During VNAV cruise, what happens when ALT INTV is pressed after selecting a lower altitude on the MCP?

Prepare for the Delta 737 PA-LOD Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations, ensuring you're ready for exam day!

Multiple Choice

During VNAV cruise, what happens when ALT INTV is pressed after selecting a lower altitude on the MCP?

ALT INTV is an automatic intervention that lets you override the current VNAV cruise plan to descend to a manually entered altitude on the MCP. When you’re in VNAV cruise and you’ve selected a lower target altitude on the MCP, pressing ALT INTV tells the autothrottle/flight path system to start descending to that lower altitude right away if that MCP altitude is below the FMC’s published cruise altitude. In other words, the airplane begins an early descent to meet the new, lower target rather than staying at the higher cruise level. This is useful for complying with ATC or weather constraints and then rejoining the VNAV profile once the lower altitude is reached. It’s not about climbing, it doesn’t switch to cruise mode, and it certainly doesn’t keep the airplane at the current altitude when the command is to descend to a lower altitude.

ALT INTV is an automatic intervention that lets you override the current VNAV cruise plan to descend to a manually entered altitude on the MCP. When you’re in VNAV cruise and you’ve selected a lower target altitude on the MCP, pressing ALT INTV tells the autothrottle/flight path system to start descending to that lower altitude right away if that MCP altitude is below the FMC’s published cruise altitude. In other words, the airplane begins an early descent to meet the new, lower target rather than staying at the higher cruise level. This is useful for complying with ATC or weather constraints and then rejoining the VNAV profile once the lower altitude is reached. It’s not about climbing, it doesn’t switch to cruise mode, and it certainly doesn’t keep the airplane at the current altitude when the command is to descend to a lower altitude.

More practice questions