Let's say I want to do a regular t/o and manual climbout, and aat around 3000 AGL, engage FLCH to initial FL100. What is the correct t/o procedure? I am unclear about using the FD and unclear about the N1 function for t/o. What annunciations should I expect to see on the PFD during t/o roll and climbout before I engage FLCH under the AP? I've spent too much time flying the PSS 744 and the default a/c and need help with the NG procedure. Appreciate any advice, thanks!Jonathan

It remains in TO MODE until you slect a picth mode or angage a A/P. And on the NG it is called LVL CH ;-), once you slect an A/P in TO MODE the AFDS selects LVL CH as the pitch mode automatically (real one does this too!)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 |

OK, Randy, thanks, I need to try this and see what's going on because I've been seeing something different (I think).I may post later with follow-up Q.Cheers!Jonathan

Make sure you are using TOGA...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 |

Yeah, it works exactly like you said! Just did perfect trial flight using that. I was getting slightly thrown because at 80 knots, the PFD annunciation went from N1 to THR HOLD; then I rotate and climb out. And then at some point, about 800 AGL, it changes again to ARM (but white arm -- I guess white for arm!); then I activate the CMD A; then it goes into LVL CHG with N1 active and HDG active. So I guess turning on the A/P is a stabilizing event with that specific t/o procedure. Is it designed this way to provide speed and other protection?Regards,Jonathan

Jonathan, 80 kts is the reject t/o speed on the NG. Thats why it changes.John

Specifically, N1 is a THRUST mode. In other words it holds maximum N1 thrust as set/calculated and alters pitch accordingly. This means that the autothrottle won't command a lower thrust setting during the critical climb out phase but will stay at climb thrust. So as i understand it, N1 until initial altitude (or see noise abatement climb procedures) and then LVL CHG for cruise climb.Selecting LVL CHG will alter pitch and may alter throttle position also to maintain selected climb profile.Manually, the FD will indicate appropriate pitch references after take off - taking into account weight etc.Normal procedure would be to have a programmed FMC, of course........... as I understand it! There are a few 737 batsmen out there who can confirm. :)

Y'see, this is my beef with glass cockpits: you NEED to use the FMC to make it all come together right. I can use an FMC but it is a load of extra work. I want to just get in and fly. In real life, you can get into a 747-400 and take off with no FD switched on at all. Just turn on AT, hit TOGA, and at 1000' AGL, hit AP 1 and the Queen will hold your VS and heading. Simple ! I don't think the NG was designed with operational simplicity in mind. And VNAV still confuses the heck out of a lot of professionals as well as simmers like me (!)JS

Well even without the F/D you could hold V2 + 20 + with initinal rotation to 15/18 degrees on this bird as your example...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 |

Yes I can indeed. This bird is exceedingly stable and a delight to hand fly. I am impressed. I am very interested in experimenting with every possible way to fly this sort of machine, by hand and by "magic." JS

For some serious fun and realism that you will not find in ANY other add-on try CWS modes. In fact simply engage LVL CH and HDG SEL then apply pressure in either pitch or roll to engage CWS mode(s) and see how fine you can control this baby ;-)EDIT: Before I get a few replys about a certain other addon that has a limited CWS function (it's a freeware bird) but this is not a NG CWS system, not even close to the depth found here simply because the rw one does not model it like the Boeing CWS.. Just to cover myself...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 |

I am not sure I understand what CWS really is. Sorry to be thick, but I've been thinking about it for a while and don't get it (yet!)Jonathan

Ok, Do you know anything about Airbus side stick function? Basically you set either pitch or roll by moving the control colme (joystick-Yoke) to the desired position and LET GO. The aircraft will hold picth and roll or just pitch or roll depending on what CWS control you have active. So, you want to hold an 11 degree pitch? Move the aircraft ot the desired pitch and let go, it will stay there. Same goes for roll. If you roll less than 6 degrees it will roll wings level. CWS is also inhibited under I believe 1500 RA..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 |

Nah, I am a BOEING man (and always have been--but I know that's about to change!). Anyway, thanks for the explano. Now I know a tad more.Jonathan