FMC Question

[simpilot22 0]

I was recently instructed to descend to 11thousand within 30 miles. I know that on the FIX page, I can create a dotted radius around any given fix or waypoint.Is it possible to create the radius around the airacrafts current position, and not a fix or waypoint?ThanksChip B.@-@http://www.jdtllc.com/images/rcv4bannerbeta.jpg

[Guest tmetzinger]

No, and ATC should never give you instructions like that. If they want you to cross a point in space at a certain altitude, they should define the point in reference to a fix on your route, i.e. "Cross 30 SW of BNA at 10000".Now, what you CAN do is set the MCP altitude to 11,000, and then enter a VS mode and watch the green arc on your MAP, and adjust the VS so the arc is at 30NM on the map. Should be good enough.

[Guest s_L_Y_F_a]

>ATC should never give you instructions like that.lol Rc4 is doing this in almost every flight.

[simpilot22 0]

Thanks Tim,That's what I've been doing, and while it works well, I was thinking perhaps there were other procedures for this type of descent.True, RC4 gives this clearance often, in the form of "I need you in level flight within 30 miles..."Chip B.@-@http://www.jdtllc.com/images/rcv4bannerbeta.jpg

[cowpatz 243]

Not a realistic clearance on its own. It is more something that is likely to be appended to a clearance as a general comment, and more likely in the USA than anywhere else.Simply deduct 30 miles from the distance to the next waypoint or calculate where this willbe and then set up a point waypoint/-xx miles. Or enter the waypoint as a fix and place a range circle around it.CheersSteve

[Check_Airman 3]

RC has a default restriction of 11,000ft at 40nm from the destination. Before the TD, put this range ring around the destination, so when you get the clearance, you can easily visualize it.Paul