Flight Path Vector on Boeing Displays: When You Have a Bird and How to Use It
Not every Boeing in the simulator shows the green flight path vector symbol Airbus pilots call the bird. Classic 737 ND/PFD combinations emphasize flight director bars and ILS deviation pointers instead. Newer 787 and some 777-300ER implementations add FPV or head-up guidance that makes path-over-ground visible. Knowing which model you fly and enabling the right symbology transforms approach stability — especially in crosswind and gusty METAR conditions from NG ROUTE.
Classic Boeing: flight director first
On many 737 NGs in PMDG or iFly, the primary cue is the flight director V-bar: align pitch and roll commands to satisfy ILS or LNAV/VNAV guidance. The aircraft symbol attitude may differ from true flight path in wind. You fly the V-bar, not the runway picture alone. Crosswind technique uses crab into wind with V-bar centered; decrab happens near flare with rudder.
Where Boeing shows FPV
Boeing 787 and some HUD-equipped aircraft display a flight path marker showing actual track and path angle. When enabled, place the marker on the aim point while monitoring localizer deviation. Attitude will vary with wind — same lesson as Airbus bird, different symbol location on the glass. Check your add-on settings under PFD options, HUD, or symbology pages; MSFS default 787 may differ from PMDG.
Why enable path vector when available
- See true descent path in gusts — attitude can oscillate while path stays stable
- Judge flare energy: marker rising toward horizon too early means long landing risk
- Crosswind: separate crab angle (attitude) from track (marker over centerline)
- Go-around: confirm positive path climb rate, not just nose-up attitude
When FPV is not available
Use ILS glideslope pointer centering plus airspeed trend vector if installed. The airspeed trend on Boeing PFDs helps anticipate energy — combine with stable approach speed targets from your performance tables. Do not invent a bird mentally; use the tools the panel provides.
Training progression
- Fly ten approaches with flight director only — establish baseline touchdown zone.
- Enable FPV if your model supports it; refly same NG ROUTE arrival METAR.
- Compare lateral and vertical corrections in gusty live weather.
- Note which technique reduces throttle pumping below 200 ft.
Path-based flying is aircraft-display dependent. Match technique to the Boeing variant in your hangar, not to whatever YouTube aircraft the creator used.
Symbology and options vary by airframe and simulator add-on. Simulation training only.