Cleared for the Visual - What Altitude set in Alerter or MCP?

[EDUC8-or]

I usually set 1500' AGL and try to be in that vicinity when I'm 5 miles out, that will set you up for a good 3 to 1 descent and in most places you'll be on the GS/PAPI/VASI.

When I hear the chime I'll state "Cleared for the visual."

Also a good altitude for a GA in VMC.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

The NORDO VFR pattern is interesting stuff. I've never gone around p121 from a visual.

Dirrerent guys set different MCP stuff. Some guys make use of either FD or VNAV path steering, thus requiring something in the MCP that will work. Others, myself included, simply spin the thing way up, get it out of the way, and ignore the FD.

So what happens when you go around and ATC tells you to level off...

You gotta hand fly the whole procedure.... which isn't a problem, however, by spinning the thing way up, the auto pilot has been made useless because it will only capture the altitude that is pre set...... Now you have to spin down the assigned altitude that ATC just gave for the go around... if you want to use the auto pilot.... which can be a good thing during a go around...

 

[wmuflyguy]

So what happens when you go around and ATC tells you to level off...

You gotta hand fly the whole procedure.... which isn't a problem, however, by spinning the thing way up, the auto pilot has been made useless because it will only capture the altitude that is pre set...... Now you have to spin down the assigned altitude that ATC just gave for the go around... if you want to use the auto pilot.... which can be a good thing during a go around...

If it is an RJ if you jsut press the ALT(altitude hold) button it will(the Flight director) capture whatever altitude the aircraft is at, at the pressing of the button, however since you are probably climbing it will balloon above that altitude as it attempts to level off, then descend back down.

The way it is was taught to me was TPA in the alerter when cleared for the visual(unless instructed otehrwise). I don't always do it, it depends on the situation, and how busy we are. There is nothing in the FSM that says it must be done.

 

[Gorilla]

So what happens when you go around and ATC tells you to level off...

You gotta hand fly the whole procedure.... which isn't a problem, however, by spinning the thing way up, the auto pilot has been made useless because it will only capture the altitude that is pre set...... Now you have to spin down the assigned altitude that ATC just gave for the go around... if you want to use the auto pilot.... which can be a good thing during a go around...

The autopilot isn't useless. VS is ideal if you want to get the AP going. During clean-up, "Set Speed 210", hit VS, select 1000 up. VS nicely reduces throttles and if you engage the AP or follow the FD, will keep the nose from jacking way up, so you don't continue roaring skyward.

There's more than enough time to have your pard work the MCP while you hand fly. When everythings calmed down a bit, do what you want on crosswind.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

The autopilot isn't useless. VS is ideal if you want to get the AP going. During clean-up, "Set Speed 210", hit VS, select 1000 up. VS nicely reduces throttles and if you engage the AP or follow the FD, will keep the nose from jacking way up, so you don't continue roaring skyward.

There's more than enough time to have your pard work the MCP while you hand fly. When everythings calmed down a bit, do what you want on crosswind.

Copy that.... it seems that setting TPA would be better than spinning it up to an arbitrary number..... No?:beer:

 

[wmuflyguy]

The autopilot isn't useless. VS is ideal if you want to get the AP going. During clean-up, "Set Speed 210", hit VS, select 1000 up. VS nicely reduces throttles and if you engage the AP or follow the FD, will keep the nose from jacking way up, so you don't continue roaring skyward.

There's more than enough time to have your pard work the MCP while you hand fly. When everythings calmed down a bit, do what you want on crosswind.

WHoa whoa whoa....

your thottles move for you?! Man and here I am moving them myself like a sucker.

 

[Mr Wu]

Set 000' when cleared for the visual, 49,000' when cleared to land. Setting 000 gives an alert at 1000' if a landing clearance is not received, thus prompting you to ask for one.

 

[Gorilla]

WHoa whoa whoa....

your thottles move for you?! Man and here I am moving them myself like a sucker.

Layers of automation my friend. AP off, AT on. TOGA works well in the 738.

This whole thing is getting a bit silly. Hand fly the darned thing. Click it all off. If you have to go around, hand fly it to the requested altitude. Who needs an altitude alerter? Have a basic crosscheck, attitude, airspeed, altitude, VVI. Sheesh.

 

[EDUC8-or]

Set 000' when cleared for the visual, 49,000' when cleared to land. Setting 000 gives an alert at 1000' if a landing clearance is not received, thus prompting you to ask for one.

49,000'? That's a whole lotta spinnin'!

 

[Mr Wu]

49,000'? That's a whole lotta spinnin'!

Just one click to the left.