Start of descent to Sochi, URSS, went alright initially. But aircraft didn't observe speed constraints. At the first altitude constraint at 5000ft she was whizzing along at 330 knots!

 

I couldn't find a way of getting control of the speed. I tried AutoFlight off, with throttles at idle in the quadrant. Then I tried 250 knots on speed knob and pulled this. No use. Then I turned off the AP and got warnings as expected. None of these gave me control and I had to go to full manual to land the plane rather bumpily...

 

I couldn't find a way of controlling the plane using the autopilot to effect heading and speed changes.

Maybe I missed something obvious,

 

I be glad of advice. Thanks.

YES  you are doing it wrong My Friend , and i am only saying this on the assumption  that you are new with the MD-11 Correct ??

 

As far as Altitude goes you need to set it Before you hit your TOP  example you are at FL330  and now U want to descend to your APP airport  put the Altitude that you want the Aircraft when capturing the Glide slop  Like 4000FT and then hit PROFI the Aircraft will do its JOB .

 

 s far as Speed goes  yes it is always a good Idea to Manually check your speeds on the FMC to make sure that match what is on your charts   if the charts says you have to be at or below 7000ft   then you definitely know that 280 speed is to much   so i would put in my FMC  200/ and all the waypoints will adjust to the new speed ( but it is not 100% ) so it is wise to take another fast look and see do they make since 

 

Not Flying online ----   off line it is the same proceeder  the only difference is when ATC online askes you to descend you do it manually the Aircraft will still do its job  

 

 

if you are Descending because ATC on Line has asked you to do so and you did not have time to adjust speeds and Altitude by the FMC   DONT hit PROFI again until

 u adjust every thing on FMC  other wise the Aircraft will only go back to what you have in the FMC

 

 

I hop this has Helped   the MD-11 is the best    and it is very very  obedient and loyal  the best Aircraft i have ever had 

 

Firas

Thanks, Firas.  I've taken on board most of your advice.  I somehow managed to do a duplicate posting so others have pitched in their advice too. 

 

Hopefully my next descent will be less 'sporting'.....

 

Best regards

 

John