Anyone know why "DESCENT" doesn't show up upon reaching T/D?

[Noel 4,492]

I have the basics of the FMC figured out now thank you all, but can't seem to see why the lil' green indicator of what flight phase I am in never changes to DESCENT. It's always TO, then CLB, then CRZ, but never DES. I am able to use VNAV correctly now and the flights behave as one would expect but again not sure what's up. Noel

[Qavion 19]

"but can't seem to see why the lil' green indicator of what flight phase I am in never changes to DESCENT. It's always TO, then CLB, then CRZ, but never DES."Hmmm... maybe because there isn't such a thing (even on the real aircraft) ;) The indication shows the thrust limit for a particular phase of flight. The A/T can still use cruise thrust if required during descent, say if you need the aircraft to level off at an intermediate altitude. Having the thrust go below this might be a bit risky.Hope this helpsCheers.Q>

[Guest -BeNt-]

Have you went to your dep/arrivals page and setup a course for landing?Selecting the runway ect?I'm only shooting angels here too, I just bought the 747 last night from PMDG and this is a totally different bird to catch!

[rgamurot 1]

To expand on what Q said, there really isn't a need for a DES thrust limit. When you decent, your engines shouldn't be at full thrust at all. This is basically what the thrust limit is for; limiting your max thrust.As for -BeNt-. Please sign your real name. It's a requirement in the Forum Rules posted above. As for you comments on the 744, I've been flying it for over a year and I'm still learning! Have fun! (And good luck. You'll need it!) :)Ryan GamurotLucky to live Hawai'ihttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/supporter.jpg

[Guest Steve_Park]

Will answer when you sign your post. This is a MAJOR aircraft as far as system's go, so at the very least, do the tutorial!Steve Park

[Noel 4,492]

>"but can't seem to see why the lil' green indicator of what>flight phase I am in never changes to DESCENT. It's always TO,>then CLB, then CRZ, but never DES.">>Hmmm... maybe because there isn't such a thing (even on the>real aircraft) ;) >>The indication shows the thrust limit for a particular phase>of flight. The A/T can still use cruise thrust if required>during descent, say if you need the aircraft to level off at>an intermediate altitude. Having the thrust go below this>might be a bit risky.>>Hope this helps>Cheers.>Q>Yes Q if definitely helps. The lil green indicator is the thrust limit operating at that moment versus the "phase of flight" which I assumed it was. I have done much but not all of a few tutorials, and I think the big piece left is in using approach plates to decide what SID/STAR should be set up. I do enjoy the canned ATC though and I just last night discovered FSBuild which I just bought will export simultaneously to both the 737NG and FS2004 so I should be able to have fairly functional ATC with a few tricks to divert their attn so they don't notice I'm not following their clearance to different fligh levels. Don't want to go in deep with Radar Contact so I will probably just enjoy what I can with this now. I doubt I will ever become a RL pilot but this sure keeps me happy even at the simplistic level I play with now. It's a real hoot!Thanks to all for their time and insights,NThanks . . .