Hello all,

Can someone please tell me how to engage the vs speed?

 

Cheers,

Jason

I don't have it (yet),
but I'm pretty sure on the autopilot panel there is a VS button (like almost every other aircraft)
After that just 'dail' the VS with rotatory knob.
If you only want it on the flight director do not engage autopilot, if you want it commanded, press the AP button as well.

Maybe this will be a good starting point for you:
http://www.smartcockpit.com/plane/SAAB/SAAB-340.html

 

 

Yup, that is the way.. although the VS is dialed with a pitch thumb wheel.

Edited April 28, 20188 yr by Bert Pieke

I think they call it a basic mode VS. You can't preload a rate. It will maintain one if there is an existing descent when engaged. If you select VS in level flight it won't do anything, until you press the VERT SYNC button on the control column, then use the pitch wheel to set a descent (I don't think you need to press vert sync in the simulator).

The problem with it- it's quite labour intensive. Alright when starting the initial descent, hard, when you have so many other things to do in the final stages of flight.

Given the HDG bug is very slow to set and the trim wheel adjusts in 50ft increments (and the difficult position of the autoflight selections)- there is little time to look out the window!

It does all work though and it's great fun to leave the STARS behind and do it all the old fashioned way.

Of course, for climb you can't use VS (not safe mode for climb). The IAS hold works fine for that- but doesn't work for descent. For some reason on descent it puts a pitch up command- not good when you have retarded the throttles! then it generally fails to control the speed. That is a fault of this product and it would make life a lot easier if they could fix it as it's much easier to do it that way when you are busy following VORS etc.

 

Thanks to Egbert for that great link!

 

Keith

 

 

 

So if I understand correctly neither the IAS or VS can be dialed in or specified, both modes can only capture and maintain the current VS/IAS?

VS cannot be pre-selected, but you can change it easily once VS is on on the autopilot. The dial is a bit small (the little wheel on the AP turn knob), that's why you have to be careful not to change heading instead. I didn't try IAS, but the plane holds velocity quite well without it.

@Keith: you can right-click on the heading knob, then it will change in steps of 10 degrees instead of 1 degree. 

Peter