Garmin G1000 VNAV - How to use G1000 VNAV descent planning with the GFC 700 Autopilot

Learn from a former factory flight instructor, Randy DeLong, as he teaches how to use the Garmin G1000 VNAV descent planning feature coupled with the Garmin GFC 700 Autopilot and Flight Director. Topics include, descent planning, VNAV (vertical navigation), VNV (vertical navigation autopilot button), VPTH (vertical path autopilot mode), TOD (top of descent), BOD (bottom of descent), and FPA (flight path angle).
You can easily program your plane to start a descent and end up at traffic pattern altitude a few miles before the airport. Even change the target angel or target vertical speed to customize the descent to your liking or the situation.
Disclaimer: This video is not meant as a substitute for training with a certified flight instructor. For proper training, please schedule training with a knowledgable CFI.
For more information about HPA, visit us at www.flyhpa.com.

[@mattmannikka2306]

Great video, especially building profile from PFD with 1,000’ AGL!!

[@flyhpa]

Anything to avoid math! :)

[@gindeman]

Excellent explanation, even as an armchair pilot (FS2020), I fully understand.

[@flyhpa]

Appreciate you watching!

[@jakew9887]

Excellent presentation. THanks

[@flyhpa]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pintlercollection]

wow good video. needed this for my presentation on VNAV today

[@flyhpa]

Thanks for the comment. Hope it helped.

[@charlesbeilman7077]

Why wait for the system to say "vertical track" before bugging the new altitude and arming VNAV? Why not do it all at the same time so everything is ready to go and the plane will decent at the top of decent point. I use the memory aid Build It, Bug It, Button It.

[@flyhpa]

Charles this is okay, but only if you're within 5 min of the top of descent. If you do it too early you will still be required to select the altitude or re-arm VNV. If you do it consistently at the 1 min from TOD "Vertical track" callout, you will hopefully avoid unintentionally flying through your TOD. This is one situation where being too far ahead of the plane might have unintended consequences.

[@angustodman]

Nice and clear video.. Thankyou :)

[@flyhpa]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericmcgrew8952]

Do you have a separate KZbin channel for your instructional videos. I just watched Randy‘s video on G 1000 VNV operation. Excellent! I would like to look at more of your training content, but when I just subscribed to your channel, the only thing that comes up are your Aircraft listings. Do you have a separate channel for training? Thanks very much! Great job!

[@flyhpa]

Not yet but we have a lot more content and techniques to share. Stay tuned.

[@skysurferdude]

I have a question regarding the timing of placing the BOD altitude in the altitude preselect window at the top of the altitude tape. Is it necessary to wait for the "VPTH" annunciation? We know what our BOD altitude is once the VNAV profile is created in the flight plan ATK OFFSET parameters. The AP is not going to chase the preselected altitude until we tell it to by pressing "VNV" on the GFC 700. Why not accomplish the altitude preselect earlier and be done with it? Or am I wrong?

[@flyhpa]

You can do it early, but for some systems if you do it more than 5 minutes before reaching the TOD, you'll have to re-select either the VNAV key or the selected altitude. In our opinion, the best way is to be consistent and let the one minute "vertical track" callout be your reminder to set the altitude and arm the VNAV. (I assume some models and configurations may vary on this 5 minute rule.)

[@flyhpa]

More details here: www.flyhpa.com/2013/01/garmin-g1000-vnav-tips-and-tricks/

[@sewyoungdesigns4031]

Where do you get the Garmin Trainer app at? Would be great practice.

[@flyhpa]

You have to order from Garmin. Probably still on CD or DVD. Go to their website and search for “G1000 PC Trainer”

[@bergsteiger3000]

cool!

[@cwood7240]

I know you are probably working on MSFS. Will it work in XPlane?

[@flyhpa]

This was done using Garmin PC Trainer. It does not connect with Plane.

[@cutchemist42]

What might I be doing wrong? Whenever I try to go to my Direct-to page and select an arrival altutide and offset, it just passes over it?

[@flyhpa]

Assuming you have the Garmin GFC700 Autopilot, you'll need to make sure you do 2 things prior to the top of descent (but no earlier than 5 min prior): Select the lower altitude with your altitude selector, and arm VNAV (VPTH) on the autopilot. If either of those 2 steps is not accomplished, or if you do it too early, it won't work. (Of course you want to make sure you have ATC clearance for a pilot's discretion or "cross at" descent before doing this.)

[@HisLove4Us]

When activating VNAV, change the altitude at the top of the tape to the lower one, otherwise the AP will not start descending , it will keep flying the selected altitude. Critical step to start the VNAV process going

[@GrumpyOldMan9]

Next time, use a mic close to your mouth