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SimLoad Manager

SimLoad Manager is a FlyWithLua script that simulates realistic passenger boarding, cargo loading, and fuel loading for X-Plane 12. It integrates with SimBrief to import flight plan data (passenger count, cargo weight, fuel amounts) and provides real-time progress bars with dynamic time estimates.

Background

  • Developer: RackhamRPL
  • Download: X-Plane.org
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (pure Lua)
  • Compatibility: X-Plane 12
  • Dependencies: FlyWithLua NG+, SimBrief account (required), SGES (optional, for visual ground equipment)

The script is actively maintained with frequent updates. It works with any aircraft — no aircraft-specific configuration needed.

Features

  • Realistic loading simulation: Passengers board dynamically based on cargo and fuel progress
  • SimBrief integration: Auto-imports PAX count, cargo weight, fuel, and times from the latest flight plan
  • Multiple speed modes: Realistic, Fast, Very Fast, or Custom (fully editable timing)
  • Progress visualization: Real-time progress bars with dynamic time estimates for PAX, cargo, and fuel
  • Loadsheet generation: Automatic realistic loadsheet (SLMLS system)
  • SGES integration: When SGES is installed, visual ground equipment (stairs, belt loaders, fuel trucks, cones, passenger flow) accompanies the loading process
  • Sound effects: Ambient sounds and AI-generated voice alerts during loading
  • AutoDGS compatibility: Avoids jetway conflicts when AutoDGS is detected
  • API for external tools: Exposed datarefs and FlyWithLua commands

Value in Flight Simulation

Instant loading breaks immersion — real turnarounds take time and follow a sequence. SimLoad Manager adds a realistic ground operations phase to each flight: passengers board while cargo is loaded, fuel trucks arrive, and the loadsheet is generated when everything is complete. Combined with SGES, the ramp comes alive during turnaround.

Installation

Download: X-Plane.org

Place the script files into Resources/plugins/FlyWithLua/Scripts/:

  • SimLoadManager.lua — main script
  • SimLoadManager_loadsheet.lua — loadsheet module
  • SimLoad-Manager-Sounds/ — sound effects folder

Settings are stored in FlyWithLua/Modules/simload_settings.txt (auto-created on first run).

Updating from versions prior to v1.9.0

Delete FlyWithLua/Modules/simload_settings.txt before updating. It gets auto-recreated on launch. Failing to do so may cause incorrect timings or interface errors.

Sources