APPR mode when using CWS during approach
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Turbine Duke, Santa Monica RNAV Rwy 21 as the example, after established on the apch crs from DARTS @ 4200 ft, then drop alt to 3000 prior to MOVVE. I use the CWS process to set my descent rate down to 3000, and it appears that as a result of doing this, that APPR becomes disarmed (apparently due to AP temporarily being disabled while the CWS button is pressed).
So my question: is it normal that the pilot would have to re-arm APPR after using CWS during an approach? And if so, then does this mean that the preferred method (during an approach) to drop altitude is by using the rocker button to adjust vertical speed to perform the descent (to 3000 in my case)?
Hope this all makes sense. View of part of the apch plate is included.
Kirk
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Further testing suggests that once APPR is armed, that ATT cannot be selected, and that the pitch knob is active such that if GP is not captured yet, and if there is an altitude preselected other than the currently held altitude (e.g. dropping from 4200 to 3000 between DARTS and MOVVE), that the pitch knob can be used without pressing ATT.
Make sense?
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I think this is clear / resolved now. After I arm APPR, altitude adjustments need to be performed using the pitch knob. If the pilot prefers to use the CWS button, they need to re-arm APPR as AP is temporarily deactivated when CWS is used.
I have my Streamdeck + knob set up to zero the pitch knob when pressed, and to apply +1 or -1 to the pitch each time it is turned clockwise/counterclockiwise. Any other inputs or perspectives on this topic would be appreciated.
Thoroughly enjoying flying the Turbine Duke ... with each flight I get better and better.