Originally Posted by Kill Bill
i know that i've jumpseated on SW and seen that they DO deactivate things like VNAV. not sure of the reason. i have heard that the VNAV will be activated (if it isn't already) due to fuel costs and being able to use the fuel-effciency features.
the rest of it, i don't know.
Kill Bill,
SWA uses LNAV mode but as of yet have not used VNAV principally because the auto throttles are not activated and their current procedures restrict VNAV. SWA does permit VNAV in an advisory capacity only.
Makes me wonder when they may change their mind considering the price of fuel in todays world. Just in simple terms flying in chop or mountain wave, instead of chasing airspeeds constantly over time that the auto throttle could save significantly over purely manual adjustments. SWA however is a money making machine and that is a fact that must be respected in this discussion.