Revisiting 737NG "Cost Index" FMC entry?

[strider]

My first question regarding the "CI" entry in the FMC is...what if you entered nothing? I'm "guessing" that would be a bad thing as the FMC would have missing info? But...how would it affect your flight parameters? What would you enter to have the "Cost Index" not affect the aircraft performance? I'm still reading manuals and haven't even started engines yet and I'd like to K.I.S.S., for the time being? I've also thought about entirely removing the FMC from the equations, until I get a handle on cockpit displays, aircraft handling, etc. and just using the MFC for alt/speed and course control. Can the FMC be removed from the equation? I realize what I'm asking is "not realistic" to a true 737-800 flight...but...I need "baby steps" here and doing it all on the first flight is leading to information overload. I would really like to fly the 737NG using only the MCP (ala default 737-400) while I familiarize myself with the various displays, aircraft capabilities and on & on. This would be using only the HDG, ALT, VOR LOC, APPR, VS and SPEED (IAS or MACH) controls. From what I've read here, over the last 2 days, the FMC affects even these "AP" commands and I can expect different results than I'm used to? This is, by far, the most complex aircraft I own (IK DC9, CS 707, DF 727 are the others I own) and I aspire to eventually fly it "as real as it gets"...but there is too much to learn in one fell swoop. After over 2 days of reading...I'd like to, at least, get this baby off the ground one time. Back to the CI entry...this seems like such a "variable" entry I'm surprised it was included. I have been reading up on it for the last 8 hours...and I'm no more enlightened than yesterday. LOL. So:1. Can the 737NG be flown with MCP entries (ALT, SPEED, HDG, VOR LOC, VS), without intervention from the FMC?2. If so...how? Is there a way to delete all info entered into the FMC...or should I create a new flight? You'll have to excuse us PMDG newbies...we have never dealt with such an intricate aircraft. Yes, I've searched the forums and read the manuals (several times in the last 48 hours, AAMOF) and although I've found much enlightenment...I've also found much confusing information. I can certainly guarantee that this will not be my last request for help here...so you might want to get used to my presence? ;-P Vic

[markadeane]

Hi Vic,There's nothing to stop you avoiding MOST of the FMC entries for the time being, but things like departure and arrival airfields and takeoff speeds are still important.There are some excellent tutorials out there that supplement the manual, a search on Avsim will bring some up I believe.Good luck!

[strider]

Mark, Thanks for the reply. I've downloaded several added tutorials and will read them...reading is all I seem to do with this aircraft! ;-) In fact I expected this...somewhat. I was just surprised at the level of detail PMDG put into this baby...it's amazing! I thought the IK DC9 was hard to start and fly...then the CS 707...then the DF 727...BAH! Childsplay! (no offense to the designers of those fine aircraft, I still fly them regularly). This 737 is kicking my butt...and that is just fine. I'll get it, eventually...just don't think you have heard the last from me requesting help ;-P. I will, of course, search first...but, in all honesty, I've done it before and it doesn't ALWAYS provide an answer. I hope everyone here will keep that in mind? I made my first attempt without touching the FMC...just a straightforward departure from KBOS with, what I thought were, the correct trim and V speeds for my GW and the OAT. After a nice "drive" across the river and a boost from the opposite shoreline to get airborne (LOL) I just quit the flight. That was obviously not an FMC problem!! ;-P. I'll read some more and I hope no one here is insulted when I say I'm going to take a break and fly my MAAM DC3 for a few hours?? I find getting up in something I "know" (and love) relaxes me for the next round of "instruction". "I'll be back" Vic

[downscc]

First thing to check if you end up driving instead of flying is your trim. A 5-6 deg trim generally works.The only fields required during preflight are departure runway and the hollow blocks. When I'm working on something like an approach, I'll fly from-to the same location at 4000.

[Guest Ray51]

you do not need the FMC to fly the airplane. The FMC, with the proper data input, is suppost to fly the aircraft at peak efficiency better than a human pilot could. The FMC is certainly the pilot's friend. Learning it will really change how you look at flying a modern airliner. As far as Cost Index goes until you get to the "purest level" how the number affects aircraft performance will not mean much to you. So just pick any number between 0 and about 100 for the 737. Now as far as flying the aircraft goes I would recomend you look at the Type Rating Course for the 747. Although the two aircraft are very differant the FMC is very similar and the flying techniques are the same. The 747 is a four engine jet and is alot heavier, carries more pounds of fuel than a 737 weights at max take off weight. The "course" has helped my flying of all my aircraft more than anything else I can think of right off.Ray

[markadeane]

No problem Vic, we look forward to helping you out!You've got the right attitude though mate. Keep on trying and although it can get frustrating, when you nail it, you will have learned a skill not many people have. I've been horsing around in advanced addons for close on 3 years now and I learn new stuff all the time. A very rewarding pursuit!Catch you soon!

[strider]

Thanks everyone. Ray, I will definitely check out the Type Rating Course...sounds like just the thing to get me to the next level. Vic