Push To Level Off: MCP Equivalent?

[Winnerhofer]

Where's the Push To Level Off on the B777's MCP?

[semmern]

Never having flown the 777, isn't there an Alt Hold button that when pressed will level the kite off, like in a 737?

[BOAC]

I don't know the 'Push To Level Off' button (sounds like an AB thing.....) but VS zero does it on all a/c if you have to have a quick auto method. ALT HOLD is of very limited value as it will try to capture the ALT at which it is pressed.

Then, of course, there is the 'antiquated' idea of actually flying the aircraft?

[Denti]

I don't know the 'Push To Level Off' button (sounds like an AB thing.....)

It is, push the vertical speed selector to get VS 0. Which does indeed the same as setting vertical speed to zero with the thumbwheel on the boeing. ALT HLD could be seen as close, but it is not similar as you said as it tries to capture the altitude it was used at.

[roundsounds]

My guess would be the square switch below the Altitude Selector - the ALT switch. Try this guys site:
http://meriweather.com/flightdeck/

[ACMS]

737, 744, 777 and 330 I've flown don't have push to level off buttons......

They all have ALT push buttons below the Alt selector knob.

Push to level off is on the 320 only? Or is it a company option?


DENTI--- like BOAC said whilst climbing or descending to the set MCP/FCU Alt setting then push the Alt hold button it will level off at the Alt you pushed the button. Climb back to or descend back to it, not the one set in the window.

If VS isn't bringing the nose up/down quick enough then Alt hold does it a lot quicker.....
Works well if your buddy leaves it too late meeting a restriction.:ok:

[Bus14]

The benefit of push to level off is it's a one step solution. V/S zero requires 2 steps. An alternative, but still 2 step, solution on a Boeing MCP is to press Alt Hold, then pause, and then press it again as the aircraft's V/S approaches zero.

In a perfect world for me, the Boeing MCP would have a push to level off feature, and the Airbus FCU would have a V/S thumb wheel.

I won't hold my breath.

[Steve the Pirate]

ACMS

and 330 I've flown don't have push to level off buttons......

Have a look at DSC-22_30-70-80 P 1/4 and DSC-22_10-40-20 P 1/8. You'll note in the graphic on the latter page, next to the V/S knob it says "Push to level off". By convention we use the ALT pb although pushing the V/S knob would have exactly the same effect.

[BOAC]

What altitude parameter does 'ALT' use on the AB? IE You have 330 in the Alt window but are 'told to level off at 230 as you pass 210 at 2500fpm. You press 'ALT' at 212 - where does it level you?

[Bpalmer]

On the Airbus pushing the ALT pb (330/340) will command the airplane to level off and maintain the new altitude (ALT HOLD engages). It will not try to return to the altitude at which the pb was selected.

Pushing the vertical speed knob (320/2330/340) accomplishes essentially the same thing, though the vertical mode becomes V/S 0 (or flight path angle 0°).

Rule of thumb: It takes about 10% of the current vertical speed to level off.

[BOAC]

No difference then really AB to Boeing - you must reset the Alt window first so VS seems the better option. VS seems different, though, as Boeing (737) will set current VS on push.

[safelife]

Airbus sets current vertical speed on pull, and zero on push.
Complicated enough for some not to get their head around it...

[SMOC]

The easiest way on a Boeing is to push the ALT HOLD button and then push V/S, as it will then open at V/S - 0000 and not the current V/S. (744)

[ACMS]

STP----well I'll be a monkey's uncle, I've never looked that far to the right on the FCU. Maybe it's hidden behind the knob? and I can't see it.

I stand corrected, never use it though....

[Winnerhofer]

http://www.pprune.org/tech-log/514328-a330-alt-versus-v-s-0-a.html
http://www.pprune.org/tech-log/281932-why-alt-button-a330-fcu-during-alt-crz-phase.html