What does the FMA show when the V/S pitch mode is active?

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Multiple Choice

What does the FMA show when the V/S pitch mode is active?

The Flight Mode Annunciator shows the currently commanding vertical mode, so when you’ve engaged vertical speed control, it displays V/S. This tells you the aircraft is being commanded to climb or descend at a set rate rather than holding an exact altitude or following a glide path. The V/S setting is chosen with the vertical speed control, and the PFD typically also presents the target rate next to the V/S label. If the system were in altitude hold, you’d see ALT; if the glideslope were active, you’d see G/S; if speed control were active, you’d see SPD. In this scenario, the active vertical mode is vertical speed, hence V/S is shown.

The Flight Mode Annunciator shows the currently commanding vertical mode, so when you’ve engaged vertical speed control, it displays V/S. This tells you the aircraft is being commanded to climb or descend at a set rate rather than holding an exact altitude or following a glide path. The V/S setting is chosen with the vertical speed control, and the PFD typically also presents the target rate next to the V/S label. If the system were in altitude hold, you’d see ALT; if the glideslope were active, you’d see G/S; if speed control were active, you’d see SPD. In this scenario, the active vertical mode is vertical speed, hence V/S is shown.

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