At what point do you engage the A/P during the climb mode??. Also, does the PMDG 737 NG 700 series LNAV & VNAV function like the real thing. The reason I'm asking this question is that I have a chance for some 737 NG 700 series or 800 simulator time and I want to practice take-offs & landings. I don't want to do something that the real sim does but the PMDG doesn't....Can you identify these areas? I'am currently flying the PMDG 700 series and have not as yet upgraded to the 800...Should I, in view of the upcoming level D opportunity, or will the 700 satisfy realistic a/c systems functionality..If you could, please outline the progressive steps that you take on a normal takeoff up to FL100..and once again, when do you engage the A/P during the climb phase.Thanks & regards,Jack

Just to add into this discussion (A/P engagement) I would like to give you the Boeing suggestions in this regard. One thing to keep in mind concerning A/P engagement is the Standard Operating Procedures from the companies which vary. http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/89304.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/89305.jpg If you engage an A/P in TO MODE the AFDS selects pitch in LVL CH automatically (Yes PMDG's NG also does this). Best Wishes,[h4]Randy J. Smith[/h4]http://www.rawbw.com/~bdoolin/shinault/Animation1.gifCaution! Not a real pilot, but do play one on TV ;-)AMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | Maxtor 6Y080M0 SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 | Windows Xp Pro | Windows Xp Pro 64 |

Here is what one company has for SOPs after TO... http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/89306.jpgBest Wishes,[h4]Randy J. Smith[/h4]http://www.rawbw.com/~bdoolin/shinault/Animation1.gifCaution! Not a real pilot, but do play one on TV ;-)AMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | Maxtor 6Y080M0 SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 | Windows Xp Pro | Windows Xp Pro 64 |

After having listened to a lot of the online tutorials that Brad has done, one thing is clear. Different airlines have different procedures for this. Basically, Brad says that they engage the Autopilot as soon as is practical. However there are others who don't. It's like everything else.....some airlines use Flap1 for takeoff, while others use Flap5, and the list goes on and on. I think Randy has aptly demonstrated this point in his posts.The bottom line is simple. This is MSFS with the PMDG addon. You're the pilot in command when you're flying it. You can do one of two things:1. Try to find out the SOPs of the airline you're simulating.....something which is rather difficult to do, and close to impossible after 9/11. 2. Develop and use your own SOPs. With all the different airlines out there, you're bound to be accurate to one of them.Searching the forums and google, you're bound to pick up tidbits of info.......like not using autothrottle when flying for Southwest.

Thank you Randy and Anthony for the very imformative data regarding the various take-off procedures etc... As always, this forum is extremely helpful when questions of this nature are presented to the vast knowledge base concerning aviation topics.Regards,jack

".like not using autothrottle when flying for Southwest"Southwest doesn't allow use of the A/T? What about for CatII/III approaches?

Hi Gremel, sorry this is late but I have been at work for a change -- isn't life hell? :-smile12>At what point do you engage the A/P during the climb mode??.Well mate, I am a lazy bugger and make maximum use of the AFDS. This means that unless I have a specific reason for hand-flying (making sure I can still do it.. push foward and the houses get bigger right? :7) then I will engage AP at 400' AGL (Boeing limitation) >Also, does the PMDG 737 NG 700 series LNAV & VNAV function>like the real thing. Yes, PMDG is an extremely good model and I am stretched to find any holes in it at all. There are one or two but you need to be type rated and very familiar with the box as well to find them. The LNAV and VNAV functions of PMDG are close to perfect replications of the real world.In terms of real world procedural flying of the PMDG - grab the Geezer Guide as the procedure I outline in it are EXACTLY what I have done in the last few companies, easyJet UK, Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue.Not sure if the PMDG 700 flies any differently to the 800 whcih I fly all the time but in the real world there is almost no difference in feel or handling. They are, of course, exactly teh same in ALL systems, controls FMC software etc.I would be happy to give you a voice tutorial in preparation if you like., Just MSN or email me mate. The chance to fly a Level D sim is rare and you want to make the most of it.All the Best,

They don't use authothrottles (autothrottle switch is disconnected) and they don't use VNAV either, using LVL CHG instead. The pilots set the T/O, climb, and cruise thrust on their own. It works well with the PMDG -700, but I must have some calibration issues because I can't always set the thrust at the maximum available thrust for the mode I'm in, except for takeoff.

RyanAuto throttle is not required for CAT II/III ops although it is nice to have. We can dispatch and be CAT III on the classic with A/THR inop as long as any of the CAT III sensitive parts haven't been disturbed in the E&E bay! Kris

Hi Brad,Thanks so much for your answers regarding my questions directed towards NG operations. I'am so glad to hear the modeling of the LNAV & VNAV modes are extremely realistic in comparison to the real NG.I will definitely download the Geezer Guide and spend time studying in preparation for my level D experience. Once again, thanks for your assistance and offer to help via MSN or email. If I have any questions after I study your guide, I'll definitely take you up on your offer to help me.Regards,JackKGSP [near KCLT]