I've found using UTOPIA and Prof mode often I can takeoff and then leave the stick neutral. Sometimes it gets too fast (260 kts), but otherwise it's amazing how well it works. I only get this with the FSX version, I think the FS9 version had the too high pitch problem.Tim Dobrowolsky

Hi all,For those interested what solved the problem is: Press FMS SPD button as soon as possible.I press it at 400 feet together with the AP. Seems to work ok.If the FMS SPD is pressed later (than 400 feet) T/O thrust makes the plane go well over the V2+10 speed causing too high pitch, then she has to fall back to V2+10 and correct the high pitch. This makes the protection message appear.Somebody confirm this?Thanks,Christos

I press it before takeoff.

You still in TO flap setting? If you retract flaps before the command bugs this will happen, wait for the auotpilot to switch to CLB and accelerate to 250kts and then raise the flaps on schedule at their respective points.FRED

For those interested what solved the problem is: Press FMS SPD button as soon as possible.Somebody confirm this?Thanks,Christos

I was having the same TO problems, until i learned one has to push the FMS SPD before TO. I always assumed that what's in Magenta is taken care of by the system. And the annunciated Vref speed always was magenta, already at the gate, but does change somehow to white after TO. I found that somewhat confusing, having to push the FMS SPD while speed already system commanded.Gerrit

I was having the same TO problems, until i learned one has to push the FMS SPD before TO. I always assumed that what's in Magenta is taken care of by the system. And the annunciated Vref speed always was magenta, already at the gate, but does change somehow to white after TO. I found that somewhat confusing, having to push the FMS SPD while speed already system commanded.

This should not be necessary unless the FMS is somehow not programmed correctly. Before TO press autoflight once, now advance the throttles, at some stage you should hear the AT take over. I normally then advance my throttle quadrant fully and leave it there. Now fly the airplane to 400' and ONLY pull up the gear. At 400' press autoflight once again, the annunciations on the FMA should change to magenta on all three. Now press PROF and the aircraft should switch to CLB thrust, maintaining v2+10 until the acceleration altitude (visible on the FMS on the TO/APPR page and can be changed if you want it to be lower) at which time it will accelerate to 250kts. NOW only start retracting the flaps as the tickmarks on the left turn to green for the appropriate flap setting. FRED

I was having the same TO problems, until i learned one has to push the FMS SPD before TO.Gerrit

You don't push the FMS SPD button before TO. One reason is if you are flying out of a primary class C airport there is a 200kt speed limit within 4 nm of the airport up to 2500AGL. So by pressing the FMS SPD button you may go over the restriction. I also have put the AAL MD11 takeoff profile for domestic and international flights that should give a good perspective into how a takeoff is done in the airlines.Kevin W

This should not be necessary unless the FMS is somehow not programmed correctly. Before TO press autoflight once, now advance the throttles, at some stage you should hear the AT take over. I normally then advance my throttle quadrant fully and leave it there. Now fly the airplane to 400' and ONLY pull up the gear. At 400' press autoflight once again, the annunciations on the FMA should change to magenta on all three. Now press PROF and the aircraft should switch to CLB thrust, maintaining v2+10 until the acceleration altitude (visible on the FMS on the TO/APPR page and can be changed if you want it to be lower) at which time it will accelerate to 250kts. NOW only start retracting the flaps as the tickmarks on the left turn to green for the appropriate flap setting. FRED

I think that's about how i'm doing it with the exception of the TQ. I leave the levers in the position where they are when TO THRUST engages. Maybe i should also move them full forward at that point. I'll try that in my next flight, thanks.Gerrit

Christos,The AAL manuals are the american airlines manuals that I have for the MD11. But for the takeoff profile it's 5 segments, I'll rewrite for you. So you should have a smooth climb everytime.1st seg/ SPD V2+10 Max Deck Angle 25deg./ 2nd seg/ 400ft AFL Pull HDG select knob or select NAV/ 3rd seg/ 800ft AFL Pull speed knob observe spd change in FMA speed control window to SR/V3. Pull alt knob to engage lvl change. Reduce pitch and accelerate at FR SPD flaps up, at SR/V3 slats retract.4th seg/ 1500ft AFL observe CLB THRUST in FMA altitude control window and maintain V35th seg/ 2500ft AFL press FMC SPD button and reduce pitch to accelerate to 250kts or Clean Min. maneuvering speed.

Thanks Kevin. I wonder why they didn't just use PROF though.Paul

Thanks Kevin. I wonder why they didn't just use PROF though.Paul

Well this is just the general takeoff profile AAL used on the MD-11 and is subject to change with takeoff restrictions at specific airports. And if you are flying a RNAV SID you would want to use PROF mode. Kevin W

Hi,You can arm NAV and PROF before departure, but not usually speed until cleared by ATC.I set up the AFS with my clearance altitude, runway heading and V2+10 then use the auto-thrust for the takeoff. I don't engage the autopilot until I've flown the departure usually as it is just a long straight climb to altitude. Pretty boring. :)Best regards,Robin.

I don't engage the autopilot until I've flown the departure usually as it is just a long straight climb to altitude. Pretty boring. :)Best regards,Robin.

You must not be using any of those fun SIDS. Kevin W.

I do fly the SIDs. It's after the SID that I engage the autopilot.I love flying out of Innsbruck in the MD-82.Best regards,Robin.

Hello,I could need some help for the MD-11.At take off the pitch becomes too high, the a/c's nose is going very steep high and forces the a/c to make a rather sudden correction by lowering the nose.During this phase the message "protection" appears on the upper left corner and speeds turn white. VNAV disengages.After that I have to press again the FMC speed button as well as Profile button to continue flying the flight plan in VNAV mode.What is going wrong during this phase?Help appreciated,ChristosGreece

This has happen to most of us. Fly her manually until 6K in US 4k everywhere else since most of these birds are cargo you don't have to worry about a bumpy or high ascent worrying any passengers. Sometimes you do have to press a button or move a lever instead of letting the computer do everything. Where is the joy in learning how to actually FLY!!Carl Perry-7 yr FS Pilot

Koyann, you are right.Retracting flaps only AFTER accelaration speed is very important! Thanks.So, summarizing this long topic we have following for a smooth take off with no Protection announcements appearing:- FLEX: Feed the FMS with an appropriate value, especially for derated T/O (try Flex 55, 57 or 60)- Press AP before take off to engage A/T- At 200 ft press NAV (if desired)- At 400 ft press/engage AP. Also press FMS SPD- At 1500 ft press/engage PROFILE- AFTER passing accelaration altitude retract flaps when passing the appropriate speed- Retract slats at the appropriate speedThat was it!!Yes, handflying her from time to time is nice but mastering the "brain" of this marvelous bird and knowing exactly how she "thinks and reacts" is what really excites me.Thank you all and happy take offs!!