Blackbird Sims / Milviz Forum Archive

(Lengthy post because I want to address managing power during descent in the KA in one post).

FMS/PERF/VNAV has me descending at M0.45/250KIAS. During initial descent, I follow the speed bug at M.45 (and it slowly ticks up because Mach increases the lower I go (cool detail)). But at around FL190 the bug switches from Mach to IAS at about 190IAS. I would have expected the M.45 bug to tick all the way to 250IAS and then switch to IAS. How can I transition smoothly from M.45 to 250KIAS?

When do I transition from 250KIAS to the next speed as I approach the IAF or visual approach? A guide I found has me go to 180KIAS then 140KIAS by the IAF.

During the entire descent (initial descent to final approach), what are some tips for good energy management? I understand vectors and visual approaches require experience/judgment but are there standard profiles I can use until I develop my own approach method?

Thank you!

That is a lengthy topic on both points. I can't really address here as I am not an instructor pilot. 140 by the IAF sounds ok, If I remember right the instructor that we had on beta mentioned not being slower than 120 across the IAF? Since we do not have autothrottle in this aircraft the descent has to be pilot managed (VNAV advisory only) there are tons of performance charts you can pour through. In the general product area there are user links for all that data and more than you would ever need for a sim.

Sorry I can't be of more help but I am more on the tech support side than instructor side.

Technique only, I never used the FMS speeds only the pink/magenta "banana" (make sure RNG:ALT SEL in MFD MENU) is on. One can use the FLC to hold a speed and throttles to control descent rate to stay out of the overspeed cue on the PFD. From the normal 1500 rpm on the props, if one needs to get down in a hurry, you can push the props up and use the "speed brake" effect. Terminal area initially around 200knts to be below flaps APP max speed slowing to 180kts to be below max gear speed. Most approaches start between 160-180, slowing to be configured with Vref+20 speed prior to the final approach fix. The KA slows down nicely and is very helpful in congested areas when ATC wants to keep you fast like the jets.

Typical VFR pattern is flown at 160kts downwind.