flight director

[cordova1]

Does anyone know of a reg that says the flight director must be used during a visual approach, in a turbojet aircraft. Scenario. Planning ILS. Cleared visual on base leg, 5000 ft above airport. Can I turn the FD of, and just hand fly the airplane?

 

[Basil]

Never heard of such a thing and can't imagine that there is one.

The only thing close that I know of is a requirement to use a F/D or A/P on certain RNAV DP's.

91.129 does mention turbine-powered aircraft staying at ar above the GS when approaching rwys served by an ILS in Class D. Could that have something to do with your question?

 

[semperfido]

no such reg. yes you can get rid of the FD and fly without it

 

[ksu_aviator]

I agree with the above. I would just ad that if the FD isn't giving you precise information, it shouldn't be used at all. I know many disagree, but I don't see the point in having the FD on if you aren't using it. Some say to set it to go-around during t/o and pitch up into it...well that's great, but the go around pitch means nothing. It does not coincide with any performance criteria or navigation, it is just an arbitrary pitch angle.

I probably hijacked the thread with that statement. Sorry.

 

[cordova1]

No i agree totally. That is why I posted the question. I was taught to turn everything off on a visual approach, get your eyes outside of the cockpit, and just fly.

 

[NCherches]

...There aren't regs that say you have to set up your display's a certain way... you might have a SOP if you are doing the 135, or 91K type thing...

 

[GravityHater]

perhaps a co policy?

 

[LJ45]

wow! all very good... and I agree

 

[need2fly]

In some airplane, i.e. A320, it is required to turn it off when you are maneuvering visually and not going to follow the FD commands.

 

[starcheck208]

i like to turn it off and fly the ils comming in vfr just to keep my skills/scan up not relying on the fd all the time