Is the "V/S" reading in this screen the suggested or required V/S that is needed to intercept the vertical descent profile accurately rather than the actual current VS? If I am deviating BELOW the descent profile, for e.g., I observe that the V/S in this screen reflects a lesser VS than that on the PFD. Appreciate clarification, thanks.Jonathan

Jonathan,The VS number you see in this screen will most of the time be smaller in absolute value than the VNAV PATH commanded one. The reason is that VNAV takes into account the fact that as some point in descend the aircraft needs to decelerate (for example at 10000'). Deceleration at idle thrust can only be achieved by considerable reduction of descend rate. The descend path is therefore (continuously) calculated on this basis and tries to "make space" for deceleration, ergo faster rate of descend above the deceleration altitude, so that hard altitude and speed constraints are **both** met. By contrast the number in the DES page shows what the current VS should be if at the **present** ground speed the aircraft were to satisfy only the next altitude constraint. This number becomes quite useful when on final in a non-precision approach (aircraft fully configured and at approach speed). In the latter case set VS as the active pitch mode, dial-in the FMC number and follow-the-bars.Best,Vangelis===================================== E. M. Vaos Precision Manuals Development Group www.precisionmanuals.com=====================================

OK, I get it, Vangelis, thanks for the detailed response. Very complex sim you folks made (!), and very well done (even though I still feel like a bit of an amateur operating it).Jonathan

DES page shows what the current VS should be if at the **present** ground speed the aircraft were to satisfy only the next altitude constraint. That's why EV is the man ;-)Best Wishes,[h4]Randy J. Smith[/h4]http://www.rawbw.com/~bdoolin/shinault/southparkcartmad.gif[h3]PMDG 747![/h3]Caution! Not a real pilot, but do play one on TV ;-)ASUS KV8 DLX | AMD 3200 64 | 1 GIG PC 3200 DDR | GIGABYTE 5700 ULTRA | ViewSonic VP192b 19" |