737NG mcp modes on takeoff

[reverserunlocked]

Hi guys -SLF here,

I'm going to play with a 738 fixed-base sim next weekend and I want to get clear in my head what I should be pushing when it all happens quickly after takeoff.

So - F/D on, line up, stabilise engines at 40%, TOGA, 80 knots, v1, rotate, v2, positive climb, gear up. Upon rotation the F/D commands (around 20 degrees?) pitch, but at which point does it then command v2+20? If it's a SID I select LNAV but at which height, and can you arm it on the ground in an NG? If it's a heading then hit HDG, again is there a minimum height before a turn can be made? In terms of vertical navigation I realise there are several modes in an NG, but VNAV shouldn't be selected until flaps up, right? Would it be appropriate to dial in the min clean speed and select LVL CH after rotation?

So many questions - thanks, chaps.

[Dit]

We (FR) engage LNAV above 400'(agl).
You won't need to select heading select as its automatically selected as part of TOGA
The minimum height before a turn can be made will be in the airport plates.

We select VNAV only after the flaps are up and the a/c is above 3000'(agl).
Don't do anything with the MCP at rotation, you're supposed to be flying the a/c! Leave it until at least 1000'(agl), then you won't need to select Level Change, just wind the speed up to clean and the FDs will command you to pitch down in order to speed up.

[EGCC4284]

This weekend or next, what date?

Great questions and so many points you have raised.

I think you may know more than you think

[reverserunlocked]

I'm going next weekend, can't wait! So it's pretty simple then, don't touch anything other than select min clean speed and follow the FD. I can manage that, I hope... Is the procedure the same when selecting autopilot on at the same time as LNAV or HDG? What's min height for AP selection on the
NG chaps?

[JB007]

Min engage for the A/P is 400ft

LNAV may be armed before departure but issues with this if departing from a runway with an emergency turn, may not interest you though if you're just having fun.

[Dit]

What JP007 is correct, however in FR we select the A/P at 1000'(agl) minimum.

Basically after rotate:
400'(agl) PF calls for LNAV/HDG depending on what is appropriate for the SID
1000' (agl) PF calls CMD A/B (and selects) Bug Up (ie Spd selector to Up speed). Then retracts the flaps on schedule
3000'(agl) PM calls 'Flaps up, no lights' PF calls Set STD VNAV after T/O checklist

I hope this gives you an understading that we're not concerned about the autopilot, its more about flying the aircraft, the right F/d mode helps, but you've always got to be prepared to disregard it if its not telling you the right thing.

[Frank Furillo]

If you are flying the plane, then you will not push anything. Ask the Pilot Monitoring (instructor).
At our airline normally select LNAV at 400 ft, there is the possiblity to select it on the ground but that depends on the FMC update.

On initial rotation try to rotate at 2 to 3 degrees per second, don't rush.
Then once you are airborne you can follow the flight director.
If it helps this is what we do.
PF (pilot flying)
PM (pilot monitoring)

On runway clear for take off.
PF sets 40% N1, once stable he presses TOGA, follow the thrust levers but don't push them!!!!
PM Call 'Thrust Set'
PF take hand off thrust lever put it on the yoke

PM '80 kts'
PF 'Check'

PM 'V1'
PM 'Rotate'

PF start to rotate, as I said.

PM 'Positive Rate'
PF 'Gear up'

At 400 feet
PF 'LNAV' or 'HDG Select'

At 1500

PF' Set Climb Thrust'
PM will select N1

PF ' Set climb speed'
PM dials climb speed

Once the speed starts to increase
PF 'Flaps 1'
PM will select flaps 1

Then once past the flaps 1 bug

PF 'Flaps up'
PM selects flaps up

PM 'Flaps up, no lights'

PF 'VNAV' or 'Level Change'
PM selects

PF if cleared to a flight level 'Set standard'

PF 'passing Flight Level____'
PM the same

PF 'after takeoff checklist'

Enjoy

[Frank Furillo]

And why will you want to select the AP on The 737 is a great bird to fly.

[reverserunlocked]

Thanks chaps that is exactly what I was after. I'll post up some pics of my trip when I get back.