That elusive J41 magenta pointer..

[Richiebacardi 1]

I believe I am doing something wrong, so can someone point me on the right ahem 'course' I do apologise if this has been covered somewhere else, but I have done a search and found nothing specific to my issue. I'm doing a short flight (15-30 mins ATC dependant), so I program my FMS with a route, including departure, arrival and approach waypoints in the FPL before takeoff. Again also, as it's a short flight, I get vectored and use HDG mode for the entire flight and never enter NAV mode. With NAV1 and NAV2 set up with the ILS frequency, and in HDG mode, I press V/L once but never see the magenta pointer, I see VOR1 (green) I don't bother to press V/L again but dial the course in as I would if I had the pointer. The aircraft still captures the localiser and the glideslope. I know I'm doing something wrong but I can't put my finger on it as I never get the magenta pointer. Is it because I never entered NAV Mode? Thanks in advance for your help

[nikeulas 0]

Hello Richie, the magenta pointer will show when you are in the NAV mode and you start turning the course bug (if i remember well ). In heading mode, you will set the course with the green pointer. So you are not doing anything wrong, but you will have to try on a longer flight maybe, where you will be using NAV mode, once ATC has routed you on the navigation path you have entered in the FMC. Hope that helps !

[Richiebacardi 1]

Spot on Nicolas! Briefly entered the NAV mode (even though it briefly took me off the ATC assigned heading) and selected V/L and there is was! Thanking you muchly!

[nikeulas 0]

You're very welcome Richie. I remember asking myself the same question when I first started using the J41

the magenta pointer will show when you are in the NAV mode and you start turning the course bug (if i remember well ).

looks like i was not remembering so well so yes, the correct way to do it is: - NAV mode- press the V/L (VOR/LOC) button and the magenta pointer will show- set your course with the course bug