Sometimes when loading a flight into my 748i, the VNAV button light does not iluminate, even though the mode appears set.Any ideas please?

VNAV cannot take over until you are above 400 ft., pressing TOGA is one of the things that will turn it off too. See autopilot flight director manual page 8-14That is a lot of flap for takeoff.

Thanks Dan.I'm sure it used to light up on the 744? Will have to go back and try it.Yes, a lot of flap - I just like to get off the tarmac asap :(

Hi Phil, Not sure why you have FLCH set prior to take off, that of course will keep VNAV from lighting up. Not quite sure otherwise why it doesn't light up. The only times I can't get them to to light is if I forget to turn on the flight director, hehe. Other than that I always have Lnav and Vnav lit prior to TO. As far as 20 flaps, that is normal in my eyes since every single 747 tutorial I have ever done to include AOA's dvds say 20 Flaps. On the subject of flaps, I was surprised to see on one of my dvd's that the SOP for the airline was max dial a flap (25) for most TO's with occasional 28, heh. I'm not a real pilot but that seemed a bit much but not 20 on the queen.

Duh!Thanks Dan. Three times i tried to reload that flight, but still never saw the FLCH light :( Still, as i recall, i think you know a bit about the state of my head :(