Hi:Oh dear I seem to have a problem - can someone guide me here please.I have just started to use the FMC - which by the way is ansolutely amazing in what it can do - I have a flight plan loaded and seem to have followed the instructions as outlined in the FMC manual as the FMC seems quite happy.The problem is that the auto throttle button will not engage and the A/T warning light blinks.I cannot seem to manage to get the A/T engaged.Perhaps I am missing something basic here - any clues??I did a quick search on the datebase but nothing answered my question.MANY THANKS........Iain

Iain,That must have been a very quick search. It's been reported, and answered a lot of times!!! :+Do you have your ENG GEN ON???Hope it helps, :-beerchug

That must have been a very quick search. It's been reported,and answered a lot of times!!! :+eeeer - well yes it was rather a quick search. I should have defined the search a bit better....... :-violinNo I did not have it on. I am still learning and had not got to that yet. In fact I had been staying away from the overhead panel until I figured out the FMC... Thanks..Iain

Mats:Is there a way to set up this aircraft so you do not have to go through all the checklists switching stuff on and off before you can fly- and still be able to use the FMC??Do not hear me incorrectly - I want to learn it all, but time is short for me and I seem to spend all my time on the ground and not flying! I love IFR in this aircraft, but never seem to have the time as my head is always stuck reading about some generator or something.Thanks..............Iain

IainI hear you... and I would like to give you an advice. Start from the right end of the flight. Start with reading the manuals and set yourself on the flight deck while at gate and familiarize yourself with all the panels and buttons and switches. Ask around and do accurate searches (sorry couldn't resist :+) in this forum.When you feel you are confident with the panels start doing the preflight expanded checklists. This will give you a feeling of how the flow scan is conducted. When familiar with the panels you will set it up in no time and just use the normal checlklists as a cross check and reminder.This way you will gain the most from this incredible aircraft.Hope it helps,

Mats - Thanks for your fast reply. I'll do as you suggest and see how things go. I've been fooling with the tutorials a bit, but never really completing them in entirity - so I'll start there.A question on the FMC if I can be so bold to ask, and I may be getting ahead of myself here.After a flight plan has been loaded I note that the TOD is marked on the moving map, however, when the 737 reaches this point the aircraft does not begin descent automatically. Is the imput required manually to initiate the decent by changing the altitude indicator? I've read the manual but cannot seem to find mention of this. :-newbieThanks....Iain,

IainYou have to work the MCP altitude in conjunction with the FMC plan. Try to think of the MCP as your interface to the automation. Remember that the aircraft will not descent unless you've told it so via entering a lower altitude on the MCP. Same thing in climb. If you have the a/c in VNAV climbing to your FMC target altitude but you have an intermediate level set on your MCP, the a/c will level out on the MCP altitude. You are in commmand.Hope it helps,

Mats:YES - what you have said helps heaps, and saved me time and frustration. I only wish I had more time to play with FS9. I guess if you are at school, unemployed or retired it helps - I'm niether. Thanks...Iain

Iain,the Geezer Guide my be of some help top you as it will guide you through the setup of the aeroplane as fast as it can be done IRL.Mats is right though, you MUST have a sound working knowledge of what switch is where and on what panel.Feel free to drop me a line for some help if you like.ATB,

Feel free to drop me a line for some help if you like.Thanks Brad. Appreciate your offer. I'll do some reading, etc first to cover off the basics and then may mail you if I need an answer on something. I also downloaded your guide which will prove helppful. Thanks again.......Iain