Hi Chris.

1. They don't seem to work on landing if I switch them on a long time before landing. What I do is this: I switch the autobrake to #3 once I am on approach. Flaps are at least 15^o and speed is 200 KIAS or below.

2. The speed bugs in the VC are INOP. I keep the INIT page open on the CDU during take-off (and landing). OR. I keep note of the V speeds in my head during take-off (and landing). Mostly the first one though.

3. If the plane is too heavy for the altitude you are trying to reach, then set it to a lower altitude. Take a look at the VNAV page 2/3 and take a look at the altitudes listed under OPT and MAX. I round up the OPT to the next 1000 feet and set it in my altitude on the MCP (example. OPT = FL347 then I set it to FL350). OPT is the best altitude with regards to speed versus economy at the planes current weight. As the plane loses weight, the OPT altitude will go up. Do a step climb (also shown in the VNAV page 2/3 if the flight is long enough).

For more info on a step climb. See my reply in another topic HERE.

Hope this helps.

Mark