Cockpit Reference Guide

Garmin G1000 Pilot’s Guide for the Piper PA-46 Meridian
190-00763-02 Rev. A
412
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM
SYSTEM
OVERVIEW
FLIGHT
INSTRUMENTS
EICAS
AUDIO PANEL
& CNS
FLIGHT
MANAGEMENT
HAZARD
AVOIDANCE
AFCS
ADDITIONAL
FEATURES
APPENDICESINDEX
FLIGHT LEVEL CHANGE MODE (FLC)
NOTE: The Selected Altitude should be set before selecting Flight Level Change Mode.
Flight Level Change Mode is selected by pressing the FLC  Key.  This mode acquires and maintains the
Airspeed Reference while climbing or descending to the SelectedAltitude(shownabovetheAltimeter).When
Flight Level Change Mode is active, the flight director continuously monitors Selected Altitude, airspeed, and
altitude.
The Airspeed Reference is set to the current airspeed upon mode activation. Flight Level Change Mode is
indicatedbyagreen‘FLC’annunciationbesidetheAirspeedReferenceintheAFCSStatusBox.TheAirspeed
ReferenceisalsodisplayeddirectlyabovetheAirspeedIndicator,alongwithabugcorrespondingtotheAirspeed
Reference along the tape.
Enginepowermustbeadjustedtoallowtheautopilottoytheaircraftatapitchattitudecorresponding
to the desired flight profile (climb or descent) while maintaining the Airspeed Reference. The flight director
maintains the current altitude until either engine power or the Airspeed Reference are adjusted and does not
allow the aircraft to climb or descend away from the Selected Altitude.
Figure 7-10 Flight Level Change Mode
Airspeed
Reference
Bug
Airspeed
Reference
Selected Altitude
Capture Mode Armed
Flight Level Change
Mode Active
Airspeed
Reference
Selected
Altitude
Command Bars Indicate Climb
to Attain Selected Altitude