New User Questions

[Kracken130]

Hello,
New user on the standard edition. Using PMDG 737 800.
1. I have flown several long finals, to KLAX 24R ILS but the First Officer After Flight Flow never initiates. With speed below 30 knots I retract flaps one notch and nothing happens no matter how long I wait.I do not close FSI Panel once the flight begins.
2. I assume that once the "Press brakes..." shows one can make adjustments to the settings, like arming approach button, arming autopilot, adjusting the legs in the route, etc, and then press the brakes and take control as opposed to making the adjustments after taking control?
3. When I arm the approach before pressing the brakes, the APP button illuminates, but after taking control the APP button illumination turns off, but the airplane flies the ILS OK. Attempting to rearm the approach once taking control and the button has gone out is ineffective, the button will not illuminate. Not sure if this is a problem, or not.
4. Is there any time limit on setting things up between the message "Press brakes to control" and one actually presses the brake to take control?

Thanks,
Greg

[jpgarraio]

Hi Greg,

Many thanks for your message, let me reply to your questions :

1: Maybe you retracted the flaps with a hardware lever ? Can you try using F6 key, this is the one FSiPanel is monitoring.

2: You are correct, you can make all adjustments you need however I DO NOT recommend arming approach as the AP will try to fly the localizer while in position freeze, that could lead to problems.

3: when GS captures, APP light goes OFF and you are locked in approach mode, you cannot anymore change autopilot mode. The only way to get out of LOC/GS is to push TOGA switch or another unofficial way is to change ILS frequency which will revert Autopilot to basic modes.

4: No time limit except your fuel on board..

Cheers,

J-P

[Kracken130]

Thanks for your answers. Yes I am using a controller and pressing F6 once initiated the First Officer workflow.
I realize now just as you say once on the glideslope, the APP button extinguishes, so thanks for explaining that.
Really enjoying this program!