How to Use FMC and AP++

FMC and AP++ are two very powerful extensions that will help with flights. They both are quite easy to use, it just takes some time to get used to.

= AP++ = AP++ gives much greater control over speed control, turning, and general flying. It has a LAT/LONG mode, WAYPOINT mode, and a HEADING mode. The first two are helpful for IFR flying, and the last is great for VFR flying. AP++ turns on when you above 1000 feet, and not stalling. If you are below 1000 feet, it won't be turning on.

= FMC = This will only work if you have AP++. There is the RTE tab, ARR tab, the PROG tab, LOAD tab, VNAV, LEG tab, and the LOG tab. Each of these have a specific purpose. The RTE tab shows your route with all the waypoints. Before takeoff, click on the blue checkmark. AP++ will automatically do the rest. The ARR tab shows your top of descent. This depends on your cruise altitude. If you are cruising at 35,000, you will start your descent 103 nautical miles from the airport. The LEGS tab shows the waypoints with their headings, and the distance they are apart from each other. This could be helpful you have anyone flying with you who doesn't use this. The VNAV tab is for your vertical navigation it will manage your vertical speed. There is an option for speed control as well, but it doesn't really work well. The PROG tab shows you ETA, distance to destination, and distance to top of descent (T/D). The LOAD tab shows be "specs" of the flight like your average FPS, the time, the action you did with the plane. This tab also doesn't work properly.

Takeoff
Load your FMC route into the LOAD tab, and check the first waypoint. Type in your cruising altitude, set speed to 210 knots and set your vertical speed to 2400 FPM. Takeoff with full power at runway heading. After rotation, try to maintain 2000-3000 FPM, and throttle back to 90% full power. Turn on AP++ after reaching 1000 feet and continue with departure. After crossing 3000 feet, set your speed to 250 knots, and V/S to 2200 after reaching 8000 feet. After crossing 10,000 feet, increase your speed to 270 knots. After crossing 18,000 feet, reduce V/S to 1800 FPM. After reaching your cruise altitude, go to mach speed in the the AP++, and set it to Mach .78.

Arrival
So now, you are cruising and need to descend nicely, 5 NM before your T/D, reduce speed to 280 knots, and set your V/S to -2400 FPM. Continue descending until you reach 30,000, and then reduce the V/S to -2200 FPM. Set your altitude before all of this though. After reaching 18,000, reduce to 260 knots and the V/S should -1800 FPM. Continue descending until you reach 4000 feet. After that, reduce speed to 170 knots, and manage your flaps and gear. About 5 miles from the airport, you mst have full flaps and landing gear fully deployed. Be prepared to disengage autopilot to land. Good luck!