The RJ Professional for MSFS faithfully replicates the real-world aircraft’s lack of VNAV autopilot modes, making altitude changes a more hands-on task for pilots. Despite this, the aircraft includes comprehensive VNAV capabilities via the GNLU-910A FMS, which features three VNAV pages (CLB, CRS, DES) for managing climbs, cruising, and descents. These pages allow pilots to input or use automatically computed speeds and altitudes for fuel predictions, estimated times of arrival, and tracking key flight points like the Top of Climb (T/C) and Top of Descent (T/D). These points are also displayed on the EFIS ND, aiding in manual altitude planning.
Some real-world RJ operators added a software upgrade enabling Advisory VNAV (AVNAV) Approach functionality, particularly useful for non-precision approaches or remote airports with challenging weather. The AVNAV system calculates a vertical profile and displays a deviation scale on the EFIS ND, showing the aircraft’s position relative to the profile, much like a glideslope indicator. However, AVNAV is strictly advisory and not coupled to the autopilot, requiring the pilot’s active input during approaches.
The design decisions reflect real-world RJ limitations, such as inoperative MLS and VNAV buttons on the MCP. These features were intentionally left non-functional to stay true to the aircraft’s operational characteristics. Additional FAQs from Just Flight delve deeper into the AVNAV system and the rationale behind these design choices, providing pilots with resources to fully understand and utilize the RJ Professional’s systems.
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