MDA feature tip

[johnsteichen]

On my trip to alaska and back I discovered a great VFR use for the MDA feature. Way before I approach my destination, I look up the airport altitude. I then add 800 - 1000 ft to this number and set the MDA bug to this number. I then get an audible warning as I approach pattern altitude and then a second warning when I hit the pattern altitude. Used it this way at every stop. It saved looking up airport altitude at a time when I was busy with other items before landing.

 

[jc2da]

I do the same thing as well. Might as well use the tools we have.

I also set the HDG bug to atis/asos/etc. wind. Frustratingly, this is not possible if the AP is in TRK mode because we lose the HDG bug.

I also like setting the CRS arrow to runway heading. My patterns are usually quite perfect.

 

[dynonsupport]

While the MDA bug works fine for this, the standard altitude bug does as well. It calls out approaching altitude and arriving at altitude. The main difference is the MDA bug supports 10 foot resolution and the altitude bug only 100 feet.