ATlineholder,

I just realized i wasn't very clear on my last post.

COPA has had some problems during the transition training for some of the EXPAT captains. The main reason being that at COPA we are REALLY big on automation and since Southwest does not operate their NG's with the VNAV option or autothrottles(in an effort to make the NG's similar to some of their classic models) then it's become a slight problem to train some of the guys that just don't really get the concept of VNAV and prefer to "revert" to how they flew at Southwest. And about the VSD,(vertical situation display) is basically a plan view of the terrain ahead that is displayed on the ND. We use it alot when flying into the majority of the airports in central america and the south in mountainous terrain. My understanding is that COPA is the only 737 operator with the VSD option installed. I guess the feeling to new-comers has been that the VSD fills the screen and tends to disorient the PF a bit.

Hope this helps
poorpilot

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me...