Captures the vertical
navigation of the selected
navigation source. The
Autopilot will automatically
sequence and activate the
armed mode when the
autopilot determines that it
can capture the GS or VNAV
indicator.
Figure 228 – Expert Autopilot Pitch Modes
VS
In this mode, the pitch axis of the Autopilot flies the vertical speed as set by the VS (vertical
speed) bug. Upon initial engagement, the aircraft’s current VS is used as the target VS and the
VS bug is synchronized accordingly. The vertical speed target can be adjusted with the VS bug,
the NOSE UP / DN buttons or utilizing Control Wheel Steering.
If the ALT bug is set, the Autopilot will also arm ALT mode. This allows it to sequence to ALT
HOLD mode and level off at the pre-selected bugged altitude as the aircraft approaches it. Note
that the Autopilot does not enforce “agreement” between the VS and ALT bugs. For example, it
is possible to set the ALT bug below your current altitude, but set VS to a positive number. In
this case, the aircraft will climb at the commanded VS indefinitely (until it reaches the
Autopilot’s programmed speed limits as it hits the aircraft’s service ceiling) because it will never
approach the ALT bug.
IAS
In this mode, the pitch axis of the Autopilot flies the indicated airspeed as set by the IAS
(indicated air speed) bug. Upon initial engagement, the aircraft’s current IAS is used as the
target IAS, and the IAS bug is synchronized accordingly. The IAS target can be adjusted with the
IAS bug, the NOSE UP / DN buttons or utilizing Control Wheel Steering.
If the ALT bug is set, the Autopilot will also arm ALT mode. This allows it to sequence to ALT
HOLD mode and level off at the pre-selected bugged altitude as the aircraft approaches it. Note
that the Autopilot does not enforce “agreement” between the IAS and ALT bugs. For example,
it is possible to set the ALT bug below your current altitude, but set IAS to a target which results
in a climb. In this case, the aircraft will climb at the commanded IAS indefinitely (until it reaches