Full VFR departure setup
advancedPremiumEverything a departure needs: altimeter, bugs, a flight plan, and the autopilot climbing on course.
Start this scenario
Open the SimTuts G1000 simulator and select “Full VFR departure setup” from the scenarios list to walk through it step-by-step on the simulated glass cockpit.
Open trainer →Step-by-step: Full VFR departure setup
- Set the altimeter to 30.05 inHg.
Set the local altimeter before departure so your altitude is accurate.
- Set the heading bug to 350° and the altitude bug to 5,500 ft.
Bugs first, so the autopilot flies your intended runway heading and cruise altitude.
- On the MFD, build the plan SUNOL then ALTAM.
A loaded plan gives the moving map a magenta course to follow.
- Back on the autopilot, engage AP with HDG and FLC to climb on the departure heading.
HDG holds the departure heading while FLC climbs toward the selected altitude.
Background reading
- GuideMSFS 2024 Career Mode Checkrides: How to Pass Every Certification
Pass every MSFS 2024 career mode checkride: PPL, CPL, instrument rating and the type ratings — what each exam tests, why players fail, and retake costs.
- GuideSIDs and STARs Explained — How to Read Departure and Arrival Plates
SID and STAR plates decoded using real FAA charts from JFK — every symbol explained, plus how to fly them in the PMDG 737 and Fenix A320.
- GuideGarmin G1000 and G3000 Avionics Guide for MSFS 2024: The Complete Hands-On Tutorial
Master the Garmin G1000 and G3000 glass cockpit in MSFS 2024 — PFD/MFD layout, flight plans, Direct-To, autopilot modes, and loading approaches.