Hi,

 

Can anyone explane me the real benefit of the to/go switch for takeoff? I always use it with my 737, but is this the right procedure in real life, do pilots always use it, or are there also manual takeoffs?

 

Thanks.

Well... I have seen videos where they use it. It is a very good question, why is it a bit easier pressing a switch over just pushing a throttle?

Hi Raymond,

 

We use it on every TO (and GA if we should need to do so).

 

By pressing TO/GA the FMC simply sets the calculated thrust automatically. This neat feature is very handy in a GA-procedure.

to/go switch for takeoff

 

In some aircraft pressing the TO/GA (takeoff/go around; not "to/go") button sets the flight management system into takeoff mode providing guidance after liftoff/V2.

 

why is it a bit easier pressing a switch over just pushing a throttle?

 

Because just pushing the thrust levers forward may not tell the aircraft you want to takeoff.

My mistake, TO/GA it has to be. So its very common in real life to take use of the switch. Thanks for the replies.

 

why is it a bit easier pressing a switch over just pushing a throttle?

 

For what I've read is that in the Airbus you must take the throttle to a certain position to activate the TO/GA.

For what I've read is that in the Airbus you must take the throttle to a certain position to activate the TO/GA.

 

The flex gate?

 

 

I would imagine the TO/GA has the right climb setting for a take off or go around. I have used it and it works when the A/T is on.

 

Question... what if you doing a complete visual approach? No A/T. You wouldn't use the TO/GA then? You would have to throttle up? If you were still a good 500f from the ground I would find it easier to just put a bit of power on, to go over.

 

If I was very close to landing and a runway incursion happend it would be a full throttle.. for me anyway. If this was a visual approach anyway. If I was using A/T I would TO/GA and set flaps 15.

 

A problem with manual Go Arounds thrust is that you can end up doing 270Kts if your not carefull, after being very pleased with yourself that your have saved your bacon.

TO/GA is used for takeoff as it sets the takeoff power correctly without the pilot having to trim the throttles to the correct power setting. Additionally, it commands the Flight Directors to TO/GA mode, which commands 15 degrees nose up initially, then pitching to maintain V2.

 

On go around, TO/GA should be pressed regardless of whether A/T is on/armed. Going around is the worst time to think about whether or not the switch is in the armed position. Also, pressing TO/GA will bring up the flight directors regardless of whether the F/D switch is on.

 

The go around procedure should be similar to the takeoff procedure. Rotate; gear up; at around 1000FT, power back and nose down to accelerate; level off at the missed approach altitude or ATC cleared level. This is not the time to sit back and admire the power of the aircraft as it climbs out at 6000fpm. You have the space of a minute or two to do everything so you must be focused. If not, you WILL end up at 300 knots and 10000 feet and a very unimpressed controller

TO/GA should be pressed regardless of whether A/T is on/armed

 

I must admit I can't get the TOGA to work unless the A/T is on?

I must admit I can't get the TOGA to work unless the A/T is on?

 

It's not going to advance your throttles unless you have it on, but it will still command your pitch on the F/D. Either way (A/T on or off), on takeoff, you should be following the F/D for the profile.

I must admit I can't get the TOGA to work unless the A/T is on?

 

The only difference should be that the aircraft will not move the thrust levers forward on it's own. But if you check the FMA you should still see that TO/GA has been engaged.

On takeoff you should see | N1 | HDG SEL | TOGA | when pushing TOGA. Both flight directors must be on.

It's not going to advance your throttles unless you have it on, but it will still command your pitch on the F/D. Either way (A/T on or off), on takeoff, you should be following the F/D for the profile

 

Ahhhh ok.

 

I did a video of it, I will upload when I get a chance. When looking back at the video, It did redirect the cross hairs up a 13 deg pitch and it did show TOGA in green. From 125Kts (a bit slow) It set a new target speed of 155KTS. So I should follow through with throttles and aim for this speed and pitch, manually?

AHHHHHH ok.

 

As a former instructor, I love seeing that moment.

 

...and now it all makes sense!

 

Glad to have helped.

As a former instructor, I love seeing that moment.

 

...and now it all makes sense!

 

Glad to have helped.

 

I'm sure there a lot of those to come.

I'm sure there a lot of those to come.

 

haha - PM me if you ever need anything.

 

 

I just set up TeamSpeak for the AVSIM TS server last night, too. Awesome resource if anyone prefers voice to typing.

Cool, I will pop in hen I get a moment.