If you’re a pilot or flight simulator enthusiast, you may have encountered the challenge of entering parentheses in the 737 FMC (Flight Management Computer). The FMC is a crucial tool in modern aviation, allowing pilots to program their flight plan and navigate the aircraft. However, some users have reported difficulty entering parentheses in the FMC. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to enter parentheses in the 737 FMC and answer some common questions about this process.
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Enter Parentheses in the 737 FMC
The process of entering parentheses in the 737 FMC can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you’ll be able to do it easily.
Step 1: Access the FMC
The first step is to access the FMC by pressing the FMC button on the MCP (Mode Control Panel) or CDU (Control Display Unit).
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Page
Once you’ve accessed the FMC, select the appropriate page where you want to enter parentheses. For example, if you want to enter parentheses in the scratchpad, select the scratchpad page.
Step 3: Enter the Open Parenthesis
To enter an open parenthesis, press the slash key (/) followed by the LSK (Line Select Key) next to the left parenthesis on the CDU. This will enter the open parenthesis in the scratchpad.
Step 4: Enter the Close Parenthesis
To enter a close parenthesis, press the slash key (/) followed by the LSK next to the right parenthesis on the CDU. This will enter the close parenthesis in the scratchpad.
Step 5: Use the Parentheses as Needed
Once you’ve entered the parentheses in the scratchpad, you can use them as needed. For example, you can enter a flight plan route with parentheses to indicate a conditional waypoint.
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FAQs
Q: What is an FMC?
A: An FMC (Flight Management Computer) is a specialized computer system used in modern aircraft to assist pilots in navigating and managing the aircraft.
Q: Why is it important to enter parentheses in the FMC?
A: Entering parentheses in the FMC is important for pilots to indicate conditional waypoints in the flight plan route. This can be helpful in situations where a pilot needs to make a decision during the flight based on certain conditions.
Q: What is a scratchpad?
A: A scratchpad is an area in the FMC where pilots can enter temporary data, such as flight plan changes or clearances.
Q: Are there any shortcuts for entering parentheses in the FMC?
A: Some FMCs may have shortcuts for entering parentheses, such as pressing a dedicated key on the CDU. However, the steps outlined in this article should work for most 737 FMCs.
Q: What if I still can’t enter parentheses in the FMC?
A: If you’re having difficulty entering parentheses in the FMC, consult the user manual for your specific aircraft or FMC. You may also want to seek assistance from a qualified aviation professional.
Conclusion
How to Enter Parentheses in the 737 FMC an important skill for pilots and flight simulator enthusiasts. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enter parentheses in the FMC and use them to indicate conditional waypoints in your flight plan route. Remember to access the FMC, select the appropriate page, enter the open and close parentheses in the scratchpad, and use them as needed. With practice, you’ll become proficient at using this important tool in modern aviation.