I searched for an answer (and didn't find one) and I'm probably overlooking something obvious, but I cannot find a way to increase my airspeed for take-off.  I have not pushed the Auto Flight button, but the speed on the PFD shows 178, in maroon, and pushing the FMS SPD button, or the button to change the airspeed, has no effect.  All the other numbers with respect to heading and altitude are white and can be changed by right or left-clicking on those buttons.

The problem here, of course, is it takes a LONG time to get the MD-11 up to Rotate speed at 178 kts and the runway is disappearing quickly!  (It must give people in those cars and trucks running along the roadway at the end of the runway some nervous moments.)...Anyway, can someone tell me how, if the aircraft systems will allow it, to increase my take-off speed to something above 200 kts?...You can tell, I'm still learning to fly this beautiful aircraft...Thanks in advance for any help...

Lee

 

 

I have not pushed the Auto Flight button

 

If you press the AUTOFLIGHT button before takeoff, you will arm the autothrust system. Push the thrust levers forward above 65% N1 and the ATS will set takeoff thrust.

 

 

 

or the button to change the airspeed

 

Airspeed is not controlled by the ATS on the ground. The ATS will only set takeoff thrust during the roll.

 

The problem here, of course, is it takes a LONG time to get the MD-11 up to Rotate speed at 178 kts and the runway is disappearing quickly!

 

You either haven't set takeoff thrust or you are taking off on a small runway.

The FMC will calculate takoff speeds and power settings according to weight, temp, runway length, winds, QNH etc if programmed correctly. Then using proper flaps settings and engine control (Autoflight) as stated for take off shouldn't be a problem. 178knts seem a little high but high Vr's  wouldn't be too unusual for a heavy TOW! or High Altitude runways

If I remember correctly the max airspeed for tires for the A321 (should be the same for the 744; not sure about md11 tires) have a max certified speed of 220mph which are 191kts. More than sufficient for normal operations.

 

Just wondering why you want to increase your takeoff speed? Just use the fmc calculated values (read and do the tutorial flight), set correct amount of flaps, arm the spoiler and push auto button. If you don't hear a warning sound, all is working correctly.

Sounds like he needs to start of with something more basic like the default Cessna, no disrespect to the op, but it would make learning a complex jet much easier. After that jump into the MD11 follow the tutorial and then study the manuals.

 

Don't do a marathon when you are learning to crawl, part of the fun is the learning process.

 

 

Sounds like he needs to start of with something more basic like the default Cessna, no disrespect to the op, but it would make learning a complex jet much easier.

 

Agreed.  There are some fundamentals that are needed before being able to understand the operation of a more complex aircraft.

 

To the OP:

For what it's worth, there is a tutorial included with the aircraft.  You should start with that.  It will explain everything behind your question.  Despite all of the assertions that aircraft fly themselves nowadays, it's not going to do everything for you.  Getting the plane off of the ground is included in that.

 

Also for what it's worth, be wary of YouTube tutorials.  Too many of them are done by kids who have little idea what they're doing.

I would have to agree with Kyle and Rob on this one. I don't think I've ever seen a takeoff speed of 200 kts even on a loaded 747 (which is bigger than the MD-11). Even fully loaded (which doesn't happen that often), I've seen typical rotation speeds in the 150 to 160 kt region, give or take a bit. One seventy eight sounds like V2 so you should be just starting to lift off at that speed, meaning you have already rotated to something close to 12 degrees BA or so. Remember, when you start rotation at Vr, things don't happen instantly like they do with a light aircraft. That's a lot of mass you are trying to change the direction of. That's not going to happen on a dime (think of how long it takes to stop a transport truck vs. a sports car). At the very least, have a good read of the first tutorial, then fly it a few times, then move on to the second one and do the same. These are complex machines that behave in a more realistic manner than do more "lightweight" machines for FSX (in terms of how much modeling is done in the dynamics). If you are starting out on this airplane, that's maybe not the best place to start.

 

Hope that helps.

When heavy VR will be near the 180kt region so 178 doesn't sound strange with flap 11 which KLM uses and I believe Martinair is using 15.

 

If you have a joke with trottle, make sure you put the trottle in the max position otherwise you won't get the required N1 thus a very looooooooong rwy needed.

 

Hope it helps,

John

heres what u need to do Leegra

 

  disregard

 

                what the PFD shows ,,,   when you are air born hit the autoflight again and after that Adjust your speed to what you want this will do the trick for you and pull the Knob

 

Not if this is the only thing you want to do ..  if you are having problems with loading the aircraft and other stuff and confused then please do the tutorial as many times as you need

 

and dont forget every thing comes with practice  and searching and reading

 

happy Landings

Many thanks for all the great advice...I had already finished the Basic Tutorial and am well into the Advanced.  I expected the take-off speed to be higher than it was, and understand now why and how that speed was determined. The tutorials are excellent teaching tools, and as I get more familiar with the MD-11's systems and procedures, the more I respect and enjoy the airplane...That seems to be unanimous among the contributors here...Thanks again...

Lee

 

 

The tutorial tells you to use a flex temp of 58, this is fine for a long runway, if you are taking off from a short runway I have been told to not enter a flex temp.  This will get you to your rotation speed quicker.

The tutorial tells you to use a flex temp of 58, this is fine for a long runway, if you are taking off from a short runway I have been told to not enter a flex temp.  This will get you to your rotation speed quicker.

 

+1  or you can use 22 or 25  how ever you Like

 

 

The tutorial tells you to use a flex temp of 58, this is fine for a long runway, if you are taking off from a short runway I have been told to not enter a flex temp.

 

You can enter a flex temp on a short runway if it will not affect the stopping distance in the event of a rejected takeoff. I'm pretty sure that airlines will not allow derated takeoffs only if the runway is wet/contaminated or the aircraft does not have the greatest performance (heavy takeoff weight).

 

You can download an Exel worksheet that will provide flex temps for the GE MD-11 here: http://library.avsim.net/search.php?SearchTerm=pmdg+md-11+ge+flex&CatID=root&Go=Search

 

Or you can download TOPCAT here: http://flightsimsoft.com/ It is oayware but it will calculate flex temps, takeoff speeds, weather reports and other performance related numbers required for takeoff and landing.

The derated TakeOff Thrust settings is a consideration of security vs maintenance costs. If the runway is wet, contaminated, flushy there is a risk of engine flame out (its minimalistic but higher than if it's dry) so you'll use full thrust. Also if there are obstacles you have to fly over like in st. maarten you calculate with the risk of engine flameout. If the engine goes off, yes you can increase to full thrust on remaining engine but it could be too late then.

 

As a pilot you doesn't have to pay maintenance costs (in EDDP some pilot's switch on engine anti ice as this increases N1 and they can climb some slope's without advancing the throttles... pure lazyness which is really not good in view to maintenance costs but they doesn't care about). But you'll lose your head if you crash your aircraft just for saving some euros/dollars for this flight. Lastly if the airline sop's doesn't request full thrust, it's the decision of the responsible captain or PF (not sure about that).

Hi Lee,

 

At the very beginning I had the same problems with that A/C, after studying the manual I realised that the fmc wanted to be filled with informations ^_^ - if you do it, you'll receive the stabilizer setting. Enter this (i mostly have sth about 5.4) set the Flaps, confirm V1-2 speeds, prepare the auto pilot switch on LDG lights and go.

 

Best regards from snowy ZRH