Confusing Ap Off / Ats Off Fma Display Position

[DLP084 5]

Hi, I have discovered that the positions of the FMA Modes changes. Shouldn't they stay at one position either left or right without changing the column?At the first picture ALT Hold is armed (Autoflight disengaged) , ATS off is displayed left: At the second picture Climb Thrust is armed ATS off is displayed on the right side: Jan-Paul

[KCA9304 0]

[ I have discovered that the positions of the FMA Modes changes. Shouldn't they stay at one position either left or right without changing the column? ]Jan-Paul,FMA modes are not changing position. Left side, above the Speed Tape always indicates Speed mode. The Middle always indicates the Lateral mode. Right side, above the Altitude/VS tape always indicates Vertical mode.What is changing is the box (AP and ATS) indicating what system is (or not if off) controlling the mode.As you can see in your screenshots, speed is controlled by Thrust =ATS, where the AP/FD controls Altitude.When climbing/descending the vertical mode is controlled by thrust=ATS, where speed is controlled by AP/FD pitch.Hope this makes it less confusing.Regards,Harry

[DLP084 5]

Hello Harry, thanks for the explaination. I have just looked into the ITVV Martinair DVD. There is the same behavior, so there is nothing wrong here. Jan-Paul

[downscc 1,327]

The SET LANDING ALTITUDE error leads me to believe you did not have the FMS ready for flight... I am confused. I don't know what you were trying to test.

[mburkhard 23]

I have just looked into the ITVV Martinair DVD. There is the same behavior, so there is nothing wrong here.

Fortunately we've had much better reference than just the Martinair DVD...! :( Markus