Dir/int
The button is labeled DIR/INT, which means,
it can be used to make a DIRECT TO,
or an INTERCEPT LEG TO,
a waypoint.
A "direct intercept (leg)" is a contradictio in terminis.
But that linguistic point aside, in a Boeing, if you want to intercept a leg to a waypoint, the CDU will show in the right hand corner, in small font, the inbound course, if there is an existing track already. By pressing LK6R you will make the font big and thus set the track. Complete the action by executing.
If you want another track, enter the numbers in the scratchpad and bring them to line 6R and execute.
If you execute without touching LK6R, you will order a DIRECT TO.
In Airbus, at least in A-320 with updated FMGS, you can order an inbound radial to, or an outbound radial from a waypoint to be intercepted. The choice will be offered in the upper righthand corner of the CDU.
Note that the inbound radial that you punch into the Airbus is 180 degrees different from the inbound track to the waypoint that you punch into the Boeing. The B setup needs just a little less mental arithmetic.
Last edited by EMIT; 24th Apr 2009 at 16:26.