Release notes

Talking flight monitor 7.0.2 release notes

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Hi everyone!

This release doesn’t have much to explain, so this will be a quick one. The release notes are below, at the end of the blog post. The one thing to note is the web FMC for the PMDG aircraft has been removed for 2 reasons. (1) technical reasons beyond our control, and (2) overwhelming feedback from users stating they don’t like the web version of the FMC. So, we pulled it out, replaced the original one, and gave it a serious modern upgrade. Most of the keyboard commands we use with the ‘TFM key’ dealing with distances, ETAs, time remaining, etc have been modernized with info coming from the FMCs. They will always fall back to default values in the event the PMDG isn’t the loaded aircraft, or the FMC becomes unavailable for some reason. We also added some new hotkeys to the list. As always, if you need help with something, feel free to get in touch.

  • Quick navigation in TreeViews now works as expected. Previously, searches always started from the top of the tree, defaulting to the first match found. Now, searches continue from the current position. For example: when browsing PMDG777 panels with focus on the panel tree, typing ‘el’ for electrical takes you to the Overhead Maintenance/Electrical panel. Typing ‘el’ again will now move to the next electrical panel (in the overhead), rather than jumping back to the first result.
  • Improved error handling for MSFS2024 database builds. Previously, users were only notified if a build crashed. Now, users are notified when a build fails and informed that TFM will automatically attempt two more fixes. If both attempts fail, TFM will offer the option to send a bug report to AATools/Nav Data Reader, our underlying data provider. TFM also now backs up your previous scenery database if one exists, so you won’t lose it if something goes wrong. Note: You must be at the MSFS2024 main menu (where the Start and Accessibility options appear) before building the database. Going further into the sim before the build completes may cause issues later.
  • Improved panel and settings search performance. Multiple search terms are now supported at the same time — for example, entering ‘electrical, startup’ will return results matching any or all of those terms. The ‘>’ path separator has been replaced with a comma for better screen reader and braille display compatibility. Search results now announce a count when found (e.g., ‘4 results found’). Pressing Escape in the search field clears and resets the results.
  • F3 in aircraft panels has been changed to F6 and is now a toggle between the panel tree and content, matching the existing behavior in Settings.
  • Fixed the runway count in the MSFS2024 database window. The count was previously reported as just over 47K. It now correctly shows just over 97K runways — more than the 83K airports in the database, as expected.
  • Removed the web FMCs for PMDG737/777 for technical reasons. The original set of FMCs has been restored.
  • Several fixes and improvements to the classic FMCs:
  • Screen titles now only announce once when changing pages.
  • The display is now color coded (themes coming later).
  • Labels appear above their data cells and automatically reposition based on the data entered.
  • Data cells now include cell markers such as 1L, 1R, 2L, 2C, 2R, etc., placed in the data row.
  • Cell markers can be turned off for a more realistic experience — data cells will reposition themselves to maintain proper alignment with their labels.
  • When cell labels are off, a row identifier appears in the left margin. When cell markers are on, the row identifier is hidden.
  • PMDG shared FMC settings have been combined and moved to Settings > PMDG > Shared FMC Settings.
  • TFM now automatically announces changes made in the FMC and any related values. This can be toggled in PMDG Shared Settings.
  • SimBrief uplink now works with the classic FMC.
  • Added the 777-200LR to SimBrief uplink.
  • Fixed the PMDG777 GPUs — they are no longer reversed.
  • PMDG777 bus ties now work correctly in First Officer, Clipboard Editor, and Checklist Editor.
  • Enhanced hotkeys now respect the settings found in TFM Settings > Enhanced Hotkeys.
  • Added various settings to customize next waypoint, weights, and distance to destination/descent commands.
  • Added 8 new on-demand hotkeys (TFM keys):
#HotkeyDefault KeyAction NameOutput Example
1Radio AltitudeERadio altitude“RA 450”
2Pitch & BankPPitch and bank“P +3, B L12” or “Level”
3Gross Weight / CGShift+WGross weight“GW 245300 lbs, CG 28.5%”
4Time SummaryKTime summary“1423z, elapsed 2h 15m”
5Cabin AltitudeShift+ECabin altitude“Cabin 6200, diff 7.8” (737 only — 777 returns “not available”)
6MinimumsQMinimums“Mins 200 BARO” / “Mins 200 RA” (777 has values; 737 shows mode only)
7FD BarsShift+FFD bars“FD P +3, B L5” / “FD centered”
8Parking BrakeShift+PParking brake“Parking brake set” / “Parking brake released”
  • Added 2 fallback hotkey implementations for when PMDG is not the active aircraft:
  1. / — Speed brake: “Spoilers retracted” / “Spoilers armed” / “Spoilers 72%” (PMDG uses its own existing format)
  2. Shift+B — Auto brake: “Autobrake OFF” / “Autobrake 3” / “Autobrake MAX” (PMDG uses a similar format)

Talking flight monitor 7.0.1 release notes

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Hi everyone!

We found a few bugs in the last build that we have fixed since then. Since they are high impact, we are releasing them today. The bugs are listed below.

  • The new advanced FMC for the PMDG aircraft now works.
  • Building the MSFS2024 scenery database no longer crashes when a previous version of it already exists.

We will post the update soon. We figured we would give everyone the release notes early. Happy flying!

Talking flight monitor 7.0.0 Release notes

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Hi again everyone!

It has been a few weeks since we last had an update. This update is going to be a huge one! So, let’s get started shall we? This update sees a few priority boarding members move into a stable state, there are some new priority boarding members, and an update on first officer flows. I would also like to make a note that as of TFM 7.0.0 (this release), we will no longer actively participate in developing new features for MSFS2020. We now consider support for it end of life. Watch the video.

Stable priority boarding members

The following priority boarding members have been moved to a stable release.

  • GSX – Ground services
  • SimBrief – Create a SimBrief flight plan
  • SimBrief – View a SimBrief flight plan
  • MSFS 2024 – All MSFS 2024 features

New priority boarding members

The following are new priority boarding members and can be enabled or disabled by going to TFM settings, priority boarding, then checking/unchecking the features and pressing the save button. NOTE: you must restart TFM for the newly enabled features to take effect.

  • Advanced PMDG737/777 FMC – An html-based FMC with new features, tutorials, context sensitive help, and easier to read layout.
  • Enhanced on demand hotkeys – Requires the new PMDG FMC above. A new set of on demand hotkeys with new features. Most hotkeys in this set are situational hotkeys: distance to destination/TOD, next waypoint. Other hotkeys reuse the same data as before.
  • SimBrief uplink – Requires the new PMDG FMCs above. An automated workflow to configure the FMC with your current SimBrief flight plan.

New FMCs and on demand hotkeys

We took the time over the past few weeks and rewrote the entire PMDG737/777 FMCs. They are HTML content, so you can use your assistive technology’s web content reading commands to navigate and read the FMC. It is a better format to use than our now dubbed ‘classic PMDG FMCs’, which will remain the default in any new TFM install until the web versions become the default. Features for our new PMDG FMCs include the following.

  • WCAG 2.1 AA compliant.
  • Read and navigate the screen with web reading commands in your assistive technology.
  • Context sensitive help screens.
  • A tutorial or walkthrough for most pages.
  • A section where all FMC settings live.
  • * Different themes, font sizes and layouts to pick from.
  • Easier to read layout of FMC and settings screens.
  • New scratchpad
  • New indicator/annunciators bar
  • New FMC message announcement system.

The new enhanced hotkeys are the on demand hotkeys found under the TFM control key (the TFM key). These situational awareness hotkeys have been modified to include information from the web version of the PMDG FMC to enhance situational awareness. For example, next waypoint hotkey will now give the waypoint name, distance to that waypoint, and ETA. Remaining fuel reports current load, fuel burn, and landing fuel (EG: 8.1). Distance to destination reports total distance, ETA, and landing fuel. Now, the distance to top of descent hotkey will report distance to top of climb if not at cruise yet, then the distance to descent when past top of climb. Most other hotkeys use the original data but have been formatted better. EG: Auto pilot altitude in the PMDG aircraft reports current AP altitude and cruising altitude. The Auto pilot status hotkey now reports (PMDG only) MCP status: auto pilots, flight directors, auto throttle. There are 14 of these revised hotkeys, so have fun taking a look at them. Be sure to let us know if there are problems or if you have any feedback.

SimBrief uplink for PMDG aircraft

To complement our first officer, we created SimBrief uplink. It is a feature that will automatically configure the FMC for your PMDG aircraft. Note: You must have a generated flight plan for your desired PMDG aircraft and have chosen that aircraft from the TFM menu before using SimBrief uplink. Navigate to TFM’s main menu, then aircraft, then FMC, then SimBrief uplink. When the view appears, TFM will notify you if the flight plan was loaded. If so, press OK to continue to the uplink view. In this view, you can either start the uplink or choose what sections of the FMC the uplink will pre-configure. Any unchecked boxes are the pilot’s responsibility. When ready, press the start uplink button and wait for the status reports to mention that uplink is complete. With this new uplink, you will never have to manually program the FMC again!

First officer checklists

It is our intent to create default checklists for first officer. They can be used as a regular set of checklists, or until you can create your own in the checklist editor. We were unable to finish the flows before this release. However, when they are done, we will put them on the website as a different download.

Bug fixes

The following are bug fixes in this release.

  • 739 – TFM can now see extra fuel tanks when they are enabled.
  • PMDG737/777 – To convert between LBS/KGS for fuel and weights, use the metric setting in TFM’s user interface settings.
  • SimBrief flight plan viewer – You can now navigate the read only edit controls with your cursor. All other text selection functions work.

This is about all we have for this release. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback, don’t forget to send them to info at talkingflightmonitor dot com or in your support portal. Until then, happy flying!

New 6.9.5 release this weekend

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Hi everyone!

This blog post is more about features we were able to put into priority boarding (preview features) since the last blog post. In the last one, we talked about priority boarding as a feature itself. Well, we can’t add priority boarding to itself, so it goes into the official release as a stable feature. Since the clipboard and checklist editor were buggy, we also put them into priority boarding. The rest of the blog post will cover some basic info about the features included in priority boarding and some website features we promised to talk about in this blog post. So, without delay, say welcome to our new priority boarding members!

New priority boarding members

GSX Ground Services Integration

This feature was largely based on an app that TFM’s founder Jason Fayre had created called access GSX. Thanks to him for allowing us to use his idea directly in TFM. Below are his originally implemented features.

• Fully accessible interface to GSX Pro ground handling services

• Dedicated GSX view under Tools menu with real-time connection status monitoring

• Press F5 to open the GSX menu, then use number keys (0-9) or letter keys (A-E) to select services

• Context-sensitive tooltips spoken aloud for each menu option

• Independent toggles for “Speak menu” and “Speak tooltips” speech output

• Auto-reconnect: if MSFS isn’t running at TFM startup, GSX retries automatically every 5 seconds

• Pop-out window support

First Officer

• Automated checklist execution system that sets switches, buttons, and systems to their correct states hands-free

• Select a flight phase (Preflight, Before Start, Before Takeoff, Approach, etc.) and run procedures with one click or F5

• Real-time voice announcements of each action as it executes (“Battery Switch, on”)

• Smart skip: detects controls already in the correct state and announces “checked” without toggling

• Pause (F6), Resume, Stop (Escape), and Skip Item controls for full user control during execution

• Supports wait conditions (e.g., “Wait for APU to be available”), timed delays, and voice-only announcements

• Data-driven: uses the same checklist JSON files as manual checklists, so community checklists work automatically

• Currently supports PMDG 777 and PMDG 737

SimBrief Integration

As users of assistive technology, we can find the SimBrief website clunky to use. So, we brought back the SimBrief feature in TFM. Only thing… It’s much better than the last one. The following should make your simbrief flight plans easier to create and navigate.

• View Flight Plan: Browse imported SimBrief plans with organized sections — Overview, Navlog, Fuel, Weights, Performance, and Weather (METAR/TAF)

• Create Flight Plan: Fill out a form in TFM (origin, destination, aircraft type, cruise level, passengers, etc.) and generate directly in SimBrief

• Search within flight plan data (F2 to search, F4 to clear)

• Full keyboard navigation and assistive technology support throughout

• Supports 17+ common aircraft types (Boeing 737/747/777/787, Airbus A319-A380)

SayIntentions.AI Integration

This is one of the highly requested features in the past year. When will we put Say intentions into TFM. Well, here it is. Below are our initial set of features. However, we need your help with this one. We need users to drop us a line on their support portal letting us know what additional features they would like in Say intentions support. When giving us your feature, try and make it directly related to something the Say intentions platform already does. Below is what we already have.

• Real-time connection status view showing flight info: callsign, route, assigned gate, taxi path

• Monitors takeoff and landing clearance status from ATC

• Automatic telemetry reporting (airspeed, altitude, position, engine data) to SayIntentions

• Works in the background — initializes automatically at TFM startup

FS2024 Support

This is probably the most requested feature of all time. We did it, and it is now here! Airports database for Flight simulator 2024, but wait… Is that all it is? No, it’s more than an airports database! The ‘Airports database’ for FS2024 is extensive compared to the old make runways used in FS2020. The scenery in FS2024 gives us the ability to extract more information about gates, runways, taxiways, terrain when available, etc. Our extraction method also extracts the currently installed Navigraph cycle and combines it with the scenery information, making a complete solution for FS2024. Below are the initial features.

• Full Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 compatibility

• Build scenery database: One-click database generation from FS2024 scenery data with real-time progress display

• Browse runways: Search any airport by ICAO, view runway length/width/surface/heading/ILS details, filter by ILS-equipped or surface type

• Browse gates/parking: View all gates and parking positions, filter by type (passenger, GA, cargo, military), size, and jetway availability

• Jump to location: Press Enter to teleport aircraft to any runway threshold or parking spot

• Ground position detection: TFM identifies your exact location — runway, gate, or taxiway — in real time

• Full ILS data: frequency, magnetic course, glideslope angle, category (CAT-I/II/III) (more on this in another section)

• Automatic simulator detection (FS2024 vs. MSFS 2020) with separate databases

Electronic Clipboard & Checklist Editor Bug Fixes

Many users have reported problems with the clipboard and checklist editor in the last update (initial release). So, we moved them into priority boarding until we can verify that everything works as expected. Given that, we fixed a lot of problems while working on first officer, and think we             have things fixed. Note that for first officer and the clipboard to work, any checklist files you already created are no longer usable. You will have to recreate them again.

New ILS detection system (FS2024 only)

Since there is more info available in the FS2024 database, and things are easier to find, we were able to completely revise TFM’s ILS detection and announcement system, which is included in the FS2024 support. Turn it off in priority boarding, and you will have to turn it on again to get the new ILS system. There aren’t many points to cover, so we will forget those for now.

The new ILS system currently works as before. Turn it on when needed, turns off automatically on touchdown. The new part is how it provides ILS indications (announcements) to you. There is a new mode called ‘dots’ that provides glide slope and localizer alignment in dots. The dots mode uses new calculations and directly makes use of the NAV1 and NAV2 ILS indicators on the aircraft to provide TFM with the required info. In the ‘dots’ mode, an announcement might sound like the following: 4.8 miles. 1.1 dots high/low. Left/right 0.4 dots. High = too high, low = too low, left = to the left of, right = to the right of, and center line = perfectly on path. The format is distance, glide slope, localizer. This new system is more accurate than the current feet/meter and heading calculations. So, we recommend using the dots method whenever possible. In fact, the dots method is used in the real world as well.

New website features

Help center

When released, the help center will be available to everyone. It will be much easier to navigate documentation ‘books’ and find content. Along with the new help center, we are rewriting all the documentation, so it matches TFM, and is more user friendly. There isn’t any word at this point when help center will release. When it does, you can go to the help center and find the help you need.

New support portal

At least a few times today, we have mentioned the support portal. It is a new tab in your store account. Activating the support tab will take you to the support portal where you can create, manage, and delete tickets, reply/add information to a ticket, add attachments when needed (up to 10MB in size). The best part is that you aren’t required to have multiple accounts on the TFM platform. Only your store account username/password is required. So, the next time you need help, send in a support ticket and one of us will get back with you ASAP.

Well, we covered a lot today. When TFM 6.9.5 is out, don’t forget to turn on the priority boarding features you want to use. Don’t forget to give us feedback on them through your new support portal, and look for the new help center soon. Until next time, happy flying!