Md-11 Lsas
03-29-2009, 05:08 AM
#41
...Whatever It Is!
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,680
What I have observed is that the MD11 is usually hand flown to 3000 to 5000' on climbout, then hand flown again at 1000' HAT so LSAS is not really used often.
Quirky airplane ? Yep, IMHO stemming from the small tail and high approach speeds, a moving foot during banked turns, a tendency to pitch up on landing if autobrakes aren't used, autothrottles going to idle just prior to the flare, and an FMC system that uses FROM - TO logic vs. TO logic...which is frustrating for us Boeing types.
FF
In 12 yrs on the MD11, I can't disagree too much with what you've said, except that I usually hand fly up through 14-15K and often to level off at cruise and I usually click off the AP on descent prior to 1500 HAT. As for the FROM-TO logic, I never flew a Boeing, so I'm sure the TO logic would frustrate me!
03-29-2009, 07:16 AM
#42
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: MD-11 Captain
Posts: 211
If you are leveling off at cruise in RVSM airspace, it is mandatory to have the autopilot on for climb or descent. just an FYI, not a spear.
03-29-2009, 08:35 AM
#43
...Whatever It Is!
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,680
03-29-2009, 09:21 AM
#44
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: DD->DH->RU/XE soon to be EV
Posts: 3,732
Not true, my FOM (FAA approved document) say the autopilot must be engaged while in LEVEL FLIGHT. It's approved to climb/descend with it off.
03-29-2009, 10:21 AM
#45
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: MD11 CA
Posts: 31
Guidance 91(appendix 4), the actual FAA guidance on RVSM, "recommends that the level off be accomplished using the altitude capture feature of the automatic altitude-control system, if installed."
So, I guess your FOM blows off the recommendation and lets you hand fly level changes. Ours is more restrictive and requires us to use the autopilot during level changes.
ICAO only requires that the autopilot be used during level cruise.
