Simviation Forums

Hey guys,

This probably sounds like the most idiotic question ever asked on a flightsim forum, but i'd like to know how to use the ILS in Fs2004.

I'm used to flying old 20's and 30's planes on little expeditions in the bush. Like Swordfishes, or Waco QCF's.

Well, that's going to change, i'm getting into flying commercial jets, and i'd like to know step by step how to use the ILS properly.

Thanks


Mike

 The best way I know of for you to learn is to take the lessons on navagation and ILS. It is not realy hard but the instructions involved are rather long. But I think the lessons should be a good place to start. Ignore the check rides as they can be almost impossable to pass.But if after the lessons you still have questions do not be afraid to ask. Some one here can help.

[quote]

Well the ILS is pretty simple, BUT the lessons in FS will tell you everything you need to know about it and it has some helpful pictures  :) .

Just read the lessons material, or simply look it up in the index.
You will be established on the localiser to the runways of your dreams in no time.  8)

Get the ILS freq. from the map of the RW you intend to use. Note the true heading of that RW. Put the true heading into your COURSE heading of your Auto Pilot. Put the ILS freq. of the RW in NAV 1 or your radio. Make sure you have selected to use NAV 1.  Go ahead and hit your APPROACH button on your AP. When you get close enough, the ILS "beam" will take over since you had hit your "APPROACH" button and steer you into the heading of your runway. All you have to do is follow the glide slope indicator, reducing speed and adding flaps. Also watch the little pink indicator to make sure you are on course. Usually when I get fairly well lined up, I turn off the APPROACH in the AP and go down manually. When you get proficient at this, try some with some weather and a low deck to test your skills and get you used to trusting your readings and gauges. What a thrill.

The ILS course is always the runway's MAGNETIC heading my friend, not TRUE heading.

Take Runway 07L at KLAX
Magnetic hdg: 069
True hdg: 083

Now which one would you dial in as your approach course

Just think of ILS as a diagonal laser from the end of the runway. All you have to do is intercept it, (intercepting the ILS).

I'd say take the lessons, but they r 2 long and time consuming, just take the lesson on ILS rather than reading it and then fly the Chicago approach flight which will get you used to flying to the ILS.

But, like all things, it will take time and well you might have to be patient bt its worth it.

good luck
forfun

Thanks very much everyone!


The reason i asked is casue i'm something of a commercial jet dummy, lol, i'm used to flying old rickety biplanes




Mike

Also a rule to remember:

Always intercept from below the ILS beam, otherwise the APR function may not work and the autopilot will struggle to line-up.

I think ( it used to be the case ) the autopilot cannot cope above windspeeds of 15 kts.