B744 FMC forcast wind input?

[Harry G]

Just enter the winds/temps at one level.


In my company on the 744 we can't upload forecast winds into the FMC. We enter them manually from the flight plan. The last few pages of which has forecast winds and temps at 4 different levels including the planned level for each stage.

Manually entering four different winds for every waypoint would take hours. So we enter one level, the initial cruise level, and then enter the forecast winds along the route all entered at this intial level. You will enter the winds/temp of the level you plan on being at.

You then enter step climbs ( eg. /FL360S ) into the LEGS page where you plan/expect to climb and the FMC then sees what levels you will be at all the way to destination. (This is done so the Mach No./TAS & fuel flow are accurately predicted).

So when it looks hours ahead at some higher level you've told it you'll be at the FMC is forced to "look down" at the only available wind you've entered (which was the forecast for that higher level).

This works very well and saves you manually entering multiple levels of winds.

Forecast descent winds are entered on VNAV Page 3 FORECAST at FL350, 310, 200 and 10,000' (again from the flightplan)

Sorry for the long answer, I hope it makes some sence...