Expert: Ned Dolan - 12/12/2011

Question
Does the autoflight system on the B757 have the ability to track a VOR radial?

Answer
Hi Jasper, no, the 757 guidance system will not track a VOR radial.

The 757 uses 3 ring laser gyros that give position information to the FMCs (Flight Management Computers). The FMCs are then updated with DME-DME position information.

If a pilot wants to fly a VOR radial he uses the FMCs to generate the radial and then follows the FMC generated radial which would overlay the VOR radial.

Hope this answers your question.

Ned