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Stupid question why LVL Change in a SE situation

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Old 3rd May 2016, 16:12
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Stupid question why LVL Change in a SE situation

Hi

Stupid question but why do we do LVL CHANGE when at UP speed normally.

The SPD window is open so you can set your target speed there. AT is disengaged so out of the equation,

Thank you

Pin
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Old 3rd May 2016, 16:23
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To get valid FD PITCH commands for FULL THRUST on the operative engine.

Other modes for this situation would only include V/S, which should never be used in SEO, as you are in control of thrust levers and will only be chasing FD's. Keeping the modes used simple and manipulating manually the thrust levers appropriately is the trick to very stable SEO.
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Old 3rd May 2016, 21:55
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To get the best performance out of the aircraft in the given situation.
One engine at Max thrust, accelerate to UP speed ( best L/D ) maintain UP speed and transition from level accelerating to climb using LVL CHG.
once trajectory established reduce to CON thrust.
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Old 3rd May 2016, 22:04
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So vertical FD guidance goes from Toga to MCP SPD.

Yes makes sense just thought that at up SPD it would give same FD command demands.
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Old 4th May 2016, 09:47
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I think that the TOGA and MCP-SPD aren't identical pitch modes.

TOGA won't allow the airplane to sink to gain speed which MCP SPD will, hence the need to wait a couple of segments before going MCP SPD since you have only 35' of terrain net path terrain clearence.
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Old 4th May 2016, 12:42
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Pin head
Remind us how many hours on type do you have?was it 10000 +?,about to upgrade a few months back if i recall.
How did it go?got messed up with your pitch modes?
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Old 4th May 2016, 13:35
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oh de facto you still make me laugh!

There is no stupid question in aviation.

:
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Old 4th May 2016, 21:05
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Again it seems that the relevant mode might depend on company SOP and equipment status. If one arms VNAV before takeoff it takes care of everything in the single engine case. It schedules the acceleration at the correct height and then climbs at the flap manouvering speed again once the airplane is clean. No level change needed, no mode change needed either.
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Old 5th May 2016, 08:41
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What aircraft type?
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Old 6th May 2016, 00:59
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hi

thanks for responses.

NG
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Old 6th May 2016, 18:59
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Originally Posted by framer
What aircraft type?
I would assume 737. How many other planes have LVL CHG?
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Old 7th May 2016, 05:39
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No idea, how many? All of the Boeings or just one? I'm only type rated on the 737-300's and NG's so have had limited exposure to the others.
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Old 7th May 2016, 06:30
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Accident report on LVL CHG

https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/530468...9%20Final.docx

Last edited by underfire; 7th May 2016 at 09:32.
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Old 10th May 2016, 13:22
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Am I missing something? This report implies that LVL CHG was the problem. I disagree, it was failing to notice that an inappropriate Mach value was selected by the aircraft on conversion. Exactly the same effect could be achieved by entering rubbish numbers in the FMS and letting VNAV do the flying. LVL CHG is an excellent mode if the speed selected is sensible. I agree with the outcome of the report, but I do not agree with its sentiment. It was nothing to do with managing a highly automated aircraft, it was the crew not noticing that an inappropriate speed had been selected in a very basic A/P mode.

Returning to the OP's initial question, I believe that an SOP restricting crews to using LVL CHG when single engine is a very crude but effective way of simplifying flight. , The Flight Director will always give valid pitch cues (speed control by elevator) when changing level, no matter what thrust setting is used - thus making your life a little easier.

PM
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Old 10th May 2016, 19:47
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The Flight Director will always give valid pitch cues (speed control by elevator) when changing level, no matter what thrust setting is used - thus making your life a little easier.
Are you sure? I've seen many a cadet in the sim select a change of MCP altitude but not set an appropriate thrust. As you say the FD is in Speed mode for pitch and if there is no thrust increase in level flight it will stay level to maintain the speed. Or am I missing your true meaning?
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Old 10th May 2016, 23:18
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I totally agree. The aircraft will do that when Bloggs selects a new altitude, presses LVL CHG but keeps the thrust constant. But if he increases thrust and it will climb. Reduce it and it descends; all at the selected speed. But by keeping to very simple modes (three modes - ALT, acquire [or whatever yours is called] and LVL CHG) you simplify the flying. As to whether or not this is a good thing is questionable, but it is very simple and keeps surprises to the minimum.

PM

Last edited by Piltdown Man; 14th May 2016 at 15:33. Reason: Spelling
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Old 10th May 2016, 23:44
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Good stuff guys.

This is why I asked the question. I think that defacto should resign with immediate effect for critising me for the asking the question in the first place.
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Old 11th May 2016, 07:11
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No, taking the mickey is part of life on here. Putting too many "the" into your post is unforgivable though.... For my 2p worth, LVL CHG is crude but effective when dumbing down is the raison d'etre for the S.O.P.
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Old 11th May 2016, 20:08
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LVL CHG "burn" pchinetich energy isnt that effective at lower alt
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