On the ND Mode Panel there is a button with the letters FVP. The manual describes it as: "Flight Path Vector (FPV) Switch (momentary action)PUSH

I'm hoping the RW experts answer this, but I'll take a stab at it. My understanding is it shows where the airplane is actually "going", as opposed to where it is "pointing." Helpful during a non-precision approach and landing by setting it on the appropriate descent angle, aimed at the touchdown point.

Alex is correct. It is a Flight Path Vector, also useful with cross winds.

>Alex is correct. It is a Flight Path Vector, also useful with>cross winds.>Yeah, very useful in X winds indeed, it's also more visible on a HUD, hope we get that in the NG2.0.

Thanks for the explanation. But how does it actually work? Is it following the ILS or RNAV signal from the airport?I would appreciate a short and simple example.Jim D.

It's not following the ils, it is available at all times during the flight be it at 33000ft and not tuned into any radio aid or established on a visual.Say your nose is pointing heading of 360 but you have a quartering right wind then your aircraft would be flying say at a course of 350(these are just round about numbers) That;s what the flightpath vector is showing you, your direction of flight in realtion to the ground. Im not sure exactly what it's connected to but it must be some sort of sensor or something, Taking in wind speed, direction, and your current heading and spitting it out as a crosshair on the nd showing the direction of flight in relation to the ground.Anyone who knows exactly please feel free to correct.P.S hope that wasnt to confusingGerry

Not ever having used it in flight I'm still unsure as to what is accomplished. So I'll set it next time and try to determine what it is telling me. If anyone else would like to share their knowledge, it is appreciated.Jim D.

The guys have it spot on. It's rare that your aircraft is flying in the direction that it's pointing due to drift and the FPV displays that. Also for example in approach on ILS intercept you may have a 4 degree nose up angle but you are not in a descent so if you switch on the FPV it will be level on the horizon. A very handy tool.Rob

If you are flying the a/c (not the AP) and in a turn, would you not also use this by keeping FPV on the horizon, ensuring your turn is level?

Yes or the V/S indicator I only use the FPV for heavy crosswinds and Visuals but it's there for you to use as you see fit.Rob

Makes sense. Thanks.

Thanks to everyone for their input. I'll give this a try.Jim D.

Hi to allThe FPV shows what is the real direction of the plane. As you see it is like a small plane shown.For example, imagine you are making a slow flight with flap 30 or so. Although your pitch could be of 8-10 degrees, if your V/S is 0, the FPV will stay at the centre.Watching it during turns is also interesting

Does the 747-400 and/or the MD-11 have this feature?