Standard X-Plane .fms flight plans can be
loaded (see note below) through the MENU page by selecting the 1R button
labeled as NAVDATA. You can then activate the route by selecting the flight plan
and accepting it.

NOTE: X-Plane 11 .fms format flight plans are not compatible with the SSG E-Jet
Evolution, only those in the X-Plane 10 .fms format can be loaded.

For our flight today we put in the origin and destination airports in 4-letter
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code format (i.e. “KSEA” for
Seattle, as opposed to “SEA”, which is the 3-letter code airlines and travel agents
normally use). Then we enter our flight number, which as a manufacturer proving
15

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
flight today will be “Embraer 001” – entered as “EMB001.” This gives us the
following result on the MCDU screen:

We then activate the route by selecting ACTIVATE> in the bottom right corner
with the 6R button on the MCDU. Next we select page 2 of the RTE menu to
enter our planned route then go back to page 1 of the RTW menu and activate it.
Airways are entered on the left side of the display and the fixes and navaids are
entered on the right. The FMS is “smart” enough to know that if we don’t enter
anything on the left “via” column the route is simply direct to the particular fix or
navaid.

Then we proceed to the NAV page, press DEPARTURE 6L and select Runway
16

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
16L and SUMMA8 departure as per our flight plan and press the 6R button. We
will look at this procedure more closely in Section 7 of this Guide.

Then we see the ROUTE message next to 6R button, which indicates that we
need to confirm this action. So we press the 6R button. We follow a similar
process to select the SADDE6 STAR using the AVENAL transition and then the
ILS approach to runway 25R at KLAX. We can then check the route for any
discontinuities (breaks in the route) and resolve them by switching to the PLAN
mode on the MFD and stepping through each leg in our route using the FMS.

17

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Reviewing the route in the FMS along with the PLAN mode on the MFD to step through each
waypoint using the R6 key next to STEP> .

The MFD’s range can be changed using the zoom button located on the pedestal
(see screenshot).

18

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Location of the zoom knob that can be used to change the displayed range on the MFD.

Then we select the PERF button on the MCDU and complete the information for
the flight.

19

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Selecting the Performance Init page.

We can see that the aircraft ZFW that we have set up with the payload assistant
is filled in automatically. Then we enter the fuel reserve that we wish to carry on
PERFORMANCE INIT page 2 (2,000 lbs is a good number).

20

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Entering reserve fuel in the FMS.

We then enter our planned cruising altitude of FL350 on PERFORMANCE INIT

page 3. The cruise altitude that is already displayed is the optimal cruise altitude
recommended by the FMS. Of course, crews can choose to change this based
on ATC clearances or other considerations.

21

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Entering cruise altitude in FMS. Predicted fuel appears in Adjustments Display.

It is important to press the 6R button where the message “CONFIRM INIT”

appears in order for the FMS to properly compute the VNAV path. Otherwise no
speeds or altitudes at waypoints will be calculated, and neither will the Top of
Climb (TOC) or Top of Descent (TOD).

After these entries, our planned fuel figure for the trip will be approximately
10,078 lbs and can be found on the Adjustments Display under “FMC
PREDICTION” on the OPTIONS 2 page.

Now that we have this information, we need to ensure that we load the required
amount of fuel onto the aircraft. To accomplish this, we use the OPTIONS 2 page
on the Adjustments Display that we can bring up to load the fuel onto the aircraft.
The fuel load can also be set manually or the aircraft defueled.

After this important task has been accomplished we go back to the FMS and
bring up the THRUST LIMIT page and select the takeoff power setting we wish to
use. We will select reduced takeoff power #1 (TO-1) today because we are
relatively lightly loaded (it reduces wear and tear on the engines and makes
things less “dramatic” for the passengers). This choice also arms reduced climb
power #1 (CLB-1) to be used after takeoff.

22

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Then we go to the TAKEOFF REF page and select our flap setting (Flaps 2 is
standard, but 1 and 4 can also be used) on the top left and the FMS fills in our
predicted takeoff V-speeds on the right. To accept these, we click on the top 3
LSKs and also note the stabilizer trim value that the FMS has helpfully calculated
for us (in this case 3.0). We can select that stabilizer trim setting at this time
using the Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) and set the VFS
(final segment speed) of 176 with the Guidance Panel (GP) SPEED knob.

We then check the PERF INIT page 3 again and make sure the proper speed
constraints are showing, which in the U.S. is 250 kts below 10,000 feet. Then the
transition altitude is set to 18,000 feet (note that this value tends to vary quite a
bit by country and airspace.)
23

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Pilots always study the departure procedures for the airport before starting to
configure and set all radios and enter the selected altitudes and headings into the
autoflight system. Also, pilots review any special or emergency procedures as
part of a verbal “departure briefing” between the crewmembers at some point
before (or during) the taxi to the runway.

We can then look at the progress page as a convenient check to see that the
FMS is predicting how much fuel will be left in the tanks upon arriving at KLAX
displayed as “10.1”, which equates to 10,100 lbs – a comfortable reserve
considering the weather is clear. This page is very useful and allows pilots to
check the fuel state predicted for the destination airport throughout the flight as
conditions change.

We can now complete our preflight preparations as follows:

PREFLIGHT AND PREPARATION

Setting up the aircraft for departure includes accomplishing the following on the
Display Controller Panel:

Q Altimeter setting set on the Primary Flight Display (PFD)

Q Target Indicated Airspeed (IAS) bugged (VFS)
Q Runway heading (HDG) set
Q Initial altitude set
Q Select what navaid you prefer to navigate with (VOR/LOC is green or FMS
is Magenta).
24

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
 Q Switch the Status page to the Electrics Page.
Q Verify TO DATSET (TRS Page) numbers are correct

After this setup is complete, we close the passenger/entry and cargo doors and
disconnect the GPU using the Adjustments Display. Then we can accomplish the
following checks:

BEFORE START

Red beacon ON
Sterile cockpit VERIFIED
Thrust levers IDLE
TOGA button PRESS (verify both
flight directors are in
view)

Once this process is completed, we are ready for pushback and start. For this we
use the aircraft towing assistant menu page on the Adjustments Display and
engage the tow truck to push us back from our parking spot and into position for
us to start both engines without risking damage to buildings, ground vehicles, or
other aircraft. Many airlines will have Hydraulic pumps 1&2 ON to ensure brake
pressure is maintained during the start or if the PIC decides to taxi using only one
engine. It is not necessary because system logic will automatically have the AC
driven pumps ON when the engine driven pumps are not operating. As we don’t
have a simulated tow truck driver in the SSG E-Jet Evolution Series, any
necessary steering is accomplished using the rudders.

Nosewheel steering has been implemented in the SSG E-Jet Evolution Series
and it can be engaged/disengaged by clicking an invisible button on the
nosewheel tiller (see screenshot). The nosewheel will not turn when the steering
is off, and this can be verified by a “STEER OFF” message displayed on the
EICAS. When nosewheel steering is on the message disappears.

25

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Nosewheel steering can be turned on and off by clicking an invisible button on the nosewheel
tiller below and outside the pilot seats.

5.0 ENGINE START

The APU will provide enough bleed air to start one engine. The system is
completely automated and can be accomplished while the aircraft is being
pushed into position for taxi. As the aircraft is being pushed, the ground crew will
notify the Captain when the airplane has been pushed into an area where it is
safe to start the engines.

To start the engine set IGNITION to AUTO, turn the Start/Stop Selector Switch to
“Start”, then “Run”. The switch is spring loaded in the airplane so that it will return
to “Run” automatically. The process will take about 50 seconds and will be
complete when the ITT red line changes from 815 degrees to 965 degrees,
indicating FADEC has closed the Shut Off Valve (SOV) to the starter and the
engine is ready for the next phase of flight. It is at this time you can start the
second engine.

After both engines are started accomplish the following checks:

BEFORE TAXI

Hydraulic Pumps 1&2 AUTO

APU OFF

26

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
After the engines are started, the crew will configure the airplane for takeoff and
conduct a flight control check to confirm that the aircraft is airworthy and ready
for taxi.

As the APU is powering down, switch your status page on the MFD to the Flight
Control Page. Set the flaps to the planned takeoff position, Flaps 2. As the flaps
are moving into position, test the the flight controls for freedom of movement and
correct indications on the MFD “Flight Controls” synoptic.

6.0 TAXI
Once our checks are complete and clearance is obtained (if using ATC in the
simulator), we verify the following before taxiing out:

TAXI OUT

Nose Wheel Steering ENGAGED

Brakes TESTED
Runway VERIFY
Instruments CHECK

Then we release the parking brake and begin our taxi to the departure end of
runway 16L. An important consideration during taxi is to use the brakes and
power sparingly. If the brakes are overused they can get hot and present a risk
during takeoff if it has to be aborted.

27

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Airport diagram for KSEA

28

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
7.0 TAKEOFF AND CLIMB
KSEA is a major airport, and a typical departure clearance would include an
instrument departure procedure, as well as a departure frequency and initial
altitude. In this case, ATC clears us for the SUMMA EIGHT departure as we had
filed and give us an initial altitude of 10,000 feet.

Before we are cleared on to the runway for takeoff, we accomplish the following
checks:

BEFORE TAKEOFF

Autothrottle ARMED
APU AS REQUIRED
Brake Temperature CHECK
Transponder TA/RA
Configuration TEST
Cabin PREPARE

Here we are lined up on KSEA’s runway 16L, ready for takeoff.

At some airlines, the Flying Pilot will have the weather radar active on their MFD
while the Pilot Monitoring will have Terrain displayed, others allow the crew to
decide what is best for the circumstances/threats and that would have been
briefed accordingly. Depending on the situation with the weather or the airport
that is selected is what will determine which display the pilot will prefer to have
29

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
displayed. Once the aircraft is lined up on the runway, the normal technique is to
increase the throttles to 40% N1. As the engines stabilize, push the throttles past
50 degrees TLA which will engage the autothrottle. When this is done properly,
the autothrottle will increase power smoothly and automatically set takeoff thrust
as programmed in the FMS.

Before every takeoff, it is always suggested to announce your abort criteria.

Many people plan to abort with any abnormality prior to V1 but not all situations
require a high speed abort. So think about your takeoff in three stages. The first
stage is from 0 to 80 kts and you can abort the takeoff for any reason. After 80
kts to V1, plan on aborting for situations like engine failures/fires or if you do not
think the plane will fly. After V1, you are committed to taking off unless you think
the aircraft cannot fly.

The V speeds will be labeled on the PFD speed tape. At rotation speed, we
accomplish the takeoff, lifting the nose at 3 degrees per second to about 10
degrees nose up and start the climbout phase of flight.

Initial pitch is about 10 degrees for takeoff. After takeoff, confirm that you have a
positive rate of climb before selecting the landing gear handle UP. At 400 ft.,
select Heading on the GP. At 1,000 ft or Acceleration Altitude, whichever is
higher, select FLCH on the GP. Climbout pitch is approximately 15 degrees.
Selecting FLCH will change the Flight Director and is when most airlines will
allow the crew to turn on the autopilot. As the airplane starts to accelerate,
retract the flaps per the speeds that are indicated on the speed tape. Once the
flaps are indicating zero, select climb 1 and turn off your landing lights. When you
are high enough for terrain clearance, select NAV and VNAV to navigate via the
route you programmed into the FMS.

30

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Departure procedure chart for KSEA

31

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Because this flight is accomplished in the U.S., climbing through 10,000, we can
increase the speed past 250 knots to a proper climb speed (290 kts). This is also
when you will turn off your side light and sterile cockpit light. Passing through
10,000, ATC clears us up to 24,000 feet. Comfortably settled in the climb, we can
conduct the following checks:

AFTER TAKEOFF

APU AS REQUIRED
Gear/Slat/Flap UP/0
Passenger Signs SET
Exterior Lights AS REQUIRED

Then, while passing through 18,000 feet, which is the transition altitude in the
U.S. the standard 29.92 inches of mercury altimeter setting can be set. Above
that altitude speeds are expressed in terms of percentage Mach number (about
M 0.7 at this stage).

Approaching the SUMMA intersection, the autopilot automatically starts a turn

towards JMMO intersection as we continue our climb, having been re-cleared to
our cruising altitude of FL350 by ATC at this point. Now we can enjoy the view
(the area is mountainous).

32

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Here are our flight displays as we are about to reach 35,000 feet. Note the VSD.

8.0 CRUISE
After a climb to 35,000 feet, we can level off in the cruise. In VNAV mode, the
autopilot will indicate it has captured our target altitude when PITCH is displayed
on the FMA. If the level-off is at an altitude lower than the cruise altitude, then the
FMA will show ALT. An audible chime will announce that there is 1,000 ft
remaining before reaching the selected altitude. For greater situational
awareness, select airports or navaids to be displayed on the MFD along with
occasionally changing the range on the display to check your route of flight.
Horizontal guidance can be switched between the FMS and VORs by using the
following switches on the GP

33

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Red boxes showing guidance and display information switched to FMS on Pilot’s side (Copilot’s
side has similar functionality).

Red boxes showing guidance and display information switched to VOR on Pilot’s
side (Copilot’s side has similar functionality).

34

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Red boxes showing how VOR mode can be switched between VOR1 and VOR2 as selected in
the radio page of the MCDU.

Zooming out will also allow the pilot to see where the FMS has computed the
TOD into LAX.

In the cruise, pilots monitor the aircraft’s systems by going through the various
MFD synoptic pages. Cross check the altitudes on the three altimeters in the
cockpit to verify they are within an acceptable deviance of each other. It is also a
good idea to check the destination weather and keep an eye on weather at
diversion airports as needed. Pilots also should check the fuel burn at each point
along the route of flight. These periodic checks will verify the winds at altitude to
determine if the aircraft is consuming more fuel than planned, which could
interfere with your ability to land at your intended destination or if the Captain
needs to consider diverting to an alternate.

Press the PROG button to display the ETA for each waypoint and the altitude
selected/calculated to cross that waypoint. Modern navigation systems are very
reliable, but pilots routinely check their position, almost obsessively. This kind of
cross-check procedure is also very important before open water crossings to
make sure all on-board navigation systems are functioning correctly before there
will be no more ground based navaids available.

35

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
At this point, we can take advantage of this relatively quiet time during the flight
to start planning our descent and to study our approach and landing procedures
into KLAX.

9.0 DESCENT
We start by taking a look at the SADDE SIX Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR)
chart for KLAX.

36

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
SADDE SIX STAR chart for KLAX.

This route has already been programmed into the FMS and all the autopilot
needs to fly it as programmed is to set the lowest altitude on the STAR or ATC
clearance. Enter in the altitude you are cleared to in the GP, verify the altitude is
listed on the flight plan in the FMS, and select VNAV on the GP. You will hear a
chime that indicates you have one minute before reaching your calculated flight
path. Then confirm the FMS with the altitudes in the STAR for each waypoint by
pressing the corresponding LSK on the right and set them with the GP.

Looking at the ILS approach plate for 25L at KLAX (shown in the next Section of
this Guide) we see that the minimum altitude for HUNDA intersection is 3,600
feet so we can select that with our GP ALT SEL knob.

Before you reach the top of decent, it is highly recommended that you complete
your approach review and insert all your approach speeds into the FMS. Your
landing speeds will be based upon your landing weight, which can be done on
the APPROACH REF page. The normal flap setting for landing is 5 but FULL can
be used if desired, or conditions or runway length warrant. Press 1R or 2R to
select the desired flap setting and the corresponding VREF speed will be copied to
the scratchpad, then press 4R to enter it into the FMS.
37

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Keep in mind that in the real airplane this is a “high threat area” due to the
requirement to manage your flight path and energy state in a busy environment,
which can lead to an ATC changing the assigned STAR or runway that differs
from what was expected, plus assigned crossing and speed restrictions to
manage. So in the real airplane crews do not preload a STAR transition,
approach and expected runway until ATC assigns one.

At this point it is also a good time to confirm that the ILS frequency on the RADIO
page has been properly filled in by the FMS based on its internal database
information. Next we need to run through the following checks before we start to
descend to the lower altitudes:

DESCENT

Altimeters CHECKED
Landing Data CHECKED
Landing Fuel CHECKED
Approach Brief COMPLETE

Unless ATC has provided us with a different altimeter setting, right before we
descend through 18,000 feet we listen to the ATIS information for KLAX to get
the local altimeter setting to use as we descend below 18,000. On the real
aircraft, pilots are able to get a lot of weather information, such as ATIS, via a
datalink that can even send information to an on-board printer in the cockpit’s
aisle stand.

38

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Passing through 10,000 feet, we turn on the Side Lights to make our aircraft
more visible in this area of higher traffic as well as turn on the Fasten Seatbelt
and Sterile Cockpit signs. Remember that below 10,000 our speed limit is 250 kts
in the U.S.

APPROACH

Passenger Signs AS REQUIRED

EICAS CHECKED
Minimums BARO/RA….. SET
Approach Frequency and Course ….. SET

10.0 APPROACH AND LANDING

As we descend following the guidance on our chart we select the APP mode
when the aircraft has been cleared for the approach and is within the ILS Service
Volume. Once selected, you will see a white GS and LOC displayed on the PFD
that will turn green once captured.

Common practice is to hand fly approaches when the weather is VFR to help
pilots get accustomed to their aircraft and to sharpen their hand flying skills. If
you do disconnect the autopilot and fly the airplane manually, following the FD
needles down to minimums is a good practice until you become proficient at
hand-flying the aircraft.

39

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Here we have the MFD in MAP mode as we track the ILS for the landing into KLAX, with the
landing runway visible in the window ahead.

Prior to flying over the FAF and the aircraft is fully configured, run the Landing
Check:

LANDING

Gear DOWN & 3 GREEN

Slat/Flap SET

For speed control we can use the speed mode on the GP to reduce the speed to
the calculated VREF value (or a few knots extra to account for wind gusts) and
extend the flaps as the appropriate flap speeds are displayed on the PFD speed
tape.

If we were landing manually, it is recommended that you fly the flight director until
to 200 ft. Add corrections for the wind but as you transition to a visual approach,
ensure you continue your decent (3 degrees). At 50 ft, slowly pull the power back
to be at idle by 20 ft. The autothrottle does not disengage automatically when
pulling back the throttles, you have to disengage it. It may be better to disengage
the autothrottle earlier anyway if you want to fly a manual approach.

As you flare, the “Weight on Wheels” switches will automatically deploy the

40

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
ground spoilers which will ensure you will stay on the ground. So keep the nose
off the ground and slowly fly it to the runway. As soon as the nose touches down,
put the throttle in reverse and add the brakes. The reversers should be at idle by
60 kts and retracted by 30 kts.

41

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
ILS procedure chart for Runway 25L at KLAX.

42

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
11.0 TAXI, PARKING AND SHUTDOWN
Once we have exited the runway we can clean up the aircraft by accomplishing
the following checks:

AFTER LANDING

Flaps SET
Transponder ALT ONLY
MFD STATUS PAGE -
CHECK BRAKE
TEMPS
Trim 4
A/I SET
APU START

Now we are back in a taxi phase of flight and we can navigate to our parking spot
using the airport map display as an aid, but primarily using the airport diagram
chart. It is good practice to check the MFD landing gear synoptic after landing to
see if the brakes have gotten hot during our landing roll. If so, there is a risk of
fire or tire explosion and ground crew will need to be alerted, and maybe even
the airport emergency services – although this is not a concern for us within the
simulator.

Taxiing to the gate after landing.

43

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Airport diagram for KLAX

12.0 POST-FLIGHT ACTIVITIES

Once the engines have been shut down, set the parking brake and complete the
following checks:

SHUTDOWN

Parking Brake SET

Electrical System SET (APU/GPU)
Passenger Signs SET
Throttles IDLE
Start/Stop Selector STOP
Hydraulics SYS 1&2 ON, SYS 3
OFF
Anti-Ice Systems OFF
Doors OPEN
Transponder OFF
Red Beacon OFF

The navigation lights should remain on at this point to make the wingtips more

44

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
visible while the aircraft is parked on the ramp. Some airlines require pilots to
leave the logo light on in order to illuminate the vertical stabilizer at night or if the
field is in IFR conditions to increase aircraft visibility.

Airlines also typically require crews to complete flight and maintenance logbooks
to capture all the information for each flight. In the real aircraft, the parking brake
could be released at this point because the aircraft would be chocked, but in the
simulator we leave the parking brake on. Depending on certain situations (cold
weather, crew swap, short turn), it may be recommended to leave the APU on, or
connect the GPU and leave other systems on or off, as required. What is
important is to secure the systems that can drain battery power if the aircraft
loses an external power source. So, if you are planning to leave the airplane for
an extended period of time or it is the last flight of the day, complete the following
checks:

SECURING CHECK

Exterior Lights SET

Parking Brake SET
Emergency Lights OFF
GPU/APU AS REQUIRED
Battery 1&2 OFF

45

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
We hope you have enjoyed your first complete flight in the SSG E-Jet Evolution
Series! Join the community on our forums and check out our homepage and
Facebook page at the following URLs:

http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/forum/271-embraer-e-170lr-
evolution-by-ssg/

https://www.supercriticalsimulation.com

https://www.facebook.com/supercriticalsimulation

SSG also has a Discord channel:

https://discord.com/invite/4fMQzBP

SSG has a Twitter feed here: @SSGSimulations

And you can follow us on Instagram at ssgsimulations

13.0 DATABASE MANAGEMENT

It is very important that a navigation database be installed for this product to work
properly. The E-Jet Evolution package includes a new Navigraph AIRAC dataset
that will fix some problems related to SIDs, STARs and approach procedures that
sometimes were not found when airports/runways changed in XP. This new
dataset also allows for a much faster load of airport information into the FMC. We
have included an AIRAC dataset in this new format; however, it is for cycle 1707.

NOTE: If you already have installed the navigation database for another SSG
product, you do not need to do this again. Or, if you have a more recent
database already installed through some other add-on, you do not need to install
the older database provided by SSG in this package. You still may wish to unzip
the jc_ufmc_native_1707_XP11.zip database package provided to access the
sample flight plan folder that has many representative flight plans in .ufmc format
to allow for quick and easy flying. This folder is titled “FlightPlans” and can be
copied to XP’s Custom Data/UFMC folder.

Installation is also simplified, as described below.

46

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
Updating Navigation Data for XP can be done in 2 ways:

A. Using the data that comes with the package (slightly older navigation data
but it is available thanks to Navigraph).
B. Using Navigraph (payware) current AIRAC Data.

Included in this package is a navigation data installer. It is primarily intended for

first time installations because they will overwrite the existing navigation
database files used by SSG products.

For Windows run the SSG_AIRAC_1707_XP11_Install.exe file

For Mac run the SSG_AIRAC_1707_XP11_Install.pkg file

Make sure that you select your root XP folder when requested by the installer so
that it can place the necessary files in their proper locations.

If the installer does not work for your OS, there is also a compressed file called
jc_ufmc_native_1707_XP11.zip with a navigation database, which can be
unzipped and its contents placed in the main X-Plane Custom Data folder
manually.

14.0 CUSTOM SLIDERS

To facilitate access to certain of the SSG E-Jet Evolution’s features several

Custom Sliders within X-Plane can be configured to operate certain controls.
They can be accessed under the “Settings” menu by selecting “Joystick &
Equipment”.

By default, X-Plane has sliders assigned as shown in the screenshot below.

47

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
If different key combinations are used, in order to make SSG E-Jet Evolution’s
Custom Sliders to work, they need to be reset to the values shown below.

SHIFT+F1 is assigned for sim/operation/slider/01

SHIFT+F2 is assigned for sim/operation/slider/02
SHIFT+F3 is assigned for sim/operation/slider/03

On E-Jet Evolution’s, Pressing SHIFT + F1, SHIFT + F2 ... SHIFT + F9 will do

what is described below (SHIFT + fn and “F” key simultaneously on a Mac)

SHIFT + F1 = Forward passenger door (left side)

SHIFT + F2 = Forward service door (right side)
SHIFT + F3 = Aft passenger door (left side)
SHIFT + F4 = Aft service door (right side)
SHIFT + F5 = Forward cargo door
SHIFT + F6 = Aft cargo door
SHIFT + F7 = Pilot’s cockpit window
SHIFT + F8 = Copilot’s cockpit window
SHIFT + F9 = Cockpit door

What follows is the list of custom commands that can be programmed for the
SSG E-Jet Evolution:
48

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
 49

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
 50

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021
 51

** NOT TO BE USED FOR REAL WORLD FLIGHT **

Ver.: 1.6
© Supercritical Simulations Group 2021