When loading an RNAV SID or STAR in the FMS, what must be verified by both pilots?

When loading an RNAV SID or STAR in the FMS, what must be verified by both pilots?

• A. Active Runway
• B. Initial Waypoint
• C. Resolve Discontinuities
• D. Verify MFD Map

Answer: (C)

When loading an RNAV SID or STAR, making sure there are no gaps in the flight plan is essential. A discontinuity is a gap in the leg sequence where the FMS doesn’t know how to connect the SID/STAR to the next segment. If a discontinuity is left unresolved, the system may not sequence correctly, which can lead to an unexpected flight path or require last‑minute manual edits under time pressure. Both pilots should verify that all discontinuities are resolved so the FMS has a continuous, executable route from the SID/STAR into the enroute structure. This shared verification helps ensure the aircraft will fly the intended path as designed, with the transition properly linked, regardless of which pilot loads the procedure. Active runway, initial waypoint, and the MFD map display are not the critical checks for this scenario. While they may be relevant in other contexts, the key safety check here is to confirm there are no unresolved discontinuities to maintain a clean, continuous route.

When loading an RNAV SID or STAR, making sure there are no gaps in the flight plan is essential. A discontinuity is a gap in the leg sequence where the FMS doesn’t know how to connect the SID/STAR to the next segment. If a discontinuity is left unresolved, the system may not sequence correctly, which can lead to an unexpected flight path or require last‑minute manual edits under time pressure.

Both pilots should verify that all discontinuities are resolved so the FMS has a continuous, executable route from the SID/STAR into the enroute structure. This shared verification helps ensure the aircraft will fly the intended path as designed, with the transition properly linked, regardless of which pilot loads the procedure.

Active runway, initial waypoint, and the MFD map display are not the critical checks for this scenario. While they may be relevant in other contexts, the key safety check here is to confirm there are no unresolved discontinuities to maintain a clean, continuous route.