Originally Posted by
Crimson
This is why I like our SLIP guys, people who actually have been out there. It is funny how many things training does that aren’t practical on the line. (Example being at Vap for a non precision at the FAF)
Here's how the conversation about FPA went for the non precision approach.
MM: "it's a good thing you got to Vapp by the FAF or else you would have been high on the approach."
Me: "why? We were using FPA..."
MM: "FPA wouldn't give you the descent rate you would need to be on 'slope' when you break out at minimums."
Me: "But FPA is an angle. It compensates for your groundspeed and is an angle."
MM: "No, it doesn't compensate for groundspeed and isn't an angle."
Me: "But that's what FPA stands for. Flight Path Angle."
MM: "No its not. You'll be high if you're too fast."
Me: (realizing he must be confusing FPA with VS) "If we were in Vertical Speed, yes, but we're not. We're using FPA."
MM: "No, you'll be high if you cross the FAF fast regardless of descent mode unless you're on something with a glideslope."
Me: "No, FPA will compensate just fine."
MM: "...I'll look into it and get back to you on it."
I take my victories where I can get them. I'll let the schoolhouse say weird stuff but that one wasn't one I was going to let slip by myself and my FO sim partner.