The Flight Management Computer (FMC) provides for accurate management of
all phases of flight. Flight planning, navigation and performance can be
managed and controlled using the FMC. The FMC works in conjunction with
the Autoflight system (AFDS) to allow complete management of lateral
navigation (LNAV) and vertical navigation (VNAV). After programming the route
of flight and all performance data into the FMC, the pilot can use the AFDS
LNAV and VNAV functions exclusively to navigate the aircraft automatically
without using manually tuned VORs and minimal use of the AFDS. When the
AFDS is engaged in LNAV and/or VNAV mode, the primary instrument to control
aircraft flight path becomes the FMC.
After explaining the FMC unit we will explore the functions of the FMC by
demonstrating a flight from KDFW to KLGA. Along the way we will explain all
of the functions found on the FMC and how to properly use them. The end of
this chapter will explain how to program custom departure, arrival and
approach procedures that are used frequently to program a route of flight.
The FMC unit is called up on the panel using the FMC button located on the
main panel or by using the keyboard combination <shift><6>. The keyboard
displays conveniently over top of the EICAS screens so that it can be used
during flight without covering up essential flight instruments or the AF DS panel.
The Control Display Unit (or CDU) CRT displays all FMC data. The data screens
are controlled using the Function Keys and the Line Select Keys (LSK). When
data is displayed in the CDU, it is arranged in “lines” of data that align with the
left and right LSKs. These lines of data are referred to as “data blocks”. The
data contained next to a LSK can usually be changed using the keyboard and
LSKs. This procedure will be shown during our practice route explanation.
The Line Select Keys are arranged down the left and right sides of the CDU.
There are 6 keys on each side of the CDU. For ease of explanation these keys
are named as follows: The keys on the left s ide are referred to from top to
bottom as “1L” through “6L”, the keys on the right side are referred to from
top to bottom as “1R” through “6R”. For example, if a reference is made to
the “3R” LSK, this means the third button from the top down the right side.
Manual entry of data into the FMC is done using the Data Entry Keys. Keypad
entries are displayed in the Scratch Pad. If a mistake is made, pressing the
“CLR” key will clear out each digit individually. Alternatively, pressing the
“blank” key to the right of the “Z” key can clear an entire line of data.
Information in the Scratch Pad can be transferred into a CDU data block by
pressing the adjacent LSK. If the data is in the correct format, it is transferred
into the CDU when the LSK abeam the data block is pressed. T his procedure
will be shown during our practice route explanation. The Scratch Pad is also
used by the FMC to display special messages.
There is a hidden mouse click area on the CDU CRT screen abeam the 1L LSK.
It is highlighted in the picture at right. Pressing this mouse area displays a
“KA” as shown in the upper left corner of the CRT. “KA” stands for “keyboard
assist”. When displayed, anything you type on your
computers keyboard will be entered into the FMC
scratchpad. This eliminates the need to press the Data
Entry Keys using mouse clicks. Please note that when
the KA feature is being used, all keyboard assignments
for panel functions are temporarily deactivated. To
restore keyboard assignments to the panel functions,
deactivate the KA feature by clicking the hidden mouse
click area so that “KA” is no longer disp layed on the CRT.
The Function Keys are used to display data screens and access functions that
are used most often by the pilot during flight. When a function key is pressed,
the CDU displays the data for that function which can then be managed by the
pilot. Each screen will be described during our practice route explanation.
Here is a quick summary of the operable function keys (note the ATC, FMC
COMM, and FIX buttons are not functioning at this time):
INIT REF: Initialization and Reference page. When pressed, displays
performance and/or reference pages. The page displayed when this key is
pressed is dependent on the current phase of flight. All INIT REF pages have
an “< INDEX” prompt next to the 6L LSK. Pressing the 6L LSK displays the INIT
REF index page. From this index page, selection of all INIT REF pages is
possible.
RTE: Route page. When pressed, displays the ROUTE page. This page is used
to enter all route information. This page permits entry of all waypoints for
your route as well as Jet and Victor airways that are converted by the FMC into
waypoints.
DEP ARR: Departure and Arrival pages. When pressed, displays the departure
and arrival procedure pages. From this page you can select SIDs, STARs, and
approach procedures for the departure and destination airport. If the database
has the information for that airport, you can select the desired procedure that
is then entered into the route in the proper sequence.
VNAV: Vertical navigation pages. When pressed, displays the pages required
for proper VNAV operation. From these pages, automatic control of aircraft
speed and altitude is possible.
LEGS: Legs pages. When pressed, displays the LEGS page that lists all
waypoints in the current route. This page is used to make route modifications.
The route created by the waypoints listed in the LEGS page is followed by LNAV
when properly engaged on the AFDS. All LEGS are lis ted on the EHSI and are
connected using a pink course line. The pink course line is the track followed
during AFDS LNAV mode operation.
HOLD: Hold page. When pressed, displays the HOLD function or the HOLD
pages. This feature allows the pilot to create a holding pattern at any
waypoint listed in the active LEGS page.
PROG: Progress pages. When pressed, displays the PROGRESS pages that list
data related to the progress of the flight.
EXEC: Execute key. This key lights up any time there has been a modification
to FMC data that requires “execution” to become active. Prior to pressing the
EXEC key, the FMC modifications are not activated and the FMC continues to
use the old data. Once EXEC is pressed, the FMC modifications become active
and the FMC uses the freshly input data.
MENU
used when saving FMC LEGS data.
NAV RAD: Navigation Radio page. When pressed, displays information about
the currently tuned navigation radios.
PREV/NEXT PAGE
upper right corner of most CDU screens there is a page counter (x/ x). If there
is more than one page of data available, the other pages can be viewed using
these keys. For example, if “1/3” is displayed in the upper right corner of the
CDU, this means that page 1 of 3 pages available is currently displayed. Press
the NEXT PAGE button to view pages 2 and 3.
The next section explains how to use all of these functions and function keys in
the programming and operation of the FMC.
: Menu key. When pressed, displays a MENU screen that has a prompt
: When pressed, cycles through pages on the CDU. In the
Now that you are familiar with the FMC layout and controls w e can discuss how
to program the FMC for flight. For our discussion we will demonstrate a flight
from KDFW (Dallas/Fort Worth, TX) to KLGA (LaGuardia, NY). Every function
required to operate the FMC is touched upon in this discussion. After reading
through this section you should have a good understanding of how the FMC
operates. It is important that you have reviewed and understand how the
other components of the 767 panel operate prior to learning the FMC.
Especially important is an understanding of the AFDS , EFIS and IRS systems,
since these are all required for proper operation of the FMC.
Lets get started. When you initially load the 767
panel, the FMC unit is not displayed. To display
the FMC CDU, use the keyboard combination
<shift><6> or press the FMC button on the main
panel. The MENU screen shown at right is
displayed when the FMC is initially loaded. Notice
the “< FMC” prompt next to the 1L Line Select Key
(LSK). Pressing the 1L LSK activates the FMC.
The first page listed after the FMC is activated is
the IDENT page. The IDENT page lists information
about the software loaded into the FMC. In the
real aircraft, the accuracy of information displayed
on this page is extremely important because
incorrectly loaded FMC data can adversely affect
the operation of the FMC and the accuracy of its
data. In our sim this page is nothing more than a
starting point.
The yellow boxes highlight two features used for the preflight setup of the
FMC. The “<INDEX” prompt abeam the 6 L LSK indicates that pressing the 6L
LSK displays another screen. In this case, pressing
the 6L LSK displays the INIT/REF INDEX page. This
index permits the selection of all INIT/REF pages
available in the FMC. Some of the pages listed in
this index require data input for proper preflight of
the FMC. It is not necessary to access each page
from this index because of a feature we call the
“Preflight Status” feature.
The “Preflight Status” feature takes the pilot step by step through the pages
required to preflight the FMC. We already said that to properly preflight the
FMC you must visit some of the pages listed in the INIT/REF index. Notice that
we have highlighted the “POS INIT>” prompt at the 6R LSK on the IDENT page
(pictured above). Pressing the 6R LSK displays the POS INIT page. This is the
first page in the preflight sequence that requires some data entry. On the POS
INIT page, the prompt in the data block abeam the 6R LSK is now labeled
“ROUTE>”. Pressing the 6R LSK this time displays the ROUTE page (the second
page that requires data entry). After filling in the ROUTE data, the prompt at
the 6R LSK changes to “PERF INIT>” and so on.
Continue to fill in data for each page displayed and proceed to subsequent
preflight pages by pressing the 6R LSK. The last page of the preflight sequence
shows the status of the preflight at the 6R LSK position as either COMPLETED or
INCOMPLETE. If the prompt says COMPLETED, this means all required
information has been entered for proper operation of the FMC. If the prompt
says INCOMPLETE, this means some required data is missing from one of the
pre-flight pages. To go back and review all preflight pages in sequence, press
the <INDEX prompt (6L LSK) and then select the IDENT page using the 1L LSK.
Starting with the IDENT page, cycle through the preflight pages using the 6R
LSK until you find a page with missing data. Then continue through each page
as before until the word “COMPLETED” is displayed at the 6R LSK position.
The concept explained above will become clear as we explain the pre-flight
programming of the FMC. Remember that when starting at the IDENT page of
the FMC, there is always a prompt displayed at the 6R LSK position that will
lead you through the preflight of the FMC. Continue entering data on each
page until “COMPLETED” is seen at the 6R LSK position. Now lets dis cuss the
preflight pages and the data entry required to correctly preflight the FMC.
POS INIT Page
The first page in the preflight sequence after the IDENT page is the Position
Initialization page (or POS INIT page). This page is selected from the IDENT
page by pressing the 6R LSK labeled POS INIT. It can also be selected from the
INIT/REF INDEX page (6L LSK) via the “<POS” prompt at the 2L LSK.
The POS INIT page has two primary purposes. First, it is used to enter the
current aircraft latitude/longitude position into the FMC during IRS
initialization. Second, it is used to verify FMC and IRS positions while on the
ground or in flight. The FMC determines aircraft position differently while in
the air. For this reason it is important to understand how the FMC determines
aircraft position while on the ground versus while in the air.
When on the ground, the FMC uses the average of the three IRU positions to
determine exact aircraft location. Therefore, while on the ground the FMC
position will be exactly the same as the IRS positions. If the IRS positions have
been entered incorrectly, the FMC displays the aircraft position incorrectly on
the EHSI. This situation is referred to as a “Map Shift”. This means that the
EHSI map is not displaying your aircraft in its proper position. A map shift can
occur while airborne as well. This concept is explained further below.
Once airborne, the FMC automatically receives a “radio update” of its exact
position using automatically tuned VOR stations. Remember from the
explanation of the NAV1 radio that it has an AUTO and a MAN position. When
the NAV1 receiver is in the AUTO position, the VOR frequency is under the
control of the FMC. The FMC automatically tunes to nearby VORs to find a
suitable signal to crosscheck its position. Once this crosscheck is
accomplished, the FMC establishes a “radio pos ition” that is us ed instead of the
IRS position. The radio position established by the FMC is generally more
accurate than the IRS position because the IRS position is subject to “drift”
(explained in the IRS section of the manual).
As long as the NAV1 receiver remains in the AUTO position and a suitable radio
signal is received, the FMC continues to use this radio position. If the NAV1
receiver is placed in MAN, or no suitable radio signal has been received for
more than 12 minutes, the FMC generates an “IRS NAV ONLY” message in the
scratchpad. This indicates that the FMC is no longer using its radio position and
is now using the average of the three IRS positions. As discussed previously,
the IRS position is subject to drift and the pilot may experience a map shift.
Placing the NAV1 receiver back to AUTO causes the FMC to re-calculate and use
the radio position in lieu of the IRS position (provided an adequate VOR signal is
received).
With this understanding of how the FMC determines aircraft position during the
different phases of flight, we can now explain how to use the POS INIT pages
operationally.
If the IRS is already aligned when you load the panel, the FMC requires no
additional setup and its position is already determined from current IRS
positions. The important concept to remember here is that the FMC position is
the same as the average of the three IRU positions when the aircraft is on the
ground. The lat/long listed at the 1R LSK (LAST POS) is the current FMC
position when the IRS is fully aligned. If this is the case, you may continue to
the ROUTE page by pressing the 6R LSK.
In the picture at right you see a scratchpad
message “ENTER IRS POSITION” along with boxes
abeam the 5R LSK labeled “SET IRS POS”. This is
displayed during alignment of the IRS. During the
alignment period, the current lat/long position of
the aircraft is entered into the scratch pad and
then placed into the boxes at the 5R LSK. This
position is transferred to the IRS during alignment.
After IRS alignment is completed, the FMC position and the position of all three
IRS units will be exactly the same.
The following examples demonstrate how to enter coordinates into the FMC
during IRS alignment. These examples as sume you understand how to align the
IRS as explained in the IRS section.
Starting with the IRS selectors in the OFF position, place all three knobs to the
NAV position. Notice that the POS INIT page looks exactly like it does in the
picture above. Clear out the ENTER IRS POSITION message in the scratchpad by
pressing the CLR key on the FMC k eyboard. Now we must enter the aircraft
lat/long position into the scratchpad. There are 4 methods to find the
coordinates for your current aircraft position. First we will discuss how to find
the current aircraft position coordinates. Then we will discuss how to use
these coordinates to set the IRS position.
The first method to find your current position is a general method that uses
departure airport coordinates. The 2L LSK has a data block listed as REF
AIRPORT. This block initially contains “----“ to indicate it is waiting for data
input. Notice in the picture at right we have
entered “KDFW” into the data block. You do this by
entering “KDFW” into the scratchpad using the FMC
keyboard and then pressing the 2L LSK to transfer it
into the data block. After entry, lat/long
coordinates are listed abeam the 2R LSK. These
coordinates represent the airport coordinates for
KDFW. These coordinates can be used to set the IRS
position to the general vicinity of the aircraft
(explained later).
The second method to find your current position is to simply use the LAST POS
listed on the POS INIT page at the 1R LSK. Most of the time the LAST POS will
be the current aircraft position. If you are sure that this is the case, you can
use these coordinates to set the IRS position (explained later).
The third method to find your current position involves using sim charts. If you
have sim charts from a third party that list “gate coordinates” for the airport
you are departing, you can use these gate coordinates to initialize the IRS
position. If you know the exact gate that the aircraft is sitting at, these
coordinates (if listed on the chart) may be used. If you do not know your exact
gate, any coordinates listed on the chart is sufficient to position the IRS and
FMC close to the current aircraft position.
The forth method to find your current position is to use the FS2000 <shift><z>
feature. Pressing <shift><z> displays current lat/long position across the top of
the screen. You will have to move the overhead display down a bit to reveal
the following information (this is an example of what you find):
This gives you the exact position of the aircraft according to the sim. It is
important that you enter the coordinates into the FMC in the correct format.
Notice the format of the lat/long listed in the REF AIRPORT data block in the
previous pictures (abeam 2R LSK). You need to use this exact format for
entering the coordinates manually. In our example above, we would translate
the FS2000 coordinates to “N3254.9W09701.8” and enter this into the
scratchpad. Notice that the “N” coordinate was rounded off and that the “W”
coordinate needed to be rounded and interpreted. This is necessary because
FS2000 does not list lat/long in the same format as the FMC. To convert the
FS2000 coordinates we did the following:
- The “ * “ represents degrees and is dropped from both N and W
coordinates.
- The “N” coordinate is rounded off to give you N3254.9
- The “W” coordinate “97*” translates to “097”
- The “W” coordinate “1.79” translates to 01.8 and is combined with
the 097 to give you the W09701.8 coordinate.
This last method is the most accurate but perhaps the most difficult and
confusing. We recommend this method only to those pilots that are
comfortable with lat/long formats.
Any of the four methods discussed above are acceptable for finding coordinates
that represent current aircraft position. Once the desired coordinates are
found, enter them into the FMC and the SET IRS POS boxes. Entry of the
coordinates into the FMC is basically the same for all 4 methods. The general
idea is to place the coordinates into the scratchpad and then transfer them
into the SET IRS POS boxes. The only variable here is the method used to put
the coordinates into the scratchpad. This will be made clear below.
If using methods 3 or 4 to enter coordinates manually, simply use the FMC
keyboard to enter the coordinates into the scratchpad. Once this is
accomplished, press the 5R LSK to transfer the coordinates to the SET IRS POS
boxes. This action clears the scratchpad contents and transfers the
coordinates to the 5R LSK data block. After IRS alignment is complete, the SET
IRS POS block disappears and the coordinates entered will be listed in the LAST
POS data block abeam the 1R LSK.
If using methods 1 or 2 to enter coordinates, it is not necessary to enter them
using the FMC keyboard.
To use the REF AIRPORT coordinates to
initialize the IRS do the following. Press on the
2R LSK to transfer the coordinates listed in the
data block into the scratchpad (shown at right).
Once the coordinates are in the scratchpad,
place the data into the SET IRS POS blocks at 5 R
by pressing the 5R LSK.
To use the LAST POS coordinates to initialize
the IRS, use the same procedure shown above.
Except this time press the 1R LSK to transfer
the LAST POS coordinates to the scratchpad.
Regardless of which method is used to enter
coordinates to the scratchpad, the procedure to
enter these coordinates to the SET IRS POS data
block is the same. Pressing the 5R LSK transfers
the coordinates in the scratchpad to the 5R
data block. Upon pressing the 5R LSK, the data
blocks change to display the coordinates
previously held in the scratchpad. These
coordinates are then transferred to the IRS as
the current aircraft position.
Once the IRS is fully aligned, the SET IRS POS
data blocks disappear and the coordinates
entered are displayed in the LAST POS data block. This is now the current FM C
position. This is also the current position of the three IRS units.
With the position initialization completed, leave the POS INIT page and proceed
to the next page in the preflight sequence. The ROUTE page is next as
indicated by the prompt at the 6R LSK. Pressing the 6R LSK displays the ROUTE
page.
There are a few important things to note when initializing your position on the
ground. Many times you will find that the EHSI map does not line up exactly
with the actual aircraft position (i.e. map shift). For example, when lining up
on the runway and seeing that the runway symbol on the EHSI map is not
positioned properly. This is not a problem, and can be completely normal, if
you did not use the exact aircraft position for IRS initialization. This can also
occur if the IRS units are drifting significantly on the ground. In either case, it
is important to note that your aircraft is at least “close” to the correct position
on the map. Also, during IRS initialization if you try to enter IRS coordinates
that are sufficiently different from the FMC LAST POS, the FMC generates a
position error message in the scratchpad. Double check the coordinates and
try entering them again. The FMC accepts whatever coordinates you enter on
the second attempt.
Once you are airborne, the FMC receives a radio update of its exact pos ition.
The EHSI map also shifts to reflect the updated aircraft position. Prior to
departure, if you find that the IRS positions are just too far off from the actual
aircraft position (i.e. runway more than a few miles away from current
position), accomplish a quick align of the IRS using the simulators exact
position (found by hitting <shift><z >). The quick align procedure is explained
in the IRS section of the manual. It is important to start with an accurate IRS
position since the IRS cannot be updated in the air, and if your FMC reverts to
IRS NAV ONLY, you could get a potentially large map shift.
The “1/3” in the upper right hand corner of the POS INIT page indicates that
there are a few more pages available for viewing. These pages do not require
data entry and are for reference only. They can be viewed in flight to verify
FMC position more accurately.
Page 2/3 contains exact position information that the
FMC is currently receiving. The 1L data block contains
the current FMC position and displays how that position
was determined. Notice the “(RADIO)” displayed above
the coordinates. This indicates that the FMC is using
the currently calculated RADIO position (as determined
by cross-checking the automatically tuned VORs). The
4L data block displays this same RADIO position
information. These coordinates have been calculated
using the TTT and CVE VOR/DME radials (shown in the 5R data block).
Also listed on page 2/3 is the currently calculated IRS position. The 2L data
block contains the IRS position as calculated by the average of the three IRS
units. The “IRS (3)” in the 2L data block indicates that the position listed is
based on the average of the three IRS positions. If the IRS pos ition were based
on less than 3 units, this information would be displayed here. If the FMC
reverts to IRS NAV ONLY, a radio position will not be displayed at the 4L data
block. If this is the case, the FMC POS data block
annunciates that it is using the IRS position.
Page 3/3 contains 2 pages of data listing exact IRS
positions. The first page shows the current lat/long
position as well as ground speed for all three IRS units.
Pressing the 6R LSK displays the BRG/DIST page.
This page shows, in bearing and distance, the
difference between the presently calculated FMC
position and the position calculated by each of
the IRS units. From this page you can identify if
the IRS units are drifting and how much drift has
occurred. Pressing the 6R LSK returns the display
to the LAT/LONG format.
ROUTE Page
The ROUTE page can be accessed at any time by pressing the RTE function key
on the FMC keyboard. The ROUTE page is used to program the departure
airport, departure runway, arrival airport, and route of flight data. The route
of flight data consists of “waypoints” that the FMC uses to navigate. A
waypoint can be a VOR, an intersection, lat/long coordinates, or a custom
made point defined by VOR radials. Custom waypoints are discussed in the
LEGS page section.
The FMC is capable of accepting two routes into
memory: RTE 1 and RTE 2. Only one route is
“active” (or in use) at any given time, with the
other route remaining inactive in the FMC
memory. Notice that on the top of the ROUTE
page it says “RTE 1”. This indicates that these
pages are for entry of ROUTE 1. At the bottom of
the screen at the 6L LSK is a prompt labeled
“<RTE 2”. Pressing the 6L LSK accesses the
ROUTE 2 pages for entry of a second route.
Entry of a second route into RTE 2 is optional. One of the us es for RTE 2
includes the programming of an alternate route. This is helpful when planning
a diversion routing if arrival at your original destination is not possible. It can
also be used for saving the active route prior to executing a change (described
later). Our example utilizes RTE 1 for all programming explanations. Keep in
mind that programming a route into RTE2 follows the exact same procedure as
programming a route into the RTE1 pages.
The first ROUTE page has data boxes for the insertion of the origin (1 L LSK) and
destination (1R LSK) airports. Also located on this page are data blocks to
enter the departure runway (2L LSK), flight number (2R LSK), and the company
route name (3R LSK). The company route name is used to load a preprogrammed route into the FMC (explained below). The “ACTIVATE>” prompt
at the 6R LSK is used to “activate” the prog rammed route. It is always
displayed at the 6R LSK prior to activation of the displayed route. O nly one
route can be activated at any one time. Activation of a route is accomplished
after programming the route and is explained later in this section. The
“<PRINT” prompt at the 5L LSK is for future use and does not work at this time.
There are two ways of entering a route into the FMC; by manually programming
the route using the FMC ROUTE page, or by recalling a previously saved route
created by the FMC or other flight planning software. Lets begin our discussion
of FMC route programming by talking about importing a flight plan from a flight
planner. We will discuss how to manually program the route using the ROUTE
page of the FMC in just a moment.
Loading Pre-programmed Route Data
The CO ROUTE data block at the 3R LSK is used to load pre-programmed flight
data into the FMC. The easiest planner to use is the FS2000 flight planner.
After creating a flight plan using the flight planner, save it using a 10-character
or less unique file name that contains no spaces or special characters. For
example, a flight plan created for a KLGA to KORD flight can be saved as
“KLGAKORD01” for easy recall. The use of numbers in the flight plan name
permits creating multiple flight plans since you can call subsequent routings
“02”, “03”, “04” and so on. After saving the FS2000 flight plan, enter the file
name into the FMC scratchpad and press the 3R LSK to enter the name. Please
note that it is not necessary to enter the file name extension (i.e. *.pln) since
the FMC automatically handles this for you.
Once you have placed the file name into the CO ROUTE data block, the FMC
searches the “FS2000\PILOTS” folder for flight plans that have the *.pln
extension. If the FMC finds a suitable flight plan, it automatically loads all
route data into the ROUTE page. You can view the imported flight plan by
looking at each of the route pages using the NEXT/PREV PAGE keys. Refer to
the next section called “Activating a route” to find out how to activate the
loaded route and how to continue loading FMC data.
The following example demonstrates how to load an FS2000 flight plan into the
FMC. The first step is to create a flight plan using the FS2000 flight planner.
Staying with our example flight, create a flight from KDFW to KLGA and save it
as “KDFWKLGA01”. Make sure that your flight plan is saved to the
“FS2000\PILOTS” folder. This is where the FMC looks for stored flight plans.
Next, return to the FMC and press the RTE key
on the FMC keyboard. This action displays the
RTE page. Type “KDFWKLGA01” into the
scratchpad using the FMC keyboard. Now press
the 3R LSK to transfer the flight plan name to
the CO ROUTE data block. This action causes
the FMC to search the FS2000/PILOTS folder for
a saved flight plan of the same name. If a
properly formatted flight plan is found, the FMC loads all the data into the
ROUTE pages automatically. This includes the origin, destination, departure
runway, and all waypoints in the route.
Cycling through the route pages using the NEXT/PREV PAGE keys on the FMC
keyboard reveals all of the loaded waypoints for the route of flight.
There are now 6 pages of route data loaded into the FMC. Pages 2 through 6
display all of the loaded waypoints. Once activated, these waypoints become
the route displayed on the EHSI and are used by the FMC to navigate between
KDFW and KLGA.
You are not limited to using only the FS2000 flight planner to create flight
plans for import to the FMC. You can create and import flight plans using other
third party flight planners provided they use the FS2000 compatible flight plan
format. However, you must take the extra step of moving the flig ht plan
created by the third party software into the “FS2000\PILOTS” folder for the
FMC to find it. This step is not required if your flight planner already places
your flight plans in the “FS2000\Pilots” folder.
Manually Programming Route Data
The previous section discussed loading flig ht plan data created using a flight
planner. This section discusses how to program the ROUTE pages manually. To
successfully program a route manually you mus t have a route of flight in mind.
A route can be created using any combination of VORs, NDBs , intersections,
lat/long points, Victor airways, or Jet airways. The ROUTE page is formatted
to accept this data and creates waypoints using the programmed information.
As we previously learned, the FMC can store two routes in memory. We will be
working with RTE1 for explanation purposes. When the FMC is initially loaded,
there are two ROUTE pages available for RTE1. Page one is programmed with
the departure airport, departure runway, and arrival airport. Page two is used
to begin manually programming the route.
Pressing the RTE key on the FMC keyboard
displays page one of the ROUTE page.
Pressing the NEXT PAGE key displays the page
shown at right. This page is used to program
the route of flight. There are two columns on
this page for the entry of route data. The
dashed lines in the data boxes abeam the 1L
and 1R LSKs indicated where route data can
be entered.
Manual route programming always begins with the RIGHT column labeled “TO”.
The RIGHT column is used to program individual waypoints. A waypoint is
basically a point in the route. Valid waypoints are created from VORs, VOR
intersections, NDBs, or latitude/longitude entries. For example, entering
“TTT” into the scratchpad and pressing the 1R
LSK makes the TTT VOR the first waypoint in
the route. The dashed line now moves down to
the 2R LSK for entry of another waypoint.
When another waypoint is entered into the 2R
data block, the dashed lines move down to the 3R LSK data block. The FMC
continues to accept individual waypoints in this fashion. W hen the page is
filled with waypoints, the FMC automatically adds another ROUTE page that
can be accessed by pressing the NEXT PAGE key.
The LEFT column labeled “VIA” is used to program JET and VICTOR airways.
The FMC accepts airway names in the LEF T column data boxes. It then
automatically adds the waypoints that constitute that airway into the route.
For the FMC to accept an airway entry, the airway must be “anchored”. This
means you must enter the first waypoint of the airway in the right “TO”
column for the FMC to know where the airway begins. For this reason, FMC
route programming never starts with an entry in the “VIA” column, it must
always start with a waypoint entry in the “TO” column.
The name of the airway is entered into the LEFT column on the line just below
the anchoring waypoint entry. The airway must then be “closed” by entering
the last waypoint needed in the airway. If you attempt to enter an airway
without a valid “anchor” point, the FMC will generate an error messag e. The
same will happen if an invalid “closing” point is entered.
Lets look at an example of airway programming. Using TTT as a starting point,
we added some more waypoints in the “TO” column to take us to the TXK VOR.
These waypoints were added individually by entering the waypoint name in the
scratchpad and pressing the right LSK
containing the dashed line. From the TXK
VOR we want to proceed via J42 to the
MEM VOR. Both the TXK VOR and MEM VOR
are part of the J42 airway. Therefore,
TXK becomes our “anchor” waypoint.
Type “J42” into the scratchpad and press
the left LSK with the dashed lines (the 5L
LSK in our example).
As soon as an airway entry is made in the
“VIA” column, the “TO” column
automatically displays data entry boxes on
the same line. This indicates that a
waypoint entry is mandatory for the FMC
to accept the airway in the route. Without a “closing” w aypoint entry, the
FMC would not know where to stop adding waypoints from the requested
airway. To close the airway entry, ty pe “MEM” into the scratchpad and press
the LSK abeam the data boxes (the 5R LSK in our example).
The results of our programming are shown
at right. The route of flight can be read
off exactly as the FMC will draw it. The
route starts at the TTT VOR and goes
direct to each of the next 3 waypoints.
Then after the TXK VOR, the FMC adds to
the route all waypoints from J42 up
through the MEM VOR.
The waypoints and airways programmed on the route page can be viewed on
the LEGS page. The LEGS page lists all waypoints that make up the
programmed route, including those from J42. How to access and use the LEGS
page is described later in this chapter.
Advanced FMC Route Programming
Based on the teachings of the previous section, you should have no problem
getting a route programmed into the FMC. However, there are some advanced
features of the FMC that can make manually programming the FMC easier. This
next example demonstrates these advanced features and also takes you
through every step required to properly program the route page manually.
The route programmed in this example is used for the explanation of FMC
functions in the next section. Therefore, it is important to run through this
example to have the FMC properly setup for future learning. Some of the
information provided during this example repeats concepts already described.
This is done to reinforce the programming concepts presented earlier.
As previously stated, we shall be programming a flight from KDFW to KLGA.
This example demonstrates the use of Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs),
Jet airways, waypoints, and Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs). Our route
of flight is as follows:
KDFW.DALL6.TXK.J42.MEM.J42.GVE.MINKS1.LGA
To translate: departing the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport via the
Dallas6 departure (SID) using the Texarkana transition to the Texarkana VOR,
then via Jet 42 to the Memphis VOR, then via Jet 42 to the Gordonsville VOR,
then via the MINKS1 arrival (STAR) to the LaGuardia airport.
To begin programming, press the RTE key on the FMC keyboard to access the
ROUTE page. All data programmed from previous examples must be removed
from the ROUTE page. To do this, press the DEL key on the FMC keyboard
followed by the 1L LSK. This removes all route data stored in the FMC.
The data boxes abeam the 1L and 1R LSK indicate
that data entry is required in these areas.
Therefore, the first information entered on the
ROUTE page is the origination and destination
airports. The FMC accepts the 4-letter ICAO
identifier for each airport. To enter the origin, type
“KDFW” into the scratchpad and then press the 1L
LSK. To enter the destination, type “KLGA” into the
scratchpad and then press the 1R LSK.
The next required entry is the departure RUNWAY in the data block abeam the
2L LSK. In our example we will depart runway 17R. Therefore, type “17R” into
the scratch pad and then press the 2L LSK to enter the data. An alternate
method to select departure runway using the DEP ARR key will be explained
later.
The FLT NO data block at the 2R LSK is used to enter the optional flight
number. You can enter any combination of letters and numbers to represent
your current flight. In our example we are American flight 772, therefore we
type “AA772” into the scratchpad and press the 2R LSK to enter the data.
The CO ROUTE data block is not used when manually prog ramming a route. It
must remain blank. The RTE 1 page should look exactly as pictured above prior
to the moving on to the next step.
Programming of the actual route begins on page 2 of the ROUTE pag e. Press
the NEXT PAGE key to access page 2/2. There are two columns on page 2
labeled “VIA” and “TO”. The right “TO” column
is used to enter individual waypoints in the route.
For example, if you wanted to start out going
direct to a VOR (or other named waypoint) you
would type in the name of the point in the
scratchpad and place it in the 1R data box. The
dashed line would then move to the 2R position
where you can insert the next waypoint in the
route. You can continue programming the route
in this fashion until all waypoints have been entered. There are many different
valid entries to create waypoints. Please see the “LEGS” page discussion of
this manual for details about the valid waypoint formats.
The left “VIA” column is for the entry of Jet and Victor airways . The ROUTE
page provides for the insertion of Jet and Victor airways in place of inserting
the individual airway waypoints manually. The airway must start with a
waypoint entry in the “TO” column. This waypoint must be part of the airway
to be entered. Then to complete the airway, the last waypoint of the airway
used in the route is entered into the “TO” column. This will be explained later
in our example. Please note that the airway database was extracted from the
FS2000 database, so there may be some missing airways. This could result in
getting an error message when programming an airway. In this case, you would
have to enter all of the airway waypoints manually using the “TO” column.
Our route of flight starts with the use of a Standard Instrument Departure (SID).
To access the SID page of the FMC y ou must press the “DEP ARR” key on the
FMC keyboard. This calls up the departure/arrival index page. From the
DEP/ARR INDEX page you can access the departure and arrival procedures for
your origination and destination airports. (Note: For more information about
the SID/STAR database, review the “ Saving FMC Data” section near the end of
the FMC manual).
Notice that the index page has prompts for both RTE
1 and RTE 2. Since we are programming with RTE 1,
KDFW and KLGA are listed in the RTE 1 index. At
this point we want to select a SID for KDFW in RTE 1.
Pressing the 1L LSK “<DEP” prompt calls up the
departure page for the KDFW airport.
The KDFW departure page is shown here. You can
do two things on this page; select a SID, and/or
select a departure runway. Notice in the upper right
corner that this page is only 1 of 3 pages available.
This indicates that there are more pages of SIDs
and/or runways available. To access these pages,
use the NEXT/PREV PAGE keys on the FM C keyboard.
The available runways are listed on the right side of
the page. We previously entered runway 17R using
the ROUTE page, therefore notice the “<SEL>” prompt next to the 1 7R listing.
To change the departure runway from this page, simply press the right LSK
abeam the desired runway. For example, press the 3R LSK to select runway
17C for departure. The “<SEL>” prompt would then move up to the 17C data
block. The ROUTE page would also change to reflect the new departure
runway. Since KDFW has more than just 5 runways, selection of other runways
is possible by looking on pages 2 and 3 using the NEXT/PREV PAGE keys on the
FMC keyboard.
The available SIDs for KDFW are list ed on the left side of the departure page.
Notice that there are five available SIDs listed on page 1. More SIDs may be
available by looking on pages 2 and 3. S ince our route of flight uses the DALL6
departure, press the 1L LSK to select the SID.
Pressing the 1L LSK displays the page shown at right.
The selected SID is listed in the 1 L data block.
Below the selected SID name are the available SID
transitions. Not all SIDs have transition procedures.
If a SID has no transitions available, the word
“<NONE>” is listed in the TRANS column.
Our flight plan calls for the use of the TXK
transition. Since we do not see that transition listed
on page 1, we must use the NEXT PAGE key to look
for it on page 2. Pressing the NEXT PAGE key
displays the page shown here. Notice that we are
now on page 2/3 and that the TXK TRANS is listed
abeam the 3L LSK. To select the TXK transition
procedure simply press the 3L LSK.
Pressing the 3L LSK results in the remaining
TRANS procedures disappearing and a “<SEL>”
prompt displayed next to the selected
transition.
If a mistake is made in the selected TRANS or
even the selected SID, simply start fresh by
pressing the “<INDEX” prompt at the 6L LSK.
This redisplays the DEP/AR R INDEX page where you can start the procedure
over. If a selected departure is no longer required, or a different departure
procedure is desired, selection of a different procedure is possible at any time
by returning to the departure page and selecting a new procedure. The FMC
will automatically remove the old procedure and place the new procedure into
the route. This eliminates the need to manually remove waypoints in the route
from the old procedure prior to selecting a new one.
Now that the proper SID and SID TRANS are selected, return to the ROUTE page
by pressing the 6R LSK labeled “ROUTE>”. Pressing the 6R LSK takes us to page
one of the RTE1 pages. Upon selecting page
2/2 (using the NEXT PAGE key), we find that
the waypoints of the selected SID and SID
TRANS are now listed in the “TO” column as
shown here. This listing differs a bit from the
real FMC in that the real FMC would not list all
waypoints of the procedure, rather just the
name of the procedure and the TRANS fix.
The RTE1 listing shown above is how this page would look if the waypoints had
been programmed manually rather than added automatically by selecting a SID.
Notice that the dashed lines have moved down to the 5L and 5R LSK positions
just below the last waypoint entry. This is where the next airway or wayp oint
entry would be made. In our example, we are going to join up with J42 from
the TXK VOR. Since the TXK VOR is part of J42 it serves as the “anchor”
waypoint for the airway. The Jet airway can now be placed in the “VIA”
column. Do this by typing “J42” into the scratchpad and pressing the 5L LSK.
Notice in our picture that J42 (highlighted) is
now in the VIA column and that a group of
boxes has appeared in the TO column. These
boxes indicate that the FMC requires a waypoint
entry along J42 to complete the insertion of the
airway into the route.
Our flight plan requires that we fly along J42 until reaching the MEM VOR.
Type “MEM” into the scratchpad and press the 5R LSK to place it into the data
box. Doing so completes the airway entry as
shown here. If an attempt is made to complete
an airway entry with a waypoint that is not part
of the airway, the FMC will display an INVALID
ENTRY message in the scratchpad. If this
happens, press the CLR key to remove the error
message and then enter the correct waypoint to
complete the airway entry.
After the MEM waypoint, the flight plan requires that we continue along J42
until reaching the GVE VOR. Since we have run out of space on page 2, the
FMC automatically adds another page to the ROUTE pages. Move to page 3
using the NEXT PAGE key on the FMC keyboard. Page 3 will have the dashed
entry lines available abeam the 1L and 1R LSKs for entry of more route data.
Use the same procedure as before to enter the next airway in the route page.
Type “J42” into the scratchpad and press the 1L LSK. Then type “GVE” into
the scratchpad and press the 1R LSK. This completes the Jet route entry.
The resulting page should look exactly as shown
at right. The data entry lines have now moved
down to the 2L and 2R LSK positions awaiting
more data. If more airways (or waypoints) were
required in the route, they would be entered
here. However, our route calls for a STAR into
KLGA. So we need to return to the DEP ARR page
using the DEP ARR key on the FMC keyboard.
Press the DEP ARR key to display the DEP/ARR
INDEX page. This time select the KLGA “ARR>”
prompt at the 2R LSK to display available
arrivals. The arrival screen is set up similarly to
the departure screen. Available STARs for KLGA
are listed along the left side. Available approach
procedures and runways are listed on the right
side. Approaches and runways will be discus sed
later in this manual.
Our flight plan calls for the use of the MINKS1
arrival into KLGA. Pressing the 1L LSK selects the
MINKS1 arrival and displays available STAR
transitions. Since our flight plan uses the GVE
VOR, select the GVE TRANS by pressing the 3L
LSK. This connects our route to the STAR.
If a mistake is made in selecting a STAR or TRANS, return to the INDEX page by
pressing the 6L LSK and start again by selecting the KLGA ARR prompt. Also, if
at anytime during the flight a different STAR is required, return to the arrival
page using the DEP ARR key and make the changes. When changes are made to
the STAR, the FMC automatically updates the route to reflect the changed
STAR procedure. This eliminates the need to manually remove waypoints
added by the previously selected STAR.
Once the STAR is selected, return to the
ROUTE page by pressing the 6R LSK labeled
“ROUTE>”. Page through the route pages to
double check the programmed route using the
NEXT/PREV keys. Notice that after the GVE
VOR the MINKS1 arrival waypoints have been
added as shown at right.
This completes the programming of our example route. When satis fied with
the programmed route, the route can be “activated” and the preflight of the
FMC can continue.
Activating a Route
The “ACTIVATE>” prompt at the 6R LSK is used to “activate” a programmed
route. Since there are two routes available in the FMC, activation of a route
tells the FMC to use the route displayed. After loading or programming a route
into RTE 1, press the 6R LSK to activate this route. When the 6R LSK is pressed
to activate the route, the EXEC key will subsequently illuminate. Pressing the
EXEC key “executes” the requested route activation. In our example, the
programmed route in RTE1 is now the active route displayed on the EHSI.
After activating and executing RTE 1, the
prompt at the 6R LSK changes to “PERF
INIT>”. Pressing the 6R LSK displays the
“Performance Initialization” pages. These
pages are the next pages that require data
entry during the pre-flight programming of
the FMC.
Now that route programming is complete and the route has been activated, the
route programming can be saved for future recall using the CO ROUTE data
block on page one of the ROUTE pages. Information on how to save a
programmed route for future recall can be found in the “Saving FMC Data”
section later in this manual.
Here are some important points to remember when working with routes in the
FMC. Since the FMC is capable of accepting two routes into memory (RTE 1 and
RTE 2), it is important to remember that only one route can be activated at
one time. After activating one of the routes, only the active route is listed on
the EHSI. Changes made to the “active” route during flight changes the course
followed by the AFDS in LNAV mode. Changes to the “inactive” route do not
affect the activated route of flight.
Anytime you are working with the inactive route, the “ACTIVAT E>” prompt
shall be displayed at the 6R LSK position. Also, when the inactive route is
viewed in the FMC, a dotted course is displayed on the EHSI in addition to the
currently active “pink” course line. This dotted course line represents the
route programmed into the inactive route pages. The AFDS always follows the
active (pink) route regardless of the presence of the inactive route course on
the EHSI. Changes to the inactive route do not affect the active route.
In our example we activated RTE 1. Pressing the “ <RTE 2” prompt at the 6L
LSK displays the RTE 2 pages. When viewing the RTE 2 pages, the prompt at 6L
changes to “<RTE 1” and when pressed, take you back to the RTE 1 pages.
When RTE 1 is the “active” FM C route, an “ACTIVATE>” prompt is displayed at
the 6R LSK when viewing RTE 2. This indicates that modifications and additions
to the data in the RTE 2 pages can be made without affecting the active RTE 1
pages, or the course followed by the AFDS in LNAV mode.
If at any time in flight you want to use the routing programmed into RTE 2,
simply “ACTIVATE” and “EXECUTE” the route as was done with RTE 1. In this
case, RTE 1 becomes the inactive route and RTE 2 becomes the active route
displayed on the EHSI and followed by the AFDS in LNAV mode.
Here is something else to keep in mind when programming waypoints into a
route. There can be many waypoints throughout the world with the same
name. Anytime a waypoint is entered into the FMC and is found to have more
than one location, the FMC presents you with a
choice of waypoint locations. An example of a
waypoint selection screen is shown at right. This
screen displays the latitude/longitude of each
waypoint option as well as the type waypoint being
defined. The first waypoint listed at the 1L LSK is
always the waypoint closest to your currently
programmed route or aircraft position, and is most
likely the waypoint needed for your route.
Pressing the 1L LSK selects the waypoint location shown in the 1L data block
for insertion of the waypoint into the route. Pressing any of the other left LSKs
selects the waypoint location listed in the corresponding data block.
KJFK-KSEA Route Example
Here is a quick example of how to program a different type of route into the
ROUTE pages. This example is offered to further solidify your understanding of
ROUTE programming. DO NOT DO THIS EXAMPLE NOW! The remaining sections
of this manual utilize the KDFW to KLGA route we have already prog rammed.
For now, simply read through these steps to see if you can follow the
programming logic. Then, after completing all other sections of this manual,
try programming this route into the RTE 1 pages without reference to these
instructions. Consider the following route from JFK to SEA:
JFK..GAYEL.J95.BUF..DLH..MOT..GGW..MLP.GLASR3.SEA
- Press the RTE button to display the RTE1 pages.
- Start by filling in the ORIGIN and DEST data blocks. Type KJFK into the
scratchpad and press the 1L LSK. Type KSEA into the scratchpad and press the
1R LSK.
- Select a departure runway. In this example we use the DEP/ARR INDEX to do
this. Press the DEP ARR key and select the 1L LSK for JFK DEP. Notice there
are no departures in the database. Select runway 4R by pressing the 2R LSK.
Return to the ROUTE page by pressing the 6R LSK. Notice that RW04R has been
entered in the RUNWAY field.
- Enter the optional flight number. Type “AA265” into the scratchpad and
press the 2R LSK.
- Press the NEXT PAGE key to start entering the route.
- Type “GAYEL” into the scratchpad and press the 1 R LSK. This enters GAYEL
intersection as the first waypoint of the route.
- Type “J95” into the scratchpad and press the 2L LSK. This puts Jet 95 in the
route starting at GAYEL.
- Type “BUF” into the scratchpad and press the 2R LSK. This completes the J95
airway entry.
- Type “DLH” into the scratchpad and press the 3R LSK. The FMC presents a
choice of waypoints. Press the 1L LSK since this is the correct waypoint.
- Type “MOT” into the scratchpad and press the 4R LSK. The FMC presents a
choice of waypoints. Press the 1L LSK to choose the correct waypoint.
- Type “GGW” into the scratchpad and press the 5R LSK.
- Press the NEXT PAGE key to move to page 3 of the route page to add more
waypoints.
- Type “MLP” into the scratchpad and press the 1R LSK. The FMC presents a
choice of waypoints. Press the 1L LSK to choose the correct point.
- Press the DEP ARR key and select the 2 R LSK for SEA ARR.
- Press the 3L LSK to select the GLASR3 arrival.
- Press the 2L LSK to select the MLP TRANS procedure.
- Press the 6R LSK to return to the ROUTE page.
- Verify the route by using the NEXT PAGE key to view all pages of the route.
- Press the EXEC key to “execute” the route.
Successful programming of the route results in 4 route pages. The last
waypoint in the route page should be the HETHR waypoint (from the GLASR3
arrival). Also the “PERF INIT>” prompt should be displayed at the 6R LSK.
PERF INIT Page
The Performance Initialization (PERF INIT) page is used to enter data required
by the FMC to accurately calculate aircraft performance. There is only one
PERF INIT page. Most of the data fields contain boxes next to the LSKs. These
boxes indicate that data entry is required
to properly calculate performance numbers. The data fields in the PERF INIT
page are as follows:
GR WT: Aircraft gross weight (in thousands).
This is automatically calculated using the FUEL
and ZFW data fields.
FUEL: Aircraft fuel weight (in thousands). The
“CALC” indicates that the fuel value in the data
block has been “calculated” by the FMC
automatically. The pilot can input a fuel number manually by entering the
value into the scratchpad and pressing the 2L LSK. When a manual fuel w eight
has been entered, “MANUAL” will be displayed in place of “CALC” next to the
fuel quantity value. To return the fuel value to an FMC calculated value, press
the DEL key (DELETE is displayed in the scratchpad) and press the 3L LSK. This
removes the MANUAL fuel value in favor of a new CALC fuel value.
ZFW: Aircraft zero fuel weight (in thousands).
RESERVES
minimum fuel required before an insufficient fuel warning is generated by the
FMC. If the FMC predicts that you will arrive at your destination with less than
the fuel quantity entered, an INSUFFICENT FUEL message is generated.
CRZ ALT
STEP SIZE
altitudes. An entry of “0” inhibits automatic step altitude programming. This
is discussed further in the VNAV section.
COST INDEX
A lower cost index means better economy versus a high cost index. A standard
cost index for the 767 is 80.
: Required reserve fuel (in thousands). This value represents the
: Cruise altitude. Enter the desired cruise altitude.
: For VNAV altitude calculations, ICAO indicates standard “step to”
; otherwise the FMC will not be able
: This value is used by the FMC to predict economy performance.
Start programming the PERF INIT page by entering the aircraft’s “zero fuel
weight” (or ZFW) into the 3L data block. This is the weight of the aircraft plus
payload but without fuel. The ZFW of our
aircraft is always 245,000 lbs. Therefore, type
“245” into the scratchpad and press the 3L LSK
to enter the data.
With the entry of a ZFW in the 3L data block,
the GR WT data block is automatically filled by
the FMC. Changing the GR WT field manually
would conversely update the ZFW data block.
Making changes to the FUEL value will cause the
GR WT to update as well. In the picture at
right, notice that a manual fuel value has been
entered into the FUEL data block. Also notice
the GR WT field has updated as well. To
restore the FUEL value to the FMC calculated
value, press the DEL key on the FMC keyboard
and then press the 2L LSK. This removes the
manually entered fuel weight and restores the
FMC calculated value.
Depending on how you start the sim, the CALC
fuel value may or may not reflect the actual
amount of fuel on the aircraft. To correct an
incorrect CALC fuel entry, put in a manual fuel
value and then delete it as described above.
This causes the FMC to update the CALC fuel
value to the actual amount of fuel on board.
Program the desired reserve fuel weight into the 4L data block. Our example
flight to KLGA requires 9,800 pounds of reserve fuel. Enter “9.8” into the
scratchpad and press the 4L LSK to enter the data.
Program the desired cruise altitude into the 1R data block. Our flight will
cruise at 37,000 feet. You may enter this in one of three ways: 37000, 370 or
FL370. Any of these three entries results in FL370 being listed in the CRZ ALT
data block. For our flight type “37000” into the scratchpad, then press the 1R
LSK to enter the data.
The last item to be programmed on the PERF
INIT page is the cost index. Enter the
standard value of 80 into the scratchpad and
press the 2R LSK to enter the data.
This completes the PERF INIT page data entry.
Pressing the 6R LSK displays the TAKEOFF
page. The TAKEOFF page is the final page
that requires data entry prior to completing
FMC pre-flight programming.
Here are some points to consider about the PERF INIT page. It should not be
necessary to access the PERF INIT page once airborne. The only time it may be
required to visit this page in flight is if a fuel quantity error is received. In
flight, the FMC continually compares the calculated fuel value to the actual
fuel on the aircraft. If a significant difference exists between the two fuel
quantities, an FMC scratchpad message is generated. To eliminate this
message you can update the erroneous CALC fuel quantity using the procedure
described previously.
TAKEOFF Page
The Takeoff page is a reference page that displays
the Vspeeds used for takeoff. This page is also used
to select a temperature for calculation of reduced
power takeoffs.
The permissible flap settings for takeoff in a 767-300
are 5 and 15 degrees. Putting either 5 or 15 into the
1L data block causes the Vspeed column along the
right side of the CDU to update with the takeoff
Vspeeds for the current aircraft gross weight.
Once a takeoff flap setting has been entered, the
Vspeeds can be automatically set on the airspeed
gauge. Pressing on the invisible mouse click area at
the bottom left corner of the airspeed gauge
updates the airspeed bugs based on FMC data. For
more information about this feature, see the “Flight
Instrument” section of the systems manual.
To set up the FMC for a reduced power takeoff, enter into the THRUST data
block (2L LSK) a temperature value between the current outside temperature
and 64°. This is called the assumed temperature. A higher assumed
temperature results in a greater reduction in takeoff power. The Vspeeds are
also updated with the selection of reduced power thrust. The temperature