How to - Step Climbs - Auto/Manual - Setup & Operation

The FMS in the iniBuilds A380 supports step climbs, which can be configured manually or imported automatically from your SimBrief OFP. These step climbs can then be initiated either manually or automatically upon reaching the pre-defined waypoint. Both setup and operation are detailed below.

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Accessing FMS Step Alts Page

Step climbs can be entered manually or imported directly into the STEP ALTS page. There are two ways to access this:

1. Via ACTIVE / PERF / CRZ page on the FMS

   
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2. Via ACTIVE / F-PLN page by accessing the menu on any waypoint.

   
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   Note: This will insert the selected waypoint in the WPT field for defining a step altitude.

    

Setup - Manual Entry

Altitude Entry via ACTIVE / F-PLN page

1. Select Waypoint: Open your flight plan (F-PLN) and left-click on the desired waypoint where you want the step climb to begin.

2. Open Step Alts: Navigate to Step Alts at the bottom of the list/menu options for that waypoint.

3. Input Altitude: Type the target flight level (for example, type 360 for FL360).

   Note: You can press Left Ctrl key on your keyboard to enable hardware keyboard inputs.

4. Insert Plan: Confirm and enter the change into the temporary flight plan (TMPY F-PLN), then click INSERT TMPY*.

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Alternative Direct Type via ACTIVE / PERF / CRZ page

1. Open Step Alts: Go directly to the STEP ALT page via ACTIVE / PERF / CRZ page on the FMS

2. Input Waypoint: Type or scroll to select the target waypoint name.

3. Input Altitude: Type the target flight level (for example, type 360 for FL360).

4. Insert Plan: Confirm and enter the change into the temporary flight plan (TMPY F-PLN), then click INSERT TMPY*.

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Setup - Auto Import via Simbrief

The step climbs can be automatically imported onto the STEP ALT page along with your flightplan from Simbrief as long as the following conditions are satisfied:

• A valid SIMBRIEF USER ID (Numbers only) is set via the EFB Settings > 3rd Party Settings page.

• The AUTO IMPORT STEP CLIMB option is enabled via the EFB Settings > Simulation Settings page.

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To import them,

1. Request Uplink: Intiate CPNY F-PLN REQUEST on the FMS INIT Page.

2. Insert Uplink: Click INSERT * to import the RECEIVED CPNY F-PLN uplink.

3. Verify Import: Go directly to the STEP ALT page via ACTIVE / PERF / CRZ page on the FMS to validate the imported STEP ALTs against your flight plan.

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 Note:

• Step descents are not imported.

• Invalid steps will be automatically deleted on the STEP ALT page.

• Ensure your Fuel & Load page is fully completed if the FMS restricts/omits certain step altitude inputs.

Operation - Automatic Step Climb

The step climbs entered on the FMS STEP ALT page will be conducted automatically at the defined waypoint as long as the following conditions are satisfied:

• The AUTO STEP CLIMB option is enabled via the EFB Settings > Simulation page.

• The FMS STEP ALT page is filled with valid target WAYPOINT and STEP ALT information

• The target step altitude is not above the computed REC MAX altitude at the time of reaching target waypoint
  (else step will be deleted and ignored)

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Note: It is recommended to disable the AUTO STEP CLIMB option whilst flying in controlled airspace on online networks to avoid inadvertent pilot deviation.

Operation - Manual Step Climb

When you are approaching your target step climb waypoint, you will receive a STEP AHEAD message on the FMS.
Verify that the target altitude is below your currently computed REC MAX altitude which is found on the FMS PERF page.

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To initiate the step,

• Dial your new target altitude into the FCU ALT window.

• Push the ALT knob (managed mode) to initiate the managed step climb.

The FMS CRZ FL will also update to the new target altitude.

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