FMC landing

[EHM-1001 Robert]

Today I tried out a fully FMC controlled flight. It was strange, that during climb, although FMC controlled everything, but I could override the maximal climb level, simply with the autopilot altitude knob. Situation was same when landing. I entered arrival runway, speed, everything, but FMC setted up the descend rate, as I modified the altitude with the autopilot altitude knob. When I setted the altitude of the runway, FMC tried to push me into the ground, miles before the runway :[

So, do you know how to land with FMC? Or at final approach should I engage "normal" autopilot and setup APP HOLD mode

[EHM-1281 Cyriel]

The way I do it.

1) I never bother to let the FMC do the climb. I suceeded a few times in getting it done fully automatic but mostly somewhere in the middle it wil tell me  "unable next alt". You do need to engage VNAV for automatic climb!

2) Descent goes pretty well with the FMC. You need to put in the glide scope interception altitude in your MCP way before starting your descent. When you approach the airport you need to engage APP and both cmdA and B. ALso make sure both your com radios are tuned to teh ILS freq. If all is well it will make a beautifull landing including the flair up of the nose.

Hope this helps. There is also a tutorial flight available for the PMDG FMC.

[EHM-1001 Robert]

Thanks Cyriel, I will try it next time It was strange to me that I could asjust the altitude, and during descent also the maximum speed...I thought it will all be controlled by the FMC.

What is the CMD B button is for ?

[EHM-1281 Cyriel]

CMD B is the backup autopilot. However for a fully automatic catIII ILS landing you need two autopilots. One for vertical and one for lateral navigation as I recall.

For the FMC to do its work you need LNAV for lateral steering ( left right) and VNAV for verticla navigation (up down). LIke I said I'm always struggeling with the VNAV.