Hi guysI don't know if it has already come up and I actually feel dumb *:-* about asking, but:-How do I make the autopilot fly a track instead of a heading? I don't even know if it is possible. I know that it might sometimes be quite helpful, for example when flying an ILS approach. And I know that the "compass" on the PFD (have no idea what the correct name is) shows magnetic track and not heading...-And one other thing: is there a possibility to change from magnetic to true heading/track?As already said, I have no idea if it is possible in the real world and if yes, if it is simulated in 737TNG.Thanks already for all the answersCheers :-beerchugMartin

bump :-jumpy

I'm not sure how other will answer this...1) You need to be more specific about flying a "track"... Do you mean once your above 1000' AGL hit Autopilot CMD A, LNAV and VNAV, then go make dinner?? Not sure what you're referring to. If you correctly configure your FMC (as per the manual and the excellent tutorials on-line) that it's that easy (unless you're looking for the challenge of actually flying the DP/STAR...2) As far a Magnetic/True heading.. I'm not completely up to speed on "foreign" ATC or real world flying per se, but you should be flying magnetic headings. In the US (where I control online), directions (especially for altitudes) are determined by degrees MAGNETIC.3) I am by FAR completely knowledgable about the 737, let alone a rated pilot on it, but I would HIGHLY recommend flying the tutorial flights which Timothy Metzinger has spent so much valuable time creating...Hope this helps... If you have specifc questions about flying "a track" let the forum know and I'm sure you'll get an answer...-Dan

Hi DanThanks for the answer. I'm actually talking about flying a track when you fly your bird and want to stay for example on an ILS track. If I use the heading selector for that I have to correct any wind by myself.Of course I know that I could just fly in the APP mode but I know that this procedure I used if you don't want to turn on the APP mode at that time. For example: I've just seen it about a month ago in a 777. The knob above the HDG digits is meant to change between HDG and TRK (Heading and Track mode)http://www.airliners.net/Airliners_net_ima...=372661&ViD=bigI've flown the tutorial and I've quite a bit of experience since I got the 737TNG about three months ago and using it since then. I know that the PIC767 was not able to fly a TRK but the swtch over from MAG to TRUE was possible. BTW: The ND of many modern airplanes such as the MD-11 switches over form MAG tue TRUE from itself as soon as you fly to close to the poles because of the variation. And I don't think that a controller would give a MAG heading to a plane in Thule, Greenland (mor tha 30

You can do this in LNAV by entering an INTC course after a Direct To on the LEGS page. This is kinda broken in SU1-1, but I can tell you it works absolutely superbly now in SU2!Ryan

>You can do this in LNAV by entering an INTC course after a>Direct To on the LEGS page. This is kinda broken in SU1-1,>but I can tell you it works absolutely superbly now in SU2!>>RyanIf you want to maintain a constant specific ground track the best way to do it is:LNAV with a specified inbound or outbound courseVOR with specified inbound or outbound course.These modes will accurately follow a certain course over the ground, and compensate for wind drift.in a heading mode, you can adjust the heading to give you a specific ground path (in Map mode your track is shown under the lubber line) but you'll have to constantly adjust the heading to maintain the track.

Hi,What about the VOR LOC button under the LNAV button on MCP?Doesnt it serve to VOR radial tracking?If it doesn't what is its function?CheersMusashi

Hi Musashi,that sure is for tracking either VOR radials or LOC courses.Obviously the relevant frequency has to be tuned on the NAV1 radio anc either the VOR radial or LOC course dialed in the course window on the MCP.Regards,Bjorn

Hi Martin!No, the 737 doesn't have the DIRECT option of flying a track (like the 777 or the FBW airbuses). Others have mentioned LNAV and, if you need to track a VOR radial, you can use VOR/LOC. But that's it.You could of course always use the TRK indication and use HDG SEL.Who knows, maybe one day the NG will be able to perform this, let's say in 10 years when ATC will vector aircraft with tracks rather than headings but for that a lot has to happen (all aircraft RNAV equipped)I'm not sure about the NG, but the classic can not be changed from MAG tu TRU. The 737 was never designed to be flying near the poles so this was left out. Who knows, it might be a company option, especially on the BBJ as its range is far greater and will use grid navigation. I have never seen a switch, however. You could however directly use the hdg indication of the IRU's (when they are implemented into the PMDG bird) as it shows true heading.Regards,Mark