Hello,What is a "realistic" way to use an Airbus with ATC?I am very good at programming the FMS for my flight. How do I use the FMS when I fly with, say, Radar Contact? I am OK at using the Autopilot in the "non-programmed" modes but doesn't that defeat the use of the FMS? I'm pretty confused right now on this issue!Thanks in advance for the "newbie" help,Ron SagelNear KCHS

Ron, it's pretty straight forward really. In most cases you should know what STAR (if any) to use before your flight. Just programme it into your flight plan and check for any discontinuties on the fltpln page. If, during flight you are assigned a STAR just do the same thing. If you are approaching your TD (TOP OF DESCENT) point ask ATC for permission to descend. Stay in LNAV and the aircraft will take to a point in the STAR where ATC will vector you toward the LOC.Dave FisherCYYZP4 2.8 GB 478P 533 MHZ CPUP4P800S Asus Motherboard768 DDRGeforce Ti 4200/128Maxtor 80 Gig ATA 133 HD x2http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/ng_driver.jpg

And if ATC gives you a waypoint outside your plan, add that into it on the fly.

Thank you for the help, I'll give it a try this weekend.Thanks again,Ron Sagel