Hi all

 

I use the 747, but as this probably applies for the other PMDG products too, I've placed in this section.

 

I fly using VNAV and LNAV, but also with RC4 and I tend to follow the instructions of RC4. This leads to a descent way before the T/D and leaves the CRZ mode enabled till I pass this T/D point, even though I'm already descending.

 

Is there anyway I can tell the FMC to go to DES mode?

 

Thanks

DESC NOW on the DESC page (VNAV button, then press the NEXT PAGE until you see it)

www.precisionmanuals.com - check the downloads page, and try the Type Rating Courses. The FMC chapter of the 744 manuals also addresses every feature you'd need to know about.

 

For what it's worth RC4 is pretty terrible when it comes to giving you realistic climbs/descents.

Ok thanks will try it later!

 

Is there perhaps a better alternative to RC for Fs9? (not up to date with the evolutions anymore since I didn't play for a while)

Is there perhaps a better alternative to RC for Fs9?

 

Not really. The only real jump in realism you're going to get it with something like VATSIM or IVAO with a real person.

Faster way to do this in any of the modern Boeings - roll the MCP altitude down to whatever ATC cleared you to and press the altitude knob. (or the ALT INTV button on the 737) Does the same thing as DES NOW but you don't have to go heads-down in the FMC to do it. If they need a higher descent rate than 1000 FPM (which is what the plane will command until intercepting the normal path) then I'd just go to FLCH (LVL CHG in the 737).

With RC 4 you can ask for PD once it get to the point of announcing new alittudes just ask for it, it won't always accept but if you insist a bit you usually got it and then you can stay at your current altitude until you reach the planned PD.

 

I don't really know how ATC usually work in real life as I guess they cannot really know themselves either where is the TOD for any aircraft even with a same aircraft I think with a different load things will change from one to another.

I tried everything. Des now or pressing the altitude knob, but nothing works. I guess something has a wrong setting in the fmc, I'll read the manual again and will keep you posted.

 

Thanks for the help!

Sorry for the off topic Peter, but are you the Dutch?

If you are within 50nm of the T/D point it should go into the DES mode automatically at a reduced rate until capturing the idle vnav profile. If you're more than 50nm from the T/D point it starts a cruise descent and recalculates the new T/D point from that level. (At least this is how it works on the 777 in real life). We're not really worried if we go into the descent phase or not as we start down - we know it will come and it has no real implication on the planning of the descent other than we burn a bit more fuel by starting down early.