Descend

[RC36 1]

Hey Dave

im a bit confused with the descend

my flight plan in my FMC is the same like the one from pilot2ATC,I created the FP with simbrief then on P2ATC I just do the AutoPlan.

then when that it’s done I Export tothe fmc but when is time to descend the TOP on FMC is different from the one on p2atc.

so am I supposed to descend according to what it says on the FMC or when the ATC tells me to descend?

 

Ricky 

[Andydigital 93]

You likely haven't made any adjustments to your cruise speed and rate of descent in Pilot2ATC, during planning look at the top of the page there is an option to set your rate of climb, cruise speed and rate of descent. In the Boeing 737 and Airbus A3XX I use 2500ft for climb rate, 450kn for cruise and 1800ft for descent and that usually tallys quite well with the FMC or FMS. Pilot2ATC usually tells me to descend about 10 to 15 miles before the FMC does, which is fine. Try playing with the rate of descent if it's still not close enough for you. A small adjustment between 1750 and 1850 feet per minute will likely get it close.

[RC36 1]

3 hours ago, Andydigital said:

You likely haven't made any adjustments to your cruise speed and rate of descent in Pilot2ATC, during planning look at the top of the page there is an option to set your rate of climb, cruise speed and rate of descent. In the Boeing 737 and Airbus A3XX I use 2500ft for climb rate, 450kn for cruise and 1800ft for descent and that usually tallys quite well with the FMC or FMS. Pilot2ATC usually tells me to descend about 10 to 15 miles before the FMC does, which is fine. Try playing with the rate of descent if it's still not close enough for you. A small adjustment between 1750 and 1850 feet per minute will likely get it close.

Ok thanks,but when it’s time to descend do you use VNAV or when the ATC tells you to?

Even in real life do pilots descend when the ATC instructs them to or is it when they  reach TOD using VNAV?

 

 

Edited February 11, 2020 by RC36

[Andydigital 93]

If the FMC wants you to descend before ATC asks you to then you can "request an enroute descent". You shouldn't change altitude when flying IFR without being told or asking first, unless its for an emergency of course. Even during VFR under flight following you would let ATC know what you are doing in real life.

 

Edited February 11, 2020 by Andydigital