Can someone explain NAV1, NAV2, etc?

[Retro]

I made a flight plan (using the one inside FS2K2), for KMCO to KLAX, using jet airways. Cruising altitude is 35,000. I'm flying using the autopilot (in a 777), and making turns this way and that as Jacksonville Center is calling them out (right now, anyways). I'm doing this using the Heading Hold (HDG) function on the autopilot. My question is this: How exactly does one use the "NAV Hold" function? I'm noticing that when I change the CRS number, the white needle running the diameter of the EICAS display changes according to whatever CRS heading I choose. What exactly is this for (how does this all fit together with NAV1/NAV2), and is there a guide somewhere that explains this? I have completely no idea how to use those functions, and would greatly appreciate any of your help.

Also, I've set the Mach hold to .84, and my primary flight display is indicating 300. Is this the IAS, and what IAS translates into .84 mach?

[dil52]

Hi Retro,
I see your trying to learn. Why do it the hard way? Asking one question at a time will get you too many variations of answers. Some might even be wrong. :-)

I'd suggest you go to the library help files in FS2002 and read:
Rod Machado's Ground School
Specifically VOR navigation.

Then go to the default flight at Meigs field and fly to KORD runway 27R.
The reason for that particular flight is that your radios are already set to:
NAV1 is set to KORD 27R ILS Approach freqency.
NAV2 is set to KORDs VOR frequency
ADF is set to the NDB OM (outer marker) of runway 27R

You will soon learn what all these are used for after flying some approaches and landings at KORD
(NAV 1 used for VOR to VOR navigation as well)
Such as when you want to fly toward a VOR. Using auto pilot you will learn that you can follow a radial in the NAV/GPS set to NAV and auto pilot set to NAV.
When you learn all five of the different navigation tools (not including the GPS) you'll get much more enjoyment out of the flight simming.

Try my tutorial for beginners at:
http://flight-sim.net/Practice.htm

Good luck in learning.
Fred
http://www.flight-sim.net

[Retro]

Hey, thanks! I really appreciated your help in my post about the autopilot approach, especially that bit of advice from you and how to really do an approach - as in vectoring to the localizer, and not taking your dear sweet time while controllers (in the real world, anyways) would be going nuts.

Now, as some last advice - I usually intercept the localizer (thanks to the APR function) at 240 IAS and around 2400 feet. Should I let the APR handle the speed entirely, or should I gradually dial in lower speeds (for the autopilot to handle, sort of "forcing it" to go slower right away) eventually to 160 IAS - not forgetting to set flaps, of course. Sometimes I find myself doing landings at 200-210'ish in a 777 (when I usually turn off the autopilot). Everyone else talks about doing a nice 160-ish speed when they land, and I envy them.

I try to decrease my airspeed using attitude, power, and trim and eventually get a slower airspeed. Then I continue to waffle around to get on the glideslope just right once again, and my speed starts to pick up. Or, I could take the dirty-descent-way-out method and extend the airbrakes for a bit. Of course, I'll learn with practice, but can you help me as to what I can expect?

[bmolony]

Check this out.
It might help:

http://www.flightsim.com/flightsimve...autopiltot.htm

[damodee]

Yes try the above link its the best thing to read, and after it you will understand everything!

Damo

[weather]

Nav 1 and Nav 2 are responding to ground based radio signals from those stations. You can see them on your map mode in blue with three letter designators.

When you are tuned to a station, you can adjust your heading indicator on the instrument to center on the station. When you have centered, turn off the "hdg" swith on your autopilot and swith to "nav". The autopilot will automatically take you to the station. the aircraft may not fly the direct heading that the nav instrument indicated because you have to be on that exact bearing to the ground station.

Make sure your set to "nav" on your nav/gps switch and not set to "gps" to accomplish a VOR nav autopilot flight.

I don't know of any panels allowing this to work with Nav 2, it only slaves to Nav 1. Most aircraft have two Navs for redundancy and on instrument approaches, Nav 1 will usually be tuned to the ILS or other approach radion while Nav 2 is tuned to the missed approach VOR or other general vicinity station.

Hope this answered your question.

[pa2Q2]

APR doesn't control the IAS function on the autopilot. You have to control this yourself.

pa2Q2:D

[Cybertrex]

I usually disengage the autopilot about 20-25 miles out when flying a heavy. I didn't buy this flight sim to let some computer do the landing for me. (just some light-hearted kidding, don't take offense). Seriously though, I like to do the landing myself with the only exception being very low visibility where I might go "automatic" until I know "I have a grip" on heading and altitude. The reason I disengage the AP at this distance is to allow me enough time to get the "seat of the pants" feel for the aircraft. By the time I'm nearing final, I have a feel for the aircraft....throttle, pitch and airspeed while keeping a close eye on the gauges. Using the eyes to repetitiously scan airspeed, altitude and rate of descent are the keys to landing.