Is it somehow possible with the PMDG FMC to set a crossing restriction for a given waypoint for before you reach it? For example, the HELON 1 arrival into Newark says to expect to cross 25NM north of the SAX VOR at or below 8,000 descending to 7000ft. How would one go about accomplishing this via the FMC?

You can't, soft restraints aren't implemented, but are planned for the next release, 800/900.However, you can simulate it by doing what I do: cheat :D If the crossing restraint says 'At or below 11000, above 9000', then pick a median alt, 10000, and enter that as the crossing restraint.

Eric,If I understand your question correctly...>>...set a crossing restriction for a given waypoint ...Newark says to expect to cross 25NM north of the SAX VOR at or below 8,000

Excellent Sean...just what I was looking for.

Beyond buying a real 737, where would an interested customer turn to learn this stuff? Fabulous answer to something many had no idea was possible.Thankssg

Sean-My understanding is that the "A" or "B" suffix to altitude is a "soft" constraint which is not supported in the PMDG 737. Nor will it be supported in the SU-2 update. This is a feature I have been hoping for. It is supported in the PSS FMCs for their old 747 and 777 and I found it quite useful. So unless you have found a hidden feature, we'll have to wait for that one.Mike Smith

"How 'bout the 'PMDG' forum? "That's why I'm here cap'n!

The SAX/-25 notation only works if SAX is on the route, right? The first technique would work even if it was not.Lee Hetherington (KBED)

Mike,I have not flown a flight using the constraint, but I did try the procedure

Lee,>> The SAX/-25 notation only works if SAX is on the route, right?<

Lee,GPS is an option and not installed on all airplanes. I know Alaska Airlines has installed the additional equipment. Authorization has been approved to perform certain approaches that require GPS and in fact, have pioneered the practice to ILS minima.Before an airline can conduct an approach, training and regulatory authority approval must be received.In the US, each operator must apply for approval of the various approaches the operator will conduct. All operators are approved to conduct ILS approaches to Category 1 minimums of not less than 200 feet and

Sean-Set a waypoint with the "A" constraint such that the plane would easily make that altitude and have a waypoint after it with a much higher altitude. Then see if the plane goes above the set altitude.For example, set a waypoint with a hard 15000 ft altitude. Then set a waypoint 100 miles away with a 18000A altitude, then another waypoint 50 miles from that with a 25000 foot altitude. Does the plane cross the waypoint with 18000A at 18000 or a higher altitude?Let me know.PMDG says the soft constraints are not modelled.Mike

Mike,>>For example, set a waypoint with a hard 15000 ft altitude. Then set a waypoint 100 miles away with a 18000A altitude, then another waypoint 50 miles from that with a 25000 foot altitude.<< I am on the road and do not have PMDG on the laptop, but will answer the question as I understand it

Sean-This is a climb. Set a VOR (or created fix) as point 1 at 15000 feet. Set next fix at 18000, set next at 25000.Mike