Hello from the U.S. mid west. I have a question about the basics of using auto-pilot on any planes that have them…
What are all the AP “modes” and when, generally, should they be used? E.g. FLC, NAV, HDG, ALT, SPEED, VS, etc.? I have a feeling that different modes can sometimes be used to do the exact same thing, but I’m not really sure. I know that, for example, HDG holds a particular heading, ALT holds a particular altittude, SPEED holds a particular airspeed, etc. but not really sure when during what phase of flight is appropiate for which mode.
Although I bascially know what these terms mean, how do the terms RNAV, LNAV, VNAV, etc. relate to the above AP modes?
My experience in this area is some PMDG 737NG flying, using the FMC, in FSX about 8 years ago. I have lots of YouTube videos queued up, but not sure which one(s) cover these basic questons and I did not see anything covering this in the Guides section of this amazing forum.
I learned quite a bit about these modes and how to use by reading the Garmin manual. The manual for my favorite, the C208B can be found here G1000-IFD-GC. The manual lists the various modes and the actions that result from using that function. I actually did learn quite a bit, like using FLC for increasing altitude and VS for descents, although you can use both for each function, there’s a logic behind not using FLC for descent etc. Reviewing portions of the manual for the computer aided me significantly in understanding each mode and when it should be used. I know this doesn’t answer your question, but there will be a thousand responses with really good information for the real answer.
Actually Sjonca, this is the type of info I was looking for. I.e. good references for learning exactly what you mention. Although this would probably make for a great post in the Forum Guides section, I wasn’t really expecting a dissertation herein. I wouldn’t mind though! Thanks so much.
I too have used the actual documentation for the G1000 as well as the TBM and the airbus. They are all downloadable as pdf, searchable, and when I have had issues in each case I was able to resolve my problems using these. I’m really pretty amazed that the sim apparently so closely models the actual thing.
Having said that, the in sim “tutorials” really should devote time to basics of IFR navigation, autopilot, etc., and not just the VFR flying lessons for beginners.
Basically LNAV (Lateral Navigation) and VNAV (Vertical Navigation) is a part of the flight guidance system.
So you enter your flight plan in your FMS and LNAV follows it laterally, but it wont tell the aircraft at what altitude. That is where VNAV comes in and lets the aircraft follow whatever lateral information is entered in the FMS ++
RNAV (Area Navigation) is basically a navigation method where the computer grabs information from nearby navaids to create a more direct route. Also lets you do an RNAV Approach mode.
If you are not on VNAV and want to decend or climb you can select either FLC (Flight Level Change) or VS.
One lets you climb/decend based on your airspeed and the other sets a rate f/pm.
HDG is like you say, holding a heading (i.e. if you arent on LNAV).
Usually you would have a A/T (Autothrottle) too in many aircrafts.
AFAIK VNAV doesnt work in fs2020. (unless something has changed).
As others said. Check out some basic Autopilot tutorials on youtube.
Reading guides or manuals too can be really good. I found it to often be too much information to take in if I just wanted to understand the basics or concepts before really diving into it.
Wow, talgmar, that’s a beautiful explanation. Would it be too much of a leap to think of rnav, vnav, and lnav as basically telling the auto pilot what to do to stay on one’s flightplan? Thanks again.
I almost forgot to ask, is “managed mode” and other related modes, I can’t think of the names right now, an Airbus-only concept, or is this applicable to other manufactures as well?