After programming and flying a flightplan on Vatsim,I know it will work fine if as programmed.My problems come when ATC start give me other instructions.e.g. "Desend and maintane FL240". I select 24000 and select LVL change. I've no problemhow LVL change works, if also changing requested speed it will result in different vertical speed.Anyhow I get same problem on any deviate from flightplan.To get instant change, I use MCP most quick, and bypassthe FMC.But then after different requested levels and speeds by ATC, I don't know if drag will be required.Either to late I realize I'm to fast/high, orI use drag and in the end I see throttle are required.The green arc in navigation-display help to se when desend will be ready. But it's not possible to read in turbulence.And the deacceleration-part I don't know how to plan, I just estimate.Anybody know what best/easy methode to use to keep adesend-plan proper when deviate from flightplan.With proper I mean able to accept any approach withoutadd more speed-breaks than neccessary.Can I use MCP ?Or do I need and is it reasonable to continues reprogram the FMC, if so basically how to reprogram FMC ?Or is just estimate the only solution ?Lennart Vedin

My problems come when ATC start give me other instructions.e.g. "Desend and maintane FL240". While there are many ways to perform this why not try the CRZ CLIMB function if over 50 NM from TOD? With the FMC CRZ page displaying, re-set the MCP to FL240 (24000 will appear in the SCRATCH PAD) LSK it into the CRZ LINE and EXECU. The aircraft will now perform a crz descent and you will remain in VNAV..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+ | NEC LCD 1980SXi 19" | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | Maxtor 6Y080M0 SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 | Windows Xp Pro |