There are a bunch of cockpit videos available on youtube for free to see real world ops - and if you want extreme details there are a bunch of cockpit videos you can buy for many different airlines that use the 737 NG series. I often do a search of "737-800 cockpit" on youtube if I have a question about real world ops and most of my questions are answered.

I never even use vnav, after takeoff, I turn on lnav and level change up to 10000 feet, then use vs and mcp speed. I usually fly it on CWS up to fl180, then switch to cmd.

There is nothing wrong with arming VNAV or LNAV on the NGX as both items are called to be checked and set according to the NGX's FCOM1 - Before Start Procedure (NP.21.29).

 

So that's that.

 

As to Delta and American - They are probably using one of the following methods when it comes to arming VNAV, but i'm only guessing:

i) VNAV armed during before start procedure, or, -------------------------> FMC Update U10.8 or later.

ii) Engage VNAV after flaps up, or, -------------------------------------------> FMC Update U10.7 and earlier.

iii) Engage VNAV after flaps up and above 1,000ft/3,000ft AGL. -------> U10.7 and earlier and NADP procedures 1/2.

 

Michael McKenna.

I've flown at two airlines that have the NG. At one, we had FMC U10.8a and would arm VNAV on the ground. At the other we have U10.7 and that version does not allow VNAV on the ground.

 

With the NGX, if you are doing NADP-1 (3,000AGL accel ht), there's no reason to not use VNAV. It's easy and it works very well. If you are doing NADP-2 (1,000AGL accel ht), there are a few different ways of flying it, but it can be done in VNAV or TOGA->LVL CHG.

 

Separate any questions of LNAV and VNAV. They are completely separate other than the last three letters of the name. You can arm one, or the other, or both as needed. You might as well be asking, "Can I have a landing light on and use LNAV?" Of course, they are totally separate.

 

I must have breezed past your post. Sorry for repeating what you said, I would delete my previous post if I could.

 

M. McKenna.