Automatic Flight

Question 1

Q.1.1. What does TO/GA AFDS command when engaged for takeoff?

Answer 1

The AFDS commands pitch attitude in the following order:
• 15° nose up after lift-off until a sufficient climb rate is acquired. Then, pitch is commanded to maintain MCP speed plus 20 kts.

(opens in a new tab)Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.2.2

Question 2

Q.1.2. What does the AFDS pitch command if an engine failure occurs at or after lift-off?

Answer 2

At lift-off:
If an engine failure occurs on the ground, the pitch command target speed at lift-off is V2 or airspeed at lift-off, whichever is greater.
After lift-off:
If an engine failure occurs, the pitch command target speed is:
V2, if airspeed is below V2.
Existing speed if airspeed is between V2 and V2 + 20.
V2 + 20, if airspeed is above V2 + 20.
Reference: FRM B737 NG/MAX 4.2.4.1

Question 3

Q.1.3. When below 2,000 ft RA, what N1 will the A/T command with one push of either TO/GA switch?

Answer 3

Thrust advances toward the reduced go-around N1 to produce 1000 to 2000 fpm rate of climb.

Reference: B737NG/MAX 4.2.4.3.7

Question 4

Q.1.4. What N1 will the A/T command with a second push of the TO/GA switch?

Answer 4

The A/T advances to the full go-around N1 limit.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.2.4.3.7

Question 5

Q.1.5. During a go-around, what airspeed will be commanded after pushing either TO/GA switch?

Answer 5

The command airspeed cursor automatically moves to a target airspeed for the existing flap position based on maximum takeoff weight calculations.
Reference: FRM B737NG 4.2.4.3.7/MAX 4.2.4.1

Question 6

Q.1.6. During a go-around, what changes in the MCP pitch mode if you engage the autopilot?

Answer 6

TO/GA terminates, and LVL CHG engages.

Reference: FRM B737 4.2.4.3.7/MAX 4.2.4.1

Question 7

Q.1.7. During Approach, how do you exit the APP (VOR/LOC & G/S captured) mode?

Answer 7

• Pushing a TO/GA switch
• Disengaging A/P and Turning off both F/D switches (without having one engaged)
• Retuning a VHF NAV receiver

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.2.4.3

Question 8

Q.1.8. What does white “A/T LIM” indication mean on Thrust Mode Display?

Answer 8

The FMC is not providing the A/T system with N1 limit values. The A/T is using a degraded N1 thrust limit from the related EEC.
.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.1.8

Question 9

Q.1.9. What does a flashing “8” or “A” mean on IAS/MACH window?

Answer 9

The overspeed “8” or underspeed “A” limiting symbol appears when the commanded speed cannot be reached.
.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.1.2

Question 10

Q.1.10. In which MCP pitch mode are SPD INTV and ALT INTV available?

Answer 10

VNAV
.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.1.3

Question 11

Q.1.11. In order to arm VNAV on the ground, what criteria must be met?

Answer 11

A valid flight plan has been entered.
Performance data has been entered and executed.
Both flight director switches have been switched ON.

Reference: FRM B737NG 11.9.2.1, FRM B737MAX 4.1.3

Question 12

Q.1.12. On the ground with the VNAV armed prior to takeoff, at what altitude does the VNAV become active?

Answer 12

400 ft AGL

Reference: FRM 4.1.3

Question 13

Q.1.13. During a VNAV PTH descent, what speed will the FMC attempt to maintain?

Answer 13

A path descent uses the target speed for planning purposes only. There is no attempt to maintain the target speed during the idle portion of the descent.

Reference: FRM 11.4.6.6.4

Question 14

Q.1.14. What is the importance of an amber FMC Alert light on Autopilot/Autothrottle Indicators Panel?

Answer 14

The light indicates an MCDU or Fuel alerting message is displayed in the MCDUs scratchpad. In the MAX, Fuel alerts will also be indicated on the Engine Display.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 11.1.1.7

Question 15

Q.1.15. What is the green rectangle around the pitch, roll and A/P status in the FMA?

Answer 15

Mode Change Highlight Symbol (green box) means the mode was engaged within the last 10 seconds.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.1.9

Question 16

Q.1.16. What is the best indication to ensure an Autopilot is engaged after selection?

Answer 16

FMA indicating a changeover from FD to CMD.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.1.9

Question 17

Q.1.17. When in Autothrottle (A/T) Engaged Mode, what does “ARM” indicate on the FMA?

Answer 17

No autothrottle mode engaged.
Thrust lever autothrottle servos are inhibited;
the Pilot can set the thrust levers manually.
Minimum speed protection provided.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.2.2.7.1

Question 18

Q.1.18. At what speed during takeoff roll does A/T mode change to “THR HLD”?
–

Answer 18

At 84 KIAS.

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.2.4.1

Question 19

Q.1.19. When does automatic reduction to climb thrust occur when using the autothrottle for takeoff?

Answer 19

When reaching the selected thrust reduction altitude which is shown on the FMC MCDU TAKEOFF REF 2/2 page during preflight, or when the aircraft levels off in ALT HOLD or VNAV PTH

Reference: FRM B737NG/MAX 4.2.4.1