Originally Posted by Jetjock65:1340498
If you have altitude crossings for a dept/arrival the FMS will calculate for advisory vnav. this can be a crossing restriction of an assigned alt "5000", above 5000 "5000A", below "5000B", or between "6000/4000". The Vnav on the mfd will show the next altitude restriction only. If you hit "DIR/INTC" you will see all the Vnav calculations for the extire arr/dept. You can then use the most restrictive of all the points. It never fails that you see 1000fpm for a fix 30 miles out, but then 4,000fpm right after. From 30 out you may just have 1,500 to meet the end restriction. Obviously, you need to hit each "hard" restriction but it works well to show the overall path to assist planning.
Thanks Highney & RedVett
Exactly what I was looking for!!!
Correct, MFD data shows decent rate to meet the next altitude. Following that can result in missing an altitude or speed restriction. Best example is MEM Tammy arrival landing north transition. There is a fix that has a soft window of 16000B/10000A. 2 miles later is a hard restriction of 10000 and 210 knts. If you follow the MFD data you will be 2 miles away from the 10,000/210kt restriction at 16,000ft. Following the snowflake will allow you to meet the altitude. Speed is on you. Flight spoilers likely required.
No need for any of the DIR/INTC info. Just will add to confusion. Level off til TOD, divide your ground speed by 2, and add a zero for your descent rate, then follow snowflake