So I'm playing Microsoft Flight Sim 2004. I've been doing any flights thru DCA a lot, and I have all the airlines like DL,UA,US,AA... loaded onto the game as real time traffic based on real time schedules. I have barely begun loading US Express(not even DL Connection or American Eagle). I didn't even load some less important airlines like Midwest, ATA or AirTran into the traffic. But I keep seeing loong, long lines. Bunch of planes landing as well as a very long line for takeoff every time I'm waiting for departure(in Microsfot Flight Sim). I've flown thru DCA a couple of times in real life and have never seen these big delays and wait times. Am I missing something?

In real life are the 2 other runways in use? I know they are shorter, maybe used for US's Dash 8's and ERJ's/CRJ's? I want flight sim to be as realistic as possible, but I want traffic to flow smoothly.

Speaking of DCA, I admire US' presence at DCA. I know they are trying to pull a Pensacola this year as part of the annual slot giveaways(maybe they are calling something else). Anyhow, folks how do you see US winning DCA-Pensacola, Florida. I know DL is trying to get DCA-Little Rock, Arkansas and we have AirTran and ATA trying to get something else...

Let me make sure I understand this: You are comparing Microsost Flight Simulator to real life? You are joking, right? I am almost speechless...

Well, to try and maybe answer your question (which would be more appropriate for the Washington forum, BTW), lots of times when you start a flight sim all of the traffic from the past hour or so goes to the runway at once, not taking into account real time. I believe DCA typically only uses one runway at a time for takeoff. Wow, I feel like I am on airliners.net, so will stop while I am not losing...

I know that when you start up Flight Sim, almost all the planes leave. I mean, well into the trip. Like 5 hours later, when traffic clears out. It gets quite realistic, bud.

And as pathetic it may sound, I do sit in my plane on the side of the runway, set the speed rate to 4x and watch the planes come and go for hours. Mostly I am checking if the right flight has arrived on time, and if there's anything missing from the real schedule. Tommorow it's time to check on PIT. Today was DCA.

And as for flying, I do it too...

Recently I'm doing all A320 in New Colors.

Sorry "bud," I usually don't sit at my flight simulator for five hours.

In Flight Sim? And if it's not do you call US to see what's going on with your flight sim, or maybe call your private dispatcher?

This question doesn't belong here as it really is not US-specific, but runway 15-33 siphons off some arrivals and departures, mostly turboprops and RJs. I've even been on Dash 8s leaving from runway 3 a couple of times.

This is not specific to US. I'm moving this to the DC travel forum.

AZ
US Airways Moderator

hey kinglobjaw,
You should try to download an addd-on scenary with multiple runways working at the same time. I had to do that for FLL.

Great I'm going to try that.

DCA uses 1 runway (1/19) for larger planes. I have seen prop planes (Dash-8, etc) use 15/33 but I have never seen anything use 22/4.

I have seen all three runways used at various times. 4/22 isn't often used, but it is used.

I've seen Dash-8's taking off from 4/22, and I've landed in an E170 on 15/33. US even puts down the occasional 319 on 15/33.

airliners.net perhaps?

Me as well. The two secondary runways see a mainline plane from time to time.

long long ago, I presume 4-22 was used for the commutor planes(shorts and things like that) that flew up the anacostia toward philly and nyc.

My recent DCA-BOS US Shuttle A319 used 4/22 for take-off right toward the Anocostia with a quick bank right after take-off and then a left-bank taking us just east of RFK stadium on our way north.

And a while ago I was on a 757 that landed on 15/33... it was clearly a case of the winds that day.