or descend, the pilot must select only the vertical mode. In many systems, the vertical speed mode is indicated and the altitude mode is indicated as “armed” and ready to capture the selected altitude. Only the power requires pilot manual control. 

## Power Management 

Unless the aircraft has an autothrottle system, you must adjust the power to an appropriate setting when performing any climb, descent, or level‑off. You cannot allow the aircraft to exceed any applicable speed limitations during a descent. During a climb at a vertical speed that the aircraft cannot sustain, the FD/autopilot may command a pitch that results in a stall. 

## Essential Skills 

1. Use the FD/autopilot to climb or descend to and automatically capture an assigned altitude. 

2. Determine the indications of the armed or capture mode, and what pilot actions will cancel those modes. 

3. Determine if the system allows resetting of the armed or capture mode, or if manual control is the only option after cancellation of these modes. 

4. Determine the available methods of activating the altitude armed or capture mode. 

5. Determine the average power necessary for normal climbs and descents. Practice changing the power to these settings in coordination with making the FD/ autopilot mode changes. 

6. Determine and record maximum climb vertical speeds and power settings for temperatures and altitudes. Ensure the values are in agreement with values in AFM/POH for conditions. Make note of highest practical pitch attitude values, conditions, and loading. Remember powerplant factors (e.g., minimum powerplant temperature, bleed air requirements) and airframe limitations (e.g., VA in setting power). 

## Course Intercepts 

## Flying an Assigned Heading To Intercept a Course or VOR Radial 

You can use the navigation mode in combination with the heading function to fly an assigned heading to intercept a course. The procedure illustrated in Figure 4-13 takes advantage of the ability to arm the navigation mode while the heading mode is engaged. 

Figure 4-13  illustrates selecting the assigned heading, setting up your FD/FMS autopilot for the assigned course, engaging the heading mode, and arming the navigation function. Once the aircraft reaches the course, the autopilot automatically disengages the heading function and engages the navigation mode. 

On most FD/autopilots, courses can be intercepted by first using the heading “bug” to select an intercept course and then engaging the heading function. Alternatively, engaging the navigation function in some units causes the FD/autopilot to select an intercept heading, engage the heading function, and arm the navigation function. This can be a cause for conflict if ATC assigns an intercept heading, but the FD is programmed to use one angle. In those instances, you need to set the heading into the FD/autopilot, fly, and control the intercept until the aircraft is close enough to complete the intercept and capture without deviating from the ATC instructions. At that point you can select and arm the navigation mode, which completes the intercept and begins tracking the selected course. 

## Essential Skills 

1. Use the FD/autopilot to fly an assigned heading to capture and track a VOR and/or RNAV course. 

2. Determine if the FD/autopilot uses preprogrammed intercepts or set headings for navigation course interceptions. 

3. Determine the indications of navigation mode armed conditions. 

4. Determine parameters of preprogrammed intercept modes, if applicable. 

5. Determine minimum and maximum intercept angle limitations, if any. 

