Page 68 (1st paragraph) of the PIC767 FMC manual says the speed restrictions in the LEGS page can be entered as ".xxx/" (let's say, .800/). When I try that, the FMC gives an error ("incorrect entry" or something along this line). What's the deal here ? :-zhelp

Hmmm...good one...I can not remember if that feature was removed to match reality or why it no longer works.....but, the easy way to set a new Mach is:1 - Go to VNAV / CRZ page and enter a new Mach number (assuming VNAV is engaged)OR2 - Open up the speed dial on the MCP, change the mode to Mach, enter the new Mach speed.OR3 - Go to the FMC - INIT REF page and look for Cost Index. Alter the cost index until you get the required speed displayed on the VNAV / CRZ page. Be aware that using Cost Index will also alter your descent and climb speeds.----------I have asked several 767 pilots what the preferred method is...I have concluded there isn't one...although the rule of thumb seems to be that if using VNAV, then changes to speed 'should' be done through the FMC (CRZ Page) rather than the MCP. This was, however, contradicted on a recent 767 flight I took out of Montreal 2 weeks ago where the pilot used the MCP to change speed despite being in VNAV after the initial climb out. I can not recall a pilot telling me he used the Legs page on a 767 FMC to set a cruise speed in Mach numbers (it may be possible, I don't know)...typically Legs page speeds are reserved for crossing restrictions in the CLB / DES modes so it would seem.Rob.PS - The 767 flight out of Montreal on Dec 31st departed from a contaminated runway at CYUL-CYYZ...NO derate, 37 pax on board, no cargo. ZFW was under 100ton with 10ton block fuel. I can tell you the takeoff was an experience, the quickest I have had on a 767...less than 2500 foot roll, and a very steep climb out. The PF told me afterward the FD was commanding 30+ degrees N/U to maintain V2+25. Was very cool.

Rob,We had an RAF C-17 in a few weeks ago.This thing took off in Less distance than what a Twin Otter would.Pretty impressive for an a/c bigger than a 76.

"I can not recall a pilot telling me he used the Legs page on a 767 FMC to set a cruise speed in Mach numbers (it may be possible, I don't know)"According to the Bulfer Manual, Mach entries are not permitted on the LEGS page. No speed entries are permitted in cruise (unless it is at a HOLD AT waypoint).Regards.Ian.

I believe a mach can be entered with a step climb; the other day Guam gave us a climb to FL380 by a certain waypoint with a requirement to maintain M0.79 on reaching. I entered 0.79/380S on the legs page and it was accepted.

Anthony,does the 380S input tell the FMC that you are wanting it to step climb?

Mark,I believe that the "S" that follows the altitude is a manually pilot entry known as a Specified Step Point. The FMC will calculate the arrival fuel based on the step at the specified waypoint. The "step to" information on the CRZ page will also change to show this Step Climb. In the real world 767 (not sure if its the same in PIC) VNAV and AP will not automatically initiate the climb at the Specified Step Point. So I would say that a Specified Step Point is primarily for reference and can be utilized to generate more accurate fuel and time predictions, assuming you are going to make the step climb at the specified point.Hope this helps :-) Cheers,Francis Frabizzio

I can't wait to get home - can anyone confirm this works in the PIC767?Yes, I need a life :-)

I wish I could, but I usually only have time to do shorter length flights, I normally do not use step climb. Based on how realistic the PIC767 is I dont doubt that it does work as the real one does!

Been there tried it got the T-Shirt that says" INVALID ENTRY "

Oh well.In the actual aicraft this function can be very useful. If the ATC response to a climb request is denied with the addition 'expect higher levels at XXXXX' then the /380S will force the FMC to base fuel calculations on maintaining the present VNAV CRZ altitude until that point. It overrides the calculations based on a 2000' step climb normally entered in the FMC (or ICAO/4000' for non-RVSM countries).

Anthony,thanks for the update. Pity it doesn't work in PIC > could use this for the North Atlantic routes.