I'm having problems with the autopilot.Here's my scenerio...I'm level at 10,000 ft. I want to initiate a climb to 32,000 ft. Shouldn't I be able to set the Altitude at 32,000, click Alt Hold, and the plane climb to that altitude at the pre selected vs rate (ex: 1800fpm)?It seems to just hold at that altitude, and I have to set Vert Spd to get it to climb?Maybe I'm missing simething??Thanks,Stephen

HiTo initiate a climb using the autopilot, you have several pitch modes to use:- V/S mode will enable you to set a target climb rate for the climb, and chose a target speed. When in V/S mode with A/T, the aircraft will adjust pitch and thrust together to maintain your desired climb profile.To engage a V/S climb, dial in your desired target altitude, then either push the V/S button, or dial a positive vertical speed (in case you are climbing) to the V/S display.- LVL CHG mode is another means of climbing/descending. LVL CHG mode will perform the climb for you with maximum climb thrust, and adjust the pitch of the airacft to maintain the desired climb IAS. This is the fastest climb mode.To engage a LVL CHG climb, dial in your desired target altitude, then push LVL CHG. Your target airspeed is set in the IAS display.- Additionally you can use VNAV to control the entire profile of your flight.The ALT HLD button on the MCP is used when you are either1) in level flight, "holding" an altitude/to hold an altitude2) in a climb and are instructed/required to immediately stop your climb and maintain your present altitude: in this case the autopilot will begin a level-off, overshooting the desired altitude, then descend back and hold that altitude.I hope that helps.Regards,Zoltan HegedusBudapest, HungaryEDIT: I wanted to add, you might also want to read the manual available with the product, as it probably contains a description of correct autoflight operations.

Stephen,In a word, no, you can't. You must engage another pitch mode(and the previous post lists them out quite well ;-)), else the plane will keep doing what the ALT HOLD pitch mode says, which is to stay level :)

Zoltan,Yes this helps! It's just different than the "older" jets. VNAV only works when you have an FMC flightplan, correct?

Thanks B747Hvy!!btw, I remember you are the one who has the latest sid/star info. Mind emailing it to me :)I know it was a pain in the a#$ sending it to all of us, but i might as well be a "pain" :)

hehe, yes, I am the 'sid/star guy' :-hahIf I can have your email addy I will send it right off to you :)

That's correct: to use VNAV, you need to have a route and performance data set up and activated in your FMC.Regards,Zoltan HegedusBudapest, Hungary